The modern church is no longer just a place of worship. It’s a community hub, a refuge and, unfortunately, a potential target for threats ranging from theft to active shooters. For ministry leaders, the challenge of ensuring safety can feel overwhelming. The pursuit of security is relentless, from crafting emergency operations plans to dealing with lost children, medical incidents and even embezzlement. But in today’s world, simply having a strong risk management program isn’t enough.
‘No vouchers, no cuts’ rally opposes ‘big beautiful bill’
A coalition of education and religious freedom groups rallied near the U.S. Capitol urging senators to defeat a Republican spending plan that would create a federal school voucher program and impose deep cuts to social service programs like Medicaid.
Sen. Joni Ernst Labeled ‘Callous’ for Faux Apology Video That Mentions Jesus
Days after telling attendees at a town hall that everyone will die, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) doubled down in a video that turned into a plug for following Jesus. Some people called her message callous and cruel, while others said it symbolizes what has happened to Christianity under President Trump.
BJC leader calls Trump’s new travel ban ‘dangerous and discriminatory’
President Donald Trump’s new travel ban against nationals from a dozen countries is “dangerous and discriminatory” and is a significant threat to religious freedom, according to Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler said the ban, which goes into effect June 9, is an effort to demonize citizens from those nations rather than to protect Americans from terrorism as the administration claims. “Cloaked in national security language, it continues a pattern of singling out individuals based on their faith, race and national origin. It is not a genuine security measure. It is state-sanctioned discrimination.”
Divorce leaves lasting scars on children, major new study finds
A new study has revealed that children who experience parental divorce face significant long-term consequences, including lower income, increased mortality risk, and a higher likelihood of teenage pregnancy. The research, conducted by economists Andrew C. Johnston, Maggie R. Jones, and Nolan G. Pope, tracked children born in the US between 1988 and 1993, and examined their lives across key indicators like income levels, college enrollment, incarceration rates, and mortality.
Five Key Tips to Teach Your Church to Tithe
Sam received a message from a friend recently. His question was simple: How many people typically give in a church? Statistically, about 75% of people will give in a typical church. In his case, only 50% of the church was giving regularly. Josh and Sam discuss some ways to teach church members about the importance of tithing. The 10% mark can be controversial, but committing to give regularly should not be.
Pentecost and the Image and Mission of God
During my time as a missionary in Islamic contexts, I often encountered the question “When did Jesus ever say that he is God?” The most common rebuttal is when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). And read the next few verses: the Judeans “picked up stones again to stone him … ‘for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God’” (31, 33). Jesus also says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Who can forget “before Abraham was, I am”? (John 8:58).
The Abuse of Unchecked Celebrity: Lessons for the Church
Over the years, various Christian leaders, musicians, and public figures have left behind a trail of wounded victims and a tarnished witness to the gospel. Every time such a scandal emerges, the church is forced to wrestle with difficult questions: Why does this keep happening? What can we do to prevent it? How should we respond?
The Ministry of Prayer: A Call to Love, Encourage, and Persevere
We can't minimize the importance and impact of the ministry of prayer: a call to love, encourage, and persevere.
Why It’s Good for Youth and Children’s Ministers to Be Trained to Do Family Ministry
Cameron Cole shares five reasons why training for family ministry can radically improve the ministry of any youth or children’s pastor.
Mission Trip Volunteers You Need: 5 Essential Adults To Take Along
Are you always searching for mission trip volunteers? Then check out this wisdom from veteran youth minister Darren Sutton. Learn the 5 types of adults you need for taking trips with teens.
Father’s Day Event Filled With Fun Family Outreach Ideas
For a Father’s Day event combined with outreach, invite all families (including those without fathers) to a special picnic. This works great after worship on Sunday or even the day before Father’s Day, depending on your schedule.
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