For one immigrant, challenges have included a treacherous journey north, an uncertain destination and a devastating auto accident that left him using a wheelchair. Luis Juárez has overcome them all.
Survey shocker: music dead last, sermons first, as worship draws
Americans who attend church say the sermons – not the music – keep them coming back. In fact, music finished in last place among every category of church life – from volunteer opportunities to children’s programs – in Gallup’s April 14…
Contemplative practices can lure the ‘spiritual but not religious’ to Christianity, expert says
New research is shedding light on a term — and a group of Americans — known as “spiritual but not religious.” They prefer yoga and meditation to scripture and worship. They define God in individualistic ways and they almost always have negative…
Arkansas plan to execute 7 men in 11 days strengthens faith, death penalty opposition
It was a Holy Week unlike any other for death-penalty opponents in Arkansas and the rest of the nation. It began with outrage over the state’s plan to begin executing seven men the day after Easter. It was filled with…
Youth studying theology? Lilly Endowment-funded programs hope to pull it off
Getting high school students interested in theology sounds like a pretty tall order. In the age of “nones” and “dones” and continuing declines in religious adherence, younger generations have been identified with a less-is-more attitude toward faith. But that assumption…
Why Christians should think hard before holding Seder meals during Holy Week
Hosting Seder meals during Holy Week has become deeply entrenched among some Christian congregations. But both supporters and opponents of the practice say there needs to be careful reflection about intentions before engaging in it.
Ministers, parents disagree on youth ministry goals
Parents expect a lot from youth ministers. Above all they want them to host safe gatherings where their kids can hang out with friends. At the same time they want their youth to learn how to say no to drugs,…
Churches should drop Easter, Christmas extravaganzas and get out more, experts urge
A few years back — 10 or 15 or so — a small church in Southern California noticed its big holiday productions were feeling a bit stale, especially to younger people. “The old guard was putting on a show for the new people,…
As faith-based activism rises, so does need for advocacy training
Donald Trump’s November victory and January inauguration cast many into despair about the nation’s future and into doubt about its values. But Trump’s presidency so far has also produced at least one upside: to inspire tens of thousands, if not…