Friday's Catch: 'Adding to Multiply' And More

Adding to Multiply
The early disciples made a significant and deliberate decision between the addition occurring in Acts 2:47 and the multiplication occurring in Acts 6:7. They empowered others for ministry. They added leaders. They handed ministry and responsibility to others.

The Burge Report: The Assemblies of God: Why This Denomination Is Defying Gravity
Only one denomination in the United States has grown consistently. Drawing from nearly fifty years of data, Ryan Burge’s analysis shows a denomination that has not only maintained stability but also demonstrated resilience, growth, and demographic vitality. From membership and attendance trends to conversion inflows and racial diversity, the Assemblies of God presents a statistical profile that is almost entirely positive, even after the shock of COVID-19. While many traditions wrestle with long-term decline, the Assemblies of God appears poised for continued strength.

VOICES: Why Gen Z 'nones' are reconsidering religion
Gen Z is the least religious cohort in American history. 43% of this generation born roughly between 1996 and 2012 identify as religious “nones.” While there have been many reports since Charlie Kirk’s assassination indicating increased interest in religion and increased church attendance, according to statistician Ryan Burge, there is not yet statistical evidence of religious revival among young people.

Over the two or more decades I have read a number of articles making similar claims which proved only to be wishful thinking and were not backed by credible statistical evidence. Further investigation into the accuracy of the authors' claims is warranted. They may be on to something or they may not.

America’s divide over Christian nationalism is lopsided
The nation is not quite as divided as many Americans have come to believe, said Robert P. Jones, president of Public Religion Research Institute.

Pope faces crisis as breakaway Catholic group rejects Vatican talks 

A breakaway Catholic traditionalist group on Thursday rejected the Vatican’s offer of talks, suggesting a collision course with Pope Leo XIV over its planned consecrations of new bishops without his consent.

More details emerge about dissent at First Baptist Orlando 

A number of members of the Horizon West campus of First Baptist Church of Orlando continue to express alarm over the way the church’s three senior pastors have treated their campus pastor and a campus worship leader.

SBC Disfellowships 2 Churches at February Executive Committee Meeting for Appointing Women as Pastors
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has chosen to discontinue its relationship with two congregations that employ women as pastors, the Executive Committee announced earlier this week.

Christian conservative demolishes MAGA evangelical talking point
Never Trump conservative David French, in a biting February 19 column for the New York Times, cites Christian nationalists' anti-empathy arguments as a prime example of how twisted MAGA's view of Christianity is.

Beating Down Satan
Before Friedrich Nietzche proclaimed that “God is dead,” Friedrich Schleiermacher said nearly the same about the Devil, doctrinally speaking. Schleiermacher deemed diabology, the study of the Devil, as largely irrelevant for modern theology. In his new book God’s Adversary and Ours, Phil Ziegler—a Canadian theologian and professor at the University of Aberdeen—suggests that Schleiermacher’s dismissal of the Devil was the “culminating logic” of the majority theological tradition.

Hear the long-lost chants of English monks whose monasteries were dissolved by Henry VIII
The discovery of 500-year-old book at the British Library is enabling 21st century singers to perform long-lost pre-Reformation medieval monastic music.

The greatest risk of AI in higher education isn’t cheating – it’s the erosion of learning itself
Over the past eight years, we’ve been studying the moral implications of pervasive engagement with AI as part of a joint research project between the Applied Ethics Center at UMass Boston and the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. In a recent white paper, we argue that as AI systems become more autonomous, the ethical stakes of AI use in higher ed rise, as do its potential consequences.

Aging Well in the Faith 

What of the essential exercises for aging well spiritually? And more to the point, finishing well? Meaning, those essential practices and disciplines, investments and workouts that will help ensure that you stay vibrant in faith and family, vocation and vision?

Thursday's Catch: 'Conservative alternative to UMC now has over 7,000 member congregations' And More

Conservative alternative to UMC now has over 7,000 member congregations
A theologically conservative denomination founded as an alternative to the United Methodist Church now has more than 7,000 member congregations, months after surpassing 6,000.

Building Churches Out of Other Churches
We wouldn’t think much of the farmer who boasted of the size of his flock if we knew he had been hauling them over the top of the neighbor’s fence.

Breakaway Catholic group rejects Vatican talks, indicating collision course for pope
Earlier this month, the SSPX announced it planned to consecrate four new bishops July 1.

400 Christian leaders urge resistance to Trump administration on Ash Wednesday
The statement’s signers include a mix of denominational leaders, seminary presidents, scholars and leaders of prominent congregations.

DHS Directive To Detain Vetted Refugees Sparks Outcry From Faith-Based Relief Groups
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a memo instructing immigration enforcement to detain people with legal refugee status so that they can be “re-vetted,” prompting criticism from humanitarian organizations, including World Relief.

New study proves immigrants help US economy and are not a drain
Immigrants are essential to the U.S. economy because they pay more in taxes than they use in benefits, according to a new study by the Cato Institute.

Higher IQ leads to lower conservatism in men in decades-long study
A decades-long study suggests that men with higher intelligence quotient ratings are less likely to hold conservative political views.

Pastor Salary: Should Pastors Make Six Figures?
The question of whether pastors should make six figures is not just about numbers—it touches on theology, stewardship, fairness, culture, and the practical realities of life in pastoral ministry. While pastors guide their congregations spiritually, they must also deal with the reality of financial sustainability and compensation fairness. It’s important to look at current compensation data, the diverse realities facing pastors today, and the ethical and practical questions church leaders and congregants often wrestle with.

How Long Should a Pastor Pray Each Day?
Is the strength of our prayer life really measured in minutes? And what if shorter, consistent rhythms of prayer throughout the day lead to a more sustainable, joyful connection with God? In this episode, Josh and Sam explore how pastors and church leaders can cultivate a meaningful prayer life without tying their spiritual health to a stopwatch.

Trump's FDA quietly deletes health warnings against ineffective autism treatments
The Department of Health and Human Services quietly removed an advisory on its website warning users against deceptive treatments for autism that can be harmful in the latest departure from traditional scientific methods.

The advisory warned patients on treatments like chelating agents, hyperbaric oxygen therapies, chlorine dioxide, and raw camel milk, which are often marketed by pseudo-science groups claiming to cure or treat autism.

A Pastor's Thoughts on Inviting Friends to Church
Our invitations don’t convert people, but they place them where conversion is possible.

Thursday Evening at All Hallows (February 19, 2026) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

Yesterday was the first day of Lent, traditionally called Ash Wednesday. Some churches observed the occasion with a penitential service. Depending upon the customs of the church, this service may have included the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of those present, a reminder of our mortality, the shortness of life and the need for repentance.

In this evening’s message we will be taking a look at what John Wesley, a leading figure of the eighteenth century Evangelical Revival and founder of the Methodist movement, taught were the means of grace essential to pursuing a Christian life.

Reading: Matthew 6.1-21

Message: Attend the Ordinances

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/thursday-evening-at-all-hallows_19.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing a lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows the lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Thursday Evenings at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Ash Wednesday from ancient tradition to modern practice' And More

Ash Wednesday from ancient tradition to modern practice
Ash Wednesday signals the start of the Lenten season, the 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and repentance leading to Easter. Each year, millions of Christians approach the altar to receive a small cross of ashes on their foreheads, where they hear the solemn words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

But where did this tradition come from? Let’s turn to the Bible and Church history to obtain the answer.

Also See: Why ashes? The gift of finding our finitude in a digital world; What is the biblical basis of Ash Wednesday?

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s Ash Wednesday letter to the church
When God told Moses to lead the ancient Israelites out of slavery in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh stood in his way. Pharaoh wanted power and control over God’s people, and Exodus tells us that the more serious the situation got, the more hardened his heart became. Despite locusts and frogs and all manner of chaos in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh remained trapped by his view of the world, which had himself and his power at the center. He could not see that God’s imagination was far bigger and more expansive than his. He could not imagine liberation for God’s people—or for himself....

Update: TPUSA event at First Baptist Orlando appears to be canceled
Turning Point USA apparently has canceled First Baptist Church of Orlando as a stop on its “Make Heaven Crowded” tour.

Trump supporters' extreme views driven by personal insecurity: research
PsyPost reports that a new study published in the journal Advances in Psychology suggests that White people who personally perceive themselves as ranking at the bottom of the racial economic hierarchy or “tied” with Black Americans were the most likely to support President Donald Trump.

Also See: Trump support in 2024 linked to White Americans’ perception of falling to the bottom of the racial hierarchy; White Americans’ feelings of being “last place” are associated with anti-DEI attitudes, Trump support, and Trump vote during the 2024 U.S. presidential election

Resisting the Lure of Catholicism and Orthodoxy
Why are students drawn to Rome or Constantinople?

Coffee-growing countries becoming too hot to cultivate beans, analysis finds
Yes, climate change now threatens the church's coffee hour! Will donuts be next?

Is Your Faith in Someone or to Get Something?
Faith isn’t about getting something; it’s about responding to God in obedience.

4 Reasons Your Church Should Read Scripture in Community
When Scripture is studied within a community, it gives the church a shared story sturdy enough to bear the weight of real life.

A Guide to Praying the Daily Offices
In this article I offer a basic guide to praying the Daily Offices. The four offices with which Anglicans and Episcopalians in North America will be most familiar are the services of Morning and Evening Prayer, the service of Noon Day Prayer, and the service of Compline, or Prayer at the End of the Day. Some may be familiar with the Lucenary, or Lamp-Lighting Service, called the Order for Worship in the Evening in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer; others may be familiar with the Litany, or General Intercession, used as a separate service.

Can AI Preach My Sermon?
We have crossed a strange and significant line. For centuries, those who gathered to hear the preaching of God’s Word could safely assume that the messages they heard were prayerfully prepared by a human pastor. That pastor was someone called by God, shaped by Scripture, and burdened with the task of proclaiming it. In 2026, that assumption can no longer be made.

AI researchers are sounding the alarm on their way out the door
“The world is in peril,” warned the former head of Anthropic’s Safeguards Research team as he headed for the exit. A researcher for OpenAI, similarly on the way out, said that the technology has “a potential for manipulating users in ways we don’t have the tools to understand, let alone prevent.”

Mark DeYmaz: When Actions Speak Louder
In the 21st century, then, what we say about Jesus means very little apart from meaningful action that represents him well. For this reason, I believe we’re living in a Matthew 5:16 century. In this particular passage, Jesus emphasizes, “Let them see your good works. That’s what will compel them toward your Father in heaven” (paraphrase mine).

Also See: Vox Church: Broader Impact

Tuesday's Catch: 'Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?' And More

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story....

Bible Society researcher defends 'Quiet Revival' findings on rising Christian confidence
The lead researcher behind the “Quiet Revival” report, published by the Bible Society of England and Wales in April 2025 and showing an upsurge of interest in Christianity in secular society, has defended the robust methodology behind the findings and said the data reflected observations made by individual churches.

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
The Church of England has announced a £400,000 scheme in partnership with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) to encourage children to get involved in choral worship.

Under the simply named “Choir Project” over 200 church choirs aimed at children and young people will be established or “renewed”.

Where Gen Z Is Finding Jesus
Whoa. What’s going on here? Is it possible that Gen Z is having something of a revival?

Burge says this is why nondenoms have advantage over SBC
Nondenominational churches will continue to have an advantage over Southern Baptist churches because their members are younger and more ethnically diverse, predicts religion data analyst Ryan Burge.

Also See: Those Non-Denoms are Just Southern Baptists, Right?

“Gradually… Then Suddenly”: Why Church Decline Is About to Accelerate
Why Death Is Coming Soon to Many Churches (and How to Prevent It)

Church Answers researcher Ryan Burge recently released a stunning and sobering report on the ages of congregants of various denominations. It's not a pretty picture. Many churches will soon die or become moribund because of one simple factor: their church members are dying and not being replaced. Jess and Thom examine four aspects of this demographic decline and death.

Also See: When the Average Age Lies: The Demographic Tipping Point

Republicans, Southerners, Trump backers mostly likely to support Christian nationalist ideas
A new report from the Public Religion Research Institute shows deep divides over the place of Christianity in the U.S.

Orlando pastor on leave after questioning TPUSA ‘revival’
A campus pastor at First Baptist Orlando has been placed on administrative leave and a worship leader reportedly has resigned because they opposed the decision to host Turning Point USA’s “Make Heaven Crowded” tour next week.

'I am somebody!': Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader who ran for presidency, dies at 84
‘I don’t think Jesse Jackson saw his political life as something different from his call from God as a preacher,’ said the Rev. Valerie Bridgeman.

How the Church Can Take the Lead in Suicide Prevention
Overwhelmingly, churchgoers agree that suicide and mental health need to be addressed and that the church has a responsibility to be a leading voice in the conversation.

Americans rank clergy at record low in honesty and ethics ratings: Gallup
Honesty and ethics ratings of clergy have sunk to a new record low, according to Gallup.

Why Do SO Many Pastors Want to Quit Ministry?
In this video, I break down why pastors are burning out, what cultural pressures are making leadership harder than ever, and how algorithms, polarization, and loneliness are quietly reshaping ministry. Even though the numbers are improving, 1 in 4 pastors still want to quit. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a warning.

Epidemic: Another Minister Flamed Out Last Week
The pain of one pastor is intensified under the unforgiving glare of the spotlight, while the pain of another is ignored. Both hurt equally.

New Free Playlist: Old Hymns Made New
One of the most welcome trends in contemporary Christian music is a revived appreciation for the beauty and depth of Christian hymnody. Perhaps unsurprisingly in a world of vapid, repetitive “praise” music and ephemeral “pop worship” hits, the old hymns of our faith—many musically gorgeous and lyrically deep—have not only endured but been rediscovered by younger generations.

These days, it seems almost every contemporary Christian artist will occasionally release an album of their his or her on classic hymns or occasional singles that reinterpret older hymns. As a way to highlight the best of these releases, I put together a playlist of old Christian hymns newly recorded by contemporary artists.

What to do when you don't feel worthy of God's love or calling
Have you ever played Among Us, the popular game where imposters try to blend in while secretly working against the crew? If you have, you might remember the tension of pretending you belonged while hoping no one exposed you.

Sometimes, life can feel the same way. Whether in work, school, ministry, or relationships, you may feel like an outsider - like you don’t truly belong. Even after gaining experience and seeing success, the nagging feeling remains, ‘I shouldn’t be here. I don’t deserve this. Someone must have made a mistake.’ And worse, you fear that everyone around you can see it too.

Study is crucial for the Church's mission in the world
Academic education is undergoing dramatic transformation worldwide. Theological institutions are closing down due to declining numbers in the West, and demand for informal theological education that provides accredited certification is increasing exponentially in the Global South. But the question should be asked, why study theology?

Monday's Catch: 'Should Struggling Christians Abstain from Communion?' And More

Should Struggling Christians Abstain from Communion?
Is calling Christians to a private self-audit before the Lord’s Supper, or encouraging them to abstain if their consciences are unsettled, a valid application of Paul’s teaching?

If the Church of England were serious about revival, this is what they would be doing
If there is even a possibility that the Quiet Revival is merely a statistical mirage, and that “destruction upon destruction” is really what awaits the parishes and congregations, is the Church of England treating this desperate situation with the urgency and seriousness that it deserves?

10 baseless practices in the contemporary church
n this article, I want to address 10 baseless practices that have emerged in contemporary Christianity — some of which are rooted in ignorance, others in spiritual arrogance, and still others in a distorted understanding of Scripture and church tradition.

The Draw of Eastern Orthodoxy
Evangelical church leaders are treating the Orthodox Church like it is another denominational option and not what it actually is—another religion altogether. Three articles might help us wrap our brains around what is happening right now with young men especially.

Should I Leave My Church Over Calvinism and Arminianism?
Russell answers a listener question about whether a church’s differences over Calvinism and Arminianism mean it’s time to leave his church.

The Doctrine Gen Z Needs to Hear About
In Gen Z, I commonly see fear of rejection. As Gen Zers continue to live online and find relationships there, one of the most prominent forms of rejection they face emerges in the digital realm: ghosting. And I’ve learned to meet that fear with the doctrine of God’s unshakeable love.

Church of England to amass host of choirs in battle to save hymns
The Church of England is to create an army of church choirs in an effort to revive interest in traditional hymns.

Also See: If Britain wants excellent church-music education, we must support our parish churches; The very sound of English history: Appreciating the joys of evensong

Festival Boosts Anglican Music in East Africa
James Otieno trusted the high school teacher who invited him to help turn pages during a recital at Nairobi’s All Saints’ Cathedral. That night in December 1979 changed his life forever.

3 Ways to Create a Bible Reading Culture in Your Church
You can’t control people’s Bible-reading desires, but you can create spaces for them to learn how to engage Scripture on its own terms.

How You Should Discard an Old, Worn-Out Bible
When a Bible becomes too worn to use or damaged in some way, many people feel uneasy about simply tossing it in the trash. That instinct is understandable. I’ve got a shelf full of old Bibles that I can’t seem to discard. They’re too tattered to give away but too meaningful to throw away. We know the proper etiquette of disposing of an American flag. But how should Christians discard old Bibles when it’s time? While no official rules exist, there are several respectful options.

Key Takeaways From the Practical Guide to ‘Come Away and Rest’
Let’s get a taste of what this book can help us to see with 20 truths from “Come Away and Rest.”

Also See: He Sat Down

Saturday Lagniappe: 'Can Traditional Churches Survive the Next 20 Years?' And More

Can Traditional Churches Survive the Next 20 Years?
For decades, church leaders have wrestled with the same question: Is traditional, brick-and-mortar church attendance a vanishing institution—or merely evolving? As we look ahead to the next twenty years, a blend of demographic shifts, cultural change, and emerging research suggests that the fate of traditional churches isn’t predetermined—but it is at a crossroads.

Church of England General Synod votes against blessing same-sex marriage after long debate
The Church of England’s General Synod has voted to end plans for stand-alone blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples in churches after extended debate. The decision also closes a years-long process that had examined whether such ceremonies could be introduced.

Also See: General Synod: A Beginning and an End

Episcopal Church’s annual budget gets single-page public release, to mixed reviews
Churchwide leaders have unveiled a new, one-page format for The Episcopal Church’s annual budget document. They say the concise format — compared to past budgets exceeding 20 pages — is now more accurate, as well as more transparent in providing useful information about churchwide expenses, such as personnel, staff travel, contracted services, IT support and marketing.

Who were Saints Cyril and Methodius?
Everyone associates 14 February with Valentine's Day but did you know it is also the day to remember Saints Cyril and Methodius, who created the Cyrillic alphabet used in many eastern European countries. This is the storY....

Six Big Shifts In How People Volunteer—And How To Respond, with Laurie Graham (Ep 121)
“If your systems assume long-term commitments, you’ll miss out on good people who’d love to help short-term. Rethink the length and structure of roles.”

How USPS Postmark Changes Could Impact Church Tax Deadlines and Payroll Filings
The United States Postal Service (USPS) changed its process for postmarking first-class mail in December 2025, relegating the task to regional offices instead of local ones.

Before You Enroll: What You Need to Know About Seminary
Thom and Sam interview Dr. Andy Miller, the president of Wesley Biblical Seminary, to explore what every potential seminary student needs to consider before enrolling. While seminary can provide clarity and theological depth, it is not a magic formula for ministry success. This discussion breaks down the practical steps every prospective student should consider.

How Narcissistic Leadership Destroys Churches
By any measurable standard—attendance decline, staff turnover, congregational division—church health can be fragile. But leadership experts and ministry observers say one factor repeatedly surfaces in congregations that fracture or implode: narcissistic leadership.

Skip the Sound Bites: Recover the Lost Art of Listening to Sermons
Every Sunday, a spiritual war is waged as we seek to receive what God has for us from his Word.

Image Credit: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Asheville NC

Sundays at All Hallows (February 15, 2026) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the sixth Sunday after Epiphany and the last Sunday of Epiphanytide. This coming Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, so named after the practice of priests of the medieval Catholic Church “shriving” penitents on this day, hear their confessions, granting them absolution, and assigning penances, in preparation for Lent. It is also known as Pancake Day. What remained of fat and eggs was used to make pancakes. This coming Wednesday is the first day of Lent, commonly called Ash Wednesday. In the medieval Catholic Church ashes were sprinkled on the heads of penitents on this day.

The topic of this Sunday’s message is grace.

Readings: Deuteronomy 11: 18-21, 26-28; Romans 1: 16-17; 3: 22b-31; and Matthew 7: 21-29

Message: What's So Amazing About Grace?

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/sundays-at-all-hallows-february-15-2026.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Friday's Catch: 'Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK' And More

Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK
An evangelical church leader has welcomed national polling pointing to a more open spiritual landscape in the UK, as churches prepare for a nationwide mission effort in the run-up to Easter 2026.

CoE General Synod backs Sustainable Church Flowers motion
The General Synod has today backed a Diocesan Synod Motion from the Diocese of Worcester encouraging churches and cathedrals to explore ways of arranging flowers that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Also See: Sustainable Church Flowers

Why fewer Latin Americans claim religion — but still pray and believe
‘The idea that you are only one religion is very North Atlantic,’ said religion sociologist Gustavo Morello.

Fewer Than 1 in 3 Churchgoers Read the Bible Daily
Among U.S. Protestant churchgoers, most say they read Scripture regularly, but just 31% say Bible reading is a daily habit.

Tradition Didn’t Kill My Faith. Amnesia Almost Did.
American evangelicalism is very good at producing faith that feels personal. It is far less good at producing faith that lasts.

Proactive Steps for Congregational Budget Success
Did your congregation struggle last year with budget shortfalls? If so, you’re not alone. Many congregations deal with being “in the red,” often due to a lack of awareness among members about church finances. Andreá Cummings offers practical strategies for proactive communication, transparent reporting, and inspiring generosity—helping churches close financial gaps and strengthen their mission.

Why Clarity Is Critical in Ministry
Most pastors don’t fail because they’re unfaithful. They stall because they’re unclear.

The Biggest Mistake Teaching Pastors Make – And How To Correct It
Your primary ministry gift may be teaching. But that gift must always serve the greater command to be equippers.

How To Go From Teaching A Crowd To Equipping The Saints
Teaching requires two things: a competent instructor and receptive students. Equipping and discipling require much more.

A Liturgical Theology of Preaching—Preaching the Scriptures
This is the fourth essay is a special series by the Rev. Dr. Nathan Jennings, Professor of Liturgics at Seminary of the Southwest. There will be eight installments in this series presented in intervals through the winter of 2026. A “round up” with links to all eight essays will be available in the spring.

Should We Prioritize Evangelism in Missions?
For more than fifty years—encapsulated in a famous backroom debate between Billy Graham and John Stott, but in reality stretching back further, to the beginnings of the neo-evangelical movement and Carl F. H. Henry’s The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism—evangelicals have wrestled with the nature and extent of the church’s mission.

Thursday's Catch: 'Sexual Abuse: A Ministry Survival Guide' And More

Sexual Abuse: A Ministry Survival Guide

When allegations arise, your response in the first 24 hours will shape the trajectory of the next 12 months. What follows is a practical, time-based roadmap for professional church leaders navigating one of the most devastating crises a church can face.

7 Steps to Starting a Young Adult Ministry, Not Another Program
For every new program, you’ll eventually need another program. But starting a young adult ministry can be sustainable with these steps.

Vatican warns SSPX bishop ordinations without papal approval would cause schism
The head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said he proposed a path for dialogue and full communion to the leader of SSPX at a meeting on Thursday.

Epstein files reveal ties to Catholic conservatives' anti-Francis campaign
The newly released Epstein files show that Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon discussed opposition to Pope Francis, including a move that Bannon claimed would ‘take down Francis.

How MAGA's anti-empathy campaign upends Christian morality
Throughout history, Christianity has been bent into strange shapes to suit someone’s need for power.

Scientists warn of risk of Earth becoming irreversible 'hothouse'
Scientists have warned that the Earth could be approaching a “hothouse” state that would be extremely difficult to reverse.

Also See: Western US gripped by extreme snow drought: 'I've never seen a winter like this'; Aging populations could cut global water use by up to 31%, study finds

The 1662 and You with Drew Keane
How does the 1662 Book of Common Prayer hold Anglicans together today?

Book of Common Prayer (International Edition) Free Resources & FAQ
One of the optional readings for the Ordering of Deacons in the sixth printing of the 1662 IE has “Women in like manner must be” instead of “Even so must their wives be”. This change has created a stir amongst those opposed to women's ordination and using the 1662 IE and has prompted the presiding bishop of the UECNA to ban the use of this printing in his jurisdiction. For an explanation of the rationale for this change, see the FAQ on this page.

Pastor, Is Your Passion is Waning?
I’ve been there. You know God has called you to ministry, but your passion is waning, if not gone. Going to work in the morning can be a battle. If that’s where you are, maybe these suggestions will help you. If you’re still on fire for God’s work, I pray these ideas will fuel your fire so it doesn’t go out.

A Liturgical Theology of Preaching—Preaching the Good News
This is the third essay is a special series by the Rev. Dr. Nathan Jennings, Professor of Liturgics at Seminary of the Southwest. There will be eight installments in this series presented in intervals through the winter of 2026. A “round up” with links to all eight essays will be available in the spring.

Thursday Evening at All Hallows (February 12, 2026) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

True disciples of Jesus not only study what he taught, but they fashion and frame their lives according to his teaching and witness to him through how they live as well as their words. In this evening’s message we take a look what we can learn from a conversation Jesus had with a rich young man and afterward with Peter and the other disciples.

Reading: Matthew 19: 16-30

Message: Missing the Mark

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/thursday-evening-at-all-hallows_12.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing a lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows the lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Thursday Evenings at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Proximity Without Trust' And More

Proximity Without Trust: Why Revitalization Stalls and Why Gospel Saturation Must Be the Goal
Many churches in North America are not drifting away from Christianity; they are surrounded by it. They are fluent in Scripture, practiced in worship, experienced in ministry systems, and deeply familiar with Christian language. Yet, despite decades of effort, many congregations feel stalled, working harder, praying less with expectation, and seeing little lasting fruit.

The issue is not proximity to God.The issue is proximity without trust....

Can You Prevent a Church Split? A Ministry Survival Guide
The thunder clouds of dissent and dissatisfaction are gathering. You hear (and likely feel) the tremor that eventually becomes a rumble, and finally the undeniable earthquake of a church on the brink of a split. This is that perilous season where wise leadership can sometimes prevent a split, and often reduce the damage if one still happens. The months leading up to a potential church split are about slowing things down, lowering the emotional temperature, and leading with unusual clarity and humility.

Here’s practical, field-tested advice for that pre-split season.

Church Split: A Ministry Survival Guide
Church splits are among the most painful experiences a leader can face. They carry spiritual, relational and organizational fallout—and they almost never unfold neatly. In moments like these, church leaders don’t just need encouragement; they need a clear, practical plan. What follows is a realistic timeline of critical steps to take when a church is splitting, written from the perspective of pastors and senior leaders who must shepherd people through crisis with wisdom and integrity.

Trump admin continues to lie about who’s being arrested by ICE
Only a fraction of the 400,000 immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the past year had charges or convictions for violent criminal offenses, according to new data from the Department of Homeland Security.

Maryland priest, wife caring for children of single mom detained by immigration officials
A Maryland priest and his wife have assumed care of two children after their mother was detained by immigration officials, according to a story from NBC4 Washington.

Cardinal Cupich says feds stopped priests, demanded citizenship proof
‘I’ve had some priests who are of a different color being targeted and arrested — stopped — because of their color and asking them to prove that they’re citizens. That’s not America,’ the Chicago cardinal said.

Decision on ‘sensitive location’ policy coming
Carlos Chavez, a Mexican-born member of North Hills United Methodist Church Hispanic Mission in Los Angeles, was apprehended Jan. 29 at the church and deported shortly thereafter. The D.C. Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Feb. 5 for a lawsuit filed by religious organizations claiming that a 2025 policy change that rescinds a long-time policy to avoid disrupting churches and schools is unconstitutional. A decision from the court is expected to take about two months.

Calvin Robinson Joins Sixth Denomination
The Rev. Calvin Robinson, the religious internet personality, recently became a cleric in a continuing Anglican denomination founded in 2024: the English Catholic Church in North America. Robinson has been temporary licensed in this denomination since 2025, and was permanently incardinated into it on February 4.

Discipleship Deficit Exists Among U.S. Churchgoers
Lifeway Research studied churchgoers’ levels of discipleship by asking dozens of questions related to Christian doctrine and practice.

Evangelical Theology 1833–1856: A Response to Tractarianism
In this classical study, now out of print, the late English theologian and historian Peter Toon examines how Anglican Evangelical theologians in the mid-19th century reacted to the rise of the Oxford Movement and Tractarianism.

Also See: Evangelicals and Tractarians: then and now

Preparing for the Unexpected in Your Worship Service
What are some practical ways church leaders can care for their congregation if they face a disruption?

Bible Study Leaders Should Not Have All the Answers
Even though leaders can’t logistically have all the answers, I don’t think that should even be a goal. As an ambition, that’s harmful for at least two reasons.

VOICES: Want to improve your prayer life? Try shorter prayers
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that longer prayers are better prayers. There is a temptation to believe the more we talk, the more persuasive we are in moving the hand of God. But that is not what the Bible shows us.

‘God Told Me’: How We Hear God’s Voice Today
How do we take seriously that God speaks yet embrace firmly Scripture’s authority? Can we hear Father, Son, and Spirit speak in our personal circumstances in immediate and specific ways and say truly, “God told me”?

Yes, within three guardrails.

Seeing the gym as a mission field
Did you set a new year’s resolution this year? Chances are, the resolution was focused on improving yourself. According to YouGov, exercise remains resoundingly the top ‘self-betterment’ goal. As a self-confessed fitness-fanatic myself, I get this: the structure, consistency, and community offered by the gym helps me in so many ways. But how does this fit with the Christian life? Is growing in my faith like going to the gym?

Tuesday' Catch: 'The Enormous Potential Of Small Churches' And More

The Enormous Potential Of Small Churches (and a Chat with Ed Stetzer)
There are seven acknowledgements we must make if we hope to value and empower every congregation of every size.

Small churches can do large ministries
Small United Methodist churches can do big ministries and sustain them. Three of those are in Nashville, Tennessee; Waterville, New York; and Titusville, Florida. “Small churches may not be able to make a splash … but they can still change the community around them,” says the Rev. Wayne Cook of Titusville, Florida.

The Rise of the Entrepreneurial Church: How Churches Can Fund Ministry Beyond Tithes
Missional businesses offer a chance to transform empty spaces into vibrant community hubs while creating sustainable income streams to keep the doors of the church open.

VOICES: What are hidden 'gaps' in church background checks?
Understanding where background checks fall short is the first step toward strengthening them. By identifying common gaps and learning how screening systems truly work, churches can move from assumptions to informed stewardship, ultimately protecting their people with clarity, wisdom, and care.

Multnomah gave up its campus in a failed takeover. Alums want it back.
The partnership between Multnomah University and Jessup University was seen as a model for saving struggling schools. Now it's become a cautionary tale.

Critics Push Back on SBC’s ‘Road to Orlando’ Feature of David Uth Over LGBTQ+ Ministry Stance
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is drawing criticism for featuring Dr. David Uth of First Orlando church on the “Road to Orlando,” a weekly web series designed to prepare people for the 2026 SBC annual meeting. Uth, whose church’s statement of faith says marriage is between one man and one woman, has come under criticism in the past over reports that the church allows LGBTQ+ people to serve in ministry.

Why Christians Ignore What the Bible Says About Immigrants
Believers can disagree on migration policies—but the Word of God should shape how we minister to vulnerable people. Watch the episode on YouTube.

An Old Reprint has New Life
Thomas Rogers authored The Catholic Doctrine of the Church of England in its earliest edition in 1585 (under a different title), only a mere fourteen years after the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion were adopted by the Church of England. His work, accurately subtitled An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, provides insight as to how the Articles of Religion were read and received within their first generation of adoption. The Parker Society Edition, from 1854, has been enhanced in its scan and republished in Kindle ebook, paperback, and hardcover on Amazon by yours truly to resurrect this oft-forgotten work. It is the fourth book within The Anglican Reformers Collection, available on Amazon.

How Pastors Are Taking Pay Cuts without Taking Pay Cuts
Thom and Jess share how many pastors have lower take-home pay even though their stated pay has not decreased.

Also See: Four Real Stories about How Church Bookkeepers Messed Up

How to Overcome Betrayal Trauma in Ministry
With betrayal trauma, the departure not only caused grief but wounding—even if that was not the intention of those who inflicted the hurt.

Raising Church-Loving Children
Before we talk about cultivating love for the church in our children, we must first remember what Scripture says about the church itself, especially in a cultural moment when the phrase, “I can have a relationship with Jesus and not go to church” is all too common. Why does the church matter?

Image Credit: St. Andrew by-the-Lake Anglican Church, Multnomah/Jessup University

Monday's Catch: 'America’s Christian revival is a hoax' And More

America’s Christian revival is a hoax
Contrary to ridiculous reports, America is merely witnessing a Christian reboot, not a Christian revival. And reboots are rarely as good as the original.

Amid rampant AI and social media, Gen Z is turning to religion
One of the reasons that a previous increase in secularistic thinking is slowing is because Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is becoming more religious, with two-thirds identifying as spiritual, religious and believing in a higher power.

New research sheds light on why women are more religious than men
Women continue to outnumber men in religious belief and practice across most societies, even when the faith promotes traditional gender roles that limit their social, economic and legal freedoms.

Evangelical Pastors and The Challenge of Eastern Orthodoxy
For the past few years, I (Christian) have observed online discussions about how more and more evangelicals, especially young evangelical men, are becoming interested in Eastern Orthodoxy. At first, I dismissed that trend as another example of how social media algorithms have a way of connecting and amplifying isolated events, giving a false sense of a mass movement. However, my perspective suddenly shifted when, in three unrelated instances, young people at my local church came to me expressing either concern about or explicit interest in Eastern Orthodoxy and its claims.

Immigration raids in South Texas are starting to hit the economy
South Texas is a heightened example of what contractors are facing across the country in areas where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has intensified.

Canadian primate expresses solidarity, offers prayers in letter to Episcopal Church’s presiding bishop
On Feb. 6, the Most Rev. Shane Parker, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, sent a letter to Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and all Episcopalians offering prayers in the wake of ongoing aggressive actions in U.S. cities over immigration enforcement.

Loving the Sojourner--Free Guide
Whether through our global leadership as Americans or our spiritual witness as Christians, our treatment of refugees is a direct reflection of our deepest beliefs. This ebook serves as a vital guide for those looking to move beyond the headlines and align their perspective with a posture of compassion, reminding us that we still have the opportunity to choose the right heart.

Praying to a golden calf
Instead of somber reflection or words to soothe an anxious nation, Trump delivered a blasphemous meditation on Trump: 77 minutes of self-indulgence, grievance and hatred of others.

ERLC joins chorus of conservatives rebuking Trump post dehumanizing Obamas
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., issued a statement Friday night saying that “Regardless of the circumstances in which the video was made or shared, the depiction of the Obamas was inexcusable, and we are glad the video was taken down."

What Is Dispensationalism? Its Distinctives, Contributions & Possible Pitfalls
Dispensationalism is a theological approach to reading the Bible that emphasizes the various administrative ways God has managed the plan of salvation for restoring humanity into a healthy relationship with God through Christ. At its core, dispensationalism is a theology of the kingdom tied to the biblical covenants and their administration.

How Should Pastors Organize Their Libraries?
Most pastors don’t need encouragement to buy books. They need help figuring out where to put them.

Why We Sing
The Christian faith is a singing faith. A singing saint brings deep joy to the heart of God. There is not a chapter and verse in Scripture that explicitly states this, but when you consider the sum of singing commands and the role singing plays at so many critical points in redemptive history, we easily come to the conclusion that our God really, really likes to hear his people sing....

The Breakthrough Prayer
What you think is your own resolve is actually the result of their resolve and their labor in prayer.

Scientists reveal the alien logic of AI: hyper-rational but stumped by simple concepts
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence systems approach strategic decision-making with a higher degree of mathematical optimization than human players, often outperforming humans in games requiring iterative reasoning. While these large language models demonstrate an ability to adapt to complex rules and specific competitive scenarios, they differ fundamentally from human cognition by failing to identify certain logical shortcuts known as dominant strategies. The findings appear in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization.

Anthropic rewrites Claude’s guiding principles—and entertains the idea that its AI might have some kind of consciousness or moral status
Anthropic is overhauling a foundational document that shapes how its popular Claude AI model behaves. The AI lab is moving away from training the model to follow a simple list of principles—such as choosing the response that is least racist or sexist—to instead teach the AI why it should act in certain ways.

Claude has an 80-page “soul document.” Is that enough to make it good?
Chatbots don’t have mothers, but if they did, Claude’s would be Amanda Askell. She’s an in-house philosopher at the AI company Anthropic, and she wrote most of the document that tells Claude what sort of personality to have — the “constitution” or, as it became known internally at Anthropic, the “soul doc.”

Also See: Meet the One Woman Anthropic Trusts to Teach AI Morals (subscription only)

The problem with Moltbook as AI agents run wild on new social network
Moltbook, a new “social network” built exclusively for AI agents to make posts and interact with each other, has caused a stir online but it also comes with some serious security concerns, experts say.

Humans are not invited to join the social media platform, but they can observe - and some are hijacking the site and roleplaying as AI.

Opinion: America does not have a protein deficiency problem: It has a fiber problem
In 2025, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, an independent panel of scientists, published a report that recommended shifting protein intake away from red and processed meats and toward beans, peas, lentils, other vegetable protein sources and seafood. They relied on robust research showing that fiber-rich plant-forward diets are associated with better health.

‘Take the vaccine, please,’ Dr Oz urges amid rising measles cases in US
A senior US public health official called on Americans to get vaccinated against measles as outbreaks continue in multiple states and concerns grow that the country could lose its measles elimination designation. Dr Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, spoke in support on Sunday of the measles vaccine.

Sundays at All Hallows (February 8, 2026) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

What can we learn from sparrows pecking at a half-eaten donut a small child dropped on the ground or orange daylilies growing in a ditch, yellow daffodil on the roadside or wild roses in a hedgerow? According to Jesus, they can teach us a lot. In this Sunday’s message, we take a look at what we can learn from them.

Readings: Isaiah 49:8-16;1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 6:24-34

Message: Our Trustworthy God

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/sundays-at-all-hallows-february-8-2026.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults' And More

The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults (What's Happening in Churches?)
In this episode, Thom and Sam shine a light on a trend few church leaders see: the silent exodus of senior adults. While much attention is given to reaching Millennials and Gen Z, an equally significant group is slowly drifting away: older adults who once formed the backbone of many congregations. Their departure isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s subtle: an empty pew, a missing volunteer, a longtime member who quietly stops attending.

Why you should care about the Epstein Files
Human trafficking is modern-day enslavement...If the content of the Epstein Files upsets you, take it as a call to action and accountability.

Also See: The Epstein scandal is taking down Europe’s political class. In the US, they’re getting a pass.

‘Racist,’ ‘Vile,’ ‘Wicked’—Christian Leaders Condemn Trump’s Truth Social Post Depicting the Obamas as Apes
President Donald Trump is being widely censured because of a video posted to his Truth Social account the night of Thursday, Feb. 5. The video included a clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Although White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially told media outlets in a statement to “please stop the fake outrage,” the video was later removed Friday morning.

Also See: Pennsylvania bishop calls on Trump to ‘apologize or resign’ over racist video depicting Obamas as apes; Will anyone in the SBC really speak against racism?

What Is Covenant Theology? A Guide to the Bible’s Structural Unity
Covenant theology captures the unity of the Bible. It shows how the Bible’s central message—the salvation of sinners by the work of the Lord Jesus Christ—comes to expression across the Scriptures. God’s plan of salvation unfolds in history through the many covenants that he has made with human beings. This plan, in fact, is anchored in an eternal covenant among the three persons of the Godhead.

Here’s the Best Way You Can Help a Small Church Pastor Today
If you’re in a position to help a small church pastor, here’s what we need from you more than anything else.

Is Claude My Friend?
My hypothesis about chatbots, then, is that what a lot of people encounter is perfect storm on their reward systems, and one that, unlike any human interaction, has no natural endpoint. If I am right then, the anthropomorphic chatbot is a helluva drug, one of the most powerful drugs we’ve ever invented.

The scientist who predicted AI psychosis has issued another dire warning
In a new letter to the editor published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Østergaard argues that academia and the sciences are facing a crisis of “cognitive debt.” He posits that the outsourcing of writing and reasoning to generative AI is eroding the fundamental skills required for scientific discovery. The commentary builds upon a growing body of evidence suggesting that while AI can mimic human output, relying on it may physically alter the brain’s ability to think.

How to Think, Not What to Think
Despite the reforms that our institutions of higher education must embark on to ensure that we are teaching our students how to think—and not what to think—a four-year residential-college experience remains one of the most powerful human environments for cultivating human qualities.

What to know about South Carolina’s big measles outbreak and who is most at risk
South Carolina is experiencing one of the biggest measles outbreaks the U.S. has seen in decades. In that state, there are 876 confirmed cases of the highly contagious virus, which is preventable with a vaccine. While the current surge may be slowing, doctors warn there are still serious risks for vulnerable populations. William Brangham speaks with epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina for more.

Friday's Catch: 'This Ash Wednesday, Get Rid of the Cross' And More

This Ash Wednesday, Get Rid of the Cross
It may be time to get rid of ash crosses on Ash Wednesday. It may be time to make sure that our ritual actions are in conformity with the purpose of the ritual action and with the Scriptures we read to interpret those actions.

Is church unity worth a Latin Mass?
They should know that we are Christians by our love, not know that we are Catholics by our fights.

What Are the Main Presbyterian & Reformed Denominations?
Christopher Kou lists the Anglican Church in North America as a "theologically adjacent denomination," prompting me to question whether he has examined the ACNA's canons, catechism and prayer book.

Why Religion, Not Income, Predicts the American Vote
Inside the data that shows socioeconomic status barely matters once you know someone’s religious tradition.

Only Jesus Tells Us the Truth
Because information is prevalent, because sources are so pervasive, because opinions are so pronounced, who’s to say what’s really true and what’s not? There’s this version by so-and-so and that version by what’s-his-name and in the end we are all just clamoring for someone to tell us what’s really, actually, genuinely, truly true.

To Bring Peace, Address Conflict
happens. There’s no avoiding it. It shows up at work, at school, in our homes—and, yes, even in the church.

How the Habit of Prayer Confronts Our Need for Control
To have peace, we must loosen our grip on our lives. And there’s one simple but powerful habit that consistently helps us do this: prayer.

AI needs to be trained on a theology of human dignity
Basing AI’s principles on ‘the moral view of the whole world’ is both incoherent and dangerous.

Young struggle to understand 'problematic' Jesus
A study conducted by Youthscape has suggested that many teenagers see well known biblical stories and people as “problematic”. Jesus is guilty of “mansplaining” and of being a man, and the “power dynamics” between God and man supposedly leave a lot to be desired, which in turn leads to questions around consent.

Why Younger Generations Need To See Faith Lived, Not Just Preached
Emerging generations are asking hard questions of the church—and many aren’t finding the answers they’re looking for. In this compelling highlight from our longer conversation, guest Efrem Smith joins host Jason Daye to explore what younger generations often find missing in the American church and why those gaps matter for the future of faith communities.

Highland Baptist Church: A Heart for Gen Z
Highland Baptist Church might be more than a century old, but it is a much younger crowd that fills the pews each week. This is in large part due to the church’s efforts to reach the next generation of seekers—college students and young adults. And the results speak for themselves: The church has grown 25% year over year for the past three years, with 1 in 3 attendees in the 18- to 25-year-old demographic.

VOICES: No, infant baptism is not abuse 

A prominent Catholic recently argued in the Irish Times for a new category of victim: those subjected to infant baptism, especially as practiced by the Catholic Church. Former president of Ireland and canon lawyer Mary McAleese declared it to be “a long-standing, systemic and overlooked severe restriction on children’s rights with regard to religion.”

Thursday' Catch: 'Why You Shouldn’t Stay in Your Rural Church (and 3 Reasons You Should)' And More

Why You Shouldn’t Stay in Your Rural Church (and 3 Reasons You Should)
Fewer than 1 in 4 rural church pastors feel specifically called to this ministry. So, why stay in your rural church?

Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?
The so-called “Quiet Revival” report by the Bible Society noting an upsurge in Christianity among young people in the U.K. is also seen to an extent among young New Zealanders, according to a report by Baptists.

Should Churches Acknowledge Super Bowl Sunday?
osh and Sam discuss the best way to handle Super Bowl Sunday. Should churches say anything about it? Play into the day with gimmicks to increase attendance? What's the best approach?

Empathy Is Not a Thing,’ Says Albert Mohler in Response to Hillary Clinton’s Essay
“Empathy is not a thing,” said Dr. Albert Mohler on the Feb. 3 edition of “The Briefing,” a show in which Mohler analyzes current events, giving his take on them from a Christian worldview. Mohler made his statement while addressing an opinion piece Hillary Clinton wrote in which she called out commentator Allie Beth Stuckey, as well as Pastors Joe Rigney and Douglas Wilson.

Why the Nicene Creed Still Matters for Making Disciples Today
The 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325) is now behind us. The revelers have gone home. Others never got the notice there even was a party or, if they did, never knew what all the fuss was about. Yet the Nicene Creed—what the first global gathering of church leaders discerned about the core of Christian belief—is of lasting importance, providing nourishment, milk and solid food (1 Cor. 3:2), for new and mature believers alike. Let the Nicene times roll on.

Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81
Ron Kenoly, a pioneering Christian worship leader whose anthems helped shape modern praise music and whose ministry emphasized worship as service rather than performance, has died. He was 81.

AI companions: "The new imaginary friend" redefining children's friendships
Screens are winning kids' time and attention, and now AI companions are stepping in to claim their friendships, too.

Growing in Godliness Through Faithful Examples
The Christian life is learned in community. We need models of godliness in action. But what kind of examples should we look for, and what kind of example should we aim to be? Here are four traits of ordinary godliness worth noticing and imitating.

Worship as Spiritual Discipline
When we think of spiritual disciplines, we readily name Scripture reading, prayer, fasting, or generosity. Worship, however, often escapes that list—and for understandable reasons. Worship seems instinctive, even inevitable. Why would something so obvious require discipline?

When It Comes to Outreach, Where Is the Fruit?
There are between 350,000 and 400,000 churches in the United States. Imagine if every one of these communities of believers was equipping each congregation member to share their faith in natural ways?