By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Church collection plates were a little bit fuller last fall, according to Nashville-based Lifeway Research. About 40 percent of Protestant pastors say their churches received more offerings in 2017 than in 2016. Three-quarters say their church met or exceeded budget. And only about a third say the economy gave their church … [Read more...]
Adoption, foster care commonplace in churches
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Bible has a lot to say about caring for orphans. Protestant churches in the United States appear to be listening. About 4 in 10 Protestant churchgoers say their congregation has been involved with adoption or foster care in the past year, according to Nashville-based Lifeway Research. That may be because the Bible tells them to, … [Read more...]
Lifeway Research: Americans are fond of the Bible, don’t actually read it
By Bob Smietana Americans have a positive view of the Bible. And many say the Christian scriptures are filled with moral lessons for today. However, more than half of Americans have read little or none of the Bible. Less than a quarter of those who have ever read a Bible have a systematic plan for reading the Christian scriptures each day. And a third of Americans … [Read more...]
Pastors choose sermons, personal touch to address matters of race
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Most Protestant senior pastors say their church is open to hearing about racial reconciliation. But few say church leaders are clamoring to hear more about it. And pastors seem to prefer personal relationships and prayer when it comes to addressing matters of race. Those are among the findings of a new study about pastors, churches … [Read more...]
Most churches hold Sunday services, Super Bowl or not
By Aaron Earls For churches that have Sunday night activities, most pastors say it’s still “game on” despite the big game next weekend. According to a new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research, 68 percent of Protestant pastors say their church typically has some activity on Sunday night. And among those pastors, almost 6 in 10 (59 percent) say they will continue as … [Read more...]
