By Vicki Hulsey BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — For many churches, dates for Vacation Bible School (VBS) are among the first placed on the church calendar each year. Churches give VBS high priority because pastors recognize VBS as one of the most important evangelistic events for the entire church year. In some churches, a volunteer serves as the VBS director. Other churches may have … [Read more...]
Lifeway equips churches to build on God’s truth through VBS
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Lifeway Christian Resources is kicking off the new year preparing churches to host Vacation Bible School (VBS). Churches across the country are setting aside time during the first months of the year to plan for VBS this summer. And Lifeway is training, equipping and encouraging leaders along the way, because VBS makes a … [Read more...]
Baptisms rebound, but negative trend continues in Southern Baptist churches
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — With far fewer churches gathering in person, Southern Baptist congregations didn’t do much baptizing during the pandemic. Those numbers have increased in recent years, but the overall decline within the Convention continues. In 2022, Southern Baptist congregations that reported figures for the Annual Church Profile (ACP) recorded 180,177 … [Read more...]
Most churches’ fiscal years begin in January, more variety in who makes the budget
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — For most pastors, the start of a new calendar year also indicates the start of a new fiscal year for their churches. But there is much more variety among pastors when it comes to who is involved in making the budget for the fiscal year. According to a study from Lifeway Research, 74% of Protestant pastors say their church’s … [Read more...]
Pruitt’s “Revival Generation” helps leaders walk students toward faith renewal
By Brandon Elrod DALLAS — Shane Pruitt, national director of next gen evangelism at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), has been praying for the next generation to awaken to the goodness and glory of Jesus, and he wanted church leaders to have a resource that could spur students to deeper faith that extends beyond platitudes. Through Lifeway Christian Resources, … [Read more...]