At Group’s recent Future of the Church conference, sociologist Josh Packard shared some of his groundbreaking research on the Dones. He explained these de-churched were among the most dedicated and active people in their congregations. To an increasing degree, the church is losing its best.
The Nones Are Rising No More: 5 Things Church Leaders Need to Know
From 2008 to 2014, the Nones (those who have no religious affiliation) were the fastest-growing demographic segment in the nation. They are no longer growing. In fact, they are declining slightly. Here are five major implications for churches.
Related: Where Have All the Atheists and Agnostics Gone?Protestantism’s Conservative Catholic Converts
At Easter, a Protestant intellectual explains why many intellectually inclined young people are leaving Protestantism for Rome.
Related: The fundamentalist strain in American CatholicismScottish Episcopal Church to vote on proposed ‘Declaration of Friendship’ with Catholic Church
A proposed “Declaration of Friendship” between the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Conference of Bishops of the Catholic Church in Scotland will be put before General Synod in June this year. The agreement, also to be known as the Saint Ninian Declaration, articulates and supports a deepening relationship between Episcopalians and Roman Catholics in Scotland. It affirms the possibilities for working more closely together while acknowledging that there are distinct differences between the two churches.
White evangelicals remain Trump’s staunchest supporters, Pew study finds
While a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s job performance, his evangelical supporters remain on his side, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
Related: Trump’s tariffs are bad medicineWhy the Most Foolish People End Up in Power
Why do many unqualified individuals become CEOs, politicians, and powerful executives? This video uncovers the psychological and structural forces behind this disturbing trend, revealing how confidence, charisma, and manipulation often beat competence.
Related: Why STUPIDS Believe They Are Smart? The Dunning-Kruger Effect; Why STUPID People Are a Greater Threat to Society Than CriminalsVOICES: The rise of coerced ‘cultural Christianity’: A disturbing Christian Nationalist trend
Lately, I've noticed another disturbing trend gaining steam online — self-described Christian nationalists openly advocating for “forced conversions” and mandatory church attendance. It’s not just a fringe opinion anymore. It's creeping deeper into circles that should know better.
Related: Clergy oppose Missouri Legislature rewriting Ten Commandments3 Indicators of a Thriving Rural Congregation
Allen Stanton says rural churches need better indicators of what it means to thrive. He outlines three characteristics of vital rural congregations able to lead the wider community toward the Kingdom of God.
“Cultivating Generosity in Marginalized Communities” featuring Carlos Perkins
How can church leaders cultivate generosity in marginalized communities? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Carlos Perkins who emphasizes that many Black, Latinx, and Hispanic congregations have been historically generous, despite limited resources. The conversation explores the importance of defining generosity, reflecting on personal beliefs about money, and how faith leaders can develop a theology of generosity. Perkins also highlights how past institutional traumas can affect a congregation’s generosity, and the need for leaders to address these issues to foster giving.
Gospel Fuel
The primary call on Christians is to follow Jesus, to become like our Rabbi. At the top of the list is learning, loving and living the Scriptures. Every Jesus follower should be immersed in the Word of God in a way that leads to thinking that is shaped by biblical truth and a life that aligns with all God teaches in his Word.
“Cultivating Generosity in Marginalized Communities” featuring Carlos Perkins
How can church leaders cultivate generosity in marginalized communities? In this episode, Jessica Anschutz speaks with Carlos Perkins who emphasizes that many Black, Latinx, and Hispanic congregations have been historically generous, despite limited resources. The conversation explores the importance of defining generosity, reflecting on personal beliefs about money, and how faith leaders can develop a theology of generosity. Perkins also highlights how past institutional traumas can affect a congregation’s generosity, and the need for leaders to address these issues to foster giving.
Gospel Fuel
The primary call on Christians is to follow Jesus, to become like our Rabbi. At the top of the list is learning, loving and living the Scriptures. Every Jesus follower should be immersed in the Word of God in a way that leads to thinking that is shaped by biblical truth and a life that aligns with all God teaches in his Word.
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