A global poll conducted among more than 50,000 men and women across 56 countries asked "What is most important problem facing the world today?" The survey is called "The Annual Index of the World's Pressing Problem." People from poor and emerging nations worry more about "social disorder," while people from wealthier nations focus on "economic pains," but these were some of the top answers from around the globe:

• Corruption - 15 percent
• Economic problems - 14 percent
• Poverty: the gap between the rich and poor - 12 percent
• Unemployment - 12 percent
• Terrorism - 6 percent
• Crime - 5 percent
• Drugs and abuse - 5 percent
• Environmental issues - 5 percent
• Wars and conflict - 4 percent

Possible Preaching Angles: (1) Problems; Challenges; Fears—People around the globe may not agree on what is the worst problem in the world, but we seem to agree that there is at least one huge issue that can lead to fear and uncertainty. (2) Church, mission of; Mission—The church is called into a world that will always be filled with problems and challenges.