Religious Belief Trends in the Brighton Area

As part of our Vital Church Initiative implementation process, we have been using population demographic information provided by MissionInsite (see missioninsite.com for more information). We continue to look at population trends in the Brighton area as we determine how best to meet the vision we have set for our church and to reach our community for Jesus Christ in effective ways.

Recently,  MissionInsite added the Quadrennium Project Report to it's collection of available reports. This study provides a projection of likely religious beliefs, preference and practices in a defined geographic area. Bob Fuchs, Brighton First's Director of Discipleship, prepared a report on religious belief trends within a 5 mile radius of Brighton.

The report includes information about faith belief trends, beliefs about social and moral issues, religious affiliations, local church involvement, life concerns, and program and ministry preferences.

While there is too much information to share in this brief article, here are a few findings:

• 64.7% agree with the statement "I have a personal relationship with one living God, who is Lord and Savior". This is slightly above the U.S. average for this belief statement. Belief in Jesus is also above the national average.

• Samples of moral statement agreement include: "abortion should remain legal" 55.2% agree. "asking the rich to pay higher taxes is a way to establish justice" 52.3% agree. "Children are adequately taught good moral standards today" 9.9% agree. "Religion must play a primary role in shaping individual morality" 57.3 agree. "Same sex marriage should be legalized" 49.9% agree. "If an aggressive act is committed against the US, we are justified in the use of violence in response" 72.4% agree.

• Over the last 10 years attendance has declined in Brighton area mainline Protestant churches (-3.5%) and Catholic and Orthodox churches (-3.9%). Attendance at non-denominational churches has risen (+2.3%). The greatest increase has been in self-identified "nones", those with no religious affiliation (+5.9%).

• Of those who claim connection to a faith community, 60.6% are involved on a weekly basis, 3.8% on holidays, 8.8% less than once per month, 5.8% once per month and 21% two to three times per month.

• Top reasons (above 50% responded yes) given by those who do not participate in a church community include: church is not relevant to life, disillusionment with religion, don't trust organized religious, don't trust religious leaders, religion too focused on money, religious people too judgmental, strict, inflexible beliefs.

• Top reason (above 50% responded yes) given by people who do not attend, but have been connected with a church community:  no good faith communities in the area, isn't relevant in my life, unsure about personal beliefs, conflicts in the church, didn't feel worship helpful, didn't feel welcomed, don't trust organized religion or religious leaders, worship/music style, wasn't supported during crisis, strict/inflexible beliefs.

• Top preferences (above 50% responded yes) for church programming: opportunities for volunteering in the community, adult social opportunities, involvement in social causes.

If you are interested in seeing the full report, let me know. I would be happy to send you a copy. You may also contact a member of the Administrative Board or the Vital Church Initiative Implementation team to receive a copy of this report.