Check out this new Barna Study: More People Use Christian Media Than Attend Church .
Excerpts:
A new nationwide survey conducted by The Barna Group indicates that while 56% of adults attend church services in a typical month, a much larger percentage is exposed to religious information and experiences through various forms of media. Radio and television are the most popular Christian media, but faith-related Internet sites as well as religious magazines, newspapers and books also enjoy significant exposure. Although these religious media are a supplement to a church experience for most people, millions of individuals rely upon one or more of these media as their primary source of spiritual input.
Faith-Related Websites
A decade ago, faith-related websites were not on the radar screen of Americans. That is changing in hurry, however. Today, one out of every six adults (16%) spends some time visiting faith-oriented websites during a typical month. This is especially common among evangelicals: 41% visit such sites, compared to 18% of all other born again Christians and 10% of non-born again Americans.
Not surprisingly, the research found that the younger a person is, the more likely they are to visit faith-oriented sites. Residents of the western states and African-Americans stood out as the groups most likely to check out these resources. The same people groups that resisted faith-based radio and television – mainline Protestants, Catholics, Asian-Americans, and the unchurched – were also the least likely visitors to these locations on the worldwide web.
The disturbing part of this research is the fact that millions have replaced the local church with TV, radio or the internet as their primary source of spiritual input. That is a scary trend indeed. We are designed to be the body of Christ within the context of the covenant community. The media is no replacement for this community. What will be the effects of such a trend if it continues? More privatized Christianity ("Jesus and me") ... more false teaching (have you seen some of the internet theology?!) ... less relational connection / ministry ... etc.
The encouraging part of the study is the fact that web sites / blogs are read by a remarkable 41 percent of evangelicals. As a blogger, that is terrific news. I hope the number of blogging pastors and conservative evangelical thinkers increases as well. The more the better.