Most churchgoers look for time to spend with God and regularly find themselves with Him in unplanned moments.
Both deliberate and spontaneous instances of prayer and worship are part of seeking God, according to Lifeway Research’s State of Discipleship. Seeking God is one of eight signposts that measure characteristics evident in believers progressing in spiritual maturity. The average churchgoer scores 78.5 out of 100 in seeking God, ranking it first among the signposts.
“The Bible describes the redemption story in which God has made a way through Jesus Christ for humans to have their sins paid for and to have a relationship with Him. It is not surprising that churchgoers excel in seeking God the most among other aspects of their journey with Christ. Without a desire and practice of seeking God, other aspects of following Him lack purpose,” said Scott McConnel, executive director of Lifeway Research.
Purposeful and unplanned times
Around 7 in 10 U.S. Protestant churchgoers (69%) say they set aside time for private worship, praise or thanksgiving to God at least a few times a week, with 40% doing so every day. Around a quarter (25%) intentionally carve out specific moments either once a week (14%), a few times a month (7%) or once a month (3%). Just 6% say this is something they rarely or never do.
Those numbers are consistent with a 2019 Lifeway Research study, when 67% said they set aside private time regularly or at least a few times a week, 24% said occasionally or less often but at least once a month, and 9% rarely at most. More churchgoers, however, are intentional compared to a 2012 Lifeway Research study, when 54% said they set aside time regularly, 30% occasionally and 17% rarely or never.
Additionally, 4 in 5 churchgoers (79%) say they find themselves praying at the spur of the moment throughout the day, including 41% who strongly agree. Few disagree (8%) or aren’t sure (13%). A similar percentage of churchgoers had the same practice in 2019 (78%) and 2012 (75%).
“Valuing this relationship with God is evident in many churchgoers’ lives as they often protect times to worship Him on their own. But the value of God in their lives is also seen as they want His involvement throughout the day,” said McConnell.
Whether intentional or impromptu, most churchgoers say they regularly, personally express praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is. Most (56%) say this is an everyday practice, while 22% do so a few times a week, 11% once a week, 6% a few times a month, 3% once a month and 2% rarely or never do so.
Honoring God
As they seek God, most churchgoers look to honor and bring Him glory. They say that is the meaning and purpose of their lives.
Four in 5 U.S. Protestant churchgoers (80%) say they have committed their life to bringing glory to God, including 44% who strongly agree. Few (5%) disagree, and 15% aren’t sure.
Similarly, 7 in 10 (71%) say they find meaning in their lives only by pleasing and honoring God, including 36% who strongly agree. Around 1 in 10 (10%) disagree, and 19% aren’t sure.
“The Bible says and Christians have historically taught that the purpose of humans is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Eight in 10 churchgoers are committed to bringing glory to God and almost as many lean into practices that help them live this out,” said McConnell.
For more information, view the complete report and visit LifewayResearch.com/Discipleship.