When COVID-19 started to spread, epidemiologist Emily Smith expected the pandemic would provide an opportunity for Christians to shine the light of compassion into the lives of hurting people. But when Smith began writing a blog to help focus that…
On the other side of the pandemic, the report from America’s churches is mixed
Increases in attendance, giving and participation, and a decline in internal squabbling, may signal America’s churches are emerging from the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, new research shows. But the study — “Back to Normal? The…
What’s happening with church budgets and personnel expenses in a post-pandemic world?
When rethinking church budgets in a post-pandemic world, one old-fashioned rule still applies: Every situation is unique. While some church leaders may be tempted to seek ready-made formulas to guide their new-world budgeting, that’s never been a great idea, according…
I’m about to be a Pandemic University graduate; here’s what that means
In May 2021, Bo Burnham released the Netflix special Inside, a film self-created by Burnham during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. The film includes music and skits that cover an array of topics, including the psychological deterioration Burnham and many others…
These 7 spiritual principles helped us lead our congregations through a pandemic
A rabbi and a pastor sit down to write a book. It sounds like the setup to a punchline, but it actually holds deep meaning for both of us. Ministering to a congregation is a unique privilege few get the…
Are Americans attending church more or less than before the pandemic? It’s complicated
The relationship between Americans and worship attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic is complicated, Pew Research Center found in a new study. The project compiled statistics from five surveys conducted from 2020 to 2022 and found a steady share of U.S….
Young adults and those who attended church infrequently before pandemic are most likely to be missing from church today
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to American religious life by accelerating ongoing downward trends in religious attendance, with the biggest decreases occurring among young adults and those with previously infrequent levels of participation, new research shows. The January survey…
Final words from Fauci: Divisiveness is bad medicine for public health
“COVID is still with us. We’re still in a pandemic.” This was the message Anthony Fauci wanted to convey to Baptist News Global readers in an exclusive interview near the end of 2022, as he finished his work as director…
Do you see what I see? Lots of missing church members on Christmas Eve
Have I told you the story of the funeral I officiated for a 93-year-old woman who had been a faithful member of a Baptist church all her life but had no relation to a church or a minister to lead…