By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — More Americans are dying of opioid abuse, but fewer churches are serving those with opioid addictions. A Lifeway Research study found U.S. Protestant pastors are just as likely to say someone connected to their congregation has been personally affected by opioid abuse today as compared to five years ago. They are less likely, however, to … [Read more...]
Lifeway presents largest missions offering to IMB and NAMB in recent years
By Marissa Postell Sullivan and Lauren Bearry BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — This summer, as thousands of kids and students attended Lifeway camps across the country, camp staff challenged them to think more broadly about their role in God’s mission to make disciples of all nations, and campers responded by giving generously to Southern Baptist missions endeavors. Because of the … [Read more...]
Half of pastors support Trump, but many are hesitant to share preference
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Like other Americans, pastors are deciding who they’ll vote for in the November election. Compared to previous elections, however, they’re much more hesitant to share their preference. Almost all U.S. Protestant pastors (97%) plan to vote in the 2024 presidential election, according to a Lifeway Research study conducted Aug. 8-Sept. 3, … [Read more...]
Small groups remain key aspect of churches’ discipleship ministry
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Visiting a friend outside his hometown of Gloucester, England, in the late 1700s, Robert Raikes encountered children cursing, gambling and fighting in the streets. He was horrified, but a local woman told him it was even worse on Sundays, the children’s one day off each week from the factory. Determined to help children in that situation … [Read more...]
Southern Baptist pastor pay rebounds
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — After a difficult economic stretch for many churches and pastors, Southern Baptist pastors may feel more comfortable compared to two years ago. Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist senior pastors, full-time staff ministers and full-time office personnel outpaced inflation over the past two years, according to a study conducted by … [Read more...]
