Research once again shows that confidence in organized religion remains at all-time lows. But what the numbers don’t reveal is the toll that the erosion of reputation and relevance has had on churches and ministers throughout the decline. It’s often described as an astonishing and disturbing experience.
Baptists applying some ‘very Catholic’ approaches to racial reconciliation
A small group of Baptist ministers is exploring ways to apply historically Catholic spiritual formation disciplines to the work of racial reconciliation. The exploration is based on the belief that those ancient practices, such as meditation and contemplative prayer, can…
Opposition to Trump ‘zero-tolerance’ must go grassroots, organizers say
Public outrage over President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy has given way this week to controversial Supreme Court rulings, including one upholding the president’s Muslim-focused travel ban. But religious and other non-profit groups that serve immigrants have not taken their…
TV news career prepared pastor for hectic ministry life
The directors of television newscasts lead intense, even frantic professional lives. They work long, caffeinated hours weaving together the up-to-the-minute contributions of producers, photographers and anchors into — they hope — coherent broadcasts. It’s much the same as shepherding a congregation, says Erica Van Brakle, a veteran of TV news production-turned-American Baptist pastor.
Protestant decline leaves fewer to celebrate Reformation Day
Happy birthday, Protestants. This week marks 500 years since Martin Luther’s actions sparked the Protestant Reformation. But is anyone really celebrating? Church historian Bill Leonard says yes, some are.
Longer church commutes OK with Christians wary of ‘evangelical gimmicks’
Most churchgoers — almost 70 percent, according to new research — drive 15 minutes or less to get to Sunday worship. That does not describe Todd and Marcia Putney of Macclenny, a rural community located along Interstate-10 in Northeast Florida. The Putneys —…
Harvey, Irma cleanup poses challenges for faith-based recovery
Faith-based disaster response groups are admittedly feeling the major challenge faced in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. “There’s a lot of chaos out there,” said David Harding, international disaster response coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Devastation in…
Hoping for cessation of ‘war on Christmas’ rhetoric? Don’t, historians say
Another season of the so-called “war on Christmas,” especially in the wake of Donald Trump’s election, may be just enough to drive some people over the edge. And all indications are it isn’t going to go away. “There is no…
Pope says Church should ask forgiveness from gays for past treatment
Pope Francis also said the Church should ask forgiveness for the way it has treated women, for turning a blind eye to child labor and for “blessing so many weapons” in the past.