Kerby Anderson

Christianity these days can been seen through a good news/bad news perspective. The good news is that Bible sales are soaring. But the bad news is that for so many Christians, identity is more symbolic than behavioral.

That is the conclusion of the latest SALT Index survey done by Back to the Bible. In case, you are wondering SALT stands for “Scripture Absorption and Life Transformation.”

Arnie Cole is the CEO and was on my program to talk about the fact that Christian ministry success is usually evaluated using visibility metrics such as attendance, salvation decisions, and outreach. He says we are using the wrong metrics.

Instead, we should be looking at Scripture absorption. That is why Back to the Bible created the Center for Scripture Absorption. We may celebrate that Bible sales hit a 20-year-high, but also lament that only half of those who identify as Christians read their Bible on a weekly basis.

He observes, “We are not seeing a theological collapse or even a cultural rejection of Christianity.” Instead, we have been “spending a half century measuring activity rather than transformation” that will produce “fruitful Christians.”

One example from the SALT Index demonstrates the disconnect. Their survey showed that nearly three fourths (72%) of people believe Jesus died for humanity’s sins. But only a third (33%) trust Christ’s grace alone for salvation.

He encourages churches and all Christian ministries to reconsider their priorities. “When formation is not measured, it is not funded. When it is not funded, it is not built.” We need to teach basic theology and call Christians to live a life that is transformed by the power of the Gospel.

I would encourage you to read this critical report and reevaluate how you are doing ministry.