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How big is this Relational Health Crisis? In 2019 54% of all practicing Christians stated
they have at least one relational issue that is impacting relational connectivity. Consider also that 34% of practicing Christians were experiencing Anxiety or Depression in 2019. Since our COVID shutdown, these numbers have the potential of increasing exponentially.
Church leaders report the following as of August 17th, 2020: 28% emotional, 35% spiritual, 27% relational. Currently, one-in-five spiritual leaders rank their mental and emotional health as below average. (Restoring Relationships Report – Barna Research 2020). Add to this discussion that practicing Christians are very likely to contact their spiritual leader for assistance in emotional relational issues by a factor of 1-in-3 will reach out to a pastor or priest.
Yes this is a serious crisis!
Consider that 89% of spiritual leaders state they “Somewhat” understand the emotional/relational health of their attendees. Yet at the same time only 39% of these leaders have addressed this topic in their sermon/teaching schedule. There is a disconnect between knowing there is a real issue and then failing to act upon this need with real and lasting actionable steps that will help people.
It is interesting that research shows that one-half of all adults and one half of adult practicing Christians state that very close family members or friends are where they most likely will turn for assistance.
The emotional wellness, spiritual wellness, and relational wellness of people will not be fully understood for 2-3 years post-pandemic. The data is still shifting quickly week by week. Here ae some key positive take-aways from the current data trends.
•People’s longing for transformation is an opportunity to bring good news where people want to hear it: where they’re hurting and most in need of healing.
•Single people who belong to a faith community have consistently higher rates of relational and emotional satisfaction than other singles.
•More than half of all U.S. adults (58%) and practicing Christians (54%) say they have at least one relational or emotional / mental health issue that impacts their most important relationships. If you desire to be relevant speak to the hurting, they are in every row of seats in your church
•Anxiety and depression are the most commonly experienced challenges to relational satisfaction, with more than one-third of all adults and practicing Christians saying one or the other (or both) make an impact on their close relationships.
•People who seek out spiritual help for their relational and emotional issues are more likely than others to report satisfaction with their life and relationships.
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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!
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