By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — As baptisms in Southern Baptist congregations increase, a growing percentage of those entering the baptismal pools are adults. In the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Church Profile (ACP), baptisms grew for the fifth straight year to reach 263,075, the highest total since 2016. This was the first time in 75 years that the SBC saw … [Read more...]
Churches believe they’re welcoming to those with disabilities, Lifeway Research finds
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Pastors and churchgoers assume people with disabilities will feel at home in their church, but congregations haven’t always made sure that would be the case. A Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors and churchgoers finds almost all in both groups believe those with disabilities would feel welcomed and included when coming to … [Read more...]
Small Group Participation Linked to Higher Discipleship Scores, Lifeway Research Finds
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Regular small group participants are likely to be among the most mature disciples in a church, but they still need encouragement in some areas. According to the latest analysis of Lifeway Research’s State of Discipleship study, U.S. Protestant churchgoers who regularly attend a small group Bible study, such as Sunday School, have the … [Read more...]
Families come to ‘the mountain’ seeking renewal at Black Church Leadership and Family Conference
By Myriah Snyder-Garrett BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — More than 600 pastors, church leaders and lay people traveled from across the country—2,275 miles by plane from California, 11 hours by train from Louisiana or by car from across the region—to find renewal on “the mountain” at the 2026 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference (BCLFC). Attendees fellowshipped, worshiped … [Read more...]
Most churchgoers content with congregation’s worship style
By Ella Nichter BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Even with wide differences across congregations, most attendees are content with their church’s worship style. Protestant churches in the U.S. vary significantly in how they structure their services, particularly elements like set prayers, readings and formal patterns. Despite those differences, Lifeway Research finds 3 in 4 Protestant … [Read more...]
