By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No sabbatical. No help with counseling. No clear picture of what’s expected. Hundreds of former senior pastors say these were the crucial elements missing from the final churches they led before quitting the pastorate. A recent study by Lifeway Research points to ways churches can encourage pastors to stay in the ministry, said … [Read more...]
God ranks high in New Year’s resolutions
By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In January, Americans resolve to cut the carbs, hit the gym — and get right with God. When Americans make New Year’s resolutions, a better relationship with God ranks almost as high as better health, Nashville-based Lifeway Research finds. And for many groups, faith actually outranks health. Older Americans, African-Americans, … [Read more...]
No place like church for the holidays
By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Christmas is a great time to invite someone to church, according to a recent study by Nashville-based Lifeway Research. In a recent poll of 1,000 Americans, Lifeway Research found six out of 10 Americans typically attend church at Christmastime. But among those who don’t attend church at Christmastime, a majority (57 percent) say they … [Read more...]
Thankfulness still priority at Thanksgiving
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn – For Americans, Thanksgiving is about faith and family, and not much else. More than half (56 percent) tell Lifeway Research the most important part of the annual holiday is “being thankful to God for my blessings.” Almost 4 in 10 (39 percent) say “time with family and friends” tops their Thanksgiving priorities. Times of prayer and … [Read more...]
Threat of divorce hard to spot among churchgoing couples
By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Before a divorce, churchgoers in troubled marriages look a lot like their happily married counterparts at church—participating, serving, and leading at similar rates. After a divorce, the differences can be stark. Twenty percent have dropped out of church entirely. In many cases, their children have stopped attending too. A third … [Read more...]
