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Contents More connections, less community... 3 This report... 3 Beneath the surface: our wellbeing... 4 Convenience and comforts but not contentment... 4 Wellbeing down, anxiety up... 5 From digital detoxes to Christian camps... 7 Impact of camps, conferences and retreats:... 8 Impact and importance:... 8 First faith decisions & recommitments:... 12 Next gen focus: Spirituality and emerging generations... 14 The ageing church... 15 Faith formative years... 15 Activities that lead to faith formation... 17 Denominational differences:... 19 Motivators and drivers: why people go to Christian camps, conferences & spiritual retreats... 20 Activities that engage... 23 Appetite for more... 25 Conclusion... 29 Appendix... 31 2
More connections, less community An interesting social phenomenon has developed in today s society: we have more relational connections than ever before in history, and are dedicating hours of each day to connecting with our networks, yet there is evidence that our overall wellbeing is in decline, relationships are strained and many people are experiencing loneliness and a breakdown in community. Community provides a sense of belonging, of being known, of knowing others. It involves living and finding meaning and existence in the context of relationship with others. It is the foundation and fabric of our families, our neighbourhoods, our cities, our nations and our world. The desire to connect with others is a deep human need and driver. Relationships give meaning to life, and as individuals we cannot function in this world without an interdependence on one another. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and Romans 12:3-8, the Bible describes the church community being like a body, with each part depending on being connected to the other parts, and finding its meaning, purpose and contribution within the context of the larger body. The significance of community for human life, functioning and flourishing cannot be understated. In today s digital age, we have unprecedented opportunities to connect with people around the globe. Many of us have more friends than ever before (if we define friends as those on our Facebook friends list or Instagram followers). Yet in the midst of our wired, non-stop lives, many of us are experiencing feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnection from meaningful community. This report In an attempt to equip leaders to respond to the realities of today s somewhat fragmented society, this report provides analysis and insight into the role of camps and conferences on cultivating and enhancing community. The report highlights the process of relational, spiritual and personal formation and how involvement with camps and conferences has an impact on this. This report is based on research commissioned by Christian Venues Association (CVA), which includes data collected in the 2016 National Church Life Survey (NCLS). In addition to survey design, the NCLS Research team co-ordinated the major national survey project. Attenders from 14 denominations and church movements were sampled and results weighted, with 1,398 church attenders completing the questions 3
specific to this CVA study 1. Analysis of eleven questions was provided to CVA in a summary results report (see Appendix for more). Hello Clarity, on behalf of Christian Venues Association, has analysed results alongside other demographic data and relevant studies, and produced this report. Beneath the surface: our wellbeing Convenience and comforts but not contentment With over two million apps accessible from our smartphones, the digital age has facilitated an increasingly convenient lifestyle. Amidst this life of increased comfort and convenience, it is evident that the overall wellbeing of many in our society is under strain. The concerning trends around increased mental and psychological distress and impacts on overall wellbeing suggest the pendulum in a device driven and wired world has swung too far. Although Australian teens may be spending an average of 2.7 hours a day connected to social media, with Australian adults spending 2.1 hours per day also engaged in social media 2, it does not appear to be providing the emotional and relational fulfilment people long for. Further, research on cultural dimensions across nations has shown that Australia is a highly individualistic culture, with a score of 90 on a scale of 100. 3 In practice, this means that Australians are loosely connected to one another, and for the most 1 The maximum margin of error on a simple random sample of 1,398 at a 95% confidence is 2.6%. That is, assuming a simple random sample, there is a 95% chance that the sample result falls within ±2.6% of the result for the Australian churchgoing population. This report is based on research commissioned by Christian Venues Association (CVA), which includes data collected in the 2016 National Church Life Survey (2016 NCLS). In addition to survey design, the NCLS Research team co-ordinated the major national survey project. Attenders from 14 denominations and church movements were sampled and results weighted, with 1,398 church attenders completing the questions specific to this CVA study. Analysis of eleven questions was provided to CVA in a summary results report (Pepper & Hancock, 2017). (See Appendix for more). Hello Clarity, on behalf of Christian Venues Association, has reviewed these results alongside other demographic data and relevant studies, and provided this in-depth report with commentary. 2 Australian Psychological Society (2015). Stress and Wellbeing: How Australians are Coping with Life, 30, https://www.psychology.org.au/assets/files/pw15-sr.pdf. 3 Geert Hofstede, Australia, Itim International, https://geert-hofstede.com/australia.html. 4
part identify as self-reliant units or as dependent only upon immediate family. Interdependence between people is much lower in Australia compared to collectivist cultures, and personal achievement and individual rights are particularly emphasised. Forces of consumerism and individualism create a state of affairs where personal fulfilment and self-expression is held in high esteem, and is considered achievable through a personal accumulation of wealth and goods, social and lifestyle signifiers, self-expression and independence. At the same time, there can be a significant level of pressure on persons to continually perform better and achieve more in their working lives. Wellbeing down, anxiety up In recent years, Australians have been reporting lower levels of wellbeing and higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. In fact, more than a third (35%) of Australians report carrying a significant level of distress, and over a quarter (26%) report higher levels of anxiety than normal and/or moderate to extreme levels of depression symptoms 4. The major causes of stress for Australians include finances (49%), family problems (45%), personal health (44%), lifestyle factors (40%), and health issues of close family or friends (38%). 4 Australian Psychological Society, Stress and wellbeing: how Australians are coping with life, 2015, http://www.psychology.org.au/assets/files/pw15-sr.pdf, p. 4. 5
The primary ways Australians currently deal with stress are by watching TV or movies (85%), thinking positively (81%), socialising with friends or family (81%), and listening to music (80%). More Australians are also reporting use of social media as both a cause of stress (12%) and a way of dealing with stress (51%) 5. While it is not possible to explore every ideological and social factor shaping the lives of Australians today, the points raised here demonstrate that while today s society may promise satisfaction and fulfilment through consumption, individual achievement and actualisation, a glimpse at the significant levels of psychological distress and life stress that Australians experience today reveal that these claims have not delivered. Whilst Australians first port of call for coping with stress is often watching television or movies, our increased media consumption is not proving to aid the ever escalating wellbeing issues our society is facing. 5 Australian Psychological Society, Stress and wellbeing: how Australians are coping with life, 2015, http://www.psychology.org.au/assets/files/pw15-sr.pdf, pp. 5-6. 6
From digital detoxes to Christian camps In attempts to find an equilibrium, peace and contentment in our frantic, wired age of technology, various trends have been emerging, from mindfulness to digital detoxes as a way of re-calibrating. While these practices, among others, may be of some benefit to people, they remain individualistic in their approach and do not provide a context for people to establish themselves in, and contribute to, an authentic community. Data from the recent research commissioned by CVA and conducted by NCLS points to the value that Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats have to offer in providing restorative environments which promote relational, emotional, spiritual wellbeing. The data suggests that such events and contexts offer a critical offering in providing an oasis from the strains and stresses underpinning much of the stress and strain being felt by those in our society. This reconfirms earlier findings by the NCLS of positive correlations between active involvement in faith practices and measures of wellbeing. 6 Analysis of the data about the impact of Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats revealed how people are motivated to engage in such events because of their strong desire for: 1. Faith formation 2. Community and relationships 3. Reflection. Interestingly, these three priorities respond to the imbalances and symptoms affecting the decline in wellbeing in our society. These themes are highlighted throughout the report, showing the importance of spiritual, relational and personal formation that is supported in Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats. The benefits of these activities to people s lives and the formation of their faith, taking place in the context of Christ-centred community, are evident in the findings. 6 Peter Kaldor, Philip Hughes, Keith Castle and John Bellamy, NCLS Occasional Paper 6: Spirituality and Wellbeing in Australia, NCLS Research, 2004, http://www.ncls.org.au/download/doc3416/nclsoccasionalpaper6- SpiritualityandWellbeing.pdf. 7
Impact of camps, conferences and retreats: Impact and importance: The research showed that those who have attended a Christian camp, conference or spiritual retreat recognised the impact and importance of these experiences in their lives. For those who have attended such an event, the most significant impacts were: 1. Strengthening or nurturing their faith (58.1%): faith formation 2. Building stronger relationships with others in church (38.8%): community and relationships 3. Giving them time away from general busyness to focus on their relationship with God (37.0%): reflection 4. Spending time with friends (29.7%): community and relationships 5. Recommitting their faith (20.4%) (and 10.4% making a first time faith decision): faith formation. 8
Below is an age breakdown of the factors that are important for people when attending a Christian camp, conference or retreat. Strengthening faith is important for a significant proportion of every age bracket, but is highest for those aged 15-29 (74.5%), followed by those 30-49 years of age (61.3%). This shows that the majority of younger people who have attended a Christian camp or similar view it as a significant context for growing in their faith. What is particularly evident is how the Importance of attending a Christian camp, conference or spiritual retreat: Overall Strengthening faith Church relationships Time away to focus on God Time with friends Re-commitment Share Jesus with neighbours Time with family Conversion Responding to a ministry call Responding to a mission call Other way Bible college decision 6% 3% 2% 1% 11% 10% 16% 20% 30% 39% 37% 58% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% younger generations (aged 15-29) place an even higher value on these factors that relate to faith formation, community and relationships and reflection. Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_43a-n (n = 1358). 9
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Importance of attending a Christian camp, conference or spiritual retreat: By age group 15-29 30-49 50-69 70+ Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_43a-n (n = 1358). These contexts have been the setting for a number of people s initial faith decisions or recommitments. Not only do these events provide an opportunity for deepening faith and relationships, but a number of respondents also marked them as a watershed moment in beginning or reorienting their Christian walk. 1 in 10 noted that they converted to the Christian faith at one of these events, and 1 in 5 recommitted themselves to the faith. The defining moments are even more common for younger generations, with nearly 1 in 6 (15.6%) experiencing conversion and almost 3 in 10 (28.1%) making a recommitment. Given the underrepresentation of this age bracket in the church today, this identifies a key pathway for young people into faith and church life. The evangelistic effect of attending a Christian camp, conference or retreat is also particularly strong for the youngest group, where almost 3 in 10 (29%) indicated that their time on a camp or similar encouraged them to share their faith with their neighbours. This is compared to approximately 1 in 6 (16%) of overall respondents. These contexts are therefore particularly significant for faith formation of younger generations. 10
Importance of attending a Christian camp, conference or spiritual retreat: 15-29 year olds Strengthening faith Time away to focus on God Church relationships Time with friends Share Jesus with neighbours Re-commitment Conversion Responding to a ministry call Time with family None of the above Responding to a mission call Other way Bible college decision 16% 11% 10% 9% 4% 3% 1% 29% 28% 52% 52% 49% 75% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_43a-n (n = 1358). 11
First faith decisions & recommitments: The NCLS data shows that 4 in 5 church attenders (80%) make their first faith decision in the key formative and developmental years before the age of 20, with an additional 7% making their decision in their 30s, and a remaining 11% after the age of 30 (2% do not remember when they made their first faith decision). Age church attenders became a Christian (2016) 2% 2% 7% 4% 5% 10% 49% 11% 10% <5 years old 5-9 years old 10-14 years old 15-19 years old 20-29 years old 30-39 years old 40-59 years old 60+ years old Don't know / can't remember Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_22 (n = 1358). Among Catholics, 81% of respondents reported becoming a Christian before the age of 5, likely due to the practice of infant baptism as the introduction of a person into the Church community. In Protestant / Pentecostal denominations, the research shows that 71% of faith decisions happen before the age of 20 and 83% before the age of 30. 12
Age church attenders became a Christian (Protestant / Pentecostal) (2016) 4% 2% 3% 8% 19% 12% 14% 18% 20% <5 years old 5-9 years old 10-14 years old 15-19 years old 20-29 years old 30-39 years old 40-59 years old 60+ years old Don't know / can't remember Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_22 (n = 1358). This data around age of first faith decisions not only highlights the significant of the faith formative years of those aged under 20, but also the priority that churches, ministries and families ought give to this age group if they are concerned with the faith formation of the emerging generations. The convergence of these trend lines presents a challenge for the Australian church: the years of childhood and adolescence are when the first faith decisions tend to be made, yet today s current generations of young people are significantly less likely to be engaged with Christianity or attending church than their predecessors. 13
Next gen focus: Spirituality and emerging generations Research conducted by Hello Clarity into the wellbeing of Generation Zs (born 1995-2009) found that whilst young people felt they were well informed about support services for their mental and physical wellbeing, some described their generation as being spiritually void, spiritually vacant or spiritually poor. 7 When looking at the religious context that these young people have grown up in, it is evident that the landscape of spirituality in Australia has shifted significantly over the generations. Whilst it was the social norm for many in the Builders and Baby Boomer generations to put on their Sunday best and attend church services, the cultural context that Generations Y, Z and Alpha are growing up in looks radically different. Whilst over half of Australians (52.1%) identify with Christianity, and 15% regularly attend church (at least once per month), the trend lines show a decline over time. The proportion of Australians with a religious affiliation overall has decreased over the years. The most recent Australian Census showed that 3 in 10 Australians (29.6%) identify as not religious with a further 9.6% choosing not to state an answer to the question about religion. The percentage of people identifying as not religious has increased significantly over the past century, with just 0.4% reporting as this in 1911. Over the past five years it has increased from 22.3% to 29.6% of our population. The below graph shows the percentage of Australians who have identified as Christian over the past four national Censuses. It highlights that whilst 74% of those aged 75-84 identify as Christian, just 38% of those aged 25-34, and 45% of those aged 15-24 do so. 7 Madden, C. 2017, Hello Gen Z: Engaging the Generation of Post-Millennials, pp.229-234 14
90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% % Christian affiliation by age group 82.3% 79.7% 79.3% 73.9% 61.3% 54.3% 48.3% 38.0% 2001 2006 2011 2016 0-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 Source: ABS Census Data 2016. The ageing church NCLS data on the Australian church reveals that the church across the nation is ageing, with the average age of a church attender approximately 10 years older than the national median age. The data shows that while there is an overrepresentation of older generations in the church, younger generations are significantly underrepresented. ABS Census data reveals a similar pattern; that younger generations are less likely to identify with Christianity than their older counterparts, and more likely to identify with no religion. Therefore there is an even greater disconnection for the younger generations when it comes to having a spiritual and Christian foundation in shaping and building their lives. Faith formative years As has been established, there is a declining trend line of engagement with Christianity and church attendance among the younger generations. This graph demonstrates the age distribution of the national population (of people aged over 15) compared to the church population (aged over 15). It shows that whilst the 15-29 year olds make up 25% of our national population, they are just 13% of the church, and on the other end of the spectrum, the over 70s are 13% of the community yet 29% of the church population. 15
40% National Population & Church Population (Over 15s) 35% 34% 34% 30% 25% 25% 24% 28% 29% 20% 15% 13% 13% 10% 5% 0% 15-29 30-49 50-69 70+ Australian Population Church Population Source: National Church Life Survey, Australian Bureau of Statistics. 16
Activities that lead to faith formation Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats form a vital part of the picture in helping people come to faith. As the following graph shows, church and Mass services represent the most significant activity, selected by nearly half (47%) of the respondents. This remains the most important activity for Christian conversion. At the same time, a number of complementary activities also play a role. Approximately one-sixth of church attenders saw Sunday school (16%) and school Scripture programs (14%) as an important part of their coming to faith. Along with youth groups, Christian camps also figure strongly. More than 1 in 8 (14%) of respondents recognise the importance of a Christian camp in leading them to faith. The most significant activities in helping people come to faith were: 1. Church / Mass 2. Sunday school 3. School scripture 4. Youth group 5. Christian camp. Most significant activities in helping people come to faith: Overall Church outreach School Christian group Introductory series Major evangelistic event Confirmation Mission group / org Adult small group None of the above Other Christian camp Youth group School scripture Sunday school Church / mass 2% 2% 3% 3% 4% 5% 9% 10% 11% 12% 12% 15% 16% 47% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_23a-n (n = 1358). 17
It is notable that of the five most significant activities listed, attending a Christian camp, conference or retreat is the only activity that is not done on a regular basis. Even without the benefit of regularity as with the other key influencers, these activities play a very significant part in helping people come to faith. Moreover, given the fact that not all respondents had participated in a Christian camp, conference or retreat themselves, it is likely that the significance of such events in forming faith for those who had taken part would be higher. When analysing the data by age brackets, a fuller story emerges. While across every age demographic, church/mass services were far and away the most significant activity in helping people come to faith (ranging between 35.8% to 55.2%), the role of Christian camps in conversion is particularly influential for younger people. More than 1 in 5 (21.3%) of 15-29 year olds noted that a Christian camp was significant in helping them come to faith, making it the third most significant activity for this age group in this regard. In light of the underrepresentation of younger generations in church life today, Christian camps are important for churches to consider in terms of engaging younger generations in faith and forming vibrant intergenerational communities. 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Most significant activities in helping come to faith: 15-29 year olds 36% 29% 21% 13% 12% Church / mass Youth group Christian camp Sunday school School scripture Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_23a-n (n = 1358). 18
Similarly, more than 1 in 6 (17.7%) of those aged 30-49 years also found that Christian camps were important for them coming to faith. In terms of activities leading to faith, Christian camps were second only to church/mass services for respondents in this age bracket. 60 Most significant activities in helping come to faith: By age group 50 40 30 20 10 0 15-29 30-49 50-69 70+ Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_23a-n (n = 1358). Denominational differences: When analysing the data of Protestant / Pentecostal church attenders (excluding Catholics), the most significant activities in helping people come to faith were: 1. Church 2. Sunday school 3. Youth group 4. Christian camp 5. Adult small group. 19
Most significant activities in helping people come to faith: Protestant / Pentecostal Church/mass Sunday school Youth group Christian camp Adult small group None of the above Other School scripture Major evangelistic event Mission group / org Confirmation Introductory series Chuch outreach School Christian group 7% 6% 5% 5% 3% 2% 2% 12% 11% 11% 19% 17% 24% 29% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_23a-n (n = 1358). Motivators and drivers: why people go to Christian camps, conferences & spiritual retreats Again, in line with the core themes of desire for faith formation, community and relationships and time for reflection, the most influential motivators for people to attend camps, conferences or spiritual retreats are: 1. The quality of the speaker / teacher (45%): faith formation 2. Knowing their friends are going (29%): community and relationships 3. Time for prayer or contemplation (26%): reflection 4. Time for relationship building (25%): community and relationships 5. Workshops and elective options (16%): faith formation. 20
Which of the following most motivate you to attend a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat? Overall Other Good quality food Good quality facilities Time for recreation Low cost Workshops and elective options Time for relationship building Time for prayer or contemplation Knowing your friends are going The quality of speaker / teacher 2% 4% 5% 7% 14% 16% 25% 26% 28% 46% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_46a-k (n = 1358). Whilst the importance of a quality speaker, providing valuable content and in an accessible delivery style was of even greater importance for 50-69 year olds, unsurprisingly, for young people in particular, the motivation of friends also attending such an event was rated highly with 37% of 15-29 year olds listing it as one of their top two motivators. While this factor was also a fairly strong motivator across all ages (28% on average overall), it suggests that for youth and young adults in particular, the social dynamic at the event holds significant weight. This draw card has flow on effects for relational evangelism as such events can (and do) play a role in helping young people, through the invitation of their friends, engage with the Christian faith. Factors such as recreation (7%), good quality facilities (5%) and quality food (4%) likely play a role in attendance, but they are not the key motivators or pull factors for people choosing to attend such an event. On the other hand, prayer and contemplation, together with time spent building relationships, were considered other important motivators of attendance across all age groups. Only just over 1 in 5 respondents did not list a motivation, indicating that the majority of church attenders do recognise the benefits in these activities. 21
Which of the following most motivate you to attend a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat? 15-29 year olds. The quality of speaker / teacher Knowing your friends are going Time for prayer or contemplation Time for relationship building Workshops and elective options Low cost Time for recreation Good quality facilities Good quality food Other 16% 12% 9% 7% 5% 2% 25% 29% 37% 43% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_46a-k (n = 1358). Deterrents & barriers While receiving input from quality teachers, having a context for building relationships and spending time in prayer and contemplation were key pull factors, the barriers and deterrents from people choosing to attend such events were the high cost, competing work commitments, followed by not knowing people who were going. Which of the following tend to deter you from attending Christian conference, camps or spiritual retreats? Overall High cost Work commitments No deterrents Don't know other people who are Formats / programs don't appeal to Poor quality speaker Travel time Don't like sharing rooms Lack of vision Poor organisation Poor quality facilities Sport commitments Poor quality food 15% 12% 10% 9% 9% 6% 6% 3% 3% 2% 27% 31% 34% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_47a-n (n = 1358). 22
Whilst cost was a greater barrier for the 15-29 year olds (51%), the work commitments become a greater challenge for the 30-49 year olds (a barrier for 49% compared with 31% overall). 60% Which of the following tend to deter you from attending Christian conference, camps or spiritual retreats? By age group. 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 15-39 30-49 50-69 70+ Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_47a-n (n = 1358). Activities that engage When asked to consider the specific activities that respondents most value at Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats, prayer and contemplation (32%), teaching and preaching (30%) and singing together (23%) rated the highest overall. 23
Which of the following activities would you most value at a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat? Overall Prayer / contemplation Teaching / preaching Singing together Training workshops Relationship focus Meal conversation Community service Social activities Recreation time Adventure activities 17% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 20% 23% 30% 32% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_45a-m (n = 1358). There are some generational differences in these responses. For example, 30-49 year olds, who are in a busy stage of life and likely juggling work and family placed a higher value on training workshops (32.1%) than other age groups. Young people (aged 15-29) placed more value on singing together than other age groups. Which of the following activities would you most value at a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat? By age group. 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 15-29 30-49 50-69 70+ Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_45a-m (n = 1358). 24
When asked about the type of event that church attenders would prefer, once again the value of fostering community ranked highly, as people wanted families to gather together, or to gather with people in a similar demographic or life stage, such as men / women s conferences or a youth camp. Interestingly, over 1 in 5 (22%) who do want to go such an event preferred a prayer retreat, highlighting the priority people place on time for reflection, space and contemplation. Preferences for types of Christian camp / conference / retreat: Overall Family camp Men's / Women's conference Prayer retreat Youth camp Craft retreat Other School holiday camp One on one parent / child Environmental camp 6% 4% 4% 4% 3% 11% 22% 25% 27% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_44a-j (n = 1358). Unsurprisingly, the younger generations (aged 15-29) were the most keen to attend a youth camp, and those aged 30-49 (who are in the life stage of being most likely to have a growing family) were the most likely to desire a family camp. However, interestingly, apart from these examples, there is not a great degree of variation between the types of conferences, camps or prayer retreats that people want to attend across the age groups. In particular, a prayer retreat was a consistent desire across each age bracket, demonstrating that young people are also seeking a context for reflection and contemplation, perhaps providing a solace for a generation who are constantly wired and connected to their digital devices, and who are also facing mounting challenges with their mental health. Appetite for more Half of respondents said they would give high priority or would probably attend a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat in the next 12 months if their church was to put one on. 25
If your church was to hold a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat in the next 12 months, how likely do you think you would be to attend? Overall I would not give this any priority and would not attend 10% I would be unlikely to attend 23% I would be hesitant to attend - but might 17% I would probably attend 33% I would give attending very high priority 17% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_50 (n = 1358). Young people are even more willing to attend, with over 66% noting that, should their church hold such an event, they would either probably attend or make attendance a priority. They were also the demographic with the lowest percentage of responders noting they do not want to attend any type of camp, conference or spiritual retreat. In light of the trend lines that show a decline of engagement with Christianity for younger generations, churches who are wanting to reach the next generation ought to take note of the desire young people have for such events, and the impact of these events on their faith formation, community, relationships and wellbeing. Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) of respondents have never attended a Christian camp, conference or retreat, and a further third (33%) have attended more than 2 years ago. This represents an opportunity for further engagement in church congregations around the possibility of being involved in these activities. 1 in 20 (5%) respondents have been to a Christian camp or conference at least 4 times in the last 2 years. This shows a wide variation in church attenders engagement with Christian camps and conferences. The frequency of attendance varied quite a lot based on the type of church that respondents attended. For those who have attended a Christian camp, conference or retreat 4 or more times in the last 2 years, Pentecostal respondents were markedly overrepresented, at 12.1% compared to 5% of the respondents overall. For those who had never attended a Christian camp, conference or retreat, this was 26
the case for over half of Catholic respondents (54.9%) in contrast to only 2 in 5 (39%) of respondents overall. Looking at attendance of Christian camps, conferences and retreats by age, there were a number of notable variations. Whereas only between 2 and 3 percent of respondents over 30 years of age had attended a Christian camp, conference or retreat 4 or more times in the last 2 years, this was the case for almost a fifth (18.5%) of those aged 15-29 years. This is a dramatic difference between age groups. It highlights the opportunity for Christian camps, conferences and retreats to attract and engage the younger generations who are currently significantly underrepresented in Australian churches. In fact, 15-29 year olds are the most likely to have attended a Christian camp, conference or retreat once or more in the last 2 years. They are followed by 30-49 year olds, of whom 2 in 5 (40.3%) have attended a Christian camp, conference or retreat in the past 2 years. As the next section of this report will show, the motivations, barriers and desired activities of people across age brackets for being involved in a camp or similar may vary.. If your church was to hold a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat in the next 12 months, how likely do you think you would be to attend? By age I would not give this any priority and would not attend I would be unlikely to attend I would be hesitant to attend - but might I would probably attend I would give attending very high priority 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 70+ 50-69 30-49 15-29 Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_50 (n = 1358). 27
Nearly 3 in 10 (28%) respondents believe that their church has too little or far too little commitment to events such as Christian camps, retreats and conferences. By contrast, only 2% stated that there was too much commitment to these. This indicates that there is a desire for more opportunities that facilitate community, space for contemplation and reflection and spiritual input. How would you rate your church's commitment to events like Christian conferences, camps and spiritual retreats? Overall Far too much Too much Just right Too little Far too little commitment 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Source: 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_49 (n = 1358). 28
Conclusion The data suggests that Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats have a role to play and value to add in addressing the symptoms of busy, time poor, distracted and highly strung society. Such events provide a context for people to re-engage with what it means to be fully human, to have space for solitude and self-reflection, where the pace of daily activity can be slowed down and there can be an environment where the deeper human needs can be satisfied. Significantly, in contrast to many of the recalibrating activities promoted in our society today (such as mindfulness and digital detoxes), Christian camps, conferences and retreats are intrinsically communal. They help to form and strengthen people s faith and relationships together, enriching both persons and communities of believers as a whole. From its beginning, the Christian faith has offered tools for contemplation and reflection that serve as a recalibration for people against the pressures and demands of daily life. Practices of prayer, worship, and study of biblical scriptures, while they may take different forms, are central parts of every Christian tradition. The early desert fathers of Christianity in the third century, as well as the wide range of Christian monastic communities that have carried on over the centuries, are examples of the profound impact that reflection and retreat can have for people. While these ways of life may seem far removed from the experiences of most contemporary Australians, NCLS research has shown that Australians with a spiritual orientation tend to have higher levels of self-esteem, positivity, a greater sense of purpose in life, and greater satisfaction in their life achievements and their sense of place in community than those with a secular outlook. They are also more likely to be contributing in practical ways to other people s wellbeing. Those with unreflective religiosity also had a lower correlation to measures of wellbeing compared to those with a reflective religious practice. 8 As this research has demonstrated, church attenders recognised and appreciated Christian conferences, camps and spiritual retreats as one of the contexts that effectively fosters their desire for faith formation, community and relationships and time for reflection. Of particular note is the impact that these events have on younger generations who are otherwise largely underrepresented, disconnected and unfamiliar with Christianity and church life in our Australian society. Not only 8 Peter Kaldor, Philip Hughes, Keith Castle and John Bellamy, Occasional Paper 6: Spirituality and Wellbeing in Australia, NCLS Research, 2004, http://www.ncls.org.au/default.aspx?sitemapid=4142&view=summary. 29
do young people have an appetite for more of these types of events, but the significance of that life stage for faith formation as shown by church attenders of all ages is noteworthy. These events facilitate an environment which fosters the deepening of faith, community and contemplation, but they also represent a turning point for a number of people as over 1 in 10 report they converted to the Christian faith at a Christian conference, camp or spiritual retreat, and over 1 in 5 made a recommitment. Churches in particular will be able to recognise the benefits of Christian camps, conferences and retreats for consolidating community and impacting people s relational, spiritual and personal formation, particularly amid the pressures of modern life outlined in this report. As church leaders, and all believers, seek to be faithful to the gospel and the call of Jesus Christ to go into the world and make disciples, the value of these activities cannot be overlooked. 30
Appendix This report is based on data that Christian Venues Association commissioned through National Church Life Survey. Analysis of eleven questions was provided to CVA in a summary results report Citation: Pepper, M. and Hancock, N. (2017) Christian Camps, Conferences and Retreats: Attender Experiences and Preferences. Sydney: NCLS Research. This report has been written by Hello Clarity (www.helloclarity.com.au). About the CVA study in the 2016 NCLS The Australian National Church Life Survey (NCLS), which is a project of NCLS Research has assembled a large and growing database of information about Australian churches, church attenders and local church leaders over the past 25 years. The NCLS has been undertaken in Australia every five years since 1991. In each survey wave, church attenders from thousands of local churches in more than 20 denominations and movements took part. In the 2016 NCLS a special survey contained questions commissioned by Christian Venues Association (CVA). These questions about Christian camps, conferences and retreats were located in a small sample survey, called the 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O (Survey O). They were randomly distributed across all church attenders. The characteristics of attenders completing these random surveys generally match those of the main attender surveys. In 2016 some 1,398 church attenders (weighted) from across the nation completed questions in Survey O. Due to differing levels of participation in the survey across each denomination, the data was weighted according to the estimated total attendance of each denomination, to ensure that the overall statistics reflect as accurately as possible the actual distribution of attenders across the denominations. Participating denominations were combined into larger groups as follows: 1. Catholic (not in this report) 2. Mainstream Protestant (Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Uniting Church) 3. Pentecostal (Australian Christian Churches, C3 Church, International Network of Churches, Christian Revival Crusade) 4. Other Protestant (Baptist, Churches of Christ, Christian Reformed, Salvation Army, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) The maximum margin of error on a simple random sample of 1,398 at a 95% level of confidence is 2.6%. That is, assuming a simple random sample, there is a 95% chance that a sample result falls within ±2.6% of the result for the Australian churchgoing population. A report was prepared by NCLS Research team members, Miriam Pepper and Nicole Hancock. It covered issues including the attendance at Christian camps, conferences and spiritual retreats, the importance of such gatherings to attenders, and motivations for and deterrents from attending. 31