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...]
Apathy in churches looms large for pastors
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Pastors often deal with churchgoers with strong opinions, but they’re much more concerned about the people in their congregations who don’t seem to care much at all. In the final release from Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, most pastors say the primary people dynamic challenge they face in their churches is … [Read more...]
Stress tops mental challenges pastors face
By Marissa Postell NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the current fast-paced, high-pressure American culture, pastors are stressed, and they know that needs to change. According to the latest release in Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, of all the mental challenges U.S. Protestant pastors face, stress stands out above the rest. Distractions and discouragement … [Read more...]
Pastors report struggling with time management, over-commitment
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As pastors think about their greatest needs, some of those go beyond their ministries and are instead connected to their personal lives. Many pastors worry about their time management skills and how they can balance all the responsibilities they have at church and at home. In their personal lives, half of U.S. Protestant pastors say they … [Read more...]
Pastors say they need to develop disciple-making, technology skills
By Marissa Postell NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Disciple making is the primary call of every pastor, and most recognize this as a skill they should continue to develop as church leaders. According to the latest release in Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, U.S. Protestant pastors say disciple making and technology are the two areas of skill development they … [Read more...]
