By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When pastors begin to welcome back their congregations to in-person services, they may want to consider offering them a shorter sermon. A study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research found Protestant pastors’ estimates of their sermon lengths are shorter than the estimates of their congregations. Additionally, more than a quarter of … [Read more...]
Few Protestant churches met in person for worship services in April
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- As federal, state and local governments weigh relaxing stay-at-home guidelines, most churches continued to avoid gathering physically throughout April. Nine in 10 Protestant pastors say their congregations did not meet for an in-person worship service last month, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. A … [Read more...]
LifeWay Research develops free tool for churches to help plan for reopening
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Pastors and church leaders faced difficult decisions when most ended normal, physical congregational gatherings in March due to the COVID-19 crisis. As some states begin to lift stay-at-home restrictions, church leaders again face difficult decisions about gathering again. In addition to being constantly in prayer and listening to … [Read more...]
Most Protestant pastors see human activity behind global warming
By Aaron Earls For the first time, a majority of Protestant pastors believe global warming is happening and caused by humans. A survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research found 53% of Protestant pastors agree with the statement, “I believe global warming is real and man-made,” including 34% who strongly agree. More than a third (38%) disagree, including 24% who … [Read more...]
Vast majority of pastors see signs of end times in current events
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Almost 9 in 10 pastors see at least some current events matching those Jesus said would occur shortly before he returns to Earth, according to a new survey focused on Christian eschatology, or the study of end times. A study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research of pastors at evangelical and historically black churches found 97% say they … [Read more...]
