PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q1 My current faith status is:

Answered: 746

Skipped: 6

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
I adhere
to and
engage in
the...

I adhere
to and
engage in
anothe...

I walked
away
from
Christian
ity fo...

I am
nominally
Christian
(as a...

I am
nominally
of
anothe...

I am
agnostic
(neither
believ...

I am an
atheist
(there is
no god)

Answer Choices

Responses

I adhere to and engage in the Christian faith

80.97%

I adhere to and engage in another faith

0.67%

I walked away from Christianity for a time, but now adhere to and engage in Christianity

10.19%

76

I am nominally Christian (as a general categorization, not as a personal faith)

3.89%

29

I am nominally of another faith

0.40%

I am agnostic (neither believing nor disbelieving)

2.41%

18

I am an atheist (there is no god)

1.47%

11

Total

604

746

Add additional comments below

Date

I'm a Christian, but have difficulty aligning myself with the word due to what I see of others , especially American
Christians and also the strict missionary community as well.

6/27/2015 1:02 AM

I have struggled with it for years, but it is too ingrained in me to leave it.

6/26/2015 10:30 PM

Refused to go to church for about 10 years. Still have periods of back sliding too

6/26/2015 9:59 PM

I adhere to the Christian faith but engage in and out of traditional practice

6/26/2015 8:54 PM

It took me a long time to be confident in my own worldview . . . mostly because I respected those around me . . . I
tried hard to conform (without malice, mostly because I thought I should) . . . but I wasted 15 years of my life
before I was self-confident enough to be myself . . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

But I am not always dilligent at abiding in Christ. That is my goal, to always abide in Him as he does in me but I
either get distracted by life, discouraged by circumstances, or just plain forgetful. But I do love him greatly!

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

I am a missionary in Japan

6/26/2015 6:32 AM

However, I don't necessarily believe everything I was taught as a kid.

6/25/2015 10:43 PM

"engage" only as a passing reference. My convictions are solid, but the God-squad leaves me cold

6/25/2015 8:53 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

10

And I am a missionary serving in Honduras

6/25/2015 7:12 PM

11

I am confused as to what I believe

6/25/2015 3:53 PM

12

but i am still working through a lot of questions i have

6/25/2015 11:44 AM

13

I've definitely had my ups and downs though, and gotten close several times to just give up on this whole
Christian walk

6/25/2015 8:53 AM

14

i left evangelicalism. I have found a home in liturgy...in the Episcopal tradition.

6/24/2015 4:58 PM

15

Currently struggling with evangelical Christianity. My faith in God hasn't changed, just questioning the culture of
conservative Christianity.

6/24/2015 3:43 AM

16

I'm having a "crises of faith". i havent really bern sure what i believe for a couple of years.

6/23/2015 10:01 PM

17

But I still want to had a deeper faith as I don't feel mine is very deep at all right now.

6/23/2015 9:09 PM

18

I'm definitely somewhat more liberal than I used to be

6/23/2015 9:20 AM

19

I am a Christian, but changed the denomination from my parents.

6/20/2015 7:47 AM

20

I believe in God a pursue a relationship with the Divine without adhering to any one specific religion, as I feel
each is an attempt to understand and connect with the same God.

6/18/2015 8:57 AM

21

I am still journeying in what is my faith to me personally.

6/17/2015 8:52 PM

22

during my late teenage and til mid-20's, i walked in darkness.

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

23

I returned as a missionary.

6/14/2015 9:07 AM

24

Such a broad comment. I am Mennonite, and no longer consider myself evangelical, but I always stayed in the
church.

6/13/2015 12:26 PM

25

I am very involved with the local church and have always been involved

6/11/2015 11:27 PM

26

Although I never stopped going to church, I struggled with my beliefs for a couple years, but I do not have any
doubts as to God's existence today.

6/11/2015 10:30 PM

27

I am growing I my understanding of God and in my relationship with Him, even though I have struggled like
anyone else

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

28

my 'christian' faith is much more universal now. I still believe in Jesus, but do not appreciate having to catogerize
myself as christian or non-christian.

6/11/2015 2:29 AM

29

My Christian faith looks much different now than my conservative, evangelical upbringing. I now have space for
doubt, for unanswered questions, for ambiguity. I do not hold to a literal understanding of the Bible. I try to hold
on to Jesus.

6/10/2015 8:05 AM

30

I have serious doubts.

6/10/2015 7:32 AM

31

I am a believer in Christ but don't go to church. Most churches that I would like would not welcome me because
we am gay.

6/10/2015 3:04 AM

32

But, I do not "engage" in elements of the Christian faith that judge others, discriminate, and reject others in the
name of orthodoxy.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

33

I'm a Christian, but I am definitely not of the same "Christianity" as I was raised to be.

6/9/2015 4:48 PM

34

God is like the ocean, or electricity. A powerful, uncaring force, neither for good or evil.

6/8/2015 7:33 PM

35

While rethinking what is core and what is extraneous tradition

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

36

We are missionaries now.

6/8/2015 1:55 PM

37

I am an earth-based pagan.

6/7/2015 1:17 PM

38

Deep faith but in line with traditional American Christianity

6/7/2015 7:28 AM

39

Not where I should be with the Lord, but I believe

6/6/2015 11:41 PM

40

By that I mean following the traching of Jesus but not the conventional Christian faith.

6/6/2015 5:28 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

41

I love Jesus dearly and try to walk faithfully with Him.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

42

Very very unChristian culture...but holding to Jesus!

6/6/2015 3:30 PM

43

I am a missionary myself

6/6/2015 1:39 PM

44

Don't believe but feel obligated to pretend like I do cuz of parents

6/6/2015 12:46 PM

45

My faith has always remained in the God of Christianity, but my specific ideas within Christianity have changed
over time, and the MK lifestyle has, in part, facilitated that freedom for me.

6/6/2015 11:20 AM

46

I am a Christian - but not involved in a church or any other Christian organisation

6/6/2015 9:16 AM

47

I rebelled from Christianity, my parents for a time, but I never publically disowned the faith because that would
have gotten me in trouble.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

48

Catholic now

6/6/2015 8:59 AM

49

sometimes difficult to remain faithful when I see the church being so pushed by people to walk in the ways of the
world - 30 years ago we had literally everything on paper - things were slower. Now it's all computers - on phones
- the world is expecting you to do things in such a short period of time - under so much stress - God wants time
with us.

6/6/2015 1:01 AM

50

I believe in some form of God, that most religions have truth in them but are different human interpretations of a
multi-dimensional God

6/5/2015 11:52 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q2 My faith:
Answered: 742

Skipped: 10

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
Was
fortified
by growing
up as an
MK

Was
confused
by
growing up
as an MK

Was
poisoned
by
growing up
as an MK

Became
cynical
because I
grew up ...

Was
destroyed
by growing
up as an
MK

Answer Choices

Not
applicable
- I never
had any...

Responses

Was fortified by growing up as an MK

72.37%

537

Was confused by growing up as an MK

14.29%

106

Was poisoned by growing up as an MK

1.35%

10

Became cynical because I grew up as an MK

10.92%

81

Was destroyed by growing up as an MK

0.81%

Not applicable - I never had any form or degree of faith

0.27%

Total

742

Add additional comments below

Date

non if the above , being an MK did not really affect my faith in a positive or negative way.

6/27/2015 1:02 AM

Couldn't wait to be free of all the rules. Wanted to be "myself"

6/26/2015 9:59 PM

none of this . . . I tried to believe - even though I didn't . . . I was in my late 30's before I was honest enough with
myself to walk away from what I had been taught and follow what I actually believe/know . . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

I was taught to question and be full of integrity

6/26/2015 3:41 PM

But also having amazing parents and mentors.

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

Another option: My faith was a lot of head knowledge, little heart knowledge, as an MK

6/26/2015 9:40 AM

None of these match: Not applicable - being MK wasn't reason for my lack of faith now

6/26/2015 9:19 AM

I once was blind but now I see.

6/26/2015 7:03 AM

Was fortified by having parents who lived out their faith and happened to be missionaries

6/26/2015 6:08 AM

10

I'm a missionary myself now.

6/26/2015 1:48 AM

11

All law and very little knowledge of God's grace.

6/25/2015 8:58 PM

12

Christianity is exceptionally opportunistic when it comes to denying coincidence...

6/25/2015 8:53 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

13

I never subscribed to the belief that bad things couldn't happen to good people.

6/25/2015 7:37 PM

14

I would say my faith became faith as a growing up MK. It was fortified but I wouldn't credit my MKness. I would
credit God working in my life, my parents love of God, and living out their faith.

6/25/2015 6:55 PM

15

In the mission field there was no doubt, this came later

6/25/2015 3:53 PM

16

faith was encouraged to an extreme growing up

6/25/2015 11:44 AM

17

In a weird kind of way - ended up forming strong independent thinking

6/25/2015 12:03 AM

18

at least initially my I was taught by my family the importance of a faith relationship with the creator through the
Christ. As I grew older and attended boarding school I became much more confused. Then as I returned to the
US I could not find a church community that came close to what I was taught church was about. It was far too
commercial and individual.

6/24/2015 4:58 PM

19

I'd have to say that mostly it was fortified, though I struggled with legalism and truly understanding God's
unconditional love towards me until my late 40's,

6/24/2015 4:35 PM

20

I can't say if it had a positive or negative effect honestly. When I really started to wonder whether I wanted to be a
Christian, seeing my parents' intelligent approach to faith and a few particular missionary colleagues' quite
ignorant one pulled me in different directions... positive & negative equally.

6/23/2015 9:20 AM

21

With a lot of pain, growing up in a Christian/missionary family and then being sexually abused by my brother
when I was 10 on Furlough. Have had to work through a really bad and damaging view of God. My faith was
damaged by being an MK for various reasons but I wouldn't say it was poisoned. I went through a 3 years of dark
doubting in God and His Goodness.

6/22/2015 9:40 AM

22

We talked a lot about faith in my family. We were allowed to ask questions

6/18/2015 4:53 PM

23

IT's important to believe yourself and also to learn a healthy level of criticism

6/18/2015 1:27 AM

24

My parents lived what they taught

6/17/2015 10:20 PM

25

It felt personally fortified, but I look back, and I don't know if it was as personally as I thought it was, more so
family faith.

6/17/2015 8:52 PM

26

My faith in God grew, but my view of other Christians was tainted by abuses.

6/17/2015 6:16 PM

27

I think that MKs struggle with the same issues that normal people do.

6/17/2015 4:04 PM

28

Faith lived out to its fullest, not a comfortable faith, but that's God-glorifying and good.

6/16/2015 5:00 AM

29

I am not sure I can say being an MK fortified my faith. I do not know that being a non MK would have lessened it.
I am ultimately responsible for my choices, not my growing up experience.

6/15/2015 3:24 PM

30

My parents made very clear to us that there are no second generation Christians. Just because they believed
something did not mean that I did. I was encouraged to search and ask questions.

6/14/2015 5:50 PM

31

I became cynical with religious pet peeves and hypocrisy but fortified in my faith

6/14/2015 4:35 PM

32

i suffered mental and emotional anguish from separation from my family while in boarding school. unknown to
them at the time, i was raped by a neighbor at 4

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

33

I have had struggles, but the faith I was taught as a child gave me a strong foundation for me today.

6/11/2015 10:30 PM

34

For awhile I was cynical and walked away from church but after college I was able to sort my questions and
cynicism out.

6/11/2015 9:10 PM

35

It only added! Even with the hardships it brought: they were all needed!! For my growth

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

36

I don't know that being an MK had a direct effect on it.

6/11/2015 3:51 PM

37

God actually used my boarding school experience to draw me closer to Him. The staff at BFA did a great job
investing in my life. That include you, Michelle. :-)

6/10/2015 11:27 AM

38

I would say it was "shaped" by being an MK

6/10/2015 8:05 AM

39

I would maybe say "complicated" instead of confused...

6/9/2015 11:56 PM

40

would be good to add an option "had no effect on my faith"

6/9/2015 11:24 PM

41

Just don't see it as a priority

6/9/2015 10:03 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

42

I've learned that the "faith" I was expected to comply with is not faith at all. Now I'm good. I read, I learn, I grow,
...and I'm 54 years old :) and still learning.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

43

I had to rebuild and am still rebuilding

6/9/2015 4:48 PM

44

So hard to pick just one answer. I would say both "fortified" and "confused". Mostly- what is faith and religion in
the "real world" where the norm is not "Christian" where the adults in charge are not all christian. I love BFA but
there was essentially no "separation of church and state" in a practical sense.

6/9/2015 12:42 PM

45

My faith wasn't confused because I was raised as an MK, but simply because of the lack of actual faith I saw in
my parents.

6/9/2015 12:37 PM

46

Again, the sexual abuse I experienced was confusing, shaming, horrific, gross and could have jeopardized my
faith, but it was the saving work of Jesus that gave me the courage to deal with all that happened.

6/8/2015 10:46 PM

47

In terms of Bible teaching. Some parental fears and legalism were harmful.

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

48

Didn't realize how confused I was until after being off the mission field for a while. "Bubble effect," everything
makes sense while you're in the thick of it and then you're confused when the "real world" doesn't seem to work
the same way.

6/8/2015 12:28 PM

49

Wish there were options to choose multiple answers as most of them were true for me at various times

6/8/2015 6:49 AM

50

These might be leading questions. Also, I would say that my faith was both fortified and confused by growing up
as an MK. I'm betting others have a similar more complicated experience.

6/7/2015 5:23 PM

51

I had times of intense anger towards God, though I never doubted who He is.

6/7/2015 2:42 PM

52

I was divided - some missionaries were the coolest people on Earth while others were an embarrassment.

6/7/2015 7:28 AM

53

I developed a "performance" based belief system.

6/7/2015 6:28 AM

54

I went through a hard time and a period of depression in high school. During that time I had to figureout what I
belved and that fortified my faith.

6/7/2015 5:51 AM

55

My faith was guided my parents regardless of being an MK

6/7/2015 12:08 AM

56

Fortified because my parents taught and encouraged questioning. But they thought I'd be satisfied with their
answers.

6/6/2015 8:24 PM

57

I still had to make it my own, which happened as a young adult

6/6/2015 7:37 PM

58

In a subconscious way. Certainly not because the way of life was so extremely eye-opening. But rather by the
understanding of life-long sacrificial living and hope in hardship.

6/6/2015 5:40 PM

59

Both fortified and made cynical

6/6/2015 4:40 PM

60

Not completely 'confused', but there were elements of confusion in my faith growing up. For example, by the time
I graduated high school and moved back to Canada I belived, based on what I saw/was taught by my parents,
that I was obligated to serve God as a Believer, in similar ways to how my parents did. This resulted in years of
feeling trapped in Christian service, and much anxiety and stress.

6/6/2015 3:40 PM

61

and have stayed in the Christian bubble...

6/6/2015 3:30 PM

62

Other: my "loss" of faith wasn't related to being an MK

6/6/2015 12:26 PM

63

and a time of cynical

6/6/2015 12:14 PM

64

Although there was confusion about some things I did learn absolute faith in GOD's word and have built my on
belief system on that.

6/6/2015 12:08 PM

65

My MK upringing strengthened some aspects of my faith journey, and challenged others.

6/6/2015 11:20 AM

66

I would say that I had to work through the 'cynical' thoughts regarding the church and christian ministry earlier and
more completely than most 'normal christians'.

6/6/2015 10:38 AM

67

It was fortified, but there were definately parts that drove me away. God won out though.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

68

Not by parents but by cover ups by missions of others.

6/6/2015 8:59 AM

69

A B C & D - to different amounts at different times. Fortified more by raising MKs than by being one!

6/6/2015 8:57 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

70

I had a lot of bad experiences with judgemental and self-righteous adult missionaries, but there were a few who
were true gracefilled Jesus people who took notice of me and invested in me. They are the ones that helped me
to make my faith my own.

6/6/2015 6:52 AM

71

This answer may seem contradictory to my answer to the first question so I'll explain. The experience of being an
MK gave me a good understanding of Christianity, I knew it inside and out from questioning and finding the
"answers" as I grew up, so post-MK life I was able to walk away with 100% confidence because I knew there
were no more answers left to be found that could salvage my faith.

6/5/2015 11:52 PM

72

Mostly fortified, a deep deep sense of faith that carried me through the darkest of times but I would say there was
also plenty of confusion and wounds by being an mk as well

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

7 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q3 The positive statement that best

expresses my primary view of God is:
Answered: 739

Skipped: 13

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
He
loves
me
and
wants...

He is
my
comforte
r and...

He is
patient
and
compa...

He
wants
to
rescue
this...

He
desires
relation
ship...

He
demands
great
sacri...

He is a
feelgoo
d
place...

Answer Choices

Not
applicab
le there...

Responses

He loves me and wants the best for me

26.79%

198

He is my comforter and strength

16.37%

121

He is patient and compassionate

9.07%

67

He wants to rescue this world from sin

10.42%

77

He desires relationship with me

29.91%

221

He demands great sacrifice from his people

2.98%

22

He is a feel-good placebo invented to comfort or appease us

2.84%

21

Not applicable - there is no god

1.62%

12

Total

739

Add additional comments below

Date

He is sovereign, wise, infinitely good, merciful and compassionate and yet just and hates sin

6/27/2015 4:24 AM

Choices 1-6

6/26/2015 10:37 PM

and to be honest . . . Christianity isn't much of a rational promoter of the idea . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

I believe it to be the height of human arrogance to presuppose the nature of 'God', and that the human race is that
'God's' focal point and heart's desire.

6/26/2015 4:39 PM

Also He loves me and is my comforter and strength but I think primarily it would be a relationship, a personal
relationship

6/26/2015 4:37 PM

nothing suggests that if there is a good that it cares or interacts with humanity

6/26/2015 3:41 PM

It took me 25 years to come to this realization.

6/26/2015 7:03 AM

I would say 'yes' to all of the top five.

6/26/2015 6:32 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Top 6 are all true.

6/25/2015 11:54 PM

10

God is All. He is Holy. All I can do is bow the knee.

6/25/2015 11:38 PM

11

He is my provider

6/25/2015 11:36 PM

12

1-5 are all true, even 6 is true, but the Gospel is the key to it all!

6/25/2015 10:31 PM

13

Wow, could add much more here.

6/25/2015 6:37 PM

14

But I'm not sure...what is reality?

6/25/2015 3:53 PM

15

I feel god loves the entire world he/she created and wants the best for all.

6/25/2015 1:36 PM

16

as an adultbutnot as a child

6/25/2015 11:37 AM

17

She is all that is, and I am A part of God

6/25/2015 12:03 AM

18

Although before the last 5 years of healing God has brought to me, I would have chosen "He demands great
sacrifice from his people"

6/24/2015 11:09 PM

19

Would like to have chosen several!

6/24/2015 8:31 PM

20

Hard to choose between the first 5....

6/24/2015 2:48 PM

21

and he demands sacrifice - both are primary

6/24/2015 9:42 AM

22

id like to believe there's a loving God. im just not sure i can.

6/23/2015 10:01 PM

23

As a child I would have ticked great sacrifice, but this has changed with therapy etc.

6/20/2015 7:47 AM

24

God is bigger than the narrow way he was presented to me in my childhood

6/18/2015 8:36 PM

25

He IS redeeming the world!

6/18/2015 11:49 AM

26

*Please stop gendering God as male...

6/18/2015 8:57 AM

27

Because of his love

6/16/2015 7:03 AM

28

My relationship with my heavenly Father is great, but it is something to be shared!

6/16/2015 5:00 AM

29

None of the above. God is Lord of all, before whom we would all be utterly insignificant were it not for his attention

6/16/2015 12:26 AM

30

I believe my view is the first five statements

6/14/2015 8:08 PM

31

the first 6 statements are true!

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

32

He or she ;)

6/13/2015 12:26 PM

33

And the one about the world: He is the epitome of love and desire for goodness and justice and peace! That's His
ultimate plan for the world: salvation but also unity here

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

34

I dont agree with the use of the male pronoun for God.

6/11/2015 2:29 AM

35

(all apply except for the last two for me)

6/10/2015 11:27 AM

36

He is God! He deserves all glory and praise. My primary view doesn't matter. It's not about me. It's all about HIM!

6/9/2015 10:16 PM

37

Ill conceived question. God is not a "He". To quote Paul, I strive to "pray without ceasing", to engage with God all
of the time.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

38

God loves ALL poeple, not just me.

6/9/2015 5:28 PM

39

None of the above but I am not an athiest. I guess it is not about me.

6/9/2015 11:25 AM

40

God's sovereignty is my comfort and strength

6/8/2015 10:46 PM

41

He is my anchor, my trust, my hope, and my greatest adventure.

6/8/2015 10:34 PM

42

The love part still struggles to leave my head and reach my heart.

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

43

His love reaches the ends of the earth

6/8/2015 2:24 PM

44

His plan is about Him, not us.

6/8/2015 1:55 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

45

He is my Lord and Savior and (above).

6/8/2015 1:24 PM

46

He is my quiet provider and protector.

6/7/2015 5:44 PM

47

Knew I truly believed this the night my husband walked out after 18 years of marriage.

6/7/2015 2:00 PM

48

I believe there are many gods, goddesses, and spirits, but none of these options truly express my primary view of
them.

6/7/2015 1:17 PM

49

My personal belief is that religion is good even though I do not believe in the supernatural

6/7/2015 7:17 AM

50

HE saved my soul and wants me to glorify HIM.

6/6/2015 5:58 PM

51

And He loves me and is patient with me...and wants to use you and me to help rescue this very lost world from
the bondage of sin.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

52

This made most poignant during a season of trials and discouragement.

6/6/2015 12:06 PM

53

I think the first 5 are all equally God

6/6/2015 11:01 AM

54

I think the first three are all equally part of the one I chose about relationship. And the reason for #4 is also the
one I marked. So by picking Relationship I'm essentially choosing the first 4 too. :)

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

55

1-5, and addressing sin. Jesus had to die for our sins.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

56

The first six I believe equally but just picked one

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

10 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q4 The negative statement that best

expresses my primary view of God is:
Answered: 727

Skipped: 25

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
He is
an
angry,
jeal...

He is
distant
and
unre...

He is
manipul
ative

He is
narciss
istic
(onl...

He
exploit
s
peop...

He is
used
as
an
excu...

I can
think
of no
nega...

I
don't
want
to
focu...

Answer Choices

Not
applica
ble ther...

Responses

He is an angry, jealous God

3.85%

28

He is distant and unreachable

10.32%

75

He is manipulative

0.69%

He is narcissistic (only concerned with his fame and glory)

1.10%

He exploits people to fulfill his agenda

1.24%

He is used as an excuse for unforgivable human behavior

20.08%

146

I can think of no negatives

50.07%

364

I don't want to focus on negatives

10.73%

78

Not applicable - there is no god

1.93%

14

Total

727

Add additional comments below

Date

He is righteously angry and jealous for His glory

6/27/2015 4:24 AM

"he is the one who always hurts you" came as a surprise feeling one day because the separationsn were for him

6/26/2015 11:01 PM

Has a high, unreachable standard

6/26/2015 10:37 PM

I used to feel my life was a "cruel joke".... why did God make me of all people an MK and give me such a timid,
depressed personality to represent him and constantly readjust to new faces? SO hard on me, disappointing to
my family, and didn't help the mission work any.

6/26/2015 10:30 PM

worry about not being good enough

6/26/2015 9:59 PM

. . . and the US in general, makes a mockery of the idea of God . . . hypocrisy at its finest . ..

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

The only negative I can think of would be my tendency to think that God blesses me based on performance. I
know in my heart that isn't so but my head often goes the other way.:)

6/26/2015 4:37 PM

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SurveyMonkey

I trust that His ways are higher than mine and He is both Just and Merciful in all things even if they do not make
sense on this side of heaven.

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

No negatives for God as Believe in Him, but I do find many ultra-right wing or legalistic Christians difficult - just as
bad as the fundamentalist Followers of Islam. Many fundamentalist Christians are judgmental and up loving, and
do use Their interpretation of the Bible as an excuse for wrong behaviour eg Apartheid. Evangelicals often fall
into this category - though my faith is evangelical ie we are saved by faith, not works, Jesus gave His life to save
us, and to open the way for a personal relationship with God, we have 'good news' to share

6/26/2015 8:52 AM

10

If you asked me this question 5 years ago, I would have said he expects too much out of me.

6/26/2015 7:03 AM

11

People use him as an excuse, but that's to do with people, not to do with God.

6/26/2015 6:08 AM

12

Sometimes it feels like there are negatives about God - but then if we could see the bigger picture it would be
clear how and why he does what he does.

6/26/2015 4:33 AM

13

i can't find a community of christians i feel comfortable going to church with, my relationship with god is suffering

6/26/2015 3:41 AM

14

This would be the one I struggle with, not something I actually think is true.

6/26/2015 1:40 AM

15

hard to feel loved by God because early separation from parents and being put in boarding school left me with a
disconnect about feeling loved

6/26/2015 1:07 AM

16

However, as the created, my opinion has no value so I just accept it as a hard reality

6/25/2015 8:53 PM

17

He is kind & good & working things out for our best!

6/25/2015 7:21 PM

18

If I focus on negatives, I might never stop focusing on them...

6/25/2015 7:14 PM

19

Waiting for God's best is the most negative thing I can think of...His timing is not my timing

6/25/2015 6:58 AM

20

god is not negative

6/25/2015 12:03 AM

21

My struggle is I have a hard time staying close, when I am in close fellowship I think it won't last

6/24/2015 11:09 PM

22

Feel like in boarding school was taught He was up there watching to see what I did wrong to punish me.

6/24/2015 6:37 PM

23

of course, the answer I chose is more descriptive of people than God

6/24/2015 9:42 AM

24

On bad days, he is an angry, distant and unreachable God. On my good days, He is LOVE Embodied!

6/22/2015 9:40 AM

25

i hold no negative views of God, but I have plenty of negative views of people who sacrifice and hurt others (child,
family) in the name of faith and ministry

6/18/2015 8:36 PM

26

by evangelicals who don't even notice that's what it is. My MK experience is detachment, but not so much as
distant and unreachable.

6/18/2015 8:50 AM

27

I view the answer I selected as true, however my primary view of God is positive.

6/17/2015 3:48 PM

28

I take it that any negative feelings I have about God are as a result of my limited understanding

6/16/2015 12:26 AM

29

There are no unforgivable behaviors but He is used as an excuse for evil acts

6/14/2015 4:35 PM

30

#6 is used by oeople that do not know God. anything negative stems from my fallenness.

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

31

Sure, the Devil tries to get us to believe lies that God is not completely good...he often tries to trip us up with
things we can't but feel we need to understand. Faith is needed for this part. But I believe and know deep inside
that God is good. Saying otherwise on my part would just be an excuse to disobey when I want

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

32

maybe not quite unreachable

6/11/2015 3:51 PM

33

Again I dont agree with masculine pronouns here or any of these options.

6/11/2015 2:29 AM

34

A bit of fear - that His will and work will be difficult.

6/10/2015 2:00 PM

35

It's not so much that I don't want to focus on negatives, but more that I know any negative view of God is a lack of
understanding or perversion of who God really is.

6/10/2015 11:44 AM

36

Many of these choices are distortions of the truth about God. For example, God really IS concerned with his fame
and glory, and you see it throughout the Bible. But it would be inaccurate to call that "narcissistic", which is why I
didn't check that option (or any of the others). God DOES get angry about sin, and he IS jealous for us to serve
Him and no other gods, but that's not a negative trait either. Etc., etc., etc.

6/10/2015 6:57 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

37

my view of God is not negative.

6/9/2015 11:56 PM

38

Again with the "He". God is not a puppet master. God is present in everthing that we perceive, and what we
cannot perceive.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

39

He is unpredictable

6/9/2015 11:25 AM

40

Ouch--I have wrestled with the above statements, but have come to trust in a loving God who is faithful to me.

6/8/2015 10:46 PM

41

I am afraid of the things He sometimes asks me to do.

6/8/2015 10:34 PM

42

God's ways are not our ways. This can make us uncomfortable.

6/8/2015 4:51 PM

43

He demands obedience and holiness at any cost to me.

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

44

If I were to try to come up with a negative, it would be "He doesn't express himself very clearly and allow too
much confusion and disunity within the faith." I debate myself on this though and I might or might not defend that
sentiment, depending on the day.

6/8/2015 12:28 PM

45

Three years ago I participated in a Bible study called The Healing Journey. It is a 29 week study that requires
homework and is put out by His Healing Light Ministries. It was in that study that many of the lies I had believed
about God came out. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has had a life of pain, hurt and abuse.

6/7/2015 10:46 PM

46

I chose my answer not because I believe he condones unforgiveable behavior, but because it is true that people,
including those in ministry, regularly use God as an excuse for negative things. I wouldn't say "unforgivable," but
negative things for sure.

6/7/2015 5:23 PM

47

I believe there are many gods, goddesses, and spirits, but none of these options truly express my primary view of
them.

6/7/2015 1:17 PM

48

But he allows us to work with him to make the world a better place.

6/7/2015 7:28 AM

49

God in scripture is a projection of the author and an idealization

6/7/2015 7:17 AM

50

God is sovereign, sometimes it is hard to accept that.

6/7/2015 12:08 AM

51

I have wrestled with God over the years and found that He is strong enough for my doubt and anger and fear and
all of me.

6/6/2015 10:36 PM

52

I used to think God didn't care about what I wanted. He did things all his way...

6/6/2015 9:54 PM

53

None of the above.

6/6/2015 5:58 PM

54

Unforgivable human behavior or the basic brokenness of the wold that came as a consequence of man's sin

6/6/2015 3:57 PM

55

He is a jealous God, but Hs anger is righteous in that apart from it there is no true love for sinners.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

56

A negative that was not an option: He is a God that, when sin occurs, is distant until much confession/penance is
committed.

6/6/2015 3:40 PM

57

although in the case of God i dont know if thats exactly negative, because his character overflows with light, love
and everything that is good, but of course they may be hard at times for his childrene

6/6/2015 2:52 PM

58

Bible says he is an angry and jealous God. I don't like to focus on that.

6/6/2015 11:17 AM

59

Sometimes people use God as an excuse for their bad behavior, but that's not a negative about God. He doesn't
condone that behavior and isn't really like that.

6/6/2015 11:01 AM

60

I have learned (for myself) that God is good, and He does good, and any perception I may have of "badness" in
God is, be definition, false, and the problem is in my perception, not in Him.

6/6/2015 10:54 AM

61

I don't like the word "unforgivable" in my choice. I'd say wrong, sinful, inexcusable ... or something to that effect.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

62

I struggle to trust God because of the pain of my childhood. God is love = God/Love = pain. Still a disconnect
there for me.

6/6/2015 9:57 AM

63

Has favorites

6/6/2015 9:29 AM

64

This would be the negative way to express PART of what I believe. I do not agree with the statement though.

6/6/2015 9:24 AM

65

Some things seem negative, but He's got His reasons. Plus, He's holy and perfectly good, so it's not a bad thing
for Him. It would be in a human.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

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SurveyMonkey

66

I would phrase the one I checked "He seems distant..." and wanted to check the "excuse" one, but didn't agree
with the word "unforgivable." That would have been my first choice if you had used something like "horrible"
instead.

6/6/2015 9:02 AM

67

God is whatever an individual needs her to be

6/6/2015 9:00 AM

68

There are no negatives in my understanding of God

6/5/2015 8:42 PM

69

Angry and jealous in the "Imma smite your heathen nation for turning away from Me" kind of way.

6/5/2015 7:32 PM

70

In my weakness Can find "fault" in God but when I am centered in scripture and truth my wrong perspective
changes and is set right

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

71

6/5/2015 5:30 PM

14 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q5 The factor that most helped my faith as I

was growing up is:
Answered: 745

Skipped: 7

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
Learnin
g
about
God
and
fait...

Witness
ing a
genuine
fait...

The
challen
ge of
livi...

Seeing
God at
work
in
the...

Having
to rely
on
God
in...

Involve
ment
in
mission
ary...

Persona
l study
or
expl...

Bible
classes
in a
more...

Answer Choices

Nothing
helped
my
faith

Responses

Learning about God and faith from observing my parents living theirs out

32.75%

244

Witnessing a genuine faith in others

16.38%

122

The challenge of living out my faith in places where it wasn't the norm

3.49%

26

Seeing God at work in the world around me

13.29%

99

Having to rely on God in tough circumstances

19.73%

147

Involvement in missionary work

1.61%

12

Personal study or exploration of the Bible

5.37%

40

Bible classes in a more formal setting (church, school, college, seminary)

4.43%

33

Nothing helped my faith

2.95%

22

Total

745

Add additional comments below

Date

none of this . . . the expectation was that faith would be imbued in me (Christianity survives on indoctrination) . . . I
had to find myself . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

In addition to that would be going to Bible school and really working out my own world view.

6/26/2015 4:37 PM

But there are many factors, other mentors, diverse experiences, seeing God at work in very real ways, and finally
coming to the reality that I wanted to know Him.

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

My parents aren't perfect, but they have taught me so much about faith.

6/26/2015 7:03 AM

But it wasn't until I was in high school and went to a Bible camp that I really started reading and studying the
Word.

6/26/2015 6:32 AM

My 9th grade Bible teacher would be a close second.

6/26/2015 1:48 AM

and Personal study/exploration of the Bible.

6/25/2015 11:38 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

God gave me a passion that I can't forget, though try I might, and ultimately its His word and Spirit that are
penetrating my heart.

6/25/2015 10:31 PM

Not just my parents faith, but also that of the greater Christian community.

6/25/2015 9:17 PM

10

All facets of the modern missionary setting only served to question the facades and props of our basic
doctrine...I'm a Christian despite my experiences growing up as an MK

6/25/2015 8:53 PM

11

I didn't like church, even as a little kid

6/25/2015 8:21 PM

12

And how my parents lived

6/25/2015 3:53 PM

13

also challenge of living out my faith, if I can choose 2

6/24/2015 11:09 PM

14

As well as reading a variety of books.

6/24/2015 4:35 PM

15

Personal study of the Bible as well - both answers equally, I think.

6/24/2015 4:28 PM

16

College

6/24/2015 12:56 PM

17

poor assumption that NA is the norm

6/24/2015 10:13 AM

18

as well as learning about God from observing my parents, and personal study of the bible

6/24/2015 9:42 AM

19

Probably seeing God at work in the *natural* world was the best thing for me. Daily devotions were more a source
of guilt b/c I couldn't manage to establish a routine. My father's preaching was always interesting but probably not
a significant factor in personal faith.

6/23/2015 9:20 AM

20

As well as a lot of personal study

6/18/2015 2:11 AM

21

1-5 are true.

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

22

Many deep & candid conversations with my parents about faith

6/13/2015 8:57 PM

23

They helped me live it with them. We served together everywhere we went and they made God and family come
first. We were their number one ministry!

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

24

Genuine faith being exemplified in others...whether 'Christian' or otherwise.

6/11/2015 2:29 AM

25

Involvement in ministry would be a close second.

6/10/2015 12:59 PM

26

At boarding school, developing personal faith apart from parents

6/10/2015 4:04 AM

27

The "faith" of my youth was not faith, but a mask. I've grown up. Faith is not based on what you are told is
correct, but in finding evidence of God for yourself. It's awesome, and I have Peace.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

28

I would like to clarify it was not my "parents" but one parent in particular

6/9/2015 4:48 PM

29

Also watching genuine, grace-filled faith around me and being surrounded by good Biblical teaching.

6/8/2015 10:46 PM

30

My parents have a wonderful faith and it is amazing to see, but I just can't get there.

6/8/2015 7:33 PM

31

I would be hard put to select any one of these becasue they truly all together were big factors.

6/8/2015 10:24 AM

32

Unsure about these answer options

6/8/2015 6:49 AM

33

As well as solid Biblical teaching at home

6/8/2015 1:27 AM

34

All of the above (except last option)- there was no ONE thing

6/7/2015 10:49 PM

35

Relationship through Youth Group

6/7/2015 6:28 AM

36

also - being taught scripture in a formal church setting

6/7/2015 5:08 AM

37

Worship and biblical teaching from BFA, other christian schools, church

6/6/2015 9:54 PM

38

And other books.

6/6/2015 7:15 PM

39

Especially at boarding school (staff/teachers)

6/6/2015 3:57 PM

40

Many things, but mostly the love and commitment of my parents to Jesus.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

41

I chose the second option over the first one because there were many people whose genuine faith greatly helped
mine; my parents' faith was foremost of these.

6/6/2015 3:40 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

42

And Personal exploration of The bible

6/6/2015 3:19 PM

43

All of the above really. They are too intertwined in my life and cannot be separated; however, if it werent for my
parents, I wouldn't have had the chance to experience these in the way I did.

6/6/2015 2:10 PM

44

Having many "aunts" and "uncles" as examples and speaking into my life made an impact

6/6/2015 11:45 AM

45

This is a tough one: As a young MK, I learned by watching my parents and by living out my faith where
evangelical Christianity made me stand out. As a teenager I witnessed more of the Church's dark side so my faith
grew *in spite* of the Church. And as an older teen, a teacher at my Christian school inspired me to think deeply,
critically, and philosophically about my faith, which has been life-changing.

6/6/2015 11:20 AM

46

3 and 5

6/6/2015 11:01 AM

47

I cannot remember a time when I did not know that God/Jesuswas real, even though unseen. (I knew my
grandparents were real, too, but I almost never saw them, either.)

6/6/2015 10:54 AM

48

Especially in the creation around me. Personal study and reading the Bible on my own was what helped me the
most. I had to find my own faith and not my parents' faith.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

49

I would just include "others" as well as my parents; Having to rely on God and personal study of the Bible are
close seconds to my choice, but they were most likely the result of #1 above (an example set) so that's why I
chose it

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

50

Beginning in High School, nothing before that

6/6/2015 10:21 AM

51

Seeing God meet our needs and answer prayer

6/6/2015 10:12 AM

52

My Mom TALKING about the Bible also helped, but I did not see my parents live it out. And while I'm sure I saw
others in #2, it was probably the books and missionary biographies I read growing up that had the most impact.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

53

There were a few adults who treated me with grace instead of judgement and they made a huge impact in my life.
I was always in trouble and most adults I knew were just judgemental.

6/6/2015 6:52 AM

54

I would say having to rely on God in tough circumstances, and then seeing God at work in the world around me...

6/5/2015 7:32 PM

55

i would say the first 8 all strongly apply but I picked one

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

17 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q6 The factor that most hurt my faith as I

was growing up is:
Answered: 733

Skipped: 19

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
Pressur
e to be
perfect

High
spiritu
al
expe...

Seeing/
witness
ing
thin...

The
mission
ary
life...

Sufferi
ng
abuse
whil...

Feeling
unable
to
"con...

Hypocri
sy
within
the...

Hypocri
sy in
the
broa...

Nothing
hurt
my
faith

Answer Choices

Responses

Pressure to be perfect

19.24%

141

High spiritual expectations placed on me

12.14%

89

Seeing/witnessing things God isn't solving or stopping (violence, famine, disease, etc.)

6.96%

51

The missionary life negatively impacting my family

6.28%

46

Suffering abuse while my family was serving

4.91%

36

Feeling unable to "connect" with God

12.41%

91

Hypocrisy within the family

5.46%

40

Hypocrisy in the broader Christian world

17.46%

128

Nothing hurt my faith

15.14%

111

Total

733

Add additional comments below

Date

I don't think being a missionary was the problem, I think it was specific situations.

6/27/2015 9:28 AM

none of these..had to struggle at times but not these reasons

6/26/2015 11:01 PM

As well as unable to connect with God after family health crisis.

6/26/2015 10:30 PM

. . . one has to figure out 'faith' oneself . . . being indoctrinated is a probelm . . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

I want to put in here that pressure did not come from my parents one bit. It came from a few key people in school.
It was a pressure of what a good Christian girl should be / look like. My parents fought hard against that and I am
so glad they did.

6/26/2015 4:37 PM

If God knows me, he should know how to communicate with me. and not for lack of trying, I would like iterate

6/26/2015 3:41 PM

I just drifted away

6/26/2015 9:19 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

My biggest time of questioning was when we returned to my parents' home country in my teens.

6/26/2015 6:08 AM

I dated a non-Christian my senior year of HS and hung out with the wrong crowd. But I don't blame the Lird for
that--peer pressure and wanting to "taste" the world perhaps.

6/26/2015 1:37 AM

10

All the above

6/25/2015 11:26 PM

11

I checked this because there wasn't an "All (or most) of the above" option

6/25/2015 8:53 PM

12

not knowing my role in the faith community

6/25/2015 7:54 PM

13

living in a boarding school that was not Christian, with no Christians around me

6/25/2015 7:28 PM

14

all the above

6/25/2015 6:58 PM

15

I had some of the above pressures, but they didn't hurt my faith

6/24/2015 9:27 PM

16

Mainly self-pressure.

6/24/2015 8:31 PM

17

None that you mentioned. My selfishness and wanting my own way.

6/24/2015 7:45 PM

18

Not that there weren't negative things, but God used them all to strengthen my faith in Him.

6/24/2015 4:59 PM

19

I was very commpliant, but the principal was convinced I was being sneaky and made it a point to make life
miserable..

6/24/2015 3:26 PM

20

this was very minor

6/24/2015 10:13 AM

21

at first I chose "feeling unable to connect with God" because that was what I struggled with most while on the
field. However, I don't think it hurt my faith, but built it.

6/24/2015 9:42 AM

22

wish I could check off a few: hypocrisy, abuse, culture of abuse in missionary circles, etc.

6/24/2015 3:43 AM

23

What hurt my faith most was moving to America and seeing the hypocrisy in the church

6/20/2015 12:25 PM

24

Temptations

6/16/2015 7:03 AM

25

loneliness

6/15/2015 3:24 PM

26

I extended that pressure to God expecting me to be perfect

6/14/2015 4:35 PM

27

Aside from experiencing sexual abuse outside my family, i was hurt because i loved sin, had ADD, and could not
maintain connections. God broke my heart over and over to cause me to look at Him, and seek Him.

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

28

The pressure to appear perfect was self inflicted I think. I was too proud to show my faults, and to certain degree I
still am.

6/13/2015 6:23 PM

29

My father was killed on the field when I was 15 - that was a difficult time

6/13/2015 4:56 PM

30

working all the time, being gone every night of the week, single parent, only child, all alone, that was only for
2years out of 6 though

6/13/2015 10:25 AM

31

Standards that were unrealistic that I put on myself. But God's grace can be hard to accept but is amazing and
powerful!

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

32

Nothing hurt my faith is a bit extreme, but I feel that growing up I did not experience any of the others particularly.

6/10/2015 2:00 PM

33

As I was growing up my faith was steady - it was challenged once I was in college

6/10/2015 12:59 PM

34

Or expected to appear perfect to others

6/10/2015 11:27 AM

35

The only thing that hurt my faith (temporarily) came later in life, at a Christian college. As I studied philosophy and
saw all sorts of different worldviews, some of which directly contradicted others in ways that meant they couldn't
both be true, I started to wonder whether my worldview was true. Was Christianity really TRUE, or were we all
deluding ourselves? (I knew my parents' faith was genuine, so I never felt they'd lied to me or been hypocrites.
The worst I could accuse them of was being sincerely mistaken.) After working through these doubts for several
months, I decided that yes, what I had taught was indeed trustworthy, and so I came back to a stronger faith than
ever.

6/10/2015 6:57 AM

36

Might be good to add an option for research that contradicted the Christian view of God

6/9/2015 11:24 PM

37

power struggles among missionaries

6/9/2015 4:19 PM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

38

having to move so many times

6/9/2015 7:52 AM

39

My relationship with my dad. But this had nothing to do with being an MK.

6/8/2015 10:34 PM

40

Especially at MK school the idea that less than 100% is spiritual rebellion.

6/8/2015 4:51 PM

41

Persistant emotional strife between my faith. My faith went cerebral only.

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

42

Tie between this and feeling unable to "connect" in the sense that I heard so many stories of people being
personally impacted by God and seeing miracles and feeling such a strong personal faith and passion... and I
rarely felt that, or in many cases thought I felt it and then afterwards revised my opinion and thought it may have
been a manufactured feeling, the result of the context I was in (youth camp, emotional music, etc)

6/8/2015 12:28 PM

43

Feeling "stuck in a rut"; knowing all the right things to say and do, going through the motions, but lacking a real
spiritual connection to God

6/8/2015 1:27 AM

44

This pressure did not come from my parents

6/7/2015 10:49 PM

45

perceived pressure to be perfect ... not neccesarily so

6/7/2015 7:57 PM

46

My dad was a field leader. The angry fundamentalists made life hard for my dad and therefore on us kids.

6/7/2015 7:28 AM

47

Facing faith as a "religion"

6/7/2015 6:28 AM

48

mostly how we were treated by our home church in the states both on the field and at home on furlough

6/7/2015 5:08 AM

49

My personal rebellion

6/6/2015 11:25 PM

50

To explain - when my family came back to the USA when my older siblings and I were in high school so that we
wouldn't have to go to boarding school, my dad had to work 2 jobs to care for us so he was never around. My
mother was sick and had 2 operations so she wasn't available.

6/6/2015 11:11 PM

51

Separation from loving parents / boarding school / abuse

6/6/2015 5:58 PM

52

1, 3, 6 & 7

6/6/2015 4:40 PM

53

The separation faith could cause in friendships with peers in the host culture. People could turn away from you or
mock you just bcz of your faith. That made it hard at times.

6/6/2015 3:57 PM

54

What most hurt my faith was sins of my youth... and sin in general as it kept me from a close a relationship with
Jesus.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

55

my own masks that blocked my being honest w myself

6/6/2015 3:21 PM

56

Seeing friends who claimed to be Christians leave the faith

6/6/2015 2:15 PM

57

Tried to measure up .... felt unique but not aware of other fields of endeavor

6/6/2015 12:47 PM

58

Justifying the suffering and pain and abuse with a "good and protective" GOD.

6/6/2015 12:08 PM

59

Desiring what others had or did sometimes stunted my growth.

6/6/2015 12:06 PM

60

Legalism by BFA, other missionaries, and home church

6/6/2015 11:49 AM

61

It's really a tie between my selected answer, and Hypocrisy in the broader Christian world

6/6/2015 11:20 AM

62

Being taught -- implicitly, though not explicitly -- that Christianity was about fire insurance and behavior
modification.

6/6/2015 10:54 AM

63

Fear my parents held that my life and what I believed would hurt their ministry and those watching.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

64

my choice includes the temptations that made me want to live for myself by fitting into village life (including
immorality), and challenges we faced that were hard and didn't seem fair (including coworker issues, knowing I'd
have to leave the field one day, etc) Things that made me cry out to God a lot in personal laments, wondering
"why, God?" - but it wasn't a temptation to "lose my faith"

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

65

Just regular struggle with my faith to make it my own

6/6/2015 10:12 AM

66

The legalism that was promoted by the missionary school

6/6/2015 9:47 AM

67

Not by family but you know MK and PKs are supposed to be perfect.

6/6/2015 9:13 AM

68

The fighting, the mean voices, the cutting words, those really pushed me away.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

69

I think what hurt most was my parents not confessing their sin and faults, allowing to be feel free to be human.
But all of those were experienced to one degree or another but the last one.

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

70

Placed on me by me

6/5/2015 6:27 PM

21 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q7 My rejection of faith (if applicable):

Answered: 695

Skipped: 57

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
Was gradual and took
several years

Happened quickly
after a significant
experience or event

I never really had a

personal faith, so
there was nothing to
reject

Answer Choices

Responses

Was gradual and took several years

73.60%

92

Happened quickly after a significant experience or event

21.60%

27

I never really had a personal faith, so there was nothing to reject

4.80%

Total

125

Add additional comments below

Date

The absence of regular non-parental engagement in meaningful discussions of faith due to language and cultural
barriers

6/26/2015 10:13 PM

. . . faith was expected of me . . . this question doesn't really work in the context of indoctrination . . . how many of
us would follow that path without it . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

At 34 years of age, I still deal with my programming on a near-daily basis.

6/26/2015 4:39 PM

many hard long years

6/26/2015 3:41 PM

I more so struggle with my own committment to God on a day to day basis. I have never douted Him, only
myself.

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

I went to Jail for a night. (Just to let you know, my faith in Christ has been established since then)

6/26/2015 7:03 AM

i have grown distant and have doubts but i don't feel i have rejected my faith

6/26/2015 3:41 AM

I haven't rejected my faith as I still believe in God and the Bible but I have given up on trying to have any sort of
personal relationship with God.

6/25/2015 6:27 PM

Its not a total rejection, more a doubt

6/25/2015 3:53 PM

10

i go through phases of rejecting my faith but have never completely turned away from it

6/25/2015 11:44 AM

11

Have a different kind of "faith"

6/25/2015 12:03 AM

12

Flip flopped back and forth from day to day.

6/23/2015 10:13 PM

13

I don't believe in Christianity as it exists today and belive it to be more of a myth

6/22/2015 12:50 PM

14

but then I came back

6/18/2015 11:07 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

15

I rejected Christianity, but have come back to a faith in the Divine

6/18/2015 8:57 AM

16

but the church is not a warm and safe place to be, being loved surprises me more than not

6/18/2015 8:50 AM

17

As well, some events did alter my view on faith

6/17/2015 8:52 PM

18

the more i learn about God, the deeper I want to go with Him.

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

19

But it has been through a few transformations and many years of questioning.

6/13/2015 12:26 PM

20

God is the center of who I am

6/13/2015 11:52 AM

21

but my faith has changed dramatically over the years.

6/11/2015 2:29 AM

22

I rejected only for a time

6/11/2015 12:25 AM

23

I did have a period of doubt that lasted several months, but it ended with me reaffirming my faith in God.

6/10/2015 6:57 AM

24

my relationship was tested and absent, but I never rejected my faith.

6/8/2015 3:49 PM

25

I haven't rejected my faith, but I have lots of questions and uncertainties, which I feel like I have to keep hidden
because I'm (in the words of my mentor who's helping me work through some of this currently) "part of the club"
already and don't really feel like I have an option to openly question anything.

6/8/2015 12:28 PM

26

Would pick the 1st 2 answers combined

6/8/2015 6:49 AM

27

Largely after the Kosovo Genocide, years later I came back to the faith, through God reaching out to me, and as a
response to the very same horrific events.

6/7/2015 9:25 AM

28

It wasn't an outright rejection. It was a gradual departure that lasted 12 years

6/7/2015 7:28 AM

29

Felt my identity was removed when returned to US, no longer had "MK Status"

6/7/2015 6:28 AM

30

There was a whole year in hgh school when I fought agaisnt God, but in the end I did not reject my faith.

6/7/2015 5:51 AM

31

I tried to walk away, but I felt the love of God too much to be able to stray too far for long.

6/6/2015 9:54 PM

32

Rejection of the Christian Culture's definition of faith

6/6/2015 3:30 PM

33

There were about 10 rocky years though.

6/6/2015 3:25 PM

34

I never totally rejected my faith, but in the seasons where I am not as close to God, it was always gradual.

6/6/2015 3:06 PM

35

Other: i wouldn't call it "rejection of faith" but rather logical inquiry that lead to not believing in Christianity

6/6/2015 12:26 PM

36

But I significantly struggled after a personal injury and was very angry with God

6/6/2015 11:23 AM

37

It was nearly 4 years before I wanted to believe God actually cared about me. College and living out of the field
helped me learn more about myself and why I wanted a relationship with God.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

38

I rejected faith but now follow Christ

6/6/2015 9:27 AM

39

I was later teens by the time it happened, and it was mostly gradual, but having a Christian teen guy stalking me
was also a factor that pushed me away. I guess you could call that a "significant experience" like #2

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

40

If anything, my faith in God has been truly affirmed and established as an MK. Observing the simple faith the
believers had there and the wonders God performed as opposed to the habitual 'faith' of U. S. Believers is what is
discouraging today for me.

6/6/2015 8:56 AM

41

I have had problems always consistently walking with God in my actions and life, but I've never rejected God or
my faith.

6/6/2015 6:52 AM

42

I wandered for nearly a decade, thereby rejecting my faith by my lifestyle, but in my heart, I still knew what was
right/true.

6/6/2015 4:23 AM

43

It was overall gradual but there were certain events of abuse that expedited the process

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

44

I haven't fully rejected my faith but I am in a place of re-evaluation of what I believe.

6/5/2015 5:38 PM

23 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q8 In the MK community, those who are

known to be non-believers:
Answered: 698

Skipped: 54

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
Are accepted

Are embraced

Are
ostracized
(pushed away)

Are shamed

Become
projects for
those who try
to convert...

Answer Choices

Responses

Are accepted

34.24%

239

Are embraced

11.46%

80

Are ostracized (pushed away)

11.17%

78

Are shamed

4.30%

30

Become projects for those who try to convert them

38.83%

271

Total

698

Add additional comments below

Date

By me. Not all others.

6/27/2015 10:25 AM

I was taught to not judge other and that God loves all people, whether they love Him or not.

6/27/2015 9:28 AM

People are scared to mention it, surprisingly on the "mission" field.

6/26/2015 10:30 PM

we seem to know what they're going through, since many of us have been there too

6/26/2015 9:59 PM

depends how many crazy ass right wing evangelicals there are in the room . . .

6/26/2015 6:32 PM

Embraced to begin a relationship first that will hopefully be an avenue to talk about Christ but relationship first.

6/26/2015 4:37 PM

parents included. This was the hardest part

6/26/2015 3:41 PM

All of the above depending on the circumstances and people involved.

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

I have no close friends in the MK community that are non-believers

6/26/2015 2:36 PM

10

I guess it depends on which community you are in - some are more accepting than others

6/26/2015 8:52 AM

11

Man, I hated this growing up!

6/26/2015 7:03 AM

12

Tho the last one is representative of some people.

6/26/2015 6:32 AM

13

I hope they are embraced. I know some people will ostracise them, but I hope that it not the overall feeling.

6/26/2015 4:33 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

14

i never experienced an MK community

6/26/2015 3:41 AM

15

Not sure about this one since I have not had contact with anyone that has left the faith.

6/26/2015 2:44 AM

16

as they had the courage to be defiant against the authorities

6/26/2015 1:07 AM

17

Honestly, its a little bit of everything. Some MK's push themselves away. Others become projects, others are still
loved.

6/25/2015 10:31 PM

18

Sadly.I don't really know my current circle doesn't really include any MKs

6/25/2015 9:17 PM

19

In the adult MK community? are accepted. In the young kid MK community? projects to convert

6/25/2015 6:55 PM

20

None of the options apply to my experience. They were friends, loved.

6/25/2015 6:37 PM

21

I don't understand the question here.

6/25/2015 1:47 PM

22

As were those who might not have fit in in another situation, like kids who entered the school system in their jr
high years and had little social skills. I observed and was part of an understanding and coming around them with
a love that included them. It is a way of life for me - because we all understand not feeling like we fit - and
appreciate those who love us anyway.

6/25/2015 9:32 AM

23

It depends

6/24/2015 11:32 PM

24

also are shamed, my responses surprise and sadden me here

6/24/2015 11:09 PM

25

Are pitied and loved.

6/24/2015 8:31 PM

26

Are loved and prayed for. Wished they would change their minds but know God is the only one that can do that
and preaching only drives them away.

6/24/2015 7:45 PM

27

I don't know.

6/24/2015 4:59 PM

28

At least among the MK community I experience.

6/24/2015 4:58 PM

29

For me personally that was my outlook. At boarding school, I felt like they were "projects"

6/24/2015 3:13 PM

30

I chose the last answer because there wasn't one that accurately expressed what I experienced/observed, which
was that people struggling with their faith almost always KEPT THIS TO THEMSELVES

6/24/2015 2:10 PM

31

I have no idea.

6/24/2015 9:42 AM

32

i don't remember anyone admitting to not believing.

6/23/2015 10:01 PM

33

I'm not sure how to answer this question

6/23/2015 9:09 PM

34

I don't know if you mean adult or kid/youth MK community. I'm not connected with an adult MK community but I
know it was this way as teens at boarding school.

6/23/2015 9:20 AM

35

Always something wrong with us

6/22/2015 12:50 PM

36

I think? I'm not sure since I was never around any MK community.

6/20/2015 1:05 PM

37

I think they often ostracise themselves... I haven't met many non-believing MKs.

6/19/2015 9:28 PM

38

and ostracized and shamed

6/18/2015 8:36 PM

39

Not sure how to answer this, lots of "projects" in the church and was once asterisked on a church roster as
believed to be an unbeliever, but not much contact with MK community, as Jonathan Addleton said we are "one
of the tiniest and loneliest minorities on earth."

6/18/2015 8:50 AM

40

As well as embraced.

6/17/2015 8:52 PM

41

Am not really in close relationship with many MKs

6/17/2015 6:52 PM

42

I've only personally interacted with one person who professed to be a non-believer and I witnessed the MK
community completely embrace him.

6/17/2015 3:14 PM

43

Not a situation I was aware of

6/16/2015 9:38 AM

44

Partly due to the big effort of our NSW MK Network president, I wouldn't have known otherwise.

6/16/2015 5:00 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

45

I'm not as directly involved in the MK community as some. I would hope that they would be accepted and loved,
though that is not totally realistic, I'm sure.

6/14/2015 5:50 PM

46

In my circle of mk friends anyway. I don't hang with people who ostracize others

6/14/2015 4:35 PM

47

true fidelity through Christ

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

48

At least by me

6/13/2015 11:54 PM

49

I have no idea ...

6/13/2015 10:10 PM

50

I am a MK but I am not part of an MK community

6/13/2015 9:36 PM

51

I would hope they are accepted, but some see them as projects

6/13/2015 4:56 PM

52

they are loved and respected though recognizing the reality that they need to trust Christ for salvation!

6/13/2015 12:31 PM

53

Not projects, but those who are lost and need Jesus like everyone else.

6/13/2015 12:29 PM

54

I hated this. I wasn't in this category but felt sympathy for those who were.

6/13/2015 12:26 PM

55

I'm guessing. I don't know any personally.

6/13/2015 10:25 AM

56

Not sure I understood this question

6/11/2015 11:27 PM

57

I never really had this experience while in the mk community

6/11/2015 9:10 PM

58

Not sure I want to stereotype! I think they need in general (all Christians should try to be) more loving of all
people, less judgmental, but still holding tightly to truth and clinging to it! Kindly though! Jesus set an example of
loving sinners!

6/11/2015 8:02 PM

59

Haven't really met such individuals

6/11/2015 6:21 AM

60

Depending on the MK community...

6/10/2015 4:52 PM

61

I haven't connected with many known to be non-believers

6/10/2015 12:59 PM

62

They are the subject of much prayer

6/10/2015 8:05 AM

63

In addition to being projects/subjects of concern

6/10/2015 7:41 AM

64

I don't personally know of any cases, so I can't answer this question.

6/10/2015 6:57 AM

65

Grudgingly accepted

6/10/2015 3:04 AM

66

ostracized is the runner up answer

6/9/2015 11:56 PM

67

None of the above. The only MKs that I knew, back in the day, that didn't "play the game" weren't treated any
different than us posers.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

68

I don't think making them projects is intentional, but people are afraid for their souls.

6/9/2015 5:38 PM

69

Depends on the culture that has been set in each environment, MK's can often present as Holier than thou and
reject other MK's who are not believers.

6/9/2015 5:28 PM

70

I would say its a strange mix of all of the above.

6/9/2015 12:42 PM

71

I think they distance themselves, but would be treated graciously and definitely prayed for without becoming a
project.

6/8/2015 10:46 PM

72

For the only data point that I have, I truly wanted to reconnect with a former classmate that wanted nothing more
to do with BFA people.

6/8/2015 10:34 PM

73

I don't know - they are not visible. I anticipate that if I were to "come out" as non-christian I would be shamed or
become a project for some, and I don't want to deal with that.

6/8/2015 9:45 PM

74

Versus co-recipients of God's image and common grace and worth knowing as friends without agenda.

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

75

Not sure what u r getting at

6/8/2015 8:48 AM

76

depends on the specific MK subculture they're in...applies across the board in Christianity

6/8/2015 6:49 AM

77

I don't know; I can't say I know any non-believing MKs personally

6/8/2015 1:27 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

78

Are fervently prayed for!

6/7/2015 2:00 PM

79

As well as often ostracized and shamed.

6/7/2015 1:17 PM

80

This is tough to answer with just one choice. I have seen all the above in my circlle. Its highly individualistic.

6/7/2015 12:46 PM

81

For the MK community I grew up in and the group of MK's Ispent time with in college MK's and others known to
be non-believers were accepted. Faith was taled about and discussed, but those who did not believe were
accepted.

6/7/2015 5:51 AM

82

But not by everyone, I'm sure.

6/6/2015 11:41 PM

83

Embraced seems like condoning but maybe you just mean being loved.

6/6/2015 11:11 PM

84

all of the above at different times.

6/6/2015 10:36 PM

85

it isn't just one. but I accept them even though i'm sad for them.

6/6/2015 7:15 PM

86

But as or more often choose to leave

6/6/2015 5:50 PM

87

Many MKs try to convert MKs who have left and it only makes the non believers angry. It is just more of why the
rejected Chrisitianity in the first place.

6/6/2015 5:28 PM

88

Depends on setting. In MK youth groups/camps I have seems a great ability by certain leaders to embrace and
love (not proselytize) which has often lead more to conversion than outright methods.

6/6/2015 3:57 PM

89

I have two sisters who walked away from Jesus... baffling, and I have had to give up on the project f winning them
to jsut try and love them. I pray each day the Lord brings them and their family back soon.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

90

There is ostracism, but not severely (that I notice). I think they are expected by everyone to turn out to be strong
believers, or at LEAST believers, and when those expectations are broken the community doesn't know what to
do with them, thus they fall out of contact with those individuals. Sadly, it is easier to relate to MK's who fake their
faith (because that meets expectations) than it is to be REAL with MK's who are open and honest about their
apostasy.

6/6/2015 3:40 PM

91

in reality im not sure if theyre pushed away or leave themselves, the ones i know personally i reach out to, not for
conversion but because theyre my friends, any alienation is probably discomfort on their part

6/6/2015 2:52 PM

92

All of the above.

6/6/2015 2:27 PM

93

a little of all the above

6/6/2015 2:20 PM

94

We didn't really think about it too much-we were drawn to those who were like hearted.

6/6/2015 2:06 PM

95

I don't think this s any different inside the mo community as it is the rest of the world.

6/6/2015 1:45 PM

96

No idea; not something I have experience with.

6/6/2015 1:33 PM

97

I answered for myself. I can't speak for the entire community of MKs

6/6/2015 12:17 PM

98

This is not necessarily as it should be, but as I observe it to be.

6/6/2015 12:00 PM

99

Are mourned and expressed concern for

6/6/2015 11:27 AM

100

All of the above, depending on which part of the MK community is reacting to them.

6/6/2015 11:20 AM

101

Probably don't participate much

6/6/2015 11:17 AM

102

I always just wanted to be friends and to embrace those around me. I believe that living out your faith is a lot more
important than forcing your belief on someone who might simply need a friend or a listening ear, a home away
from home.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

103

My choice has too many bad connotations, which I don't ever remember experiencing or perceiving. :( Since
salvation can't be coerced, the only way I can apply "projects" is by saying they were diligently prayed for and
people took opportunities to reach out to them in some way, like be their friend and try to be a good testimony. I
wish I could combine "accepted" with the last one, because I don't remember anyone being rejected or
ostracized. But, in my experience, when it was suspected that someone wasn't saved, the concern was always
been for them to get saved. But my perception was always that it was motivated by love and a true concern. So
their being unsaved wasn't "acceptable" but they went on people's prayer lists (praying for their salvation) out of
genuine love and concern for them.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

104

As far as I know, didn't really meet any non-believer MKs

6/6/2015 10:12 AM

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PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

105

You know, I don't think I ever asked. I'm sure they had a different experience at my MK boarding school, but I
didn't treat them differently and hopefully wouldn't have even if I'd known.

6/6/2015 9:42 AM

106

Mostly accepted, but I've seen all of the above happen.

6/6/2015 9:34 AM

107

1,5 In our first church you could be and do whatever and no one would confront sin. In our second church, no one
cared about the person, only getting them to pray a prayer.

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

108

I feel like they aren't even included or thought of in the MK community

6/6/2015 9:01 AM

109

I don't condone this

6/6/2015 8:59 AM

110

Conversely, those known to be sincerely faithful are ostracized by the non-believers and nominals

6/6/2015 8:57 AM

111

Should be embraced, just as any non believer. Just live our lives right

6/6/2015 8:56 AM

112

But only if I knew them before-hand.

6/6/2015 8:53 AM

113

Ostracized as teens, accepted as adults.

6/5/2015 7:32 PM

28 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Q9 My faith today is strengthened by:

Answered: 722

Skipped: 30

100%
80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
Sharing
with others

The
teaching of
others

Studying/de
votions

Witnessing
faith's
impact on
my own life

Witnessing
faith's
impact on
the live...

Answer Choices

Exploring
apologetics

Responses

Sharing with others

11.99%

83

The teaching of others

11.85%

82

Studying/devotions

24.13%

167

Witnessing faith's impact on my own life

34.25%

237

Witnessing faith's impact on the lives of others

12.72%

88

Exploring apologetics

5.06%

35

Total

692

Add additional comments below

Date

All of the above

6/26/2015 8:54 PM

So many things and yet I wish so much for the faith I saw in the mission field to be seen in my community in the
United States. It is hard to feel like I am seeing real Christianity in action on a regular basis like I saw on the
mission field. Sharing with others is good only if they are really real people to me. Others teaching is the same, I
need to see the realness of their faith.

6/26/2015 4:37 PM

Really it's hanging out with Jesus. Taking time to try and listen and rest in Him. Most the time I don't hear
anything sepecific, but I just know He is with me and that gives me so much strength. My issue is that I do not
take time to be with him on a regular basis. It comes and goes. I hope one day I will daily rest in His presence but
for now, it's still an hilley road. And I also love spending time with others and talking about real life. That helps too
:)

6/26/2015 2:59 PM

Studying both individually and in group settings, where it is often my privilege to share. Would have liked to be
able to choose both options.

6/26/2015 6:08 AM

Again, almost all of them are true.

6/25/2015 11:54 PM

When I talk to someone else, my true values and beliefs seem to flow out.

6/25/2015 10:31 PM

It's not that I don't have faith it's that I don't know that it's doesn't do anything

6/25/2015 9:10 PM

All of the above

6/25/2015 6:37 PM

29 / 32

PART 2: MKs AND FAITH

SurveyMonkey

Allowing my day to day life to be my witness, as I show God's love through my actions and answer those who
ask/share how important my faith and walk with the Lord is to me.

6/25/2015 9:32 AM

10

multiple answers above apply. difficult to choose just one...

6/25/2015 8:38 AM

11

I am a Christian by culture, association, and practice, but I believe in probabilities, not faith or belief in the sense
of subscribing to a proposition without , or in spite of, evidence.

6/25/2015 7:30 AM

12

nature - gods creation

6/25/2015 12:03 AM

13

Also by teaching and corporate worship

6/24/2015 11:32 PM

14

All of the above (except first)

6/24/2015 4:59 PM

15

& studying & sharing with others

6/24/2015 1:57 PM

16

None fit-in a very dry time spiritually

6/23/2015 5:48 PM

17

& the natural world

6/23/2015 9:20 AM

18

My husband and close church family are a huge encouragement to my faith now.

6/19/2015 9:28 PM

19

And witnessing in others, and doing the work of living the Kingdom as it replaces the brokenness of the world.

6/18/2015 11:49 AM

20

My relationships and conversations with friends of many different faiths have strengthened and shaped the way I
view God

6/18/2015 8:57 AM

21

I honestly don't know. I'm not really even wanting to or tying to strengthen it.

6/17/2015 8:52 PM

22

And on the lives of others

6/16/2015 12:26 AM

23

Focusing on my personal relationship with Jesus is foundational. That involves personal study and involvement
in an active community of believers.

6/14/2015 5:50 PM

24

2-7 are true for me

6/14/2015 10:12 AM

25

making the world a better place

6/14/2015 8:53 AM

26

The teaching of God's Word

6/13/2015 12:29 PM

27

Social justice, peacemaking, welcoming the unwelcome

6/13/2015 12:26 PM

28

Digging into what the spcirtures meant to a people thousands of years ago, usually sparked by unbelievers
questions

6/13/2015 10:25 AM

29

Had/having the privilege of traveling internationally and witnessing the testimony of other people's faith in God.

6/11/2015 6:21 AM

30

through genuine relationship and learning about my faith (apologetics) and other faiths and seeking truth in them
as well.

6/11/2015 2:29 AM

31

Multiples, but checked a main one

6/10/2015 2:00 PM

32

And sharing and teaching. And my own devotions.

6/10/2015 12:59 PM

33

The Bible in general including personal study and good teaching.

6/9/2015 9:42 PM

34

"Armchair theology" - I try to read a lot. Orthodoxy does not interest me. The most interesting books question,
question, question, ...and yet, my faith is still strong. Go figure.

6/9/2015 9:12 PM

35

It is strengthened by the handful of people whose love for me transcended their need to enforce their system on
me.

6/9/2015 4:48 PM

36

Serving and building relationship with the most vulnerable in my community - the physically poor, mentally ill,
ostracized outside of "normal" society

6/9/2015 9:06 AM

37

Exploring and understanding the historical church (pre reformation)

6/9/2015 7:24 AM

38

My time with the Lord, and my time with a handful of truly amazing believers.

6/8/2015 10:34 PM

39

Seeing tangible, personalized and emotional ways God cares for me and others.

6/8/2015 3:28 PM

40

all of the above

6/8/2015 10:24 AM

41

more than one thing

6/7/2015 7:57 PM

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SurveyMonkey

42

As well as just being in nature and experiencing life and the world's beauty.

6/7/2015 1:17 PM

43

Again need more choices. It starts with my personal relationship with Jesus, which must include time alone with
Him in the Word. But then then includes the impact of others in my life & mine on theirs.

6/7/2015 12:46 PM

44

Experiences with God--not "about" God

6/7/2015 6:28 AM

45

A mix between studying the Bible and the faith of others.

6/7/2015 5:51 AM

46

Taking risks in following Him. Doing what he invites me to do.

6/6/2015 11:25 PM

47

My Church

6/6/2015 9:54 PM

48

The broader church community where o see my life and faith change and influenced by teaching, sharing, and
others sharing with me.

6/6/2015 8:24 PM

49

NA

6/6/2015 7:06 PM

50

Realizing God's unconditional love for me

6/6/2015 5:28 PM

51

But I'm struggling with Gods distance still

6/6/2015 4:40 PM

52

Hard to maintain deep faith in the chaos of responsibilities with jobs and such. So different from growing up
where while family's job WAS faith related. Seems like in "real life" there is so little time for Bible studies, prayer
groups, and often even church.

6/6/2015 4:36 PM

53

Through observation of nature and worshiping through song.

6/6/2015 3:57 PM

54

and being in His Word daily.

6/6/2015 3:47 PM

55

Belonging to a faith community

6/6/2015 3:45 PM

56

My faith today is strengthened by knowing Christ, and by involvement with Christ-seeking communities of
believers.

6/6/2015 3:40 PM

57

Holding desperately to Jesus with trust and faith

6/6/2015 3:30 PM

58

Actions.... of self and others.

6/6/2015 2:20 PM

59

all of the above

6/6/2015 1:39 PM

60

I still adhere to Christianity though my spouse is agnostic and we seldom go to church/mass.

6/6/2015 12:29 PM

61

I meet with 2 guys once a week to study Theology, and 2 times a week, I attend different small groups. These
activities hold me accountable, which strengthens my faith.

6/6/2015 12:06 PM

62

I have walked enough of both deep valleys and high mountantops in God's company to KNOW God not only
theoretically, but experientially in ways that cannot be taken from me.

6/6/2015 10:54 AM

63

Looking back at my life growing up and seeing how God has blessed me and my family and how much more He
has done without me even asking fo His help.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

64

Studying to me encompasses "learning" - whether that's through the teaching of others or my own personal
study; But my faith is strengthened the more I learn about God.

6/6/2015 10:26 AM

65

Serving others

6/6/2015 10:12 AM

66

I read books of people who have suffered greatly yet have been able to find or maintain faith in God such as
Stormie Omartian, Beth Moore, Anne Lamott, etc.

6/6/2015 9:57 AM

67

Prayer

6/6/2015 9:26 AM

68

Reading and working with Wild at Heart

6/6/2015 9:21 AM

69

Witnessing individuals who truly love God and others

6/6/2015 9:16 AM

70

Worship experiences and teachings at church

6/6/2015 9:10 AM

71

Combination of 1-6, with emphasis on #3

6/6/2015 9:07 AM

72

Hugely strengthened also by the witness of our priest and nun at our parish. They show true joy in what they do.

6/6/2015 8:59 AM

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SurveyMonkey

73

Just getting to know Him better and drawing closer in His presence, seeing the daily benefits and mercies He
gives. He IS an Awesome God!!

6/6/2015 8:56 AM

74

I would say studying as well as apologetics and witnessing what God is doing in the world through Christians who
are becoming more aware of the self-righteousness and hypocrisy in the Christian community. They are
recognizing this and learning to focus on Jesus.

6/6/2015 6:52 AM

75

And PRAYER!

6/6/2015 4:23 AM

76

All of the above except for the first option

6/5/2015 8:42 PM

77

2-5 are applicable

6/5/2015 7:24 PM

78

Soaking, resting in His presence and seeing the supernatural as normal

6/5/2015 6:07 PM

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