Wednesday's Catch: "The Myth of the ‘Irreligious World’" And More

The Myth of the ‘Irreligious World’
Perhaps surprisingly to some, the West isn’t the global region in which religion faces a gloomy immediate forecast.

Evangelical pastor detained by ICE despite stay of removal, no criminal record
An Evangelical pastor in Florida who entered the United States illegally several years ago but was allowed to stay under certain conditions has been detained by authorities. Maurilio Ambrocio, a pastor and owner of a landscaping business, was detained last month by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as part of a broader sweep championed by both state and federal officials.

Revisiting the UMC's legacy of overlap
After decades of many congregations in too small a radius, The United Methodist Church now finds itself in a different kind of situation - fewer churches than before, and not by any of its own design or intent. In some areas, disaffiliation has left significant gaps, though with a deep sense of purpose that includes the need to reassess its future. What should have been a moment for a long-overdue strategic pivot instead became a reactive decision to stabilize what remains.

In this article Andrea Byer-Thomas identifies a number of problem areas which also affect churches in the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Church in North America, and the Continuing Anglican Churches.

Zero Invitations: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: zero invitations.

Also See: The Holy Huddle: The Unforced Error Series

“Church Giving and Worship Attendance Trends” featuring Joe Park
What are the current church giving and worship attendance trends? In this conversation, Joe Park unpacks key trends in worship attendance and giving from Horizons Stewardship’s Church Giving and Worship Report: Key Findings from 2024. He emphasizes digital engagement, discipleship, and strategic ministry planning, while highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, consistent generosity messaging, and authentic relationships.

9 Essential Steps for the First 90 Days in a New Ministry
Starting a new ministry is both exciting and challenging. As you enter a fresh ministry context, you’ll encounter unique dynamics within your congregation, whether you’re breaking new ground as the first woman or person of color or joining a congregation facing its struggles. Andreá Cummings provides steps to take within the first ninety days to help you build relationships and trust with your congregation, identify areas needing improvement, learn about your community, and forge new relationships with key stakeholders.

4 Traps for Clergy When Moving to a New Congregation
Bill Wilson of the Center for Healthy Churches says that the arrival of a new minister can be a marvelous opportunity to start anew for both the minister and the congregation—but only if the pastor steers clear of four common traps that can derail the new relationship.

How congregations become targets for child abuse
A recent Washington Post investigation uncovered how a Virginia youth minister allegedly used his position to groom and abuse young boys for decades. Churches failed to act, allowing him to move from congregation to congregation and continue preying on new victims, despite repeated allegations. This isn't an isolated incident. It's part of a systemic problem that persists because too many faith communities still lack clear, consistent policies to protect children, and abusers continue to take advantage of that.

Also See: Why haven't Christian leaders learned what we all know about church sex abuse?

Can You Trust People? 10 Ways Christians Can Reduce Stranger Danger
Evangelicals are more likely to trust people in their community, know many by name, and look for opportunities to talk with them.

7 Powerful Outreach Strategies to Grow Your Church
Church growth doesn’t happen by accident. While prayer, preaching, and worship are essential foundations, intentional outreach is what helps connect your church with the community. In today’s changing cultural and social landscape, churches must be creative, relational, and purposeful in reaching others. Implementing the right church outreach strategies can lead to meaningful engagement, spiritual transformation, and numerical growth.