- Seek Spiritual Growth, Both Alone and With Others
- Are heard referring to having prayer, devotions, and meditation times.
- Ask sincere and searching questions about the nature of a life of faith in God.
- Prefer and attend gatherings where they can learn more about the Christian faith.
- Accept opportunities for learning how to speak naturally and intelligently about their faith.
- Are involved in Bible study and/or prayer groups.
- Join Christian groups to build friendships and learn how to be a friend.
- Speak openly about seeking or experiencing God's guidance.
- Are heard asking each other about what God has recently done in their lives or the lives of others.
- In times of trouble, reassure others that God is active to make things work out all right in the long run.
- Occasionally speak of having been keenly aware of the presence of God.
- Speak publicly about their relationship with Jesus Christ.
- When providing a rationale for their actions will at times cite specifics of their faith.
- In conversation with family and friends brings up topics of faith or Christian living.
- Pray for people especially needing God's help.
- Regularly attend worship services.
- Have willingly participated in two or more of the following: taught Sunday School, Bible class, or Vacation Bible School; served with a group to improve conditions at school or neighborhood; made a presentation before a faith group or in worship; helped in raising money for a Christian project or mission trip; served on a congregational or denominational committee or task force
- Regularly contribute money to a congregation or faith project.
- Enjoy being together, as evidenced by their laughing, singing, and conversation.
- Show a gracious, loving attitude to people not easy to like (e.g., the difficult, rude, shunned, loser).
- Have friends of widely diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious background or persuasion.
- Have been heard describing the Christian faith as a necessary force in society, helping people develop attitudes of understanding, sympathy, and cooperation.
- Are known for their general optimism, trust, and positive expectation of other people, being convinced that one person can do much to make the world a better place.
- Are eager, responsive, and cooperative rather than unresponsive, disinterested, and apathetic.
- Give portions of time and money for helping people.
- Attend conferences or workshops that present the challenge of service professions such as the ordained ministry.
- Speak out publicly against specific social injustices.
- Try to offer comfort or support to a friend or neighbor in the event of a death or tragedy either by talking or by action (personal presence, help with routine tasks, transportation, visit in hospital, etc.).
- Defend a friend or acquaintance who is being talked about when he/she isn't there.
- Organize and participate in study or action groups to address injustice or immorality.
- Are involved in activities of service related to church, community, or world.
- Are assuming responsibility for some aspect of their youth ministry.
- Are heard referring to seeking help from scripture in deciding what is right and wrong.
- Actively seek to discourage friends from cheating at school.
- Have a reputation for not participating in activities such as lying, stealing, substance abuse, etc. and have a reputation for honesty, integrity, hospitality, and acts of kindness.
- Dr. Thomas Berkas (Research Team, Professor—Bethel University)
- Dr. Wes Black (Project Team, Professor—Southwestern Baptist Theo Sem)
- Mark Brekke (Research Team, Brekke and Associates)
- Susan Hay (Project Team, United Methodist Church)
- Dr. Roland Martinson (Project Coordinator, Professor—Luther Seminary)
- Marti Burger (Project Team, Evangelical Covenant Church)
- John Roberto (Project Team, Roman Catholic, Center for Min Development)
- Kenneth Slifer (Project Team, Presbyterian Church USA)
- Dr. Merton Strommen (Research Team, Founder—Search Institute)
- Kristen Venne (Project Administrator, Luther Seminary)
- Hal Welden (Project Team, Luther Seminary)
- Rod Whitlock (Project Team, Assemblies of God)
21 Congregations Featured in the Qualitative Research
- Calvary Christian Center Assemblies of God (Louisville, KY)
- Cottonwood Assembly of God (Cottonwood, AZ)
- Newport Mesa Christian Center, Assemblies of God (Costa Mesa, CA)
- Rochester Covenant Church (Rochester, MN)
- Rolling Hills Covenant Church (Rolling Hills, CA)
- Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Grace Lutheran Church (Des Moines, WA)
- Hope Lutheran Church (Fargo, ND)
- Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County (Fayette County, TX)
- First Presbyterian Church (Billings, MT)
- First Presbyterian Church (Fort Dodge, IA)
- Memorial Presbyterian Church (St. Augustine, FL)
- St. Michael’s Catholic Parish (Albion, NE)
- The Catholic Parishes of Sacred Heart, St. Benedict & St. Ann (Terre Haute, IN)
- St. Mary’s Catholic Parish (Pompton Lakes, NJ)
- New Colony Baptist Church (Billerica, MA)
- Oaks Baptist Church (Grand Prairie, TX)
- Travis Avenue Baptist Church (Fort Worth, TX)
- Common Cup Cooperative Parish, United Methodist Church (Portland, OR)
- First United Methodist Church (Valparaiso, IN)
- Myers Park United Methodist Church (Charlotte, NC)
