Churches are being urged to take seriously the contributions of older members - or run the risk of facing a ‘silver uprising’ of discontent from seniors in their congregations.
The warning comes as the United Nations marks Thursday October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons, dedicated to recognising the role of older people across the world. In the UK, the US and other western countries, populations are ageing, with many more people reaching retirement age and beyond.
Pope Leo’s visit to France shows how the church and country are changing
While the youth greeted the pope like a rockstar, European representatives welcomed him as a respected leader who supports multilateralism, reconciliation, justice and peace.
Also See: Pope urges Church to find its voice in secular France1-year-old euthanized under new rules in the Netherlands allowing termination for sick children
Doctors in the Netherlands euthanized a severely disabled 1-year-old child, the first case reported by Dutch authorities under rules introduced in 2024 that allow ending the lives of seriously ill children between the ages of 1 and 12.
According to an assessment published by the Netherlands’ Review Committee on Late-term Abortions and Termination of Life of Neonates and Children, which reviews such cases, the doctor involved in administering the euthanasia “acted with due care.”
Andy Beshear: A faith that governs differently
Last Sunday, I heard Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speak about his newly released book, Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country, at St. Stephen Church, a prominent African American church in the heart of West Louisville.
As I sat in that crowded sanctuary and listened, two things struck me. First, here was a Democrat talking openly about Christian faith in a way qualitatively different from the white Christian nationalism that has hijacked the Republican Party. Second, and more importantly, he was talking about the role of faith in governance, not merely campaigning.
Southern Africa Rejects Same-Sex Prayers Again
The Anglican Church in Southern Africa’s Provincial Synod defeated two resolutions that would have nudged it toward blessing same-sex unions. Despite a series of attempts by progressives over more than a decade, the September 23 votes leave the church’s teaching and practice of marriage unchanged as Archbishop Thabo Makgoba reaches the end of nearly two decades of leading the province.
Evangelical Press Association to vote on dropping the 'e-word'
The group of journalists wants to change its name to the Christian Communicators Network, saying the word 'evangelical' has too many political overtones and a bad public image.
“My kingdom is not of this world” – why Christian Nationalism misses the mark
“Now who can hear Christ declare, that his kingdom is not of this world, and yet believe that this blending of church and state together can be pleasing to him?” – Baptist pastor Isaac Backus (1724–1806)
As an evangelical Christian, I am conservative—theologically conservative and, to the extent that I am informed, politically conservative as well. As a moral conservative, I am convinced that Christians ought to season society by advocating biblical principles and values in public debates concerning ethics and morality. At the same time, I reject the movement commonly known as Christian Nationalism. Although the movement is broad and far from unified on every point, I believe that its fundamental ideas are both unbiblical and counterproductive to the mission the Lord Jesus has entrusted to his church.
10 Ways Worship Leaders Accidentally Distract From Worship
Most worship distractions start on the platform. They usually come from people who love their church and want to serve it well: a long speech before the bridge, a mix so loud the room goes quiet, a key only the lead vocalist can reach.
These habits creep in slowly, which makes them hard to see from the stage. Below are 10 of the most common ways worship leaders pull attention away from God, with a fix for each one you can try at your next rehearsal. Two of them are newer problems that many teams have not talked about yet.
7 Tips to Help You Preach Persuasively
Do you want to teach your people the Bible in a way that makes sense and engages your people, ultimately compelling them to follow Jesus? Then you need to preach persuasively, just like Paul. (2 Cor. 5:11) At the same time, we are not simply pursuing public speaking tricks to make the audience think highly of us or deceive ourselves into thinking we can persuade people into the kingdom in our own strength. Again, to take such a stance is to be in lockstep with Paul. (1 Cor. 2:1–5) All we are really trying to do is to honor a beautiful text by working at speaking in a comparably beautiful way. That is, at the heart of it, what persuasion is. Persuasion is important, and persuasion is challenging. But it is a challenge worth pursuing. Here are seven tips (amongst an ocean of them) to help you preach persuasively.
Also See: AI, Sermon Preparation, and the Ministry of the WordAI Promises Intimacy but Delivers Isolation
If social media came for our attention, artificial intelligence is now coming for our capacity for attachment. Chatbots that speak to us in a human voice offer themselves as best friends, lovers, and psychotherapists. As of 2025, over 70% of teens and nearly one-third of US adults rely on AI for companionship and emotional support, with many preferring these chatbot relationships over human ones.
52 Small Group Activities to Build Church Fellowship
Plenty of small groups can finish a 10-week study and still not know each other’s kids’ names. Shared experiences close that gap faster than another round of discussion questions. A burnt batch of burgers, a lost disc in the creek, a Saturday spent hauling boxes up a member’s stairs: those are the stories your group will still be telling years from now.
Below are 52 small group activities sorted by type, so you can match an idea to your group’s size, budget, schedule, and season of life. Some will fit your people perfectly. Others will spark a better idea of your own. Either way, the point is to do them together.
The Origin of “The Great Commission” and How It Has Shaped Contemporary Discipleship
Can the Great Commission help us better understand the call to Christian discipleship today? There is no denying that Christians are currently struggling with how to engage certain aspects of our cultural and political moment. Often, I hear ministry leaders using the language of crisis to describe the state of Christian formation and discipleship. Perhaps Christ’s command can help us grasp better the challenge and opportunity before his church.
Congregational vitality initiatives launch with unified focus, additional staffing, and upcoming networking and training opportunities
The Episcopal Church’s Congregational Vitality Department is initiating a renewed focus on church planting, revitalization, and redevelopment in concert with dioceses and local leaders. The work will be supported by three new staff positions and a yearlong series of webinars and in-person gatherings for professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities for all Episcopalians interested in congregational vitality.
Learn more on the department’s webpage and sign up to receive updates.
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