It’s unfortunate.
A recent survey highlights that while most Evangelicals feel a strong duty to share biblical teachings, many don’t feel fully prepared for the task. The Institute of Faith and Culture, in partnership with Lifeway Research, conducted the 2024 Survey on Christian Cultural Engagement, which found that 92% of Evangelicals believe they should share biblical truths with those holding different views. However, only 35% felt adequately prepared to engage in most conversations about cultural or controversial issues.
Despite their willingness to share, a significant portion of Evangelicals feel their churches could do more to prepare them for such discussions. Around 40% of respondents agreed that their church helps equip them for conversations with people who hold differing views from the Bible, while only 37% believed their church actively creates environments for discussing the contrast between cultural values and biblical teachings.
The survey also touched on voting and political engagement, with a small percentage (12%) of Evangelicals agreeing that God might be unconcerned with how they vote. However, a larger portion (44%) strongly disagreed, emphasizing a connection between faith and voting decisions. The results suggest that while most Evangelicals see the importance of applying biblical principles to life, some are less certain about its relevance to political participation.
Furthermore, the study revealed varying degrees of willingness to promote biblical perspectives, especially when those views are unpopular. While 38% said they sometimes seek opportunities to promote biblical views in unpopular situations, only 10% said they do so consistently. Similarly, 45% admitted they only sometimes respond when someone expresses something unbiblical, showing hesitation in confronting opposing views.
The survey, conducted with 1,000 Evangelicals, provides insights into how believers view their role in sharing biblical truths and navigating cultural and political discussions, and highlights the need for greater preparation and confidence in these areas.