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Christianity in Australia Today| ti-dingz gospel tracts
Christianity in Australia Today
I recently read a report by McCrindle Research on ‘The changing faith landscape of Australia.’ In the report Mark McCrindle, founder and principal, notes that generationally, culturally, socially, and spiritually, Australia is transforming at an astonishing rate.
He concludes that Christian organisations will need to navigate the shifting cultural landscape and how well they do this will determine the place of the ‘timeless gospel’ with its ‘unchanging truth’ in Australia’s future.
There is hope!
He writes, Most Australians are open to spiritual conversations that may include different views to their own, most are warm towards Christianity, of those who know something of churches in their area, most have a positive view of their local impacts, and of the 9 in 10 Australians who know a Christian, the top ten attributes that they attribute to them are all positive.”
How Christianity in Australia is changing?
Australia has been a Christian nation for centuries. In the years past Australian society was directly influenced by Christian values in government, law, education, hospitals, and the workplace Christianity was considered our cultural norm.
The numbers have dropped
The number of Australians identifying as Christian has now dropped below the 50% mark to 44%. Of this number only 16% attend church monthly and 6% are actively engaged.
Whilst the number of Australians identifying as Christian has decreased, monthly church attendance has remained unchanged, “highlighting a decline in cultural Christianity more so than a decline in the practise of Christianity” (p.13).
Evidence says that those who are active in their faith are more satisfied with life, relationships, spiritual wellbeing, a sense of purpose and even their health.
Yet many Australians remain open
Many Australians are now recognising that the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual all contribute to their wellbeing. Almost half of Australians are open to a spiritual conversation about views different to their own with younger Australians more open than older ones (53% Gen Z, 53% Gen Y, 34% baby boomers).
An amazing 36% of Australians, “given the right circumstances and evidence,” are somewhat open to changing their current religious views (p19). Community events/groups and social and mainstream media are regarded as the best setting for these spiritual conversations (p. 20).
Statistical evidence shows that the death of someone in the family (31%) was the predominant trigger to think about spiritual/faith/religious matters. The second prompter was a friend, neighbour, or colleague who prompted reflection on spiritual and religious matters (26%), this was followed closely by health issues and personal unhappiness (p.23).
The harsh reality about the wellbeing of Australians
The harsh reality according to McCrindle Research is that “more than one in six Australians has never felt part of a flourishing community, and around the same number report feeling lonely “often”. More than half of Australian teens and twentysomethings say they are living with a long-term mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Less than half of this age group report strong satisfaction in their life in measures such as a sense of purpose, contentment, personal growth, and spiritual wellbeing”. (p.4)
Jesus is the answer!
Some people have never heard of Jesus (6% Gen Z, 5% Gen Y, 5% Gen X). How sad, because Jesus is the giver of life, hope, peace, healing, and fulfilment.
He is the answer and Australian Christians are in a good position to start conversations with the general populous about him.
Christians are generally considered caring, kind and loving. According to research Christians overall are well regarded for their work done through the local Church or Christian organisations in helping the homeless, providing food and financial assistance for those in need, supporting the aged and refugees.
It’s our job to point people to Jesus and many Australians are open to having discussions with Christians about religion.
What can you do? Live wildly – take risks – be courageous
- Start a conversation with a friend, colleague, or neighbour – it’s as simple as saying I will pray for you when they share their life concerns.
- Invite someone to church. Nearly one third of Australians believe the church is a supportive community and say they would likely attend church if invited by a friend.
- Reach out to someone lonely because 56% of the population have times of feeling lonely, especially younger Australians, 75% Gen x, 68% Gen Z). Be a genuine friend and share with them the love that Christ has lavished on you.
- Public places are an option for discussions, forums, and debates.
- Next time you are at a concert, events, or public meeting, take a bunch of gospel tracts, pray for divine appointments, and randomly place them in the hands of passersby.
- Talk to strangers because 11% of the Australian population do not know any Christians. This means 2.2 million Australians may never have a Christian discussion unless you reach out. The largest percentage of this group are Gen X (representing 1 in 6).
- Stand on the street corner and share your testimony and have a friend in the audience handing out gospel
- Use social media because research shows mainstream Australia is open to the use of Facebook, twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or podcasts as means of sharing religious views … Start posting scripture.
- Use mainstream media by taking out an advertisement in the local paper, get some people together and fund a television commercial or use a billboard to promote the gospel.
About ti-dingz gospel tracts Australia
Australian made ti-dingz gospel tracts are available for distribution from our website. They can be purchased in packs of five or ordered in bulk. If you would like to have a youth gospel distribution event sponsored, please email us here.
Conclusion
Christians are well regarded for their community service and moral character and the general Australian population are open to discussions on faith and religion, with the younger generation more open to different perspectives on faith than the older generations.
Use every opportunity to reach out and share the good news about Jesus Christ.
Get the full report and other insights here.
Blessings, Deb
Founder of ti-dingz gospel tracts Australia
(tidingz, tidings)