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…
May your church find its soul
It is not the church of God that has a mission, it is the God of mission that has a church. — Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury This is what the missional church movement is about: refocusing us on…
Brace yourself: It’s the ‘post-everything’ age, say church leaders
By Jeff Brumley Churches already overwhelmed by the postmodern, post-denominational and post-Christian eras should brace themselves, experts say, for another layer of change: the “post-everything” age. That’s the term Baptist pastor and congregational coach Mark Tidsworth uses to roll together…