The number of religiously unaffiliated Americans has continued to grow, yet many of them are drawn to churches and retreat centers in search of spiritual direction. Ministers and religious educators say so-called “nones” and other non-Christian seekers are hungry for…
‘Thoughts and prayers’ not enough to end gun violence, religious leaders say
It’s all too easy to fall into despair, give up or become cynical about the epidemic of gun violence gripping the nation. Latasha Hobbs of Jacksonville, Florida, says don’t do it. Don’t give in. “Our country is hurting. We have…
Longer church commutes OK with Christians wary of ‘evangelical gimmicks’
Most churchgoers — almost 70 percent, according to new research — drive 15 minutes or less to get to Sunday worship. That does not describe Todd and Marcia Putney of Macclenny, a rural community located along Interstate-10 in Northeast Florida. The Putneys —…
‘Faith-inspired social justice’ is continued theme as Wild Goose festival expands geographically
The Wild Goose Festival held its first-ever regional event on Saturday — and not in one of the major urban centers its leaders originally envisioned. Cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Nashville were initially considered to host the one-day events. But a passionate…
Focus on passion, not numbers, in nurturing new congregations
Church planting has never been easy, but it seems to be getting a lot harder in an age of nones, dones and young people who just don’t join things. As a result, those new to the field of launching new…