Most churches in the United States are small. As Glenna Marshall, author and pastor's wife, explains in this article, "...God hasn’t called any of us in ministry to be 'big.' Rather, He’s called us to be faithful with the ministry work He’s put in front of us."
Five Years Later: How COVID-19 Reshaped American Religious Life
Amidst all the losses of the coronavirus pandemic, congregations were gaining in their ability to adapt to unexpected situations, incorporate new technology, and find creative ways of connecting and being together.
Egypt's Christians face 'constant pressure to hide their faith'
Egypt has a population of around 111 million people, of whom 90% are Sunni Muslim and 10% (representing 11 million people) are Christian. Despite their large numbers and the Egyptian constitution officially granting “absolute” freedom of religion, Christians in Egypt face significant persecution from the Islamic majority.
South Sudanese Lay Leader: ‘If One of Us Down, We Feel the Pain’
On April 5, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked the U.S. visas of all South Sudanese passport holders after the transitional government of South Sudan failed to accept a deported man “in a timely manner.” In an effort to defuse the visa ban, South Sudan eventually accepted the deportee, though the State Department’s restriction remains. It is unclear whether the measure affects South Sudanese individuals in the United States who were granted Temporary Protected Status because of the conflict. The status expires next month.
Federal judge refuses to block immigration enforcement operations in houses of worship
The judge found that there have been only a handful of such enforcement actions and the faiths had not shown the kind of legal harm that would justify a preliminary injunction.
This is a three-alarm fire for freedom of speech
Of all the shocking things the Trump administration has done in less than three months, please pay attention to this: Today, the administration said it has the power to deport a student simply because of that student’s beliefs. Not because of any illegal activity. Not because of any imminent danger. But because the administration dislikes his beliefs.
Related: A Louisiana immigration judge says Mahmoud Khalil can be deportedChicago church to lead Palm Sunday procession protesting detainment, disappearance of migrants
On Palm Sunday, April 13, All Saints Episcopal Church in Chicago, Illinois, will lead a procession through the Ravenswood neighborhood after its 11 a.m. Central worship service to bring attention to migrants who’ve been arrested and are being illegally detained in El Salvador and Louisiana. Many have disappeared from the U.S. detainee tracking system.
Missouri congregations move US flags from altars as Episcopal Church condemns Christian nationalism
The American flag still has a place at Calvary Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri, but under new guidance from the bishop, that place is no longer near the church’s altar. Calvary is located near the Mississippi River in the northeastern Missouri community of Louisiana, population 3,200. Last month, during a Sunday service, the small congregation ceremoniously moved its American flag from the front next to the altar to the back of the nave, where it now is posted beside a columbarium, partly in honor of veterans who are interred there.
Church of England invests millions in parish renewal and mission expansion
In a major funding boost aimed at revitalising local churches and expanding outreach efforts, the Church of England has announced a new wave of grants supporting parishes across both urban and rural communities. The funding, awarded by the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB), will support a wide range of initiatives focused on mission, leadership development, and community engagement.
Sending Over Seating: West Ridge Church Is Set to Launch Its 125th Church
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many people were coming out of student ministry excited about planting churches. One of them was Pastor Brian Bloye. After moving to Dallas, Georgia, in the summer of 1997, he planted West Ridge Church. Five years later, the church had experienced some growth, but Bloye felt a strong call to shift West Ridge’s focus from church growth to kingdom expansion and church multiplication. And this change of vision took off in ways he never expected.
Call V. Ego
Our egos are sneaky little devils. They love to whisper sweet nothings in our ears, promising us power, prestige, legacy, and a place at the cool kids' table. They tell us we're special, we're indispensable, and we know what's best for everyone. As someone in ministry, my ego is the biggest block in my ability to discern God’s call for me and my ministry.
How Should Pastors Think Differently About Abuse?
By learning to think differently about abuse, pastors can equip themselves to better identify harmful dynamics and care for hurting people.
Young Pastors Are Rare (Here Is What Happened)
The typical age of a pastor is around 60 years old. Young pastors are becoming increasingly rare. What happened? Josh and Sam discuss some demographic realities with the aging pastorate.
15 Ways to Recognize and Honor Church Volunteers
Over my years of studying churches, I’ve watched for ways they recognize and honor volunteers – the folks who faithfully serve the Lord through serving in their churches. Here are some of those ways.
Monday-Ready: Training Church Members to Engage the Bible Every Day
As a church leader, the essential question is: are you merely providing your congregation with Biblical truth, or are you teaching them how to seek it out for themselves? Are you spoon-feeding them the occasional meal, or are you helping them engage with the Bible on their own every day?
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