Theological scholars host webcast about new LifeWay research survey: ‘Pandemics, Prophecy & the Middle East’

Data reveals beliefs regarding the End Times held by American evangelical and African-American pastors NEW YORK — Chosen People Ministries will host “Pandemics, Prophecy & the Middle East,” a virtual discussion regarding a new LifeWay Research survey that revealed nearly 9 in 10 pastors see at least some current events matching those Jesus said would […]

Pandemics, Prophecy & the Middle East

Data reveals beliefs regarding the End Times held by American evangelical and African-American pastors

NEW YORK — Chosen People Ministries will host “Pandemics, Prophecy & the Middle East,” a virtual discussion regarding a new LifeWay Research survey that revealed nearly 9 in 10 pastors see at least some current events matching those Jesus said would occur shortly before He returns to earth.

The one-hour event, held at 9 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 22 and hosted by Dr. Mitch Glaser of Chosen People Ministries, will include Scott McConnell of LifeWay Research, Dr. Darrell Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary and New York Times best-selling author and Middle East expert Joel C. Rosenberg.


The experts will unpack the survey, which was designed to provide an objective picture of the ways in which American pastors of evangelical and historically black churches view eschatology, the study of End Times, and was completed prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. A participant Q & A with the theological experts will follow.

“The Survey indicates that the majority of evangelical pastors see plagues, in general, as one sign of the beginning of birth pangs in preparation for the return of Jesus,” said Glaser, president of Chosen People Ministries. “While we are not suggesting that COVID-19 is a plague directly imposed by God, undoubtedly, this pandemic has captured our attention and made the reality of End Times events more real and accessible to each one of us.”

The LifeWay survey also revealed pastors’ beliefs regarding the importance of recent events concerning Israel and the Jewish people as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and signs of the End Times, including:

  • 7 out of 10 evangelical and black Protestant pastors (70%) say the modern rebirth of the state of Israel and the regathering of millions of Jewish people were fulfillments of prophecies in the Bible;
  • Approximately 2 in 5 pastors (39%) agree that the establishment of the United States embassy in Jerusalem is a sign of the End Times;
  • More than half of pastors (57%) believe the Bible teaches that one day most or all Jewish people alive will believe in Jesus (Romans 11:25-29); and
  • 97% of pastors agree that Jesus will literally and personally return to earth again.

“Though this study was conducted before the quarantine, it has even greater relevance now during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bock. “Whether Jesus’ return is near or far, Christians believe these disturbances represent the groaning of creation, reminders of our mortality, our need for God, and the accountability we have to Him for life, both now and forever.”

The phone survey of 1,000 pastors from evangelical and historically black denominations was conducted Jan. 24 to Feb. 11, 2020 and was sponsored by Chosen People Ministries, Alliance for the Peace of Jerusalem, Rich and Judy Hastings, and the Hendricks Center at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Additional information and analysis of the survey will be discussed during the 9 a.m. EDT April 22 event. The webcast will be streamed on the Chosen People Ministries website as well as Facebook Live and YouTube.

For more information, visit chosenpeople.com/webcast.

About Chosen People Ministries
Chosen People Ministries exists to pray for, evangelize, disciple and serve Jewish people everywhere, and to help fellow believers do the same. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in New York City, the organization serves in 18 countries across the globe. For additional information, visit ChosenPeople.com.


About LifeWay Research
LifeWay Research is a Nashville-based, evangelical research firm that specializes in surveys about faith in culture and matters that affect churches. For information, visit LifeWayResearch.com.

###

Contact:

Heidi McDow
[email protected]
(214) 679-3409

Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!