Friday's Catch: '5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025' And More

5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025
As you head into 2025, what trends should you pay attention to as a church leader?

More Evidence Christianity Is No Longer in Decline
The decline of Christianity in the U.S. is currently paused, but the future trajectory will begin trending downward again if nothing changes.

PRRI: Growth of the religiously unaffiliated is slowing
The growth of the “nones” may have decelerated but has not stopped, according to a new study by Public Religion Research Institute.

Meet Gen Alpha
Generation Alpha, those born after 2010, is a cohort growing up in a world unlike any other. If you haven’t spent much time around preteens lately, it’s easy to form preconceived notions about their experiences and challenges. The Generation Alpha Report, completed by our research team, surveyed more than 450 young people in the U.S. between the ages of 11–13. If you unpack the report, you may be surprised or affirmed in your initial opinions about this age group.

South African bishop thanks Episcopal leader for declining to resettle white Afrikaners
‘Our government implements affirmative action on the lines of that in the United States, designed not to discriminate against whites but to overcome the historic disadvantages Black South Africans have suffered,’ the Most Rev. Thabo Makgoba wrote.

Related: Southern Africa archbishop thanks Episcopal Church for opposing Trump’s selective refugee resettlement

UMC Partner Urges Administration to Resettle All Refugees
Church World Service, the United Methodist Church's partner in refugee assistant, expressed deep concern over news that the Trump Administration will admit Afrikaners and other racial minorities from South Africa to the United States as refugees, while simultaneously delaying compliance with court orders to resume the life-saving refugee resettlement program. In Pacito v. Trump, the U.S. Government was ordered to process and provide resettlement support to approximately 12,000 refugees who were conditionally approved and had travel scheduled before January 20.

Thousands voice support for New Jersey Episcopal church against town’s plan to seize its land
Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River and the Diocese of New Jersey are ramping up efforts to defend the church against the mayor’s effort to seize its 11-acre property downtown and turn it into a park.

Here’s the back story on the 26 people Trump named to Religious Liberty Commission advisory boards
A Southern Baptist megachurch pastor and a controversial Baylor University professor are among 26 people named by President Donald Trump to serve on three advisory boards of his Religious Liberty Commission.

Calvin Robinson, dismissed for Nazi-like salute, has priestly license rescinded, again 

Robinson responded in an Instagram story, saying that ‘perhaps God is sending me a message.’

Related: Calvin Robinson stripped of license in Reformed Episcopal Church after 9 days

Don’t Let the ‘Friend-Enemy Distinction’ Derail Your Faith
At the heart of the friend-enemy distinction is the way we view our political opponents. Christians have traditionally appealed to Jesus to answer the question “Who is my neighbor?” In contrast, the Dissident Right increasingly turns to Schmitt to answer a different question: “Who is my enemy?”

If Small Churches Are Essential, Why Are We Not Fulfilling Our Potential?
Small churches are vibrant, active participants in the current work God is doing in the world. We want to do better. We can do better. We will do better. But we can’t do it alone.

Shouldn’t Every Church Try To Grow? (The Quick Answer Is “No”)
Nowhere did Jesus, Paul, or any of the disciples even hint that striving for greater numbers should be a goal of Jesus’ followers. 

A Community for Broken Homes
It is difficult for a body of believers with limited resources to begin to tackle all of the unique situations that could come through the doors of the local church. Some describe American culture as postmodern, post-Christian, and post-family. Therefore, the people showing up at our churches have limited resources and significant needs. Where do we start?

Letting Go of This Pastor and Preparing for the Next
Church consultant Susan Beaumont shares four leadership practices that can help a congregation prepare when their pastor is getting ready to leave. Approaching the situation honestly and communicating openly can help a church understand that times of loss, experienced openly and fully, lead into times of promise.

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (May 15, 2025) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

The Phos hilaron is one of the oldest Christian hymns and forms the opening hymn in the service of Evening Prayer or its equivalent in a number of denominations. Its singing is often accompanied by the lighting of candles or oil lamps, harkening back to one of the earliest practices of the Christian Church.

In this evening’s message we take a look at what the apostle Paul has to say in his Letter to the Ephesians about praising God with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20

Message: Paul on the Worship of God with Song

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/05/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows-may-15.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.

Thursday's Catch: 'A Revival... or a Moment?' And More

A Revival... or a Moment?
If you read the headlines of late, we are either in the early stages of a fresh, new spiritual revival or continuing to experience the malaise of spiritual decline.

People expect it to be churchy
When I read a article like this one, which may be good news for some churches, I want to see solid research backing up the writer's claim. A few years back there was a spate of articles which claimed that young people were flocking to liturgical churches but the research simply did not support their claim. Some young people had started to attend liturgical churches but not in the droves that these articles claimed. It was wishful thinking on the part of the writers of the articles.

The church's midlife crisis
Is your church having a bit of a midlife crisis? Is your church in the middle of a "What am I doing with my life?" existential dread? There is a minivan in my neighborhood with a bumper sticker that reads, "I'm not lost, I'm exploring." I suspect many of our churches would like to claim the same: kind of lost, not quite sure where we're going, and either in denial or completely oblivious.

Most churches do need to be more self-aware. They also need to be more aware of the community in which they are located and how that community perceives them.

Why Some Pastors Never Experience Church Growth
Very few churches are growing, which means most pastors will lead plateaued or declining congregations. Some pastors experience an entire ministry career in no-growth situations. Why does this happen? Josh and Sam discuss several reasons why some pastors never experience church growth.

Pioneers, Settlers & Mavericks: How to Lead Them Well For a Healthier Church
There are three kinds of people in every church. Pioneers, Settlers and Mavericks. Depending on which point of its life cycle your church is in, these three will interact in different ways that can either benefit your church or threaten to tear it apart. One of the primary tasks of a church leader (usually the pastor) is to utilize the gifts of all three, while keeping them in balance.

6 Insights for Better Church Hospitality
Hospitality is hard-wired into most churches and church leaders. At its best, it helps guests become fully devoted Jesus followers.

White evangelicals: An American cult
White evangelical support for Donald Trump — especially its intensity and near-unconditional nature — is rooted in a complex fusion of religious identity, political strategy, cultural anxiety and existential fear. This alliance has evolved into something disturbingly cult-like, forming a theology not rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ but in the gospel of white grievance, dominionism and nostalgia for an imagined, morally superior past. Here’s a breakdown of the major drivers behind this distorted allegiance....

Poll: American Jews overwhelmingly reject Trump and his antisemitism policies
The most recent poll shows 74% of Jewish voters disapprove of Trump’s job performance. Jews think Trump is ‘dangerous,’ ‘racist,’ ‘fascist’ and ‘antisemitic.’

Tax Exempt Status Threat for Non- Profit Organizations
The idea to increase federal government and presidential power to punish non-profits and charitable organizations for not falling in line with presidential political agendas is very concerning and a dangerous practice for Americans. These types of policies will give unchecked power to the federal government and president to punish their political and ideological rivals.

Real Men Sing
What is it about men and young men singing in worship? So many times, it seems that our young men are slouching in worship both literally and figuratively. And then these same men don’t seem to outgrow this phase. As a pastor, I have had grown men look me in the eye and say, “I don’t sing.” It is like I was asking them to paint their toenails pink. My response was this: “Singing is a duty. And it is a delight.”

Also See: I Worship God by Singing. You Should, Too.

Live Music Mix – What to do When the Music’s Too Loud
Worship should be a unifying, spiritually uplifting experience—but for some churchgoers, it’s also an overwhelming one. One of the most common concerns raised by congregants today is the volume of the music during worship services. Is it too loud? Is it hurting participation rather than encouraging it? Churches that use a full band and modern worship sets must walk a careful line between energy and accessibility. And the key issue behind it all? The live music mix.

9 Types of Worship
It’s captivating to read through the Psalms and see the variety of ways in which David worshipped. When we pause to ask ourselves what we are doing during our worship times today, we are often faced with several questions. How do we worship? What are we able to do and still be reverent before the Lord? What is God’s desire for our worship? Does God give us the right to pick and choose how we worship? The Psalms have given us nine different types of worship: heart expressions. These expressions stem from David’s desire to worship the Lord wholeheartedly and without reservation. Oddly enough, these types of worship are not foreign to us, but we fail to practice them in our corporate worship for one reason or another.

Is Your Small Group Too Small? (And What To Do About It)
Church small groups are meant to foster community, discipleship, and spiritual growth—but what happens when your group feels more like a quiet dinner party than a vibrant gathering of believers? Many leaders wonder if their small group size is too small to be effective. If you’ve found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. Understanding the dynamics of group size is key to creating a healthy, life-giving community.

Developing Young Leaders in Your Church’s Preteen Ministry
Developing young leaders is a worthy goal for any church. It’s especially crucial for older-elementary kids and tweens. Preteens have an incredible four-year window that’s critical for influencing future leaders in our communities. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Pentecost Sunday School Lesson About the Holy Spirit, Our Helper
A Pentecost Sunday school lesson teaches children about the Holy Spirit. Kids, especially younger ones, might picture a ghost like they see on television. But the Holy Spirit is one of our greatest blessings from God. He is a loving advocate and intercessor who pleads on our behalf. This Pentecost Sunday school lesson explains what it means to have an advocate (someone who goes to bat for them). It also explores the role of intercessor (someone who takes our needs to God).

Wednesday's Catch: 'Ed Stetzer: Discipleship Reimagined' And More

Ed Stetzer: Discipleship Reimagined
If we are to recapture the biblical vision of discipleship, we must rediscover what it looked like in the first century through Jesus’ ministry and the life of the early church. How did Jesus make disciples? How did the early church engage in discipleship in a way that transformed individuals, communities and even civilizations? The answer calls us to shift the way we think about discipleship today. Here are five key mindset shifts that can help us recover a robust biblical vision of disciple making in our era.

8 Signs Your Church May Be Closing Soon
There are eight clear signs your church may be closing soon. If a church has four or more of these signs present, it is likely in deep trouble. Indeed, it could be facing a church closing sooner than almost anyone in the church would anticipate.

The Time of Worship Services on the Website Is Not Correct: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: the time of worship services on the website is not correct.

Also See: Failure to Have a Parking Lot Greeter: The Unforced Error Series

'Omnishambles' May Delay Canterbury Selection
The selection of the new Archbishop of Canterbury may be delayed by the Diocese of Canterbury’s failure to follow consistent procedures for selecting its three members on the Crown Nominations Commission. The other 14 members of the commission were chosen by March, and the group is set to hold its first meeting in May.

MAGA Attacks Church Over Donald Trump Rebuke: 'Funds MUST Be Pulled'
A firestorm has erupted on the American right after the Episcopal Church said it is refusing a directive from the federal government to help resettle white South Africans who were granted refugee status.

Also See: While denying refuge to Black Africans, Trump welcomes white South Africans

Anti-hunger advocates slam House Republicans' proposed cut to SNAP
A House Republican proposal to dramatically reduce federal funding to the nation’s largest anti-hunger program would have a disastrous effect on low-income families, nutrition advocates say.

Also See: Proposed GOP cuts could jeopardize SNAP users, farmers and state budgets

Priest dismissed for Nazi-like salute is restored to service by ACNA jurisdiction
‘I do not personally believe The Rev. Robinson is a good representative of the Anglican Church in North America,’ said ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood.

Also See: Calvin Robinson Receives a One-Year License

What Is Nestorianism? The Theotokos Debate Explained
Nestorianism is an ancient heresy that speaks about Christ as if he is two persons instead of one, that is, the one Lord Jesus Christ. The flashpoint in the debate over Nestorianism was Nestorius’s denial that mary bore God in her womb and thus was theotokos, God-bearer. The councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon in 431 and 451 formally condemned Nestorianism.

10 Ways to Care for the Emotional Health of Your Congregation During a Pastoral Transition
Pastoral transitions are pivotal moments that deeply affect a church’s spiritual and emotional health. Barry Howard highlights that by acknowledging emotions, communicating clearly, honoring the outgoing pastor, and reinforcing mission, church leaders can guide congregations with wisdom and care. Intentional leadership rooted in prayer, unity, and hope ensures a faithful path forward during seasons of change.

Expository Preaching—The New Golden Calf
Like many preachers, one of my favorite things to read are sermons from the past. Whether it's Martyn Lloyd-Jones or the golden-mouthed John Chrysostom, I’m always intrigued by how faithful men throughout the ages have communicated God's Word to their hearers. But also, like many of you, I find myself struck by how different much of our modern preaching is from that of the saints of old.

Effective Young Adult Ministry Depends on Small Groups
No matter your church size or context, there are things your ministry can do to engage the young adult population in your community.

Are Children a Blessing? A Response to Declining Birthrates and a Crisis of Meaning
Many see children as optional or inconvenient. The Bible gives a different vision: children are a sign of hope and a blessing from God.

You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth: the power of Christian distinctiveness
As a Christian, there may be times when you feel small, powerless, or even question your place in the world. You may ask yourself, “What difference do I make?” But here’s a truth to hold on to: your presence, your faith, and your walk with Christ matter more than you think.

Tuesday's Catch: 'Episcopal Church ends partnership with US gov’t over white Afrikaners resettlement dispute' And More

Episcopal Church ends partnership with US gov’t over white Afrikaners resettlement dispute
The Episcopal Church will terminate its partnership to resettle refugees with the U.S. government over a request to resettle a group of white Afrikaners after the administration had effectively halted the U.S. refugee program.

Related: Episcopal Church Declines to Resettle White Afrikaners; Episcopal Church will not resettle white South Africans favored by Trump, presiding bishop says; Episcopal Church refuses to resettle white Afrikaners, ends partnership with US government; Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on Episcopal Migration Ministries

Orthodox Church leader says faith is humanity’s safeguard against the ‘impending robotocracy’
The spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians has said that religious faith should serve as humanity’s safeguard amid rapidly advancing technology and what he described as the “impending robotocracy.”

‘AI Companions’ and the Christian Doctrine of Friendship
Digital life has shaped our thinking about relationships such that Zuckerberg’s “AI friends” proposal is a logical next step. But now we’re here, how should the church respond?

Could Scrolling Become the New Smoking?
The smoking revolution makes me wonder, What else might our society radically rethink over the next century?

Suicide is a sin - why can't we say so?
Assisted Suicide isn't wrong because it's a slippery slope - though it is that, and that is bad.

What Is the Right Age to Retire as a Lead Pastor?
The average age of a pastor is 60 years old. The question of retirement is one many pastors are asking. Being a lead pastor comes with unique demands and extra attention. Is there an ideal age to retire? Thom and Sam discuss some guidelines for those who are closer to retirement than not.

Worship Leader, You’re Killing Us
The scene repeats itself over and over again every weekend–perhaps even in your church. It’s worship time, and the band is rockin’. The congregation is completely caught up in the worship experience. Eschewing hymnals as old-fashioned, the words are projected on two large screens above the stage. As the worship leader looks out over the worshiping throng, he (or she) internally reflects on the goodness of God and decides to repeat the verse. Suddenly the congregation appears confused and stops singing. About halfway through they start up again, but the mood of the moment is obviously broken. What went wrong? That darn presentation computer operator messed up again! Or did they?

Obstacles to Small Group Ministry Growth
Have you settled? I think we’re all familiar with the idea of settling for something less than we’ve hoped for or settling for something less than we deserve. But have you ever examined your small group ministry for signs of settling? They are the small group growth ministry obstacles. I believe there are some things we should never settle for.

Monday's Catch: 'When Christ Is En Vogue, Christians Beware' And More

When Christ Is En Vogue, Christians Beware
Recently there have been a few surprising endorsements for Christianity. American Idol had an entire night dedicated to Christian music. Silicon Valley, which has been notoriously atheistic, is now embracing Christianity at the highest levels. Even the United States Government has come to openly embrace Christianity again. In some sense, I am glad to see these things. I want to have the perspective of Paul, that “whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice” (Phil 1:18). But with this widespread cultural acceptance comes a level of danger. I want to give three warnings about the dangers of Christian popularity.

US has highest belief in personal relevance of Scripture among 'Secular West' countries: report
The United States has a significantly more favorable view of the Bible and Christianity than other countries that comprise the notoriously secular parts of the world, according to a new report. The American Bible Society has released the second chapter of its State of the Bible: USA 2025 report. The information in the chapter, titled “The Bible Around the World,” is based on responses collected from 91,000 people in 85 countries as part of the Patmos World Attitudes Bible Survey. The survey was a collaborative effort between the American Bible Society and British and Foreign Bible Society.

Episcopal dioceses to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and some Episcopal dioceses are celebrating the contributions of people of Asian descent in The Episcopal Church and throughout the United States. “The Episcopal Church should celebrate the fact that Asian congregations and members have been around for a long time in The Episcopal Church, and they have contributed to the church,” New York Bishop Suffragan Allen K. Shin, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, grew up in Daegu and immigrated to the United States in 1972, told Episcopal News Service.

9 Reasons To Embrace The Term “Small Church”
Being small is not a problem, so calling us small churches isn't a problem either.

Eight Unforced Errors Churches Make
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Church leaders make unforced errors. In fact, they are far more common than they need to be. Though a list of eight is far from exhaustive, it will give you an idea how we could improve our churches with just minimal effort and cost.

9 Challenges Every Church Planter Faces (And How to Overcome Them)
Starting a new church is an exciting and faith-filled endeavor, but it also comes with a unique set of trials. Church planters often enter the process full of vision and passion, only to discover that the journey is filled with unexpected obstacles. While every church plant is different, there are some common hurdles that many planters encounter. Recognizing the challenges of church planting and preparing to address them is key to planting a thriving, sustainable church.

Breaking The Cycle Of Small-Church Pastor Loneliness
Too many pastors are doing most of their ministry alone. Especially in smaller churches. But there is hope.

Bible Study Groups Offer Pastors a Path From Loneliness to Community
Through the power of community and the Word of God, pastors don’t have to suffer through loneliness in ministry.

8 Reasons Why Worship Is More Than Just Music
Worship is often equated with music, especially in modern church settings where singing and playing instruments form a large part of the service. While music is a powerful and beautiful expression of adoration, the biblical concept of worship is far more expansive. True worship encompasses every part of a believer’s life and is vital to the spiritual health of a church community. Let’s explore the importance of worship in church, the eight reasons why worship is more than just music and why understanding the importance of worship in church is essential.

The Doctrine of Prayer
Prayer is the act of asking God to do what he has already promised to do, which is modeled throughout the Bible by the patriarchs, the psalmists, the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, May 11, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the second Sunday of May, is celebrated as Mother’s Day in the United States. a day on which all who have been a mother of a family or individual, motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society are honored. While it was originally begun as a service of worship and celebration at a Methodist Episcopal church, it has increasingly become a secular celebration albeit it is the third most popular day to attend church next to Christmas and Easter.

The topic of this Sunday’s message is Jesus as a shepherd to his people.

Readings: Acts: 9: 36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, and John 10:22-30

Message: Jesus, the Shepherd of Our Souls

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/05/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-may-11.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: 'Why Is My Church So Weird?' And More

Why Is My Church So Weird?
Small churches are great. But they’re also kinda weird. And the smaller they are, the weirder they can be. In this video, Karl Vaters shows practical and statistical reasons why small churches are weird, and why we need to embrace the weird instead of trying to fix it.

5 Ways “Simple Church” Can Apply to Your Church Facility with Brown Church Development Group
Thom and Jess are joined by Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group, who are “The Church Facility Experts.” In this first episode, they discuss five powerful ways “Simple Church” principles can shape not just how we do ministry, but how we build the spaces that facilitate it.

Also See: Church Facility Growth Strategy: How to Build with Purpose with Brown Church Development Group

10 ways church leaders can support people with mental illnesses
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This article was originally published by the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness under the title "10 Things Faith Community Leaders Can Do to Make The World a Better Place for People with Mental Illnesses" and republished by Mental Health Ministries.

Also See: Hospitality Towards People with Mental Illness in the Church: a Cross-cultural Qualitative Study; How Safe Spaces Contribute to Mental Health

Does Your Church Operate a School or Preschool? Know This IRS Deadline
If your church operates a preschool or school, then take note. An important annual deadline is approaching that may affect it.By May 15, it may need to file a Form 5578 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Don’t know what Form 5578 is? Most churches don’t. Here’s what leaders need to know.

The Biggest Difference In Big/Small Church Leadership
Small church leadership relies on the pastor's presence, big church leadership compensates for the pastor's absence.

Tired of the Show: Why the Church Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Compete with Hollywood
We will lose the next several generations unless we do one thing. Stop competing, and start doing the Bible stuff better.

What is West Gallery music?
A brief introduction to the music of the parish church in the Georgian era.

What follows is a sampling of West Gallery music - two metrical psalms and a metrical canticle from Tate & Brady's New Version, three Christmas carols, and a Whitsun hymn: The Lord looked down from heaven's high tower; Praise ye the Lord, our God to praise; My soul and spirit filled with joy; Angels from the realms of glory; The Holly and Ivy; Arise and hail the glorious Star; Come, Holy Spirit, raise our songs.

Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band also perform a selection of West Gallery favorites in their album, Sing Lustily & With Good Courage.

The Undeniable Power Of A Whispered Gospel
We've become very noisy and personality-driven in our presentation of the gospel. Sometimes whispering is better than yelling.

Friday's Catch: 'Cardinals Elect First American-Born Pope" And More

Cardinals Elect First American-Born Pope
The College of Cardinals surprised even experienced Vatican-watchers May 8 by electing Robert Francis Prevost as the first American-born pope. His election, and his choice of Leo XIV as his papal name, were announced shortly after 7 p.m. at Vatican City.

Related: Robert Prevost, first US pope, will reign as Leo XIV; Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV, becomes first American pontiff; 9 Things You Should Know About Pope Leo XIV; Five things to know about Pope Leo XIV - Religion News Service; and 5 things to know about Pope Leo XIV - Christian Today

North Carolina farmworkers build their own Episcopal church
An Episcopal congregation that serves seasonal farmworkers in southeast North Carolina has a new church building thanks to the hard work of church members who built it themselves. It’s the first building for Iglesia Episcopal La Sagrada Familia – the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family – since its ministry began there 29 years ago. “There aren’t that many new buildings being built in The Episcopal Church,” the Rev. Fred Clarkson, the congregation’s priest-in-charge, told Episcopal News Service, let alone one constructed by the people it serves. Its presence “has brought a sense of hope to people.”

UMC Bishops Statement Regarding Judicial Council Decision 1516
During our time together as a Council of Bishops we, along with the rest of the church, received Judicial Council decision 1516. We are aware that this decision has created some anxiety and consternation, and we are aware that there are misunderstandings regarding the decision. We thought it helpful to offer some clarifying words. Judicial Council decision 1516 is a precise and specific ruling that reaffirms the longstanding authority of a pastor to determine the use of church property for religious services, including marriage ceremonies. It also reaffirms ¶341.3 which states: “No clergy at any time may be required or compelled to perform, or prohibited from performing, any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple, including same-sex couples. All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple.”

You CAN Be an Aging Church Reaching Younger Families
Thom Rainer shares five different ways some aging churches have ecome your.

The Realignment of Remembering the Gospel
Galatians 2 tells us of a “moment of impact” experienced by the Apostle Peter that ultimately defined who he was. But we won’t understand how impactful this moment was without first turning to an earlier “moment of impact” he experienced in Acts 10. The story begins with God giving a vision to Cornelius, a God-fearing centurion. In the vision, God tells Cornelius to send some of his men to Joppa to bring back Peter, so he does.

Is Student Ministry Still a Stepping Stone?
A generation ago, student ministers would often make the leap to the lead pastor role after a few years. Does this kind of move still happen? If so, is it a good thing or not? Unfortunately, sometimes ministry positions outside of the lead pastor are seen as a lesser role in the life of the church. Josh and Sam break down the good and bad of leaping from student ministry to lead pastor.

3 Things You Should Be Doing Every Week in Children's Ministry
There are a lot of things you can do in children's ministry. Programs. Events. Camps. All of these are good things and can help you disciple kids. But today let's talk about 3 things you should be doing every week in children's ministry. Great children's ministries are not built on programs or events. Rather, they are built by doing these 3 things week in and week out.

Image Credit: CNS/Vatican Media

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, May 8, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

May 8th is the date of the lesser feast of Julian of Norwich in the Church of England. The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States also commemorate her on this date. Julian of Norwich was a medieval anchoress, mystic, and theologian. Also known as Juliana of Norwich, the Lady Julian, Dame Julian or Mother Julian, she wrote Revelations of Divine Love, the earliest surviving English-language works attributed to a woman and the only surviving English-language works written by an anchoress. Two of this evening’s songs, a hymn and an anthem, are based on her writings.

In this evening’s message we explore the implications of a passage from the apostle Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians for modern-day Christians.

Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

Message: One Big Family

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/05/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_8.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.

Thursday's Catch: 'More people are going to church than before the pandemic' And More

More people are going to church than before the pandemic
Evangelical churches up and down the country are reporting an increase in the number of people exploring faith and finding Jesus. Latest research by the UK Evangelical Alliance (EA UK) has found that twice as many people are committing to Jesus now than in 2021 during the pandemic.

Vicar goes medieval and celebrates church milestone as hermit
A Yorkshire vicar is taking a step back in time - over 800 years, in fact - by living as a hermit as part of a unique celebration marking a major milestone in his parish's history. Rev Philip Ball, vicar of St Mary’s Church in the East Yorkshire village of Hook, will don robes and a hood to assume the role of a medieval hermit during a special re-enactment weekend from 16 to 18 May. The event is part of year-long festivities commemorating the 800th anniversary of this historic Christian place of worship, which dates back to 1225. The building is an architectural gem, but like so many older churches, it is in need of some tender loving care.

Reviving Theology: Recovering the Lost Language of the Church
cross the country, particularly in post-1992 universities, theology and religious studies are being quietly dismantled. Where departments remain, they’re often diluted—absorbed into cultural studies or buried within broader humanities umbrellas. The reasons are familiar: political priorities, economic pressures, and institutional restructuring. But the effect is profound. Theology is being steadily exiled from the university. And yet, the Church seems oddly quiet about the death of its own first language.

Church Publishing announces the groundbreaking publication of the Dakota Hymnal
Church Publishing, the publisher of official worship materials, books, music, and digital ministry resources for The Episcopal Church, announced it will publish Wakan Cekiye Odowan / The Dakota Hymnal in June 2025. For the first time since it was authorized in 1893, congregations, families, and individuals around the world will have access to a comprehensive collection of hymns in the Dakota / Lakota language ensuring its deep spiritual traditions will endure for future generations. First authorized in 1893, the hymnal represents years of collaboration between Dakota and Lakota elders, linguists, musicians, and faith leaders committed to preserving and celebrating Lakota heritage through sacred music.

UMC bishops say ruling letting pastors perform gay weddings does not overrule local bans
The United Methodist Church leadership has clarified that a recent ruling from its top court allowing pastors to determine if they can officiate same-sex weddings dispute objections from church trustees does not overrule regional bans on the unions.

Has any Republican leader feigned concern for image of Trump as pope?
Baptist News Global has conducted an internet search for any currently elected Republican official who has criticized President Donald Trump’s AI-generated image of him as pope and found none. It is possible some Republican officials have spoken privately about the controversial image, but using the same AI technology employed to create the image — as well as traditional internet searches — we could find no record of a Republican official criticizing the image, much less condemning it.

Believing in Spirits and Life After Death Is Common Around the World
Belief in life after death is widespread around the globe, as is the belief that spirits can reside in animals and in parts of nature such as mountains, rivers or trees, according to a Pew Research Center survey of three dozen countries with a wide range of religious traditions. Moreover, the new survey shows that younger adults are at least as likely as older adults to hold these spiritual beliefs – unlike belief in God, which tends to be more common among older people, globally.

When Your Adult Children Leave the Church
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Who hasn’t drawn strength from these Proverbial words? For many, they serve as a hope against the tide of secularism and cultural confusion. For others, they are a promise that reassures doubts about parental shortcomings. But, most pastors and church leaders will admit they all know congregants for whom these words are a tough pill to swallow. Parents who “did everything right,” who raised their kids in a solid church environment, who were not hypocrites, and who, more than anything else, prayed regularly for their kids to serve God. And yet, those kids at some point, either in their teen, college, or adult years, walked away from church and have not returned. It’s heartbreaking.

What’s the Earliest New Testament Evidence for the Divinity of Jesus?
To understand what the earliest Christians believed about the divinity of Jesus we turn to Paul of Tarsus. Why Paul? Larry Hurtado explains it best: “Pauline Christianity is the earliest form of the Christian movement to which we have direct access from undisputed firsthand sources” (Lord Jesus Christ, 85).As we shall see, Paul didn’t simply believe Jesus was God in some marginal, semi-divine sort of way. Rather he viewed him as the one God of Israel, the pre-existent Lord of the universe.

Developing a Taste for God’s Word
Why don’t many professing Christians learn to study the Bible? One common excuse is, “I just don’t have a desire to study God’s Word.” But we shouldn’t be surprised by this.

Moving the Needle with Technology in a Regular-Sized Church
Some of the best advice I ever received for revitalizing a church is “Start where you are.” I can’t remember where I first heard that statement, but I want to affirm the echo of voices. When it comes to technology in your church, the same is true: Start where you are. Many regular-sized churches lack technology resources and know-how. The main issue is not so much that they are not up to speed with what’s out there. Rather, the issue is that they often do not know where to start. Here are a few ways that you can move the needle to improve technology in your church....

Knowing Your People Helps You Ask Better Questions
It also helps you to kow what question not to ask as well as what questios to ask.

5 Ways Sending Students to Camp Today Impacts Your Church Tomorrow
The transformation students experience at camp goes beyond them; it has a lasting effect on your church in at least five ways.

You Don't Need AI. You Can Just Tell Your Kids Stories
In my experience, the biggest challenge to telling bedtime stories is the difficulty of making up a plot and dialogue and characters. This is where A.I. is offering to save you time and effort. Don’t buy it. You can do this.

AI cannot replicate the human interactions between storyteller and child. Good storytelling is interactive. One way you can feed your imagination is to read folk tales and fairy stories from around the world and familiarize yourself with the folk lore of different parts of the world.

Wednesday's Catch: '4 Traits that Make Small Churches Vital, Formational Communities' And More

4 Traits that Make Small Churches Vital, Formational Communities
In small-membership churches, spiritual formation thrives when it is intentionally embedded in the community’s life. Allen Stanton writes that while church size doesn’t determine the depth of formation, a deep sense of community and a shared story foster virtuous growth. Small churches don’t need to grow in size to fulfill their mission; they can cultivate meaningful formation within their existing structure, celebrating their unique strengths and forming individuals to live out God’s kingdom in everyday life.

New Jersey congregation prepares for ‘long court fight’ against town’s attempted ‘land grab’
Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, New Jersey, backed by the Diocese of New Jersey and Episcopal Church officials, is preparing to fight the township’s effort to acquire its 11-acre property.

Related: A New Jersey church wanted to build a homeless shelter. Now the town might take its property.

VOICES: Utterly sickening: ‘Christian nationalists’ praise Nazi leader who killed own children
That we even have to say these things — that “Christian” leaders are out here defending the murder of children as righteous — shows how far gone some parts of the Christian nationalist movement really are.

A warning: Not just two Americas, two American
John Edwards ran for president years ago talking of the “two Americas,” that of the rich and the poor. Now, through the machinations of our current president and his MAGA-oriented church, we are becoming a nation of two religions. One religion is in, the other out, one protected and the other under threat.

Christian, Do You Test Everything?
If the doctrine is false and I choose to believe it, I can expect God to hold me accountable for believing something that is false.

4 Foundations for Successful Church Planting
While there are no “silver bullets,” there are at least four foundations upon which every successful church plant has been established.

Moving From Being Friendly to Biblically Hospitable
It’s essential to consider the difference between being friendly and being hospitable, especially in the context of the Bible’s teachings.

Leadership Lessons from Martin E. Marty
Widely regarded as the foremost religious scholar of his time, Martin Marty’s legacy extends beyond his prolific writing and lectures to his profound impact on how we think about faith, leadership, and community. Marty’s approach, grounded in his Lutheran faith, exemplified the power of humility, respect, and dialogue in addressing the challenges of religious pluralism. In this article, Lovett Weems reflects on the values that defined Marty’s work and explores how his life offers crucial lessons for Christian leaders today.

Bible Verse Mother’s Day Prayer and Worship Ideas To Honor Moms
Want ideas for a Bible verse Mother’s Day prayer or service? Need tips for celebrating and honoring women at church? Then read on for Bible-based inspiration to thank moms.

Pastor David Platt Explains How (Not) To Read the Bible
Pastor David Platt wants to protect people from reading the Bible in ways that are “harmful” and to help them understand that the Word of God is a “treasure” that is available to them daily. Platt joined ChurchLeaders for an interview about his new book, How To Read the Bible, which is out today.

7 Tips for Leading a Bible Study
Bible studies should come in all shapes and sizes, connecting all kinds of people to God’s word. Throughout my twenty years of ministry and countless conversations with women in the church, I’ve found that many long to lead a Bible study, but few feel equipped to do so. Whether leading from a stage in a church auditorium or from the couch in your living room, here are seven tips that I’ve found to be effective.

10 Easy VBS Tips That’ll Make Leading Vacation Bible School a Breeze
VBS doesn’t have to be hard; use our 10 easy VBS tips to make your VBS even easier!

From pickles and jams to escabeche and sauerkraut, Episcopal church’s free classes open door to putting a lid on produce
There’s no excuse for food waste at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Gridley, California. Anything that’s not eaten right away or composted can be preserved, which has become an entertaining and tasty activity for the team of parishioners who teach free monthly food preservation classes, mostly using produce from the church’s community garden.

How might this congregation leverage its community garden and free monthly food preservation classes to reach the unchurched and spiritually disconnected and grow St. Timothy's?

Make it Your Ambition to Share the Gospel
Here’s my question: Why do we often treat the spir­itual condition of those around us as if we’re climbing Mount Everest and would be putting ourselves in danger if we helped them? Why don’t we rather see their danger and need, and then reach out to help? Why—when we consider our friends, roommates, fellow students, even coworkers—do we balk at sharing the only hope of life instead of caring for them by sharing the gospel?

Image Credit: File Photo by Mike DuBois, UM NEWS

Tuesday's Catch: 'Presbyterian Church in America sees growth in baptisms, giving in 2024 amid nationwide declines' And More

Presbyterian Church in America sees growth in baptisms, giving in 2024 amid nationwide declines
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) saw widespread growth in 2024, with notable increases in membership, giving and professions of faith, according to the denomination's latest five-year statistical summary published by the Administrative Committee.

NWPA-WNY Turn Away from Partnership
Following the release of a 104-page evaluation, Lenten study, meetings, and a time dedicated for discernment, the dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York voted to conclude their partnership after six years by voting against a resolution that called for electing one bishop for both dioceses.

Related: Presiding bishop’s 2 former dioceses vote to seek separate bishops, ending 6-year partnership

Trump Posts AI-Generated Image of Himself as Pope As Vatican Prepares To Appoint Francis’ Successor
As well as displaying negligible sensitivity to the feelings of others, President Trump is not known for “guarding his lips,” carefully considering what he says and how he says it, in recognition that his words can have a significant impact on himself and others (Proverbs 13:3, Psalm 141:3). He will make inappropriate comments and then dismiss how people react to them by claiming that he was joking and thereby discounting their feelings. Often his “jokes” are hostile barbs directed at a particular individual or group or are intended to get a rise out of that individual or group, to anger or upset them. In some cases, he is playing to his base. Longtime observers of President Trump recognize that he has a strong need to be the center of the attention and to that end will seek to dominate the new cycle one way or another. At the same time, he will also say and do things to divert attention from things that he has said and done for which he is receiving a lot of criticism, and for which he is extremely unpopular with the public.

Related: Trump denies any involvement in AI pope image amid Catholic backlash; Trump defends White House account sharing photo of him dressed like pope: 'Did it in fun'

A catalogue of Trump’s 100 days of terrible horrible, no good actions
Donald Trump’s first 100 days back in office have been a blitzkrieg — an intense political campaign intended to bring about a swift victory.He has managed to produce his own Jacksonian “Trail of Tears” by firing thousands of federal workers. He feverishly works to demolish the federal government and the rule of law in a frenzy of “burning down” the house of democracy akin to General Sherman.

Shane Claiborne, four other faith activists arrested while protesting GOP budget bill
'Stir the conscience of our nation. Let justice rise up on these very steps, let truth trouble the chambers of the Capitol,' Shane Claiborne said as he prayed.

55 years later, we must remember Kent State to not repeat it
State-sanctioned violence was used against our citizens 55 years ago. Could it happen again?

Jeremy Clarkson warns Christianity is 'in danger' amid falling birth rates
Broadcaster and columnist Jeremy Clarkson has issued a stark warning about the future of Christianity, suggesting that a sharp decline in birth rates across the Western world could pose an existential threat to the faith’s long-term survival. Writing in his column for The Sun, the 65-year-old reflected on newly published global fertility figures and voiced concern about what he called the “practically universal collapse of fertility in the Christian world”.

New Findings Challenge ‘Gender-Affirming Care’ for Children
The HHS recently released a major report titled “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices,” which provides an in-depth look at the science and outcomes behind puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries in minors, and represents one of the most comprehensive government analyses of pediatric gender transition treatments to date.

First Aid & Safety Gear Every Church Needs
Churches are sacred spaces of community, worship, and spiritual growth. However, they are also public venues where people of all ages gather, sometimes in large numbers. In such environments, accidents, medical emergencies, and unexpected safety issues can arise. To ensure the well-being of everyone, churches must take proactive steps in preparation. This includes having essential first aid supplies and safety gear available at all times. Making church safety a top priority is not just practical—it’s a moral and legal responsibility.

At a workshop I attended, conducted by the Marshall County, Kentucky Sheriff' Department, it was recommended that church first aid kits should include the kind of hemostatic gauze bandages used by hospital emergency rooms in the treatment of stab and bullet wounds. The kind of bandages typically found in most church first aid kits would not stop the bleed caused by these wounds.

The Pastor’s Dilemma: Loving Preaching, Loathing Sermon Prep
Do you love to preach but at times loathe sermon prep? Do you find preaching incredibly fulfilling yet preparation frustrating or even overwhelming? If so, you’re not alone. Many pastors struggle with the inefficiency of sermon prep—feeling bogged down by research, unsure how to faithfully interpret Scripture, or intimidated by today’s hot-button topics like politics, gender, and race.

What Makes a Sermon Difficult To Listen To 

Recently, and largely for my own purposes, I found myself thinking about some of the elements that can make a sermon difficult to listen to. Having jotted them down, I thought I’d share them with you.

4 Ways Memorizing Scripture Changes Our Hearts
When we’ve all got Bibles downloaded on our phones, why would anyone spend time memorizing Scripture—downloading verses to their brains?

How Your Group Can Begin Learning to Pray Together
Focusing your small group on learning to pray is one of the most meaningful ways to cultivate spiritual maturity and authentic community. As members grow in their confidence and consistency, you’ll begin to see how prayer transforms individuals and unites the group in purpose and faith. Prayer isn’t just something to talk about—it’s something to do together, with love, humility, and expectation.

The Burge Report: Does Homeschooling Change the Political and Religious Views of Children?
We’ve all heard the stereotypes of homeschooled children. But what does the data say? Ryan Burge joins Sam on the show to discuss the facts. The co-hosts also discuss implications for the church.

Mother’s Day Craft: Bible Bookmarks Are in Full Bloom
Surprise moms this Mother’s Day with Bloomin’ Bookmarks. They are perfect reminders of God’s love. Best of all, moms can keep this precious bookmark in a Bible!

Image Credit: The Christian Post

Monday's Catch: '100 Days into the Trump presidency, we are living in the Upside Down' And More

100 Days into the Trump presidency, we are living in the Upside Down
In Netflix’s Stranger Things, the residents of fictional Hawkins, Ind., live right above a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down, a frightening, alternative version of reality. A portal into the Upside Down brings the show’s characters to a place that resembles their hometown but has become a decaying hellscape filled with demogorgons — bloodthirsty monsters who consume humans. While we may not be facing literal demogorgons in today’s world, in many ways, it feels as though we are living in the political Upside Down.

Who loves what Trump is doing? White evangelicals
As President Donald Trump faces historic low levels of public approval and is seen as sowing chaos around the globe, not all Americans are upset. In fact, there are some who cheer his actions as president. Among those, his evangelical Christian base.

Dark personalities in politicians may intensify partisan hatred—particularly among their biggest fans
A new international study suggests that voters who support political candidates with darker personality traits—such as narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—may experience stronger emotional divides from their political opponents. But this association appears only among those who feel a close ideological connection with these candidates, and not in response to disliked political rivals. The findings shed light on how the personality traits of leaders might influence public opinion, offering a deeper understanding of how political divisions are fueled not just by policies or party lines, but by the personal qualities of those at the top.

Catholic Bishops Issue Direct Response to Trump's Polarizing Pope Photo
Representatives for the Catholic church have issued a direct response to the president's polarizing photograph which depicts him as the next pope.

New Hit Musical - Antichrist
In response to Trump's AI post of himself as Pope Mr. Newberger AI Funnies presents what the YouTuber describes as "the hit new musical ANTICHRIST, a satirical rock-opera in the spirit of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar, reimagining Trump’s rise as a twisted false prophet." (It is one more YouTube video in which Donald Trump is compared to the Antichrist. The representation of Donald Trump in these videos, citing Biblical support for their views, stands in sharp contrast to the claim of his evangelical supporters that Trump is God's anointed and who appeal to modern-day prophecies for their claim.)

The quiet revival of English churchgoing
It is a common assumption that churches will continue their inexorable decline with each generation being less religious than the previous. This may not be as true as many would like to believe.

We Need Spiritual Mothers: Gen Z is Longing for You
May naturally turns our hearts toward motherhood. For many, it’s a sweet celebration; for others, it’s a tender reminder of grief or complicated stories. But wherever this month finds you, I believe there’s a bigger conversation we need to have: Every woman — no matter her season of life — is called to nurture the next generation.

Unloved Daughters: 8 Ways to Cope on Mother's Day
For some, this is the most stressful day of the year. 

The Christian and Repentance
True Christian repentance involves a heartfelt conviction of sin, a contrition over the offense to God, a turning away from the sinful way of life, and a turning towards a God-honoring way of life.

6 Biblical Principles Every Pastor Should Follow in Ministry
Being a pastor is more than delivering sermons and leading worship services. It is a divine calling that requires integrity, humility, wisdom, and a heart for God’s people. The Bible provides timeless guidance that shapes not only what pastors teach, but how they live, lead, and love those in their care. Understanding and applying biblical principles for pastors is essential for long-term spiritual health and effective ministry. Here are six foundational principles drawn from Scripture that every pastor should follow.

More churches embrace AI in ministry but pastors leave sermons to Holy Spirit: Study
More churches across the U.S. are embracing the use of Artificial Intelligence in their ministries, but pastors have stopped short of using the technology to prepare their sermons, data from the State of the Church Tech 2025 report shows.

All God’s Children
Being both a priest in an aging denomination and a relatively new parent, I find myself increasingly attuned to Scriptures about children and to discussions about children in church. Until recently, I read this passage from Luke’s Gospel largely through an individual lens: We welcome children into the family of God because children are precious in his eyes. This is why his kingdom belongs to them. Now my perspective is becoming more communal. While children are intrinsically valuable, they also offer the body of Christ something that adults cannot. They show us who we are in God’s eyes; they are an embodied, tangible example of how God sees us.

Order Free Face It Materials
Order brochures, guides, and flyers from the Face It Movement. The materials contain child abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting information for parents, community members, and professionals who work with children.

Family Faith Adventures: 7 Ways to Take Faith on the Road This Summer
When you and your family go on a trip or vacatio, you don't have to leave your faith at home.

10 Creative Evangelism Ideas to Share the Gospel in Your Community
While the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is unchanging, the methods we use to share that message can be adapted to better connect with people in our local communities. Whether you’re part of a church leadership team or an individual passionate about reaching others, these creative evangelism ideas can inspire you to make a meaningful impact.

Related: The Role of Evangelism in Church Growth: 12 Key Insights

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, May 4, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter, the third Sunday of the Easter season. It is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. In the Collects, Epistles, and Gospels of The Book of Common Prayer (1662), the Gospel appointed for the day is the “I am the Good Shepherd” discourse from the Gospel of John.

The structure of this Sunday’s service is that outlined in the Church of Ireland’s The Book of Common Prayer (2004) for a Service of the Word.

This Sunday’s message unpacks John 21: 1-19 in which the risen Jesus appears to his disciples for the third time.

Readings: Acts 9: 1-20; Revelation 5: 11-14; and John 21: 1-19

Message: Breakfast Beside the Sea of Galilee

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/05/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-may-4-2025.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 emperor's gospel: Donald Trump and the power of Christianity' And More

The emperor's gospel: Donald Trump and the power of Christianity
History reminds us that when Christianity is captured by empire, it may flourish in power but withers in spirit.

Mr. Trump goes to Rome
Most of the time, when people say, “Just joking,” they’re not joking at all. Often, we use “just joking” as a cover when we’ve trotted out ideas we know will be controversial or hurtful but we want to say them anyway. What’s more troubling is when people make excuses for others who were not “just joking” by declaring, “Oh, he was only joking.”

Three-quarters of Evangelicals concerned about Trump's foreign aid cuts, plans for Medicaid: poll
Three‑quarters of Evangelical Christian voters say they are concerned about the Trump administration's planned cuts to foreign assistance, as a nationwide survey released this week suggests that reductions in overseas aid are the foremost worry for Evangelicals during the Trump administration's first 100 days.

Christian Leaders Ask President Trump, Secretary Noem To Protect Afghan Christians Threatened With Deportation, Resume Refugee
Today, a group of prominent faith leaders sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, urging them to protect Afghan Christians facing the threat of deportation and to sustain the U.S. refugee resettlement program as a lifeline for those fleeing religious persecution.

Related: Over a dozen Christian leaders urge Trump to protect Afghan Christians from deportation

SBC membership shrank by nearly one-fourth in two decades
The Southern Baptist Convention has lost nearly one-fourth of its members in the past two decades. The latest report from the SBC’s Lifeway Christian Resources shows total membership in SBC churches nationwide fell to 12,722,266 in 2024 — a loss of 3.6 million members since the peak of 16.3 million in 2006. That’s a 22% decrease. Last year, 2024, was the 18th consecutive year of membership losses for the SBC, which remains by far the largest non-Catholic denomination in the United States.

When the World Seems to Be Winning
How should we respond when we feel as though wickedness in the world and compromise in the church are prevailing over the kingdom of God? In Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus teaches on the nature of the kingdom of God—or, as Matthew more characteristically says, “the kingdom of heaven.” He does so by presenting three parables to help us understand how this kingdom grows: the parable of the weeds, the parable of the mustard seed, and the parable of the leaven. And as we will see, these truths about how the kingdom grows provide encouragement and perspective to the people of God in difficult days.

How can churches and Christians build on the 'quiet revival'?
Recent weeks have been encouraging for Christians in Great Britain. Statistics from the Bible Society and anecdotal evidence over Easter all suggest that more and more people are coming to church, many for the first time in their lives. Even our atheist Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, felt the need to pay his respects to the nation's Christians at Easter. Now a specialist in evangelism and missiology has looked at four responses Christians should have to this “quiet revival”, and how we can turn it into something bigger.

The Top 7 Reasons Guests Return To Your Church
The most common reason people check out your church is someone invited them.The most common reason people leave your church is they don’t feel connected. But what are the most common reasons people return to your church after their first visit or two?

Mother’s Day Sermons & Resources: 20 Ways to Honor Women
Need fresh ideas for Mother’s Day sermons to encourage women? Mother’s Day is the third-highest church attendance day, after Christmas and Easter. So use these 20 worship resources to reach visitors and members with the gospel!