GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-thirds of American
surveyed in a new poll say their churches are doing enough to help the poor
despite the latest United States Census Bureau statistics showing consistent
year-to-year increases in the numbers of Americans living in poverty. This,
combined with poverty indicators such as rising food stamp usage, points to
increased demand for a complacent church to do more to help the poor.
Conducted by Faith in Action and Harris Interactive, the national survey
polled more than 2,800 adults, and took place February 14-18, 2008.
Sixty-seven percent of respondents "agreed" or "strongly agreed" with the
statement, "My church already does enough to help the poor in my community."
Yet current data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals the national
poverty level has increased from 11.7 percent in 2001 to 13.3 percent in 2005,
or 38 million Americans.
Additionally, demand for food stamps between 2007-08, a key economic
indicator provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, is up
significantly in 43 states, increasing the need for significant help among
more than 28 million Americans.
"These results, when combined with current census and economic data,
expose a discrepancy between Christians who believe they are doing enough and
the reality that Christians are just scratching the surface in our
communities," said Steve Haas, vice president for church relations at World
Vision. "Faith in Action is designed to be a step toward alleviating the
complacency that is afflicting churches across the country, and an effective
call to action to follow Christ's example of compassion."
The study also reports that 60 percent of respondents "would support their
church if it occasionally canceled traditional services in order to donate
that time to help the poor in their community," indicating a willingness to
participate in the bold premise at the center of Faith in Action.
The defining characteristic of this groundbreaking ministry is an
invitation to Christians to close their church doors and mobilize on service
projects within their communities. The program is led by three world-renowned
Christian organizations, World Vision, Outreach and Zondervan, and culminates
in Faith in Action Sunday, which takes place on April 27, 2008.
Faith in Action commissioned the national study to determine Christians'
attitudes toward helping the poor in their communities. In addition, the
program helps Christians invite members outside of their church to join in
serving. In an expression of hope, two-thirds of respondents said they "wished
their church partnered with a non-Christian organization to help the poor in
my community."
More than 20,000 Christians at more than 200 churches have participated in
a Faith in Action Sunday throughout the United States. The movement continues
on April 27, 2008 when an additional 300 churches nationwide will close their
doors and complete their Faith in Action programs with community-wide projects
to help the poor and disadvantaged.
Many Christians who have participated in the Faith in Action campaign have
fueled their endeavors with the Faith in Action Study Bible, published by
Zondervan with commentary notes by World Vision. Additional information is
available at
www.putyourfaithinaction.org .
About Faith in Action
Faith in Action is a resource developed by Christian humanitarian
organization, World Vision, church communication resources provider, Outreach,
Inc., and Christian communications company, Zondervan. Faith in Action
features a campaign kit which includes a step-by-step approach to transforming
a congregation and reaching the community.
SOURCE Faith in Action
