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…]
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…]
Editor’s Note: This article from Lifeway Research helps us all understand the uphill battle we face in our current culture. Let us take in the information as a clarification of our understanding and further heed the clarion call to speak the truth in love to a dying world that desperately needs to hear it. Trust … [Read more…]
For those who prefer in-person over online worship, the sense of connection to other people drives them, according to Pew Research. By Aaron Earls Sorry, pastor. You probably aren’t the main reason someone wants to physically attend a worship service. They’re showing up in person because of the other people in the room. But you … [Read more…]
As new leaders step into their ministry calling, we must prioritize discipleship and enabling them to find success in their new role. By Aaron Summers Summer is often a time of change for ministers. Throughout our ministry, our family moved to a new church four times during the summer. For many churches, a new “church … [Read more…]
Many pastors struggle with depression to some degree. Here are some suggestions to help you live, not simply endure. By Marty Duren Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be construed as a medical evaluation or as offering a specific medical diagnosis or advice. In my days as a young pastor, depression was not a subject … [Read more…]
Photo by Akin Cakiner on Unsplash Rejecting scarcity thinking and adopting an abundance mentality produces at least four life-changing results as you lead your church or ministry. By Daryl Crouch Will we have enough? If you’ve ever started a church, led in church revitalization, or pastored a local church of any size, that question drives … [Read more…]