Our mission is simple:
To complete one of the largest, simplest, cross-denominational surveys of Christian beliefs in Northern Ireland and present the data to the church.
It really is that simple.
For now, we are excluding in-depth demographics. We simply seek to establish the core beliefs that exist within the NI church. A more comprehensive survey may follow should there be an interest in doing so.
Why do we want to do this?
In 2018, Ligonier Ministries carried out a UK wide survey on the beliefs of both the general public and those who identified as practicing Christians. It shed some fascinating insights into the thoughts of people regarding a range of theological topics. However, only 47 residents of Northern Ireland were included in this study.
In 2024, the Evangelical Alliance NI published an excellent report on evangelicals, however, it did not focus on many doctrinal questions. Our survey differs in that it focuses on doctrinal beliefs that it is perhaps assumed evangelicals hold to. In his little book ‘The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind’ theologian Carl Trueman argues that modern evangelicalism lacks a strong theological foundation and emphasises experience and activism over doctrine. He calls for a return to strong theological commitments. Is he correct? This is why our survey focuses more on historically orthodox doctrinal positions. Essentially, are Christians in NI continuing to hold to these positions? Is there a good grasp and understanding of them or does the church need to be more explicit in its teaching of them?
The pace of societal change has been so rapid in recent years that there is a danger of assuming a solid understanding of orthodox Christianity exists amongst church members. In large part, this will hopefully be true, however we believe it is better to ask, analyse and share the findings to inform churches, ministers and pastors of the Northern Irish church’s strengths and weaknesses.
Results from American evangelical churches suggest that many of those who call themselves evangelicals, fail to hold to some of the doctrines historically required to actually be an ‘evangelical’. For example, 31% of ‘evangelicals’ strongly agreed with the statement that Jesus was a great teacher but not God. 36% disagreed and were actually in line with historic orthodoxy. Will the trends in NI churches be similar or entirely different?
Source: Ligonier ‘The State of Theology US’ survey 2022 (Accessed: April 2025)
It has been said that “One generation believes the gospel, the next assumes it, and the next forgets it.” Is the Christian church in NI in danger of assuming the gospel? Is it in danger of assuming historic orthodox beliefs amongst its members? Is the theology of Christians in Northern Ireland different to that in America and the rest of the UK? Is there a similar trend or is Northern Ireland bucking that trend? Are we remaining a light on a hill or are there shifts occuring?
Why does it matter?
The Bible Society UK’s most recently published report states that;
“There is a clear need for more discipleship around Scripture. Around one third of churchgoers say they lack confidence in understanding or navigating the Bible and speaking about it with others.”
This in turn impacts on how missionally confident Christians are. By understanding its members, the church will be better able to serve its members, ensuring the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13)
Early sample responses suggest there are already some interesting areas worthy of discussion.
When do we aim to do this?
We aim to have the survey completed by June 2025, with results published by October 2025 at the latest.
How will we do this?
We will do this by;
- Creating an online survey that can be accessed via QR code card or website link on business cards and flyers.
- Social Media; creating a presence on social media including Facebook and Instagram.
- Face to face on the street.
- Asking willing churches to promote the survey during announcements slot.
Once a predetermined minimum number of responses are reached, we will analyse the data and publish it in a visual, user-friendly manner. To eliminate printing costs, we will then convert this into a PDF that can be downloaded for free from this website. Churches may then choose to discuss this in their congregations, use it to inform sermon planning, discipleship/home group planning or to plan classes to teach through certain areas/doctrine systematically.
What will follow once the survey is completed?
Once the survey has been done we will collate and publish a report on the findings. We will then aim to repeat it within 5 years to see if there has been any change. We may discuss more comprehensive surveys with denominations or individual churches that wish to do so.
It is hoped that the survey will form a major part of research for a book on the contemporary, evangelical theological landscape of Northern Ireland. A spin-off website and podcast discussing theology in the context of NI and the UK is a planned next step. More details will follow upon completion and publishing of the survey results.
Should you wish to find out more please do not hesitate to email: info@theologytoday.co.uk and we will happily reply with an answer to any questions you might have!
Thank you!
Grant Dunlop
Founder/Organiser
Theology Today NI 