Many of us recognize that our congregations are aging. Because we do not understand aging well, we may hesitate to really get to know older adults and minister to them. This article is written by an aging congregant and may…
How to talk about polarizing topics at church
Churches can talk about polarizing topics — even politics — if they enter those conversations seeking transformation rather than conformity, church consultant Matt Cook told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in St. Louis June 26. Cook, director…
CBF session explores responses to sexual abuse in congregations
One learning lab at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly asked attendees to consider what their church would do if abuse happened in their congregation. Jay Kieve, CBF’s abuse prevention and response advocate, joined attorney David Cooke to talk through…
Five possible paths for 21st-century churches
It’s no secret that organized religion is in trouble. Over the past few decades, the American church has seen a freefall in membership, attendance and reputation. Current data suggest the steep decline has stabilized for now. But the long-term trajectory…
Concerning diversity, equity and inclusion
“Love casts out fear,” says 1 John 4:18, concerning which the late John Claypool once observed, “As surely as love casts out fear, fear casts out love.” Fear casting out love may help explain the current national obsession with dismantling…
Most Republicans are fine with ICE arrests in churches, Pew finds
Most Americans oppose immigration raids in sensitive locations such as churches, schools and hospitals, according to a new Pew Research Center study. But Republicans are exceptions to this view. Majorities of all Americans say arrests should not be allowed in…
Faith lessons from two ‘stranded’ astronauts
This week, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to earth after an unexpectedly long mission. The two arrived at the International Space Station in June 2024 aboard a new Boeing spacecraft; they expected to stay at the station…
CBF and coalition win temporary order against ICE raids in churches
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and others who filed suit to block the Trump administration from sending ICE agents into houses of worship won a temporary restraining order Feb. 24. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chang issued an order blocking the administration’s…
No safe spaces, no sacred places
Executive orders now say immigration officers can arrest migrants at schools and churches. The violation of the church or a school as a sanctuary is an anti-Christian act. If this administration claims Christianity, then why is everything it does opposed to…
Churches called to be bold and flexible in immigration ministries
Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigration is pushing faith-based groups to be more bold, flexible and creative in their ministries to immigrants, a panel of experts said during a webinar hosted by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. The session…
Pastors, now what?
If you are like me, the pastor of a small church in a small town, you might be thinking to yourself, “Now what?” I mean, we have a big year ahead. If your church still does vacation Bible school, it’s…
ICE raids in churches violate conservative principles
The recent lawsuit filed by Quaker groups against the federal government highlights an issue on which conservatives seem increasingly prone to waffle: the sanctity of religious freedom and the protection of churches from government overreach. Conservatives often advocate for robust…