By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Like other Americans, pastors are deciding who they’ll vote for in the November election. Compared to previous elections, however, they’re much more hesitant to share their preference. Almost all U.S. Protestant pastors (97%) plan to vote in the 2024 presidential election, according to a Lifeway Research study conducted Aug. 8-Sept. 3, … [Read more...]
Small groups remain key aspect of churches’ discipleship ministry
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Visiting a friend outside his hometown of Gloucester, England, in the late 1700s, Robert Raikes encountered children cursing, gambling and fighting in the streets. He was horrified, but a local woman told him it was even worse on Sundays, the children’s one day off each week from the factory. Determined to help children in that situation … [Read more...]
Southern Baptist pastor pay rebounds
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — After a difficult economic stretch for many churches and pastors, Southern Baptist pastors may feel more comfortable compared to two years ago. Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist senior pastors, full-time staff ministers and full-time office personnel outpaced inflation over the past two years, according to a study conducted by … [Read more...]
Christian movies useful as discipleship and evangelism tool, churchgoers say
By Myriah Snyder BRENTWOOD, Tenn — Not only are churchgoers watching Christian movies, but some find them useful as an evangelistic and discipleship tool. A recent study by Lifeway Research finds 68% of American Protestant churchgoers have watched a Christian movie in the last year. Around 4 in 5 (81%) say Christian movies are effective evangelism tools. “The Forge,” … [Read more...]
Churchgoers May Be Overconfident in Old Testament Knowledge
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — If you ask someone at church to name their favorite story from the Old Testament, they may mention Moses or Noah, but they might also talk about Jesus or Paul. Some may even begin describing a story from outside the Bible. When asked about their favorite story from the Old Testament, around 4 in 5 U.S. Protestant churchgoers … [Read more...]
