Protestant churches are experiencing a complex pattern of growth and decline across the world, with Western nations – particularly the UK – emerging as key areas of concern, according to new findings from the Pew Research Center.
Review: Why I Am Protestant
I was born and raised Protestant. In fact, during my childhood, the official name of the church of my birth was the Protestant Episcopal Church of America. Later on, the word Protestant was dropped, but it remains Protestant. Decades later,…
Papal Envy
I am an Episcopal priest, which means that my kids are “PKs.” In Protestant culture, a PK is a “preacher’s kid,” but “priest’s kid” also works. And the thing about PKs is that usually they chafe against the role their…
Emerging Gen Z may deliver huge blow to religion in U.S.
It looks like Gen Z, the age group with older members just now graduating from high school, wants as little or less from religious organizations than their Millennial predecessors. That may come as little surprise to churches, nonprofits and businesses…
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.
Since it is not 1965, we have to do church different
[This is the second blog post in a series. The first was “Since it is not 1955, we have to do church different” found at http://www.baptistnews.com/blog/generational-differences/since-it-is-not-1955-we-have-to-do-church-different-2013-03-28/#.UWVSpsph7s4.] On Sunday night February 9, 1964 the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show…
Don’t believe in church growth? Get over it
Too many moderate to progressive congregations have decided that believing in church growth is a negative thing. Believing in evangelism may be even worse. They do this to the detriment of their long-term future, and the vitality and vibrancy of…