By Aaron Wilson BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Discipleship is not a competition, but if it were, men might be seen as underdogs. Research shows men’s discipleship tracks behind women’s in several key metrics. For example, women are 14% more likely than men to attend a weekly religious service, 10% more likely to spend time alone with God daily and 6% more likely to read from the Bible … [Read more...]
Easter Remains High Attendance Day for Most Churches
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Most pastors are expecting one of their largest crowds on Easter, but those expectations have tempered some in the past decade. The three highest-attendance Sundays for pastors—Easter, Christmas and Mother’s Day—have remained the same since 2011, but each is now less likely to be among the top days, according to a Lifeway Research study … [Read more...]
Hispanic Protestant Pastors Face Unique Congregational and Community Needs
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Pastors of Hispanic Protestant churches in the United States maintain immense gratitude for their role, but many face financial struggles. Their congregations reflect diverse worship styles, but they have a unified desire to reach and serve their communities. Lifeway Research partnered with numerous denominations and church networks to … [Read more...]
Are the people in your pews good theologians? A conversation with Malcolm Yarnell
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — As part of the royal priesthood of believers, theology is for all Christians—not just those teaching in the academy or serving in vocational ministry. It’s the call and privilege of every believer to know, love, and worship God. But how do we help the people in our pews see themselves as theologians? And how can we equip them to … [Read more...]
‘Criswell: His Life and Times’ traces calling and ministry of influential pastor
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — W.A. Criswell is a name well known in Baptist circles. He served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastored one of the largest churches in America for five decades. His name even adorns a college in Texas. But while many are familiar with the name “Criswell,” few know the man behind the name as well as O.S. Hawkins. … [Read more...]