Most pastors do not expect their churches to close in the next ten years, yet church closures may be more common than openings.
Five Ways to Report Truthful Worship Attendance
When Sam and Thom research local churches, they inevitably calculate average worship attendance. But how can they tell if it’s accurate or not? They share five ways to be certain.
Everything Church Leaders Need To Know About Mandatory Reporting Laws
Every state has a mandatory child-abuse reporting law on the books. But many pastors and church leaders are unaware of these statutes, let alone their need to comply with them.
As Marriage Rates Decline, Should Pastors Encourage Singles to Marry?
Recent trends show that global marriage rates as a whole are in decline. Western societies have sometimes disparaged marriage and questioned its necessity and intrinsic value, and now declining marriage rates are a phenomenon evidenced in every region of the world. Church communities haven’t been immune, and the growing number of unmarried adults in our congregations raises the question of how best to respond.
‘Not of this world’: Jesus, Caesar and Holy Week
In Holy Week 2025, American Christians confront the stark reality that the Gospel accounts of the “two kingdoms” represented in Jesus and Caesar seem strikingly contemporary here and now. When Jesus tells Pilate that “my kingdom is not of this world,” he’s not simply referencing an ethereal realm somewhere in the heavenlies; he’s articulating the dramatic difference between the world as it was, is and, according to Jesus, might become. While this always has been the case, somehow those gospel stakes seem higher right now.
Related: Through Christ’s ‘Suffering, We Have Redemption’—Trump Sparks Debate With Holy Week Presidential MessageJesus Washes All of His Disciples’ Feet
Although some Episcopalians don’t want to participate in this ritual and some Episcopal churches do not include it in their Holy Week liturgies, on Maundy Thursday we all read in John’s Gospel how Jesus girded himself with a towel and washed all the disciples’ feet during their last meal together. It seems that he is acting out a parable with the last moments of his time with his disciples. We who seek to follow him today should carefully reflect on his words and actions, whatever our liturgical choices.
America isn't becoming less spiritual. It's becoming differently spiritual.
People increasingly craft their spiritual lives according to personal values, rather than institutional dictates.
Related: Growing interest in the Bible and Jesus raises hopes of transatlantic revival among young adults‘First Hymn’ Joins Us to the Communion of Saints in Song
A century ago, archaeologists digging through ancient ruins in Egypt uncovered a tattered scrap of papyrus. On it were the remains of a hymn dating to the mid-200s—complete with lyrics and musical notation! For decades, it remained sealed away in a climate-controlled vault at Oxford University. Until John Dickson came across it.
Related: Famous Christian artists revive third century hymn ahead of Easter; Chris Tomlin, Ben Fielding - The First Hymn (Official Lyric Video)Does Projecting Bible Passages Keep Members From Bringing Bibles to Church?
It’s become increasingly common for churches to project Bible passages onto large screens during services. Whether through PowerPoint slides or worship software, this practice allows congregations to follow along with Scripture readings seamlessly. It’s efficient, accessible, and visually engaging—but it also raises a question that many pastors and church leaders are beginning to ask: Does projecting Bible passages keep members from bringing Bibles to church?
Life Span of a Small Group – AreThey Meant to Meet Forever?
Small groups have long been a vital part of church life, offering believers a more intimate setting for fellowship, prayer, and spiritual growth. Whether they’re called life groups, home groups, or community groups, the purpose remains the same: to connect people more deeply with God and with each other. But as enriching as these groups can be, one question often arises for leaders and participants alike: Are church small groups meant to meet forever?
Life Span of a Small Group – AreThey Meant to Meet Forever?
Small groups have long been a vital part of church life, offering believers a more intimate setting for fellowship, prayer, and spiritual growth. Whether they’re called life groups, home groups, or community groups, the purpose remains the same: to connect people more deeply with God and with each other. But as enriching as these groups can be, one question often arises for leaders and participants alike: Are church small groups meant to meet forever?
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