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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also See: He Sat Down

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

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

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

Also See: General Synod: A Beginning and an End

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

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

The topic of this Sunday’s message is grace.

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

Message: What's So Amazing About Grace?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

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

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

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

Also See: Sustainable Church Flowers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sexual Abuse: A Ministry Survival Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

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

Reading: Matthew 19: 16-30

Message: Missing the Mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also See: Evangelicals and Tractarians: then and now

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

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

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

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

Yes, within three guardrails.

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