By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Many churchgoers say their church connects financial blessings with personal generosity, but most pastors see those ideas as bankrupt. A Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors finds few hold or teach beliefs connected to the prosperity gospel, the theological movement that teaches God wants to make followers materially wealthy … [Read more...]
The state of groups: trends and best practices for groups ministry
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — A church without discipleship is just a gathering. And groups ministry is key for making disciples in the local church. Although Sunday School goes by many names today, it is still a time-honored and effective ministry for teaching the Bible, reaching people for Christ, assimilating them into the church and growing them as … [Read more...]
Find the right Bible reading plan for your ministry
By Olivia Thames BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Year after year, one common New Year’s resolution among Christians is to spend more time—or even any time at all—in God’s Word. However, for many, it’s hard to know where to start. Pastors want to help, encouraging those in their congregations to read the Bible on their own. According to a recent Lifeway Research study, pastors say they … [Read more...]
10 Trends for Ministry in 2025
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Theological truths remain unchanged regardless of the date on the calendar, as do many ministry realities. The context surrounding Christians and churches, however, is constantly changing. As pastors and church leaders think about ministering to their congregations and communities in 2025, they should keep these key trends in mind. 1. … [Read more...]
Pastors encourage personal Bible reading among churchgoers
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Churchgoers may hear the Bible preached every Sunday, but their pastors also want them to engage with Scripture during the week. Almost all U.S. Protestant pastors (99%) say they encourage those in their church to read the Bible on their own using at least one of seven methods, according to a Lifeway Research study. On average, pastors … [Read more...]
