With some 2,500 on the rolls and 850 in worship every weekend, Shandon United Methodist Church was getting about 130 new members a year. Most of them were under 40. Most of them had young children. Sounds great, right? Not…
EWTN loses contraception coverage appeal in federal court
A religious broadcaster took one on the chin Thursday when federal judges ruled that government-mandated contraception and other health requirements pose little burden on religious beliefs. “We are extremely disappointed that the Court has refused to protect our religious freedom,”…
Brian McLaren: It’s time to re-write pro-war hymns
Brian McLaren, a leader in the emergent church and postmodern Christian movements, has rewritten Onward, Christian Soldiers, which he said reflects a disturbing pro-war theology. For decades, activist, author and pastor Brian McLaren has helped redefine American Christianity in his…
Minister ‘fought herself’ to accept generous church maternity leave policy
Carol McEntyre says she had to battle her own work ethic and guilt to take advantage of a generous parental leave policy at First Baptist Church in Columbia, Mo., where she is pastor. Many women clergy serve at churches where…
Ministers preaching humor for Christians, churches
Laughter, fun are signs of a healthy congregation that celebrates the joy and hope of the Christian story, Baptist pastors say. A few years back, after Erin Conaway preached his first sermon as associate pastor at South Main Baptist Church…
Baptist who led West, Texas recovery becomes ‘disaster pastor’
John Crowder and his First Baptist Church of West, Texas, helped the city recover from a 2013 fertilizer plant explosion. Now he’s taking what he learned from the experience to help other pastors in disaster areas. If anyone knows about…
Act of solidarity
For one Baptist woman in Kansas City, wearing a hijab is a profound — and visible — expression of support for Muslims. Martha DeVries has taken the concept of walking a mile in another person’s shoes to a whole new…
Faith forged in crisis helps hospital chaplain ‘model calm’ in emergencies
Author Stacy Sergent said her calling into chaplaincy helps form her faith and spirituality. Now she is able to be the presence of God to those in crisis at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. You might think chaplains — those…
Trump ‘just a symbol’ of America’s declining religious literacy, minister says
By Jeff Brumley If you are tempted to laugh — or even gloat — because Donald Trump put money into an Iowa church Communion plate recently, don’t. The same goes for his previous reference to “Two Corinthians,” when he meant to refer…
Trump ‘just a symbol’ of America’s declining religious literacy, minister says
Recent surveys document that Americans as a whole — not just presidential candidates — are becoming increasingly less knowledgeable about Christianity and Scripture, and religion in general. If you are tempted to laugh — or even gloat — because Donald Trump put money into an…
Missional focus will assuage congregations’ fears, ministers say
By Jeff Brumley Declining memberships and contributions, shuttered sanctuaries and surging megachurches have generated a lot of fear in U.S. congregations. The problem is that fear is a turnoff to those that struggling churches hope to serve, M. Craig Barnes,…
Missional focus will assuage congregations’ fears, ministers say
Declining memberships and closing churches have led some congregations to react with fear, which in turn is a turnoff for potential members, a Christian leader says. Declining memberships and contributions, shuttered sanctuaries and surging megachurches have generated a lot of…