Three Worries On Your Church Members' Minds Right Now
Share via:
No, I am not a mind-reader.
Still, I’m pretty sure I know three worries on many of your church members’ minds right now.
Based on my counseling clients (and even more scientifically, on a recent survey by the American Psychological Association), I can tell you with reasonable certainty what 80% of Americans - including the folks in your congregation - are thinking about.
In short, as you probably guessed, they are stressed and anxious. (I will share below what specifically they are worried about. You may be able to guess that, too!)
Of course, I am aware that the Bible says, “Don’t worry!”
Sounds simple and certainly scriptural. In fact, in one of my favorite passages, Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus gave us five specific things not to worry about:
Do not worry about your life
Do not worry about what you will eat or drink
Do not worry about your body
Do not worry about what you will wear
Do not worry about tomorrow
Yet people are worried, stressed, and anxious.
So I thought that you may be interested in some insight into what precisely is on their minds in the interest of honing your preaching to address their problems. (I’m certain the information below is accurate for my American readers. Possibly for Canadians, too. Other parts of the world may be very different.)
I’m summarizing information from the 2022 APA Stress in America Report which you can read here. I hope you find it helpful as you preach over the new few weeks.
In this very recent poll (right up through March 3rd, 2022), the top three sources of stress:
the rise in prices of everyday items due to inflation (87%)
supply chain issues (81%)
global uncertainty (81%)
Trailing those three stressors only a little:
potential retaliation from Russia such as cyber-attacks and nuclear threats (80%)
the Russian invasion of Ukraine (80%)
Sounds a lot like money, wars, and rumors of wars. I guess some things remain constant throughout history!
The one thing I know remains constant is the gospel! So I pray God’s blessings on you as you speak faith, courage, and hope to your flock in the days ahead. Also, as simplistic as it may seem, remind them not to worry!
Get your copy today!