DC/LA '94

This Project Summary was prepared by Dr. Dave Rahn for Youth for Christ on February 13, 1995. It has been only slightly edited for web-site distribution.

The original survey was randomly administered at both DC/LA '94 Superconference locations in late July and early August of 1994. In addition, as a semi-control group, the survey was administered to a sample of Fort Wayne Youth for Christ student leaders in mid-August of 1994. The next time the survey was administered was via mail to a random selection of DC/LA attendees in mid-November of 1994. When controls on all samples were implemented such that only current high school students were included in the analyses, the three different samples (Fort Wayne YFC August, n = 154; DC/LA Summer, n = 1980; DC/LA Fall, n = 385) brought the overall sample size to n = 2519.

One-way ANOVAs were performed on the data yielding the following results related to that overall sample...

...67% were female

Females were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than males to 1) read their Bible more and 2) have a greater number of supportive peer friendships.

...23% will graduate in 1995; 27% in 1996; 28% in 1997; 23% in 1998

Seniors were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to read their Bible more.

...54% indicated that they attend church more than once a week

These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to read their Bible more and they were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than both weekly church attendees and those who don't attend much at all to have a greater number of supportive friendships ; 35% indicated that they attend church about once a week... These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who attend about three times a month or those who don't attend much at all to read their Bible more; 5% indicated that they attend church about three times a month; 3% indicated that they attend church about twice a month; 2% indicated that they attend church about once a month; and 2% indicated that they don't attend church much at all.

Both DC/LA Summer and DC/LA Fall respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than Fort Wayne YFC respondents to attend church more frequently.

...3% indicated that they read their Bible on their own more than once a day

These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a few times a month or those who don't read their Bible much at all to attend church more frequently. They also were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who don't read their Bible much at all to have a greater number of supportive friends; 25% indicated that they read their Bible on their own about once a day... These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than a) those who read daily, b) those who read a few times a month or c) those who don't read their Bible much at all to attend church more frequently. They also were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who don't read their Bible much at all to have a greater number of supportive friends; 21% indicated that they read their Bible on their own a few times a week... These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who don't read their Bible much at all to both attend church more frequently and have a greater number of supportive friends.; 12% indicated that they read their Bible on their own about once a week... These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who don't read their Bible much at all to both attend church more frequently and have a greater number of supportive friends.; 18% indicated that they read their Bible on their own a few times a month... These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who don't read their Bible much at all to both attend church more frequently and have a greater number of supportive friends.; 21% indicated that they read their Bible on their own not much at all.

Both DC/LA Fall and Fort Wayne YFC respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Summer respondents to read their Bible more.

...66% indicated that they could count on three or more friends of their age that they can count on to help them be better Christians

These folks were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who have one-two supportive friends or those who couldn't identify any supportive friends to both attend church more frequently and read their Bibles more often.; 31% indicated that they could count on one or two friends of their age that they can count on to help them be better Christians; 3% indicated that they couldn't identify any friends of their age that they could count on to help them become better Christians

Both DC/LA Fall and Fort Wayne YFC respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Summer respondents to have a greater number of supportive peer friendships.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who did not make such a commitment to have a greater number of supportive peer friendships.

...87% agreed with the statement that “I have some good friends who are not yet Christians”

More-than-daily Bible readers were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either once-a-week readers and those who don't read much at all to agree with this statement. Additionally, daily Bible readers were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who don't read much at all to agree with this statement.

...69% agreed with the statement that “I have prayed specifically and over time that one of my friends might become a Christian”

Fort Wayne YFC respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Fall respondents to agree with this statement and DC/LA Fall respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Summer respondents to agree with this statement. More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others (except those who attend monthly) to agree with this statement. Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to agree with this statement, and those who read only a few times a month were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others except weekly Bible readers to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who have one-two supportive friends or those who couldn't identify any supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 77% vs. 67%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...40% agreed with the statement that “I have asked others to pray with me for a particular friend to become a Christian”

DC/LA Fall respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Summer respondents to agree with this statement. More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly or thrice monthly attendees to agree with this statement. More-than-daily Bible readers were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to agree with this statement. Additionally, daily Bible readers were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than a) weekly readers, b) those who read a few times a month, and c) those who don't read much at all to agree with this statement. Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to agree with this statement, and those who read only a few times a month were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others except weekly Bible readers to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 55% vs. 31%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...70% agreed with the statement that “I have tried to start new friendships with classmates who aren't Christians”

Fort Wayne YFC respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than both DC/LA Summer and DC/LA Fall respondents to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 75% vs. 64%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...78% agreed with the statement that “I have invited non-Christian friends to activities where I know they will hear about Jesus Christ”

Fort Wayne YFC respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Summer respondents to agree with this statement. More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly or twice-a-month attendees to agree with this statement. Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either daily Bible readers or weekly Bible readers to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who have one-two supportive friends or those who couldn't identify any supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 82% vs. 70%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...43% agreed with the statement that “I have helped to plan events where non-Christians could have a good time and hear about Jesus Christ”

More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly or thrice monthly attendees to agree with this statement. Those who read their Bible a) more than daily, b) daily, and c) a few times a week were all significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) a few times a month or b) those who don't read much at all to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

...52% agreed with the statement that “I have told a non-Christian friend what my personal relationship to Jesus Christ means to me”

More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly or thrice monthly attendees to agree with this statement. Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to agree with this statement, and those who read only a few times a month were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than the remaining others except weekly Bible readers to agree with this statement. Additionally, those who read their Bible more than daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) a few times a week or b) those who read weekly to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .0Á5, Scheffe; 60% vs. 44%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...28% agreed with the statement that “I have prayed with a non-Christian friend for a special problem”

Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than a) more-than-daily readers, b) daily Bible readers, and c) those who read a few times a week to agree with this statement.

...45% agreed with the statement that “I have shared with a non-Christian friend how they can begin a relationship with Jesus Christ”

Fort Wayne YFC respondents were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than DC/LA Summer respondents to agree with this statement. More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly or thrice monthly attendees to agree with this statement. Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to agree with this statement, and those who read only a few times a month were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than the remaining others except weekly Bible readers to agree with this statement. Additionally, those who read their Bible more than daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who read weekly to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 50% vs. 40%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...25% agreed with the statement that “I have prayed with a non-Christian friend when they asked Jesus to come into their life”

More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly or thrice monthly attendees to agree with this statement. Those who read their Bible more than daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who read a) weekly, b) a few times a month or c) those who don't read much at all to agree with this statement. Additionally, those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) daily or b) a few times a week to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

...36% agreed with the statement that “I have helped a friend who became a new Christian by bringing them with me to church”

More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either weekly attendees or those who don't attend much at all to agree with this statement. Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) daily or b) a few times a week to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 35% vs. 20%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...16% agreed with the statement that “I have helped a friend who became a new Christian by studying the Bible with them”

More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than weekly attendees to agree with this statement. Those who read their Bible more than daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others to agree with this statement. < Additionally, those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) daily or b) a few times a week to agree with this statement and those who read their Bible a few times a month are significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who read a few times a week to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

...12% agreed with the statement that “I have helped a friend who became a new Christian by praying regularly with them”

Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) daily or b) a few times a week to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Of those current high school students selected by random sample (sample size = 1000; n = 385) who responded to a survey sent out 4 months after they attended DC/LA '94...

...89% agreed with the statement that “DC/LA '94 convinced me that it is really important for me to share my faith with my friends”

Those who don't attend church much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than a) more-than-weekly, b) weekly or c) thrice monthly attendees to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 96% vs. 75%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...38% agreed with the statement: “DC/LA '94 connected me with some new friends so that we help each other live for Jesus Christ in our school”

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 42% vs. 31%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...50% agreed with the statement: “DC/LA '94 helped me develop an effective personal prayer and Bible study time”

Both those who read their Bible more than daily and those who read daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) a few times a month or b) not much at all to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 58% vs. 35%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...71% agreed with the statement: “DC/LA '94 helped me to understand the best ways to tell my friends about Jesus Christ”

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 79% vs. 52%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...68% agreed with the statement: “I made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to me”

...52% agreed with the statement: “I am still praying and working on the list of friends I created at DC/LA '94”

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 58% vs. 40%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...63% agreed with the statement: “DC/LA '94 showed me how a team could work together to reach a campus for Jesus Christ”

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 69% vs. 49%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...59% agreed with the statement: “I participated in the See You At The Pole prayer gathering at my school in September”

Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who read daily to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 65% vs. 48%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...3% agreed with the statement: “I have called the Youth for Christ prayer line at least once”

Those who read their Bible more than daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than all others except those who read a few times a week to agree with this statement.

...4% agreed with the statement: “I have set up a prayer chain in my school”

...49% agreed with the statement: “I meet weekly with a prayer group to exchange requests and pray”

Those who read their Bible more than daily were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who read a) a few times a month or b) not much at all to agree with this statement. Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 53% vs. 41%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...26% agreed with the statement: “I have read a book about prayer”

...38% agreed with the statement: “I pray daily for a particular friend that I want to accept Christ”

Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than either those who a) read daily or b) read a few times a week to agree with this statement.

...49% agreed with the statement: “I have been to at least one special retreat since the Superconference which helped me in my relationship with Jesus”

Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 53% vs. 40%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...58% agreed with the statement: “I am planning to go on a special retreat which will help me stay focused in my relationship with Jesus”

Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to agree with this statement.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe; 63% vs. 47%) than those who did not make such a commitment to agree with this statement.

...63% agreed with the statement: “I am currently involved in a small group Bible study which helps me grow closer to Jesus”

...45% agreed with the statement: “I am planning to be involved in a short term mission trip sometime this year”

Those who don't read their Bible much at all were significantly less likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who read a few times a week to agree with this statement.

When asked which of the following statements most accurately describes their relationship with the adult youth worker that they are most involved with...

...4% said “I'm not sure we really know each other at all” (Level 1)

...12% said “We've really only connected with each other when we're at meetings” (Level 2)

...22% said “We've kind of gotten to know each other by doing stuff beyond formal meeting times” (Level 3)

...28% said “We're in a weekly small group meeting together that helps us to know each other pretty good” (Level 4)

...34% said “We spend a lot of time together, and can talk about anything” (Level 5)

Those who describe their relationship with their youth worker at Level 4 were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those with a Level 1 relationship to 1) have more peers who they could count on to help them be better Christians; and 2) to meet in a weekly prayer group. They were also significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those with either a Level 2 or a Level 3 relationship to be currently involved in a small group Bible study.

Those who describe their relationship with their youth worker at Level 5 were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those with a Level 1 relationship to 1) have more peers who they could count on to help them be better Christians; and 2) to have helped plan events where non-Christians could hear about Jesus.

More-than-weekly church attendees were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than weekly attendees to indicate that they have a closer relationship with their adult youth worker.

Those who indicated that they had three or more supportive Christian friends were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who have one-two supportive friends to indicate that they have a closer relationship with their adult youth worker.

Students who indicated that they made a commitment to God at DC/LA '94 that is still important to them were significantly more likely (p < .05, Scheffe) than those who did not make such a commitment to indicate that they have a closer relationship with their adult youth worker.

To see a published article related to this research check out:

Rahn, Dave & Lamport, Mark. (1995). "Do big events make a difference?" May/June, Group, 21:4; pp 12-14.