NASHVILLE, TN—In an effort to discover where Free Will Baptist teenagers stand on crucial beliefs and behaviors, Welch College is sponsoring a survey aimed specifically at Free Will Baptist youth, according to Dr. Barry Raper, program coordinator for Pastoral Ministry. Dr. Raper said, “While scores of surveys have been conducted in recent years across denominational lines informing us of American teens and their faith, no extensive research has been available on Free Will Baptist youth. I hope the results of this survey can give an accurate picture of the spiritual condition of youth within our churches.”
A survey instrument was created to measure certain beliefs and practices ranging from beliefs about the Bible and Jesus Christ to key ethical issues within American culture. The anonymous survey is designed to be administered to youth groups by youth pastors or youth leaders.
A small group of youth pastors in the Nashville area served as an advisory board and also agreed to be the first group to administer the survey. The plan is to take the survey to local associations, state camps, and youth retreats. Results of the survey will then be analyzed and made available by the 2015 National Convention of Free Will Baptists in Grand Rapids.
If you would like more information about the survey or would like to participate, please email Dr. Barry Raper at braper@welch.edu.