By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — If you’re looking for a Southern Baptist church, you’re most likely to find one in the South. If you want to find a growing Southern Baptist church, however, you might want to try the Northeast. Analysis of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annual Church Profile (ACP) by Lifeway Research revealed the convention is made up of mostly … [Read more...]
Prosperity gospel beliefs on the rise among churchgoers
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Financial prosperity is a goal for many Americans, and most believe it’s God’s plan for them too but that they need to give a little more to ensure that blessing. According to a study from Lifeway Research, 52% of American Protestant churchgoers say their church teaches God will bless them if they give more money to their … [Read more...]
Fear Prevalent in Pews, According to Protestant Pastors
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — “Fear not” is a frequent command in the Bible, but most pastors feel churchgoers aren’t getting the message. A Lifeway Research study finds almost 7 in 10 U.S. Protestant pastors (69%) believe there is a growing sense of fear within their congregations about the future of the nation and world. Additionally, more than 3 in 5 (63%) say … [Read more...]
Churchgoers less familiar than pastors with deconstruction, more likely to see it in their pews
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Many churchgoers are not familiar with the term “deconstruction,” but if they are, they’ve likely seen it within the church pews they sit in on a regular basis. A Lifeway Research study of Protestant churchgoers in the United States found more than 1 in 3 (36%) are familiar or very familiar with the concept of … [Read more...]
Weather Most Likely Reason for Churchgoers Skipping Services
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against His church, but sleet and hail will keep many churchgoers out of the pew on a Sunday. In fact, some may even skip to get a little extra sleep or watch their favorite team. A Lifeway Research study of U.S. adults who attend a religious service at a Protestant or … [Read more...]