By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — With the Super Bowl this weekend, don’t expect many pastors to place a bet on Kansas City or San Francisco to win the game, but a few may have more than a rooting interest riding on the game. Despite its legalization across many states, U.S. Protestant pastors remain opposed to sports gambling, but they’re not doing much about it, … [Read more...]
Baptisms rebound, but negative trend continues in Southern Baptist churches
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — With far fewer churches gathering in person, Southern Baptist congregations didn’t do much baptizing during the pandemic. Those numbers have increased in recent years, but the overall decline within the Convention continues. In 2022, Southern Baptist congregations that reported figures for the Annual Church Profile (ACP) recorded 180,177 … [Read more...]
Most churches’ fiscal years begin in January, more variety in who makes the budget
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — For most pastors, the start of a new calendar year also indicates the start of a new fiscal year for their churches. But there is much more variety among pastors when it comes to who is involved in making the budget for the fiscal year. According to a study from Lifeway Research, 74% of Protestant pastors say their church’s … [Read more...]
U.S. Christians support solution to conflict that benefits Israel and Palestinians
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Most American Christians have been following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Ultimately, they say they want negotiations, Hamas to be subdued, and a result that benefits both Israel and Palestinians. Almost 9 in 10 self-identified Christians in the U.S. have kept up with the current war between Hamas and Israel, according to … [Read more...]
Pastors planning several Christmas events churchgoers say they enjoy
By Marissa Postell Sullivan BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Churches are offering Christmas events and activities beyond weekly worship services this Christmas season, which will make many churchgoers happy. On average, pastors are planning four events or activities to help their churches celebrate Christmas this year, according to a Lifeway Research study. A Christmas Eve service … [Read more...]