Three out of four churches in America have no type of welcome ministry. Why do church leaders fail to see its importance? What are the most significant challenges in starting and maintaining a welcome or guest services ministry? How might hospitality be underutilized in churches? Thom and Sam interview Danny Franks of Summit Church to learn more about this important and often-ignored topic.
Is America’s Religious Landscape Changing?
Recent research from Pew shows the long-term decline of Christianity in America has leveled off. Ryan Burge, director of “Faith Counts,” explains this latest data.
CINO: Christian In Name Only
We’ve all heard the term RINO. It means “Republican In Name Only.” Tragically, a significant segment of American religion has become what I call CINO, “Christian in name only.”
When does a Christian cease to be a disciple of Jesus and become a "Christian in name only"? Martin Thielen shares his view of the matter. Nominalism, it must be noted, is not a new development.Why empathy is under assault today
If empathy were a person, she would be in therapy for abuse. After a life of virtue, empathy has been cast into the street by an array of detractors as varied as billionaires, psychologists and evangelicals.
One is inclined to suspect that this attack on empathy, often confused with overidentification, "a very strong feeling that you are similar to someone and that you can understand that person or their situation because of this, in a way that may be harmful or unhealthy," is a rationalization for what amounts to a lack of compassion on the part of its critics. Empathy is "the ability to share someone else's feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person's situation."Defunded evangelical aid groups are reaping what the religious right sowed
Trump wooed them with his promises of the cultural domination they had been seeking since the late 1970s, but the honeymoon may be over.
Panelists lay out the negative economic impact of Trump’s deportations
Donald Trump’s persecution of undocumented immigrants is already having an adverse effect on the U.S. economy, a financial expert said during a virtual press briefing hosted by America’s Voice.
Proposed cuts to SNAP benefits could deepen hunger and hurt local economies, experts warn
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has long been a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans facing food insecurity. Each year, approximately 42 million people rely on SNAP to meet their food needs. However, recent proposals from the Trump administration and Congressional leaders to roll back SNAP benefits nationwide are raising alarms, with many wondering how these cuts would impact their local communities. New data from the Urban Institute sheds light on just how significant the gap between SNAP benefits and local food costs could become if these cuts move forward.
Scripture as a Divine and Human Book
As we approach the Bible as God’s Word and a collection of writings from the hand of men, we must rightly appreciate both the divine and human element of Scripture and understand how they relate.
How Your Church Members Could Make Your Sermons Better—Before You Preach Them
Every week, I sit down and read my sermon out loud to one or more church members and ask for feedback. I’m not a great preacher, but I can say with 100 percent confidence that my preaching has gotten much better over the years because of our weekly sermon previews. I wonder if they could help you, too, my pastor friend.
Arts and Media in Christianity: How Visual Arts, Music, and Media Shape Faith and Worship
In today’s fast-paced world, faith and worship have evolved to incorporate various forms of artistic expression and modern media. From the sacred visuals of paintings and sculptures in churches to the uplifting tunes of contemporary Christian music, arts and media play a vital role in connecting believers with their faith. These forms of expression not only enrich the worship experience but also serve as powerful tools for spreading the message of Christianity across different cultures and communities. But how exactly do arts and media influence the way Christians practice their faith?
COVID-19: What Did We Gain and Lose by Livestreaming?
Chris Walker examines the benefits and liabilities of livestreaming church services.
Essential Pages for the Best Church Websites
A well-designed website is one of the most powerful tools a church can have for reaching new visitors and engaging its congregation. The best church websites serve as a digital front door, offering essential information and fostering community engagement. To be effective, every church website should include specific pages that inform, inspire, and connect.
What’s the Perfect Small Group Size?
Small groups are an essential part of church life, providing a place for believers to grow in faith, build relationships, and serve one another. However, one of the most important factors in a successful small group is its size. Too small, and the group may lack energy and diversity; too large, and members may struggle to connect personally. So, what is the perfect small group size? Let’s explore key factors that determine the ideal number of participants.
Personal Time With God Is the Most Important Part of Your Day
Do you struggle to have personal time with God each day? If so, read these brief but powerful (and practical!) insights about setting aside time for devotions and prayer.
How to Draw Near to God Through Writing
If we draw near to God, he will draw near to us (James 4:8). But how do we draw near to God practically? What does closeness mean in proximity to Someone we can’t physically see, hear, or feel?
No comments:
Post a Comment