Page 23 - Finding Jesus with Good News report A5 WEB

in church, or Christianity as something that wasn’t of interest or relevant to their
lives. Most of them did not have a living and active faith when they were younger.
However, for some, Christianity seemed to leave some kind of imprint, which they
returned to later in life. Be it the faith of grandparents, conversations with teenage
friends, or events in the community, we definitely should not dismiss the long-term
significance of Christian children’s, youth and schools work.
One fifth of survey respondents had no religious background or contacts at all
(rising to one third among those with lower incomes). Those with no religious
background had very little idea what Christianity was about and had tended to see
it as something marginal and irrelevant. It’s particularly important to pay attention
to their accounts because as the ‘residue’ of cultural Christianity continues to
decrease across society, their experiences will become more common.

What prompted them to begin exploring
Christianity?
For most, a combination of factors prompted their faith journey. (They could select
multiple options.)

What prompted you to begin exploring Christian faith?
(Select any that apply)

I needed help with life 37%
I was looking for meaning 34%
Difficult/painful experience 32%
Impact of faith on someone I know 29%
Christian spoke to me 29%
Spiritual experience 28%
Actions of a Christian 26%
I wanted to be a better person 26%
Change in circumstances 24%
Intellectual/philosopical curiosity 19%
Church service 19%
Christian event/course 17%
Answered prayer 15%
Something I read 8%
Community event hosted by church 8%
Social media 4%

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