Communion is a reverent, mystical event that takes us back to the very roots of our faith — and kids find it fascinating. Children always notice when adults get serious about something, and they want to be involved in special…
FAITH SHAPERS: The Lord’s Supper
Study: Religious people more generous, helpful — but only with two conditions
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Reli-gious people are more helpful and generous than others — but only on two conditions, according to a new study published in the prestigious journal Science. University of British Columbia psychology researchers Ara Noren-zayan and Azim Shariff…
Faith leaders urge Red Cross access to detainees
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Top leaders from several faiths have asked Congress to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross access to all U.S.-held detainees, including those held at secret overseas prisons. A letter signed by 25 senior faith leaders…
Megachurches experience growth through multiple satellite locations
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Mega-churches known for big buildings, big schools and big crowds continue to grow. But a new study detects shifts in the way they are expanding. “The general growth pattern is that about 90 percent of mega-churches report…
Fewer than three-dozen churches risk tax-exempt status through endorsements
WASHINGTON (ABP) — While only 33 churches signed up to participate in a conservative Christian group's Pulpit Freedom Sunday Sept. 28, planners viewed it as a success. That is, organizers said, because its stated purpose was not to inject politics…
Pastors, church leaders at Catalyst confab
ATLANTA — Just over a hundred Virginia Baptists were among the more than 12,000 people converging on The Arena in suburban Atlanta's Gwinnett Center for the ninth annual Catalyst Conference, hosted by Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church…
Tell the good news
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Clyde Chiles has seen a lot of changes in evangelistic approaches in his 52 years as an active vocational evangelist. But he believes the message must not change, and evangelists always must demonstrate integrity. Chiles, one of…
Catalyst worth the effort, says board staffer
You never know if all the work, all the calls, all the money, all the preparation and all the time are really worth it. Then something will happen to let you know that the Catalyst get-away is more than worth…