In another Barna survey, only 40 percent of the American public claims to attend church every Sunday. Only 60 percent of Christians are part of those weekly congregations. To the preacher, it says, Your sermon is not worthwhile. The empty pew is a weight. The occupied pew is a wing.
Many pastors pray regularly for members of their congregations.
When a layperson told me that he or she was praying for me, I felt sustained. Tracey had just begun attending a new church and decided to call on the minister. The pastor s jaw dropped. His reaction is understandable. Only about one-third of all Americans donate their time and talents to their church home.