Personal Ministry to a Christian Faith

Personal Ministry of Steve Kellar

There are 105 million households in America

There are 105 million households (282 million people) in America. Of the 105 million households, 25% are single member households while the remaining 75% have two or more members. Those between the ages 18 and 65 make up the bulk of the population (61%). There are 26% under 18 and 13% over 65 years old. (see article “Relations with Money”)

Spiritual

Surveys indicate that 91% of Americans own a Bible and 85% consider themselves to be Christians but only 40% say they are born again. More than half (56%) believe that their entrance into Heaven will be decided based on their behavior (good works) during their life. Although 80% believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, 61% believe the Holy Spirit is not real. Of those Americans that say they attend church weekly (40%), 17% say they tithe (give 10%) while only 3% actually do. Charitable giving of any amount is only done by 40% or less of all American households.

Financial

Most Americans (70%) earn less than $50,000 per year. However, taking into consideration dual income families, the average household income is much higher than $50,000. The $50,000 to $100,000 income range consist of 25% of American households while 5% earn more than $100,000 per year. Of the 105 million households in America, only 4 million households (approx. 4%) have accumulated a net worth of $1 million or more even though 30% of all Americans earn more than $50,000 per year.

What is the makeup of the 4 million households that call themselves “millionaires”. The average taxable income is $131,000. Of course, income is only taxed when it is realized. Tax deferred investments are a high priority for those who desire to increase their wealth. Surprisingly, 80% of those in the millionaire status are first generation and in 70% of the households, the male contributes 80% of the income. Almost all millionaires are married (95%) and 1/2 of the wives do not work outside of the home. The number one job of wives in millionaire households is a teacher. Half of all millionaires (50%) have lived in the same home for more than 20 years. Less than 25% drive current year model cars and only a small minority ever lease autos. (see Book List – The Millionaire Next Door)

The follow list of statistics makes it clear why so few Americans are millionaires and the great need there is in our country to become better money managers: (see In The News)

70% are living paycheck to paycheck (Source: Wall Street Journal)

Less than 30% use a written monthly budget to manage household finances/

Average American spends $1.22 for every dollar they earn. (Myvesta.org, Inc

95% argue about money related topics on a regular basis

Credit Card Debt results in deaths…(Fox News, 5/13/02)

55% always or sometimes worry about money (Source: Marist Institute poll published in USA Today)

Personal saving rate in America is 3.6%, down from 8.7% in 2000. (8/31/02) (Ned Davis Research, Inc.)

62% of all American H.H. don’t save or don’t save regularly (Source: data from the Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances dating from 1998. Data released 5/13/02 in an article “New Report Finds One-Quarter Of U.S. Households Are Wealth-Poor”.

Household net worth is less than $15,000 (excluding equity in house) (Source: “The Millionaire Next Door,” pg. 2)

Typical non-mortgage household debt is $38,000 or more

185 mil. Americans (population of 282 million) have at least one credit card with the average number of cards per person at 6.5. (Source: www.cardweb.com)

84 mil. households (total of 105 million) have at least one credit card with the average number of cards per H.H. at 14.3. (Source: www.cardweb.com)

Average balance per H.H. (with at least one credit card) is $8,562. (Source: www.cardweb.com)

95% finance one or more autos at an average of $375/mo. for 60 months

Household debt as % of disposable income exceeds 100% (Source: Federal Reserve)

Personal debt as a % of net worth is 27.2% (6/30/02) (Ned Davis Research, Inc.)

Mortgage debt as a % of personal income is 87.54%; Consumer Credit as a % of personal income is 19.22%; Total debt as a % of personal income is 106.76%. (9/30/02) (Ned Davis Research, Inc.)

Less than 10% have computed a target goal for retirement

Only 44% of Americans are preparing for retirement

62% will retire with less than $10,000 income per year (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

75% do not have a legal will or trust

Only 28% of people with insurance (life, auto, home, health or disability) really understood the details of their coverage-according to NAIC. (Source: The Washington Post – 3/13/03)

5 billion credit card solicitations were mailed out in 2001 (average 20 solicitations for every adult and child in the U.S.), up from 3.5 billion in 2000

Average U.S. family took on more than $1,400 in new debt during the first six months since the recession began in 3/01 – according to The Wall Street Journal.

2001 median incomes: all families = $39,900; top 10% = $169,600

2001 net worth: all families = $120,000 (whites); top 10% = $833,600

Source – Federal Reserve Consumer Finances Report

40,000 Americans polled by Newsweek Magazine responded:

Happy if the lights are on and the frig is full – 5%

I am really worried about my finances – 11%

I can make ends meet but I am still worried – 17%

I’m ok day-to-day but I wake up sweating about retirement – 10%

I’ve started to invest for the future but worry it won’t be enough – 25%

Personal Bankruptcy Rates:

(Source: Administrative Office of U.S. Courts)

1998 – 1.39 million

1999 – 1.28 million

2000 – 1.21 million

2001 – 1.45 million

2002 – 773,740 (January – June) On track for 6.5% increase over 2001

How Does the Good News Change Us?

ACCORDING TO a U.S. survey of 1,002 adults:

60% believe the Bible is totally accurate in all that it teaches.

58% believe the devil is just a symbol.

39% believe Jesus was human and committed sins.

44% believe it doesn?t matter what religion you follow.

61% believe the Holy Spirit is a symbol, not a living entity.

75% believe that God helps those who help themselves.

81% believe that angels exist.

87% believe that God created the universe.

40% read their Bible every week.

an average of 7.5 minutes a day are spent reading the Bible.

Among households that own a Bible, the typical count is three Bibles per household. Almost every household in America (92%) owns at least one copy of the Christian Bible (1993).

(Barna Research Group, 2000)

What will you do to share the Good News of Christ?

If the Good News is in our homes, why do those 7.5 minutes a day seem to have so little affect on our lives? Obviously, possession and belief are not equal. Where has the power gone of God?s Word? Where is the evidence of changed lives? Don?t we believe it? Doesn?t it challenge us? Don?t we feel it?s relevant?

The EMC Board of Missions has sent forth dozens of workers whose specific task is to translate and teach the Bible, even teaching literacy for those can?t read. Yet here in North America, the impact of the Bible seems less then impressive. As a result of owning and reading our Bibles, shouldn?t there be a more noticeable change within us?

The Bible and its message are the main reasons we are involved in missions. A personal relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we get to know through the Scriptures, is the focus of our efforts. We truly believe that the Bible is the Good News for all people. How, though, has it changed your life? How does it affect you for the glory of its Author?

Many of us have several Bibles in our home and we want others to have the written Word of God in their own language. Why? Because the Scriptures lead us towards a belief in Jesus (John 20:31). The Good News is that we can belong to Jesus who is only Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6). In essence, God?s Word is the power for our salvation (Romans 1:16). The Lord is the everlasting Creator who never tires, and His understanding no one can fathom (Isaiah 40:28), yet He has revealed Himself.

Discovering this truth opens the door to everlasting life. This message is mind-boggling! Perhaps that is why so few people capture this message – it is too amazing. Or is it our independence that keeps us from accepting God?s grace and love?

As we accept the good news, God desires accountability, calling us to be perfect as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48). We cry, impossible! Right? Wrong! Our perfection comes from the Holy Spirit working in us, not ourselves accomplishing the task. In Him we are holy, blameless and priestly!

God?s Word moves within us a desire to share its life-changing message. It tells us to be prepared to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2), sharing this treasure though we are jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). On the basis of what the Bible is, we are called to mission work. Let?s be careful, though, that our words and our lifestyle match the message of the Good News (Acts 17:11).

The Good News of God?s Word needs to be shared so that others can see the Light of Life, Jesus Christ. As you diligently meditate on the Scriptures, allow it to change your life. As God changes your life, be sure to share the gospel message with those whom God places on your heart. Perhaps you would even consider giving one or more of your Bibles away as gifts. What an opportunity we have to share the Good News!

On this day…

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