In recent decades, America’s churches have felt emptier. Shifting worship numbers have forced ministries to adapt and get creative. For many faith communities, the pandemic created a “before and after” that shapes how people think about Sunday mornings.
The outlook isn’t without bright spots, though. Scripture is full of seasons of wandering and returning. And lately, some remarkable things are happening, especially among young people. If you lead a church, serve in one, or simply love one, keep reading for insights about church attendance.
What Gets Celebrated Gets Replicated: Why Joy Drives Leadership
What if the key to lasting momentum in your church isn’t more pressure, but more joy? Brad Aycock shares five practical ways leaders can make joy and celebration a consistent part of their leadership strategy, showing how celebration shapes culture and strengthens mission.
What future for the Anglican Communion?
The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals would bring about seismic changes — and not for the better, argues Paul Avis.
The Abuja Affirmation—An Anglican Communion?
This essay is part of a series on the Abuja Affirmation which will run April 13-17. A Series Round Up with links to all the essays will appear later in this spring.
Pope v. Trump is about the value of a moral tradition
The recent entirely predictable online attack by Donald Trump on Pope Leo XIV has made an argument over values into a personal dispute. But the issue between the two men is not a personal dispute. It is instead a powerful illustration of the value of a moral tradition when brought to bear on transgressions against it.
I keep thinking of three images that have been used in Christian ethics to describe what the Christian moral tradition at its best offers: Solid ground, plumbline and guardrails.
Christianity is not a politician’s prop
Mean it when you say it, or don’t say it.
Malcolm Guite on Re-Enchanting a Disenchanted World
Malcolm Guite and Russell meet in Andrew Peterson’s Chapter House–Guite’s pipe smoke billowing–on the occasion of Guite’s new book, Galahad and the Grail, the first volume in the Merlin's Isle trilogy from Rabbit Room Press.
Malcolm Guite: We need to awaken the mind's attention
Malcolm Guite is a beloved poet, storyteller, Anglican priest, and academic. He is author of numerous books including the Faith Hope and Poetry, Lifting thr Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God. As well as his latest offering - his first installment of a mighty four-volume work - Galahad and the Grail.
Fall (Back) in Love with the Bible
Join the Living Church in Oklahoma City for “Radiant Pages: Rediscovering the Bible.” This three-day conference will empower lay people and clergy alike to read the Bible with greater skill, care, and confidence. It will also provide tools for priests and teachers to re-invigorate their teaching and preaching.
AI use appears to have a “boiling frog” effect on human cognition, new study warns
In a new study, researchers claim to provide the first causal evidence that leaning on AI to assist with “reasoning-intensive” cognitive labor — mental tasks ranging from writing to studying to coding to simply brainstorming new ideas — can rapidly impair users’ intellectual ability and willingness to persist despite difficulty.
From 'BuddhaBot' to $1.99 chats with AI Jesus, the faith-based tech boom is here
The rush to create faith-based generative AI is unsurprising, given the popularity of chatbots for everything from therapy and medical advice to companionship and romance.
What If People Treat ‘Jesus AI’ Like the Real Jesus? Just Like Me Founder Responds to Concerns An AI chatbot modeled after Jesus Christ—which users must pay to access—has stirred controversy online, with some saying the Jesus AI is “blasphemy” and others suggesting it reflects the kind of practice the real Jesus would have condemned. In a statement to ChurchLeaders, the founder of the company that created the Jesus AI said the tool is meant to complement, not replace “faith, scripture, or religious leaders” and that the chatbot was an “AI-powered reflection of Jesus’ teachings—not Jesus himself.”
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