By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Many churches have begun using background checks to help prevent abuse, but fewer are trained in reporting potential abuse. Lifeway Christian Resources and Clear Investigative Advantage (CIA) hope to help congregations do both. According to the 2023 Annual Church Profile, 58% of Southern Baptist congregations have used background checks. … [Read more...]
‘God’s favor’ evident on Lifeway in 2024, Mandrell says
By Myriah Snyder BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Lifeway Christian Resources experienced another banner year in 2024, highlighted by the fourth consecutive year of revenue growth, the 100th year of ministry through Vacation Bible School and the largest camps missions offering in recent years. This year, Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell announced Lifeway’s 2030 vision to clarify … [Read more...]
Texting: the tool churches are underutilizing
By Braden Cross BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Historically, email has been the go-to tool for church communication. But if you’re on staff at a church, you’ve likely started to realize communicating through email isn’t working as well as it used to. Church announcements get overlooked, volunteer requests go unseen, and visitor follow-up often slips through the cracks. Open rates … [Read more...]
Most Southern Baptist churches use background checks, fewer receive abuse training
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro has used background checks in its ministry for more than 10 years. “It gives us peace of mind,” said Kellie Clem, financial assistant at New Vision. “Also, there are occasions where it becomes a chance to talk with volunteers about their faith walk due to results that have come back.” According … [Read more...]
Lifeway to continue supporting music ministry through lifewayworship.com
By Carol Pipes BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — After meeting with church music leaders, Lifeway Christian Resources announced its commitment to continue operating lifewayworship.com. Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell said he and the leadership team appreciated the feedback they received over the last several months. “We’ve held listening sessions with over 200 church leaders from … [Read more...]
