Take part in our survey
What do Christians believe? “The Bible” is the obvious answer. But although we read the same words, the limitations of our own understanding, acceptable differences of opinion about how to interpret tricky passages, inconsistency, indwelling sin, and the residual influence of the world on our thinking, result in a range of opinions and beliefs being held. Over centuries creeds and confessional statements have been made to ensure that individual Christians aren’t simply left to figure out what to believe from scratch. The church of England has its 39 articles, which lay a really solid foundation for us.
Even so, what do we believe at St John’s & Emmanuel? How firm a grip do we have on God’s character, how we’re saved, prayer, who the Holy Spirit is, what our hopes for the future are, or how God speaks to us?
‘Ligonier Ministries’ (– named after a place in Pennsylvania) conducts a survey of both Christian believers and the general public every few years in the US. It’s called “The State of Theology” (a rather grand sounding title). In 2018 they surveyed the UK too. Results for their 2025 US survey came out recently.
Now here’s the interesting bit … this year they have made it possible for churches to create their own mini-survey (using the same questions as they did), to find out what the spread of belief is within their own congregation. I’ve set up the survey for our church.
We’d love to know what people in St John’s & Emmanuel believe – not to catch you out or rank you for ‘soundness’ (!), but so that we understand what areas might be helpful to teach on to build up the church.
It’s easy to take part – simply follow this link to our own private survey. You don’t need to write anything in your own words. Instead there are 35 statements, and for each you can respond ‘Strongly agree / agree / not sure / disagree / strongly disagree’.
The survey is completely anonymous. Ligonier collect the responses. All we’ll be able to see is the summary results (i.e. combining all responses).
Please complete the survey on your own, rather than as a couple/family/group – the results are more useful if we each take part individually. You can take your time thinking, or just speed through clicking ‘don’t know’ where necessary if you prefer.
Try to complete it by the end of November, and we’ll share the results in the New Year.
Here’s the link you need: https://thestateoftheology.com/groups/-zFRsrs_A The more people who complete the survey the more helpful it will be to Glyn and I.
Completing the survey will be thought provoking – some might even say ‘fun’! If, afterwards, you’d like to talk about any of the questions, please make some time in your homegroups, or over coffee on a Sunday – it will be good for us all.
Thanks for taking part!