By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Protestant pastors say they will worship God and honor America at church services this weekend, and they’re not too worried churchgoers will confuse the two. Most pastors (56%) say it’s important to incorporate patriotic elements into worship services the week of July 4th to celebrate America, including 27% who strongly agree, according … [Read more...]
Pastors have clarity on same-sex marriage, not the role of LGBTQ+ people in churches
By Marissa Postell NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This month marks seven years since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage with its Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Five years later, the 2020 American Community Survey from the United States Census Bureau estimated there were more than 570,000 same-sex married couple households in the United States. But most of these same-sex … [Read more...]
Lifeway’s 2023 VBS theme leads kids through ‘Twists & Turns’
By Aaron Wilson NASHVILLE (Tenn.) -- Next summer, kids will pass go and collect truth about Jesus in “Twists & Turns.” Lifeway Christian Resources’ 2023 Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme celebrates games of all kinds, from classic tabletop favorites to video games and more. With “Twists & Turns,” kids will play their way through VBS while learning that Jesus … [Read more...]
Religious faith, church attendance aligns with more pro-life views
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Not all pro-life Americans are religious, but religious Americans are more likely to be pro-life. Americans’ views on the morality of abortion remain mixed in the days leading up to a Supreme Court decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade, but a majority favor restrictions that go beyond those currently allowed, according to a new study … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists see baptisms and giving rebound in 2021
By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Southern Baptist congregations saw a rebound in the number of baptisms and an increase of $304 million in overall giving in 2021, both hopeful signs congregations are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern Baptist congregations baptized 154,701 in 2021, a 26% increase from 123,160 reported in 2020, according to the Annual Church … [Read more...]