By Aaron Earls For most pastors, the so-called “worship wars” over the style of the music used in their church have subsided, if they ever even felt that pressure. A new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research found 15% of Protestant pastors in the U.S. say the biggest challenge they face in the area of music is navigating the varying preferences of members. A … [Read more...]
Young Bible readers more likely to be faithful adults, study finds
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Most churchgoing Protestant parents of young adults say their kids grew up to be Christians. But half of them don’t actually practice the Christian faith, their parents say. And the biggest factor predicting their spiritual health as young adults is whether they read the Bible regularly as kids. Those are among the findings of a new … [Read more...]
Congress should end IRS oversight of sermons, say Protestant pastors
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—In the 1950s, Congress banned charitable nonprofits—including churches—from endorsing candidates or otherwise intervening in elections. Any nonprofit that violated the ban could run afoul of the IRS. Churches risked losing their tax-exempt status if the preacher endorsed a candidate in a sermon. It’s time for that to change, most … [Read more...]
When it comes to evangelism, the small things really matter
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Small churches can make a difference by sticking to the basics. New research with the Billy Graham Center and the Caskey Center for Church Excellence identifies at least 13 effective ways small churches can attract and retain more new converts, including many practices churches have used for years. The research, additionally sponsored … [Read more...]
Lifeway Research: 1 in 10 churches has had funds stolen
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Churches and other faith groups collect tens of billions of donations each year. Chances are some of the money goes missing. About 1 in 10 Protestant churches has had someone embezzle funds, according to a new survey of 1,000 Protestant senior pastors from Nashville-based Lifeway Research. That figure isn’t surprising, said … [Read more...]
