Monday's Catch: 'Six Reasons Churches Experience the Doldrums' And More

Six Reasons Churches Experience the Doldrums
Thom Rainer identifies and explains six common reasons churches find themselves in the doldrums.

How Polarization Tore a Hole in America’s Mainline Churches
What happened to America’s religious moderates, and why does it matter to our country’s future?

VOICES: Jesus is not God,' says the billboard
Like me, you may have recently seen that a group who believe the earth is flat is publicly proclaiming through billboards around the country that Jesus isn’t God. No, I’m not making this up....

Also See: Man paints over heretical billboard to read 'Jesus is God' in viral video; Man Goes Viral for ‘Evandalism,’ Changing Billboard’s Message That ‘Jesus Is Not God’

Churches urged to be ready amid reports of growing Bible curiosity among young adults
A sharp rise in Bible sales and reports of growing spiritual curiosity among young adults in the UK has prompted calls for church leaders to be ready to respond.

Surveys showing Christian resurgence among young adults in UK may be 'misleading': Pew
Analysts claim surveys indicating a Christian resurgence among young adults in the UK may be misleading.

154 Bishops Call for End to ICE Raids
More than 150 bishops of the Episcopal Church urged the suspension of immigration raids in Minnesota and “any community where militarized enforcement has endangered residents or destroyed public trust.” They conveyed their message in “A Letter to Our Fellow Americans,” released as both a statement and a video on January 31, on the eve of the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, when the Old Testament reading was Micah 6:1-8.

For traditional Catholics, Charlotte Communion dispute is a battle line
The edict from Charlotte’s Catholic bishop came just before Christmas with a benign title: “Pastoral letter on norms for Holy Communion.” Bishop Michael Martin decreed parishioners could no longer use kneelers and altar rails during the sacrament. It was an effort to “foster unity,” Martin’s letter said, and make clear the modern way is standing for Communion.

There was nothing benign about the reaction.

The Christian Churches and the Nazis
The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds Christians that they are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” (NRSVA) That “cloud” has continued to grow in size since then. In this monthly column we will be thinking about some of the people and events, over the past 2000 years, that have helped make up this “cloud.” People and events that have helped build the community of the Christian church as it exists today.

What Is the Trinity?
Addressing the Trinity is particularly critical today. Recalling these truths prepares you to help your church answer questions about God.

Why Pastoral Ministry Is Worth Pursuing Today
Paul’s defense of his ministry in 2 Corinthians 2:12–3:6 offers a much-needed corrective to our contemporary tendencies to either despise the pastoral office or measure it by worldly standards. He reminds us that those considering pastoral ministry must think neither too little nor too much of this calling. We must see it as God does.

Phones in the Pews: Threat or Discipleship Opportunity?
How can we shepherd our people to receive the preached Word with humility amid a culture where instant verification has become instinctive?

Bringing Scripture to Life
I do not want to hear another dull, lifeless reading of Holy Scripture in worship. If it is another mumbled reading from someone who obviously hasn’t practiced the reading, I find myself thinking: Oh, please! Not so fast. Please breathe!

Evidence grows that AI chatbots are Dunning-Kruger machines
If using an AI chatbot makes you feel smart, we have some bad news.

New Study Examines How Often AI Psychosis Actually Happens, and the Results Are Not Good
Yikes!

Experts growing worried about world in which AI takes your job and you have no way to provide for yourself
As the tech moguls talk a big game, financial experts are in a frenzy about AI coming for our jobs, thereby threatening to leave many of us without any way to make ends meet.

US committee is reconsidering all vaccine recommendations
All vaccine recommendations are being reconsidered by the US’s vaccines committee, according to its top adviser, who in recent interviews slammed vaccination requirements for attending school and said vaccines should be taken on the advice of an individual’s doctor.

Also See: Florida Republicans advance bill to weaken vaccine protections for children

Don’t run 

I wonder what you think of on a Sunday straight after the Benediction. You have received by faith God’s declaration of blessing…then what?