Thursday' Catch: 'Five possible paths for 21st-century churches' And More

Five possible paths for 21st-century churches
It’s no secret that organized religion is in trouble. Over the past few decades, the American church has seen a freefall in membership, attendance and reputation. Current data suggest the steep decline has stabilized for now. But the long-term trajectory doesn’t look particularly promising. Given these sobering realities, almost everyone involved in the life of the American church is asking, “Where do we go from here?”

Juneteenth 160 years later
This year, Juneteenth turns 160. While it only became a federal holiday in 2021 — joining the calendar as America’s 11th official holiday — it commemorates one of the country’s oldest and most painful journeys: the ongoing fight for true, tangible and equitable freedom.

United Methodist Ministries Named in House Probe
The United Methodist Council of Bishops and other church ministries are among 215 charities that received letters from a U.S. congressional committee. The letters aim to see whether the groups used U.S. taxpayer dollars to “facilitate illegal immigration.” However, neither the bishops nor the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, another letter recipient, receive any federal funding.

Majority of Americans oppose ‘big beautiful bill’
President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” passed by the U.S. House of Representatives is opposed by far more Americans than approve of it, according to new research from Navigator.

Also See: ‘Big beautiful bill’ is ugly, BJC webinar shows

'Amber waves of grain' recede in America's heartland as wheat farmers struggle
-On a foggy morning in May, Dennis Schoenhals drove a carload of crop scouts around the wheat fields of northern Oklahoma, part of an annual tour to evaluate the health of the crop. But on some fields, Schoenhals and other farmers had already abandoned plans to harvest the grain for sale because prices had sunk to five-year lows. Farmers cut their losses early this year across the U.S. wheat belt, stretching from Texas to Montana. They were choosing to bale the wheat into hay, plow their fields under or turn them over to animals to graze. In Nebraska, wheat acreage is less than half of what it was in 2005.

What affect rural farming communities will affect the churches in those communities. Reduction in farmland devoted raising grain crops will affect food prices and may cause food shortages.

VOICES: Can Faithful Christians Agree to Disagree on Sexuality?
"Now, my intent is not to address all the nuances of gender and sexuality in this article, nor to question the sincerity of those with whom we disagree. And my views on these questions are not secret—I have been written about biblical orthodoxy on these issues in places like USA Today. Yet, I also believe we can—and we must—love those with whom we disagree. In cases like this, clarity and compassion are not enemies."

‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,' the unofficial Black national anthem, celebrates 125 years
‘It is featured in over 40 different Christian hymnals and sung in churches all across America, not just during Black History Month or Juneteenth,’ said musician Theodore Thorpe III.

The Best Bible Translation for Preaching
Many people are passionate about Bible translations and have strong opinions about which one is the best. Pastors are no exception. Josh and Sam discuss what translations they believe are best suited for preaching.

Identity, Belonging, and the Gospel: A Call to Faithful Presence in Student Ministry
Let’s be the kind of ministries where every student—no matter their background, questions, or identity—can encounter the love of Jesus.

Ready to Talk: Are Christians Speaking Truth to Our Culture?
As our culture shifts, the contrast between Christian beliefs and the beliefs assumed in our society becomes more pronounced. It is time we consider how our local church is (or is not) adjusting to this reality.

Multiplying Disciples Starts with the Church
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus places the Church under orders, with the central command being “make disciples.” While the passage includes multiple verbs—go, make disciples, baptize, and teach—the Greek makes it clear that the only imperative is “make disciples.”