Despite recent increases in baptisms, the 2022 numbers are still part of a negative church trend since the early 2000s. By Aaron Earls With far fewer churches gathering in person, Southern Baptist congregations didn’t do much baptizing during the pandemic. Those numbers have increased in recent years, but the overall decline within the Convention continues. … [Read more…]
My wife pointed this video out to me, and as we realized that it could be a great resource for Sanctity of Life Sunday for any church, I thought I’d link it here. As a reminder, Sanctity of Life Sunday is January 21, 2024.
In terms of books that encompass the trials that pastors face today none articulate it better than in the book The Resilient Pastor by Glenn Packiam. His book gives a bird’s eye view into the current issues that pastors and the church are facing, along with the hope that we have for the future. Packiam’s … [Read more…]
There are some essential resources to help you and your church navigate the current mental health crisis. By Jamie Aten, Ph.D., & Kent Annan, M.Div. We are in the middle of a mental health crisis. Seventy percent of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event. Over two-thirds of children have experienced a traumatic event … [Read more…]
These health practices can allow a pastor to make the greatest impact for the gospel and lead his family well. By Clayton King At age 48, my life was turned inside out when my appendix burst. After emergency surgery, an infection led to sepsis, and I found myself back in the hospital. The next 10 weeks … [Read more…]
When it comes to retaining group leaders at your church, you may be quick to affirm keeping them is a high priority. Here are next steps. By Ken Braddy My mother, Mille, had some quirky habits. She was a child of the Great Depression, and it affected her deeply. During some of my final visits … [Read more…]
Even if many U.S. churches are facing challenges, global Christianity is advancing in ways previous generations could have only imagined. By Aaron Earls Despite some recent encouraging trends, most U.S. churches are still recovering from the pandemic, with attendance remaining below what it was in early 2020. That could give a picture of a Christianity struggling to advance … [Read more…]
Hey y’all! My name is Stephanie. As I begin writing this blog, I have been in ministry (on staff or as a pastor’s wife) for 27 years, married to my man for 23 years, worked as a mental health professional for almost 18 years, and have been a mom for 16 years. We have two … [Read more…]
By Stephanie Watson, MAMFC “Then Gideon said to God, ‘If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you … [Read more…]
Book Review: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni In the realm of pastoral work, the dynamics of teamwork can be as intricate and challenging as they are in any corporate setting. Volunteers and ministerial staff must come together to fulfill a shared mission. Pat Lencioni’s book, “The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team,” … [Read more…]