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…
Impact of Trump refugee cuts felt by churches, nonprofits and internationals
The limit President Trump has placed on the number of refugees who can enter the U.S. has devastated those who have languished in overseas refugee camps for years. While the travel-ban portion of Trump’s second executive order has been placed…
Are public attitudes toward clergy changing? It’s complicated.
Few ministers need coaches or surveys to tell them what Americans think of clergy these days. They can rely on their own experiences for that. Amy Butler does. Based on interactions with strangers on flights, at parties and in other…
Single adult numbers are soaring. What does that mean for congregations?
Churches may want to take a hard look at what they’re offering young, single adults — and then boost it. “Many churches are built around a family model,” Roxanne Stone, editor and chief of the Barna Group, said in remarks published…
Those seeking a deeper faith should consult their (Christian) calendar, Baptist preacher says
Some Baptists and other Protestants doubt the relevance and biblical correctness of using the Christian calendar. But not Joe LaGuardia, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Vero Beach, Fla. LaGuardia said the Christian calendar, as expressed in worship and…
Faith, determination pay off when woman meets Willie Nelson
Allison Dickson is no stranger to the spotlight. Dickson, who has lived all her life with both spinal muscular dystrophy and a remarkable can-do spirit, has tackled and finished college (including sorority life), Baylor Law School and numerous high-dollar fundraisers….
Is the future bright for women in ministry? Survey says some think so.
Attitudes about the role of women in the workplace, in politics and church seem to have made some advances in recent years, new research suggests. In a study released Tuesday, the Barna Group said it found that 94 percent of…
CEO-style pastorates all the rage but offer little to those seeking deeper faith
Most pastors have had administrative responsibilities. But experts say it has gone well beyond that for ministers who are facing increasing pressure to act more like chief executive officers than pastors. Congregations concerned about dwindling numbers — both on the rolls…
Uproar over theology misses powerful lesson on grief, healing in ‘The Shack’
The movie reviewer side of Michael Parnell is so-so on the film The Shack as a cinematic production. “It’s OK — I’ll just say that,” said Parnell, who writes film reviews for EthicsDaily.com. The pastor side of Parnell is more passionate…