By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — When it comes to politics, the average Southern Baptist is more likely to agree with historic Baptist teaching than the claims of some self-professed Christian nationalists. A Lifeway Research study finds Southern Baptists broadly embrace conservative political ideology but also support religious liberty for all Americans and a government … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists Lost More Than 1,200 Congregations in 2022
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) faces not only declining membership but also fewer churches to attract potential new members. According to Lifeway Research’s analysis of the 2022 Annual Church Profile (ACP) of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1,253 congregations that were part of the Convention in 2021 were no longer connected in … [Read more...]
New Bible helps men daily engage God’s Word
By Aaron Wilson BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Discipleship is not a competition, but if it were, men might be seen as underdogs. Research shows men’s discipleship tracks behind women’s in several key metrics. For example, women are 14% more likely than men to attend a weekly religious service, 10% more likely to spend time alone with God daily and 6% more likely to read from the Bible … [Read more...]
Easter Remains High Attendance Day for Most Churches
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Most pastors are expecting one of their largest crowds on Easter, but those expectations have tempered some in the past decade. The three highest-attendance Sundays for pastors—Easter, Christmas and Mother’s Day—have remained the same since 2011, but each is now less likely to be among the top days, according to a Lifeway Research study … [Read more...]
Hispanic Protestant Pastors Face Unique Congregational and Community Needs
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Pastors of Hispanic Protestant churches in the United States maintain immense gratitude for their role, but many face financial struggles. Their congregations reflect diverse worship styles, but they have a unified desire to reach and serve their communities. Lifeway Research partnered with numerous denominations and church networks to … [Read more...]