Wednesday's Catch: 'Gallup Poll: Fewer than half of Americans say religion is 'very important' in their lives' And More

Gallup Poll: Fewer than half of Americans say religion is 'very important' in their lives
President Trump said he was ‘bringing back religion,’ but the latest Gallup Poll shows no evidence of that.

The Real Reason Women Are Walking Away From Church
Beth Moore talks about leaving the SBC a decade ago, how to know when it's time to leave, why so many women are leaving the church, and proof-texting scripture to keep the pulpit and power.

It’s Hard to Find a Progressive Church (and Getting Harder)
Before you read this article, three notes need to be made. First, this post draws heavily on the research of Ryan Burge, who studies the impact of religion on American life. Second, since I don’t have the experience or expertise to speak knowledgeably about the Black church (or other nonwhite congregations), this article focuses on the white American church. Third, at the end of this article, I ask for reader feedback. I hope you will participate.

What are disappearing today are churches that genuinely embody the teaching of Jesus rather than a conservative or liberal political ideology.

US military personnel object to Armageddon talk
U.S. military personnel are being briefed by superiors that ongoing combat operations in Iran are willed by God and will help usher in the end times, according to independent journalist Jonathan Larsen.

Also See: Dispensationalism is going to get us all killed

Is Trump's fight against Iran a just war?
Christians do not need to be pacifists to question Trump’s war against Iran.

MAGA vs. the Teachings of Jesus: The Christian Nationalism Debate 

In this episode of The Bulletin, Mike Cosper speaks with New York Times and The Atlantic author Pete Wehner about his recent argument that “MAGA Jesus” reflects a growing divide between the political imagination of many believers and the teachings of Christ. As Evangelical support for Trump remains strong, Wehner situates the moment within the longer history of the religious right and the rise of evangelicals who embrace Donald Trump.

The conversation explores the ongoing Christian nationalism debate and asks: Is Trump compatible with Christian values? From the Supreme Court and evangelicals’ policy wins to questions of moral character in leadership, Cosper and Wehner examine the tension between political success and spiritual integrity. They also consider cognitive dissonance in politics, the pressures facing pastors to speak out about Trump, and whether Christians should criticize Trump in a time of deepening culture wars in America.

What does it mean to have faith under political pressure, and can the church can resist moral compromise in politics while remaining anchored in the way of Jesus?

Global Anglican Communion meets in Nigeria to elect rival to archbishop of Canterbury
A movement of orthodox Anglicans is meeting in Nigeria this week to elect their own "first among equals" to rival the incoming female archbishop of Canterbury.

The first formal gathering of the Global Anglican Communion began Tuesday in the Nigerian capital of Abuja and will continue through Friday, just weeks before Bishop of London Sarah Mullally is slated to be formally installed in Canterbury Cathedral as the 106th and first female archbishop of Canterbury on March 25.

“Leading Faithfully in a Changing Church” featuring Karen Stewart
How do we lead faithfully in a world that’s changing faster than the church ever expected? In this episode, Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page speaks with Karen Stewart, a seasoned ministry leader and Project Director at the HUB for Re-imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. Together, they reflect on Karen’s 30-plus years of pastoral and nonprofit leadership experience, her passion for intergenerational faith formation, and the opportunities and challenges facing today’s church.

The Outside-Inside Parallel of Church Leadership
Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page says that church leadership today requires holding two realities at once: engaging the needs of the community while also forming disciples within the church. He draws on examples from two recent United Methodist gatherings to illustrate how faithful leadership requires movement between the life of the church and the life of the community it serves.

Tuesday's Catch: 'Is the Post-COVID Bounce Over? The Episcopal Church’s Numbers'

Is the Post-COVID Bounce Over? The Episcopal Church’s Numbers
As we move into 2026, where is the Episcopal Church? It showed a limited recovery after COVID, and new data (from 2024) has been released, allowing a sense of the church’s post-COVID trajectory.

YouGov to repeat ‘Quiet Revival’ study amid scrutiny
Plans are under way to revisit one of the most debated religion surveys in recent years, as YouGov prepares to repeat its research into church attendance later this year following growing scrutiny of claims about a “quiet revival” in Britain.

The original findings were published in April 2025 in a report by Bible Society titled ‘The Quiet Revival’. Drawing on two YouGov surveys, the report indicated that the proportion of adults in England and Wales who both identify as Christian and attend church no less than once a month had risen from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024.

ACNA’s Acting Abp. Sues Former Bishop for Defamation
The Rt. Rev. Julian Dobbs, acting archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, has sued the Rt. Rev. Derek Jones, former head of the denomination’s chaplaincy jurisdiction, in federal court for defamation.

Bishop Dobbs’ lawsuit was filed on February 17 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and claims that Bishop Jones repeatedly made false public statements about Dobbs’ previous handling of two financial matters.

US soldiers say commanders told them they're fighting for 'Armageddon'
People are growing increasingly uneasy as President Donald Trump's attacks on Iran are looking more and more like they could be part of a right-wing religious fanatic's fantasy for the apocalyptic.

Also See: The end-times theology driving US intervention in Iran; Greg Laurie Links Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader to End Times Prophecy, Says Rapture Could Be Near

Will killing Iran’s Supreme Leader result in success for Trump?
Award winning journalist Daoud Kuttab doesn’t think so.

United Methodist Bishops Call for Prayer and Peace in the New Middle East War
We urge leaders on every side to turn from the escalation of violence and seek paths toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace. We implore them to place the protection of innocent lives at the center of every decision.

7 MORE Signs Your Church is Dying
Many churches don’t realize they’re dying until it’s too late.

In this video, I share 7 MORE warning signs your church may be declining—and what church leaders can do before momentum is lost.

In a previous video, I covered seven early indicators of church decline. But there are additional signs pastors, elders, and board members often overlook—signs that quietly drain health, mission, and impact.

The Iron Law of Church Growth: No Young Adults, No Future
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.

Planned Surgery or Emergency Amputation: Leading with Courage
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.

The Pastor Who Can’t Say ‘No’: The Hidden Cost on Your Family
In the hushed hallways of churches across America, a quiet crisis is unfolding—one that isn’t often spoken from the pulpit, but quietly shapes the homes, marriages, and children of those called to serve. It’s the story of the pastor who can’t say “no.” Beneath the robes and behind the sermons lies a tension many ministry families know all too well: the relentless pressure to be everything for everyone, while saying “yes” far more often than they should.

Easter Sunday Sermon and Service Tips: Avoiding Common Church Controversies
Easter Sunday is the most important date on the church calendar. The resurrection is the foundation of our Christian faith, as we proclaim that Jesus defeated sin, death, and the devil.

For many churches, Easter is also the most significant outreach opportunity of the year. Pews overflow for worship services, and parking lots fill for egg hunts and breakfasts. Families who haven’t attended church in months tend to walk through the doors on Easter.

Monday's Catch: 'Why We Should Build Micro-Churches Instead of Mega Builds' And More

Why We Should Build Micro-Churches Instead of Mega Builds
Church leaders hoping for growth today stand at a crossroads. For decades, the archetype of church growth in many Protestant circles was a large, purpose-built campus with thousands gathered under one roof, a dramatic stage for worship, and a comprehensive suite of ministries. But ministry patterns are shifting. Amid broader institutional skepticism, financial pressures, and renewed interest in relational discipleship, a compelling case has emerged for micro-church institutions, smaller, decentralized expressions of church life, as a wiser investment than costly mega builds.

This shift is not simply architectural; it reflects deeper theological, cultural, and missional realities that leaders cannot afford to ignore.

Embracing the Inefficiency of Small-Church Ministry
Don't sacrifice pastoral care on the altar of efficiency, time management, or chasing the next numerical goal.

The story of St David’s Day
Every year on March 1, people across Wales and Welsh communities around the world mark St David’s Day - a celebration of the country’s patron saint, its culture, and its proud heritage.

But who was St David? Why is the Wales’ patron saint? And how did daffodils and leeks become part of the tradition?

Let’s delve into his story to get these answers.

Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on Military Strike on Iran
As news reports tell us of fear and panic in Iran, I ask you to pray especially for the people of the Diocese of Iran and for all of the Iranian people....

Also See: Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East shares pastoral letter in light of escalating conflict

Amid Attacks, Connecticut Pilgrims Shelter in Jerusalem 

A group of Episcopalians taking part in a pilgrimage organized by the Diocese of Connecticut is sheltering in place at St. George’s College in East Jerusalem after the United States launched an attack on Iran on February 28. The pilgrims were in Bethlehem when sirens blared and are exploring options to return to the United States as swiftly as possible.

Trump condemned for 'flimsiest excuse for initiating a major attack' in decades
Senior Trump administration officials attempted during a briefing with reporters on Saturday to make their case for the joint US-Israeli military assault on Iran that has so far killed hundreds and plunged the Middle East into chaos..

According to experts who listened to the briefing, which was conducted on background, the justification for war was incredibly weak. Daryl Kimball, president of the Arms Control Association, told Laura Rozen of the Diplomatic newsletter that the administration’s argument was “the flimsiest excuse for initiating a major attack on another country without congressional authorization, in violation of the UN Charter, in many decades.”

Also See: As Trump attacks Iran, his 2017 abandonment of the Iran nuclear deal looks even worse

US.-Israeli bomb attacks now targeting second country
The U.S.-Israeli bombardment of the Middle East has expanded as Israel launched a fresh wave of attacks in Lebanon.

Call grows to impeach 'the most dangerous man on the planet'
After the unprovoked bombing of Iran over the weekend by the United States—strikes that included the unlawful assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei—the call for US President Donald Trump to be impeached and removed from office has grown as the straightest path to hold the US leader to account for the attacks which policy and human rights experts have condemned as a serious war crime.

America's moral power is the first casualty in Iran
America's power in the world comes not from its military might alone, but from its moral authority.

The Iran bombing is a religion story for all but one person 

When the United States and Israel bombed Iran Feb. 28, the motivations and repercussions were religious as well as political.

We cannot think of Iran as a modern state unhinged from its religious moorings. And we cannot think of President Donald Trump’s relationship to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without thinking of the religious ties that bind.

Throw in the assassination of Ali Hosseini Khamenei and Trump’s war of choice takes on the mantle of Holy War.

How the Iran war set off a MAGA fight over Charlie Kirk’s legacy
A visible fracture has emerged in President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement in the aftermath of the United States’ latest military campaign against Iran, and many outspoken conservative opponents across social media have rallied around the words of one influential figure to express their concern: the late activist Charlie Kirk.

Updates to the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals Released
The Anglican Communion’s five regional primates could play a more prominent role in its life if a series of proposals, designed to preserve unity amid deep theological disagreement, are adopted by the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) next summer.

Edgelords Won’t Inherit the Earth
Somewhere right now, a young man is watching a 30-second clip of a Christian influencer calling a fellow pastor a coward on a live stream. The clip has 40,000 views. What he didn’t see is that his own pastor posted a thoughtful, Christ-centered reflection that same day. It got 14 likes.

This is the world we’ve built. And a particular kind of man is thriving in it.

You’ll find him on podcasts and in pulpits, but everything he does is for social media. He’s the man who has confused being provocative with being profound, who mistakes the ability to offend for the courage to lead. He is the edgelord. And he’s becoming the dominant model of masculinity for an entire generation of young men.

Sundays at All Hallows (March 1, 2026) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the Second Sunday in Lent, is the first Sunday of March. March is the third month of the year in both the Gregorian and Julian calendars and marks the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and the beginning of Fall in the Southern Hemisphere).

Every year, on the first Sunday of March, people across New Zealand celebrate Children’s Day, Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki. This special day honours the joy, curiosity, and potential of New Zealand’s tamariki, the island nation’s children. You can learn more about Children’s Day at this website.

On a more sombre note your prayers are asked for world peace in light of the Israeli-US bombing raids on Iran, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the onset of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the various conflicts in other parts of the world, and for the people in these trouble spots.

The topic of this Sunday’s message is the new birth, the birth from on high.

Readings: Genesis 12:1-4; Romans 4:1-5,13-17; and John 3:1-17

Message: ‘You must be born again.’

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/sundays-at-all-hallows-march-1-2026.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: "Voices: 'A lost generation': Readers on why Gen Z are turning to the Bible" And More

Voices: 'A lost generation': Readers on why Gen Z are turning to the Bible
Helen Coffey’s report on the surge in Bible reading among young people sparked a wide-ranging response from Independent readers.

The state of Christianity and the medieval Church in England before the Reformation
The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds Christians that they are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” (NRSV) That “cloud” has continued to grow in size since then. In this monthly column we will be thinking about some of the people and events, over the past 2000 years, that have helped make up this “cloud.” People and events that have helped build the community of the Christian church as it exists today.

Your Lenten discipline might be the problem
There's a version of Lent that makes you a worse person.

Catholic bishops: Trump’s assault on birthright citizenship affronts Catholic teaching
'By recognizing children as members of a particular political community, birthright citizenship acknowledges the intrinsic value of every human person,' the brief reads.

Also See: Catholic bishops rebuke Trump order

Angels, witches, crystals and black cats: How supernatural beliefs vary across different groups in the US
Younger Americans are more likely to express belief in witchcraft and luck, as our new research shows.

Also See: Right wingers are more prone to having 'kooky beliefs': study

Humans don’t belong in cities, say evolutionary scientists
Humans are not well adapted to live in modern cities—and this may be having a big impact on our health and wellbeing.

This is the claim of evolutionary scientists from Loughborough University, England and the University of Zurich, Switzerland who say “rapid industrialization” has reshaped human habits so dramatically that our biology may no longer be able to keep up.

After CDC vaccine changes, states push to keep childhood shots free, accessible
As the Trump administration shakes up recommendations for childhood vaccines, a growing number of states are moving quickly to ensure vaccines remain free and health care workers are protected from lawsuits.

Preteen Bible Lesson: God Wants Us To Pray for Each Other
Help kids realize that prayer is a way to talk with God and spend time together. When we pray, not only does God listen but God also shows up in powerful ways. Use this lesson to help kids learn that God wants us to pray for each other and with each other.

Living and Leading Above the Warning Signs
Discipleship is inherently organic but requires organization to reach more than just a few people. It also requires intentionality to move it from merely a human program to a supernatural process..

That represents a significant challenge — how to organize something in the natural realm that inherently belongs in the supernatural realm.

Interruptibility as spiritual practice
A key practice of our House Churches, especially one particular group, is the practice of “interruptibility.” The House Churches meet in public locations, like bars, restaurants, parks, libraries. In these well-traveled public spaces, we sometimes experience interruption by folks on their way to somewhere else....

Campbellsburg Baptist Church: Mailed With Love
Following the pandemic, many attendees didn’t come back to Campbellsburg Baptist Church in Campbellsburg, Kentucky, and those who did felt discouraged. The longtime multigenerational church was declining, and members were mostly seniors. It suddenly became clear that the only path forward would be reaching outside its own walls.

Friday's Catch: 'How to Help Members Feel Like They Belong' And More

How to Help Members Feel Like They Belong
Joining your church does not automatically make someone feel like they belong.

People need more than their name on a membership roll. They need to feel welcomed, wanted, recognized, affirmed, and celebrated. They need to feel special.

When a church is small, you may be able to do this informally. But as your church grows, you’ll need to create intentional moments that say publicly: “You are now one of us.”

Church of England keen to offer 'warm welcome' to new arrivals from Hong Kong
The Church of England has established a new body aimed at welcoming Hong Kongers into its fold after a surge in arrivals in the last few years.

Right-wing authoritarianism is linked to belief in the paranormal, independent of cognitive style 

Recent research published in The Journal of Social Psychology suggests that individuals who endorse certain right-wing political ideologies are more likely to believe in paranormal phenomena. The findings indicate that while a person’s thinking style plays a role in their beliefs, it does not fully explain why right-wing ideologies are linked to accepting the paranormal. This provides evidence that the relationship between political views and supernatural beliefs is driven by multiple, distinct psychological factors.

Why standing in solidarity with immigrants is an act of accompaniment in Catholic philosophy
Accompaniment, rooted in modern Catholic social thought, calls for putting the needs of the most vulnerable first.Josh and Sam tackle a growing and uncomfortable reality for pastors: what to do when one of your own church members becomes an online troll. The cohosts explore how to discern genuine critics from disruptive trolls, protect your church’s unity and safety, and lead with grace even when someone is trying to provoke you publicly. 

The Multitasking Myth
You’ve probably heard this before. But keep reading, there’s a bigger point I want to make here.

When Church Members Become Online Trolls: What Pastors Should Do
Josh and Sam tackle a growing and uncomfortable reality for pastors: what to do when one of your own church members becomes an online troll. The cohosts explore how to discern genuine critics from disruptive trolls, protect your church’s unity and safety, and lead with grace even when someone is trying to provoke you publicly.

6 Actions to Help You Champion Prayer in Your Church
These actions reveal a progression from our own habits to our circles to our congregations. Champions of prayer are built in that order.

A third of Christians trust spiritual advice from AI as much as pastor: study
About a third of practicing American Christians say the spiritual advice they get from artificial intelligence is just as good as that from a pastor, with practicing Christians more likely to agree with this notion than non-practicing Christians and non-Christians, according to new research from the Barna Group.

The data was collected as part of Barna’s "State of the Church" initiative in partnership with Gloo, a leading technology platform connecting the faith ecosystem to advance human flourishing. The latest findings were released at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in Tennessee last week.

Beware AI-Generated Christian Content
New technologies like AI are bound to usher in new, unexpected problems. Now, I’m personally optimistic about the future of AI. I have been impressed watching it improve even over the last few years as the technology progresses and people find new and creative ways to use it. But any new technology will have growing pains. The internet has been a great blessing to humanity, but it’s also been a source of great evil. As we find ourselves increasingly in the age of AI, we must brace ourselves for new threats we might not even have thought. I want to point one out today: beware of AI-generated Christian content.

Avoid the ‘Fixing Trap’
Jesus didn’t “fix” his disciples. When he met Matthew, who by all accounts was a moral train wreck, he didn’t give him a lecture or a list of next steps. He simply said, “Follow me.” Jesus invited Matthew to walk alongside him, and transformation happened in that relationship.

That’s the essence of relational discipleship: Walking with others is more powerful than fixing them.

The US surpassed 1,100 measles cases in two months. Expect more deaths next
The US has recorded more than 1,100 measles cases so far this year, according to data published Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a troubling milestone that has many in public health bracing for the worst.

According to the CDC, out of every 1,000 children who are infected with measles, one may develop encephalitis, ​which is a dangerous swelling of the brain. Up to 3 out of every 1,000 infected children will die.

The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best VBS for Your Church
Use our complete guide to choosing the best VBS to ensure maximum outreach in your community and impact in kids’ lives. Choose the best VBS by using the following 20 filters we have used for years in VBS reviews.

Assumed stability has ended and Christian mission needs to adapt
This is a call for Christian leaders responsible for mission strategy and institutional stewardship to lead strategic change. Shifting geopolitical conditions require immediate adaptation of mobilization models, including time-bound global efforts that are now shaping priorities across many Christian networks.

Thursday's Catch: 'Is the Era of Cool Church Over?' And More

Is the Era of Cool Church Over?
Cool church isn’t gone, but its shelf life is limited. Eventually it will collapse under the weight of its own insularity.

Why Small Churches Matter More Than Ever
While big cities often dominate attention and resources, it is the small towns and rural communities where congregations are disappearing fastest and where the church’s presence is most at risk. Thom and Sam explore why revitalizing and supporting small churches is essential for the future of Christian witness and how these congregations uniquely embody relational, community-anchoring ministry that larger models simply cannot replicate.

Are You Marketing Revival? The Problem with Mixed Motives and Social Media in Church Leaders
In this episode, I ask whether we're selling church growth and marketing revival on social media. As leaders, our motives are always mixed, and I offer a framework for checking our motives before posting to social media. Momentum doesn’t need marketing. Don’t sell it. Steward it.

Outside US Capitol, hundreds of United Methodists call for dismantling ICE
‘We demand that ICE and CBP be dismantled,’ said retired United Methodist Bishop Minerva Garza Carcaño at the rally.

Also See: United Methodists lead witness for immigrants

Study reveals how Trump’s 2024 victory made prejudice cool again
A new study reveals that President Donald Trump’s derogatory rhetoric is making prejudice fashionable again.

As some dioceses embrace life together after mergers, others decide against closer partnerships
Several diocesan mergers in recent years have contributed to discussions across the church over how best to structure The Episcopal Church’s local expression of the faith. At the same time, other dioceses have decided to move ahead separately after considering closer partnerships.

Can We Leave the Door Unlocked?
Episcopalians in the United States are sometimes accused of being poor evangelists. Perhaps one method of evangelism, a calling and vocation perhaps, is to offer our sacred spaces to any and all who will walk through that unlocked door and in so doing discover a God whose love for them changes them and makes them new in his son, Jesus Christ.

A Personal Approach to Go and Make Disciples in 2026
What if you quietly prayed for the opportunity to initiate a gospel conversation as a part of your daily morning routine? What if you learned the essential ideas and skills to do so? Would that make a difference in your walk with Christ? And if you are a pastor or church leader, what impact might it have on your church if you were more proactive in encouraging your flock to be witnesses, and to give them guidance in doing this?

Thursday Evening at All Hallows (February 26, 2026) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

In this Thursday evening’s message, we take a look at the first of eight spiritual disciplines, which is also a channel of God’s grace—the public worship of God.

Reading: John 4: 1-26

Message: The Public Worship of God: A Channel of God’s Grace

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/thursday-evening-at-all-hallows_26.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: ‘This is our 1933’ And More

‘This is our 1933’
If true Christianity is going to mean anything in these days, it’s going to have to be divisive.

Statement urges US Christians to ‘resistance’ and ‘repentance’
More than 400 U.S. Christians of multiple denominations have signed an ecumenical statement urging Christians to stand up for their neighbors, protect vulnerable people and defend democracy as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

The quiet American? Pope Leo XIV enables Catholic resistance to Trump.
Pope Leo XIV may be less inclined to stick his thumb in the eye of the conservative resistance, but he's no less committed to Pope Francis' agenda.

How Trump's treatment of the vulnerable shifted the US Catholic bishops' politics
The only possible savior of this relationship is the Democrats' ability to push the bishops back into the Republican camp.

Evangelicals promote controversial SAVE America Act
GOP lawmakers and their Christian supporters say the SAVE America Act will keep non-Americans from voting. Critics say the bill’s true purpose is making it harder for millions of Americans — including Blacks, women and the poor — to vote.

Cancelled Sexism Panel Ignites ACNA Conflict
After a week’s controversy, a panel discussion event on preventing sexism and abuse in the Anglican Church in North America has been canceled by the province and revived by one of the church’s non-geographic dioceses.

New IRS Group Exemption Rules Explained: What Revenue Procedure 2026-8 Means for Churches
For nearly four decades, IRS Revenue Procedure 80-27 governed how denominations and other central organizations obtained and maintained group exemption rulings. That changed in January, when the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2026-8—formally reopening the application process after a five-year pause and replacing key parts of the old framework.

Episcopalians and United Methodists mark Wesley Feast Day with prayer for deeper unity 

The ecumenical staff of the UM Council of Bishops offers the following for your upcoming services of worship or to share in your annual conference/ministry setting....

The Lord’s Supper Is the Best Altar Call
Here is why I do not make altar calls on Sunday as well as what I believe is the biblical alternative.

Formed by Song: How Music Shapes the Christian Life
While we should not seek to be defined solely by our musical preferences, we should certainly use them intentionally for our formation. Music is catechesis. If the goal of catechesis is disenculturation and identity formation, we must not overlook music’s powerful influence in shaping composite lives.

You may need to open free account to read this article.

Pope implores priests to stop writing sermons using ChatGPT 

In a closed-door meeting with clergy from the Diocese of Rome late last week, Pope Leo XIV clobbered his priests with a distinctly 21st-century request: to resist the “temptation to prepare homilies with artificial intelligence,” according to Vatican News.

Do Service Trips Matter for the Church’s Future?
How can faith move from theory to action in the lives of young leaders? Brittany Bethel, executive director of Cross Connection, shows how they equip students through service, curiosity, and community to practice a faith that transforms both themselves and their neighborhoods.

Getting Your Missions and Ministries Grant-Funded 

Have you ever considered grant funding for your organization and felt daunted by the process before you even began? Micháela Murray wants to help demystify the process by breaking grant seeking into clear, manageable steps—covering eligibility, readiness, research, and proposal writing—so church leaders can move forward with clarity and confidence.

New Orleans ministry makes plastic-bag sleeping mats for unhoused people sleeping on the streets
Since 2022, volunteers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, have been turning plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats to help unhoused people avoid extreme heat and cold.

Image Credit: Mark Wingfield,  Baptist News Global

Tuesday's Catch: 'Pastoring Angry People' And More

Pastoring Angry People: When to Speak, When to Stay Silent, and How to Lead Without Losing Everyone
The cultural moment we're in isn't just tense — it's a full convulsion, and it's landing in your church every Sunday. In this emergency panel episode, Ed Stetzer, Adam Mesa, and Sharon Hodde Miller debate when to speak up, when to be silent, how to handle fallout, and how to pastor people in a deeply divided age. This is the conversation many pastors are desperate to have but afraid to start.

Christian leaders denounce Trump actions, warn of 'crisis of faith'
Hundreds of Christian leaders and scholars nationwide are denouncing President Donald Trump’s administration and urging more active resistance among the faithful to “the injustices and anti-democratic danger sweeping across the nation.”

Also See: A Call to U.S. Christians Urges ‘Resistance, Repentance’

Satan’s Game Plan for Spiritual Warfare
“We are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). We are not ignorant of his devices. Satan’s game plan is spelled out throughout Scripture, detailing his maneuvers, schemes, and wiles to deceive and ensnare....

One group still sees revival in UK although other polls don’t agree
Was the “quiet revival” so quiet it went unnoticed by other demographers?

Also See: The truth behind why Gen Z are buying Bibles

Gen Z and the Search for Status
While many have correctly noted that Gen Z is emotionally, physically, and spiritually falling apart due to social media, I want to take a step further and ask: why are they flocking online? Russ Greene has captured part of this with his "Total Boomer Luxury Communism"—the shifting of material wealth from younger generations to older generations. As America becomes a retirement community, Gen Z is seeking and finding wealth in other places. In other words, as material wealth becomes less and less attainable, young people are thrusting themselves more and more online in the hopes that they will achieve status. Like the robber barons of the gilded age, the modern social Gen Z elite swallows up digital followers through outrageous behavior and views.

Renewal, A Rule of Life, and a Challenge to Men
This recovery of disciplined Christian life may be especially critical for one group the Episcopal Church has quietly failed to form well: men, particularly younger men.

Former US officials raise red flag over looming widespread collapse of American agriculture. Why our farmers can't compete (and what it means)
According to a recent letter signed by a bipartisan group of 27 former agricultural leaders, President Donald Trump’s economic policies risk triggering "a widespread collapse of American agriculture”.

Whatever affects US agriculture affect rural communities and in turn rural churches.

Who was Matthias and why is he called the thirteenth apostle?
24 February is St Matthias’s Day. Matthias is known as “the 13th apostle”, but who was he and what do we know about him? This is the story....

Before we stand on empathy, let's decide what we mean by it
Most Americans believe empathy is foundational to a healthy society. But are we willing to do the hard work empathy requires?

What Is Fasting?
The practice of fasting can be part of this recalibration because it helps us draw near to God. Our famished souls learn that there’s no one more satisfying than him. If you’re worn out trying to capture elusive joy in this world, join me as we explore how fasting can give you the only hunger that leads to lasting satiation.

Christian Discipleship for Dummies We have instituted low expectations as a norm for over three generations and it hasn’t served us well. And in recent times we have lowered the bar to the point where it has dented a groove in the foundation — I am afraid we cannot go any lower.

Discipleship in Divided Times Requires Presence
Jesus modeled a politics of presence. He did not avoid conflict, but he refused to reduce people to their positions. He walked among the people. He looked them in the eyes. He told stories that didn’t always end with answers, but with invitations to reimagine the world.

What We Would Do If We Took Discipleship Seriously, Part 4
Rev. Kathy Neary: Let’s pick up where we left off and finish exploring the alternative approach to centering discipleship, which you shared last week..

The model you suggest is basically the non-denominational “a mother church plants new sites” model… and they have money and people. How do we Methodists align resources, and what sacrifices will some people have to make to make your model work?

Also See: What We Would Do If We Took Discipleship Seriously, Part 3; What We Would Do If We Took Discipleship Seriously, Part 2; and What We Would Do If We Took Discipleship Seriously

Monday's Catch: 'The Growing “Age-in-Place” Ministry for Churches' And More

The Growing “Age-in-Place” Ministry for Churches
A quiet shift is taking place among senior adults.

Instead of moving into retirement communities or assisted living facilities, more are choosing to remain in their own homes as long as possible. The common phrase is “aging in place,” but for churches, “ministering-in-place” may be a better description.

Most Americans believe in God, but many rarely attend worship, study finds
Most adults in the United States believe in God and engage in some form of religious practice, but nearly half seldom or never attend religious services, according to data from the Pew Research Center that offers a snapshot of American faith by scaling the population down to a hypothetical town of 100 people.

From first dropping church attendance, then religious identity: How countries lose religion
For leaders of congregations, understanding how secularization works may point to a central challenge in halting it — how to create religious communities where more young people feel that they belong.

The Challenge of Cultural Attrition in Your Church
What comes to mind when you think of attrition in your church? Perhaps you think about the attrition of membership or attendance. Maybe you think about financial attrition. However, I want to draw your attention to a different and often overlooked category: cultural attrition.

6 Moves Churches Must Make to Reach and Disciple Young Adults
In this moment, many congregations feel stuck, unsure where to begin, unaware of the cultural and developmental complexities shaping young adults, or simply resigned to discouraging trends. But there’s hope. We identified “magnetic churches” across the country—congregations experiencing unusual fruitfulness in their ministries to young adults. Their witness is clear: Reaching emerging adults is possible when churches embrace a prayerful, biblical, and gospel-centered posture.

From this study, we found six strategic moves that offer a path forward for young-adult ministry in your church.

Importance of “Shallow” Christian Friendships
Danny D’Acquisto emphasizes the value of all relationships within the church, including those that are less intimate. While we cannot know every member at a deep personal level, the fact that all members belong to Christ and have committed to carrying out the church’s responsibilities and mission together means that every relationship is worthwhile and spiritually significant.

Trump's new fury farming crusade is pushing America toward the inevitable 

A January 2026 Gallup poll showed that 89% of all Americans expect high levels of political conflict this year, as the country heads toward one of its most decisive midterm elections ever.

Also See: How ‘Rage Bait’ Surged to Word of the Year in 2025

Why Do Faithful Christians Defend Harmful Things?
Russell answers a listener question about how we should perceive seemingly harmful political beliefs in our church congregations.

When Lent feels...empty
The tradition has a word for this—acedia, the ancient monks called it. A spiritual torpor, a flatness of soul, the noonday demon. It's not depression, exactly, though it can feel like depression's quieter cousin. It's the specific exhaustion of someone who has given their life to something holy and temporarily can't feel the holiness of it.

The worst part is the performance. The expectation that because you're the pastor, you have arrived somewhere spiritually that the congregation is still traveling toward. You haven't. You're traveling too. Some years you're ahead of them. This year, you're not sure you're even on the same road.

3 Benefits of Teaching the Hard Passages of Scripture
You’re doing yourself and those you disciple a disservice if you shy away from teaching the more complex passages of Scripture.

Random Thoughts and Tips on Prayer
No one apart from Jesus has ever mastered prayer, and no one apart from Jesus has ever fully understood it, so don’t be discouraged if you find praying difficult or perplexing. Be heartened that almost every book on prayer begins with the author admitting he is overwhelmed by his subject and convicted that he has not yet mastered it. It is more important that you obey than that you figure it out. You can pray with confidence, even if you don’t fully understand prayer.

How (and How Not) to Fast
If we want to seek closer communion with God through this often neglected means of grace, we’ll need to start with the Bible’s instructions about the wrong way to do it. Once we’ve been warned off that path, we’ll see the better way.

Creativity in Context: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach I noticed a couple of things in particular about this legacy congregation when I gathered with them last fall. This is a church that is leaning into the needs of its context while also leveraging creativity for ministry.

Sharing the Gospel Starts with Meeting the Lost
Here are some practical ideas for how to pop the “Christian bubble” and invite more lost people into your life.

Sundays at All Hallows (February 22, 2026) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent. During the season of Lent, Sundays are referred to being "in" the season due to their festal character and the season’s penitential nature. Every Sunday is a little Easter, a celebration of Jesus’ victory over death.

The topic of this Sunday’s message is temptation.

Readings: Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7; Romans 5: 12-19; and Matthew 4: 1-11

Message: Tempted

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2026/02/sundays-at-all-hallows-february-22-2026.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: 'Church Turnarounds And The Rewards Of Longevity' And More

Church Turnarounds And The Rewards Of Longevity
Church turnarounds are more about the direction you’re heading than the speed you’re going.

Generations Together for the Glory of Christ
The church isn’t a collection of age-based silos. It is a Spirit-wrought community of young and old, redeemed by Christ and bound together in covenant love. The church’s beauty isn’t in its sameness but in its holy diversity. And one of the clearest demonstrations of that kingdom diversity is when generations walk together in Christ.

Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection
The number of Britons giving something up for Lent has fallen sharply over the past decade, according to new research highlighting a significant shift in how the season is observed.

Witchcraft in the Church
There is another form of witchcraft afoot in the church. This type is closer, more subtle, and a greater danger than God's people recognize.

Sacred mysteries: The warrant for making the sign of the cross
On Ash Wednesday this week, many people had ashes imposed on them, in the form of a little cross made on their foreheads. This small sign of the cross is an even more ancient ritual than the large one made from head to breast and from shoulder to shoulder.

How Is AI Shaping You? Three Principles for Wise Use
In this brief article, I want to offer a few diagnostic tests for thinking about, relating to, and using AI in a Christian way. My goal is neither to confirm the goodness of artificial intelligence nor to speculate about its worst potential dangers. Instead, my goal is to synthesize what I believe Scripture teaches about human nature and ultimate truth with a “tech-realist” perspective that listens attentively to how tech affects us as embodied people.

Scientists found AI’s fatal flaw—the most advanced models are failing basic logic tests 

In a new paper that’s making waves, scientists from Stanford, Cal Tech, and Carleton College have combined existing research with new ideas to look at the reasoning failures of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude. Those who rely on LLMs for intellectual labor often cite the models’ reasoning ability as a major draw, despite the evidence that this ability is limited, even when dealing with simple questions. So, what’s the truth of the matter?

The US spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents
Earlier this year, in written testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath said that Gen Z is less cognitively capable than previous generations, despite its unprecedented access to technology. He said Gen Z is the first generation in modern history to score lower on standardized tests than the previous one.

Professors sounding the alarm as Gen Z arrive to college unable to even read a sentence
With Gen Z facing a literacy crisis, some colleges are being forced to water down their standards.

Rural high school students are more likely than city kids to get their diplomas, less likely to go to college 

How are rural high school students' experiences unique?

Embrace Your Life by Enjoying Quiddity
What if real life is found in receiving and pondering . . . real life?

Spiritual practices are leading people to Jesus
This order of giving it a go before believing or understanding isn’t a new idea; for many people that’s their story. But I do think it provides us with some unique evangelistic opportunities and maybe even insight into some additional ways we can share our faith.

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