Congregational and worship consultants are practically guaranteed job security in the coming decades thanks to the coming of Generation Z, aka Gen Z. Experts anticipate that churches which have long used coaches, books and seminars just to tread water with Millennials will be even more challenged by that up-and-coming group whose older members are just reaching college age.
Most spiritual-but-not-religious Americans are younger — and religiously affiliated
New research suggests there may yet be a smidge of good news for churches and other religious groups long assailed by the forces of culture and modernity. Could it be?
Did Robert Jeffress contribute to SBC decline with pro-war, pro-Trump statement?
As Christian denominations continue their downward spiral, some experts say the rapid descent is caused by the increasing politicization of the church and the erosion of church-state separation. A Gallup poll released last month found that the percentage of American…
Political parties and denominations share key trends in post-Christian age
As a congregational coach and clergy consultant, Mark Tidsworth is always looking for ways to illustrate to his clients how society and the world are constantly shifting around them. But he hadn’t expected to find such lessons embedded in new…
Small churches should resolve in 2017 not to mimic megachurches, expert says
One of the best resolutions small churches can make in 2017 is to stop comparing themselves to megachurches. But they might be tempted to make those comparisons after a study discovered that large congregations enjoy a steady influx of unchurched…
Religious diversity a reality within churches, research shows
The church, it seems, is experiencing a constant “wake-up call” these days. It needs to wake up about the needs and interests of Millennials and the growth of the “nones.” It needs to wake up about worship styles, ministering outside…
Rural, urban churches joining the monastic movement
The New Monastic communities get quite a bit of press. And why not? Their adherents shun contemporary society and church to live communally. They embrace ancient Christian contemplative and worship rituals, practice radical hospitality and serve those living on the margins…
Churches urged to talk to Millennials and nones, not just read about them
The news just never seems to get better for American churches. A poll released this month confirms statistically what clergy and congregations are hearing anecdotally and through the media practically all the time: the percentage of U.S. adults who are…
Baptist leaders wonder: Can congregational polity weather cultural challenges?
The way Jay Kieve sees it, the congregational form of church governance is ideally suited to enable congregations to who they really are, where they are. “It’s genius,” Kieve said, “is that its spirit works … so each church is…