By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A slim majority of pastors say they approve of the job President Donald Trump has done in the White House, but many are unsure. A new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research of Protestant senior pastors found 51 percent approve of how President Trump has handled the job, with 25 percent strongly approving. “After almost two years … [Read more...]
Pastors more likely to address domestic violence, still lack training
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.— In recent months, churches have been rocked by high-profile accusations of sexual misconduct among clergy. While the Catholic church’s continued abuse scandal has dominated the headlines, Protestant churches have also seen high profile pastors accused of sexual misconduct. More accusations are likely to come—from congregations big and … [Read more...]
SBC Pastor Salaries Not Keeping Pace With Inflation
By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist pastors and church staff has lagged behind the growth in the cost-of-living over the past two years. And health insurance coverage remains low, according to the 2018 SBC Church Compensation Study. The biannual study is a joint project of state Baptist conventions, GuideStone Financial Resources … [Read more...]
Most churchgoers say God wants them to prosper financially
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—For some Americans, dropping a check into the offering plate at church is a bit like having a Discover Card. Both offer a cash-back bonus. About a third of Protestant churchgoers say their congregation teaches that God will bless them if they donate money. Two-thirds say God wants them to prosper. One in 4 say they have to do … [Read more...]
Two-thirds of churchgoers have invited someone to church
By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—America’s Protestants like to invite their friends to church. At least once in a while. Nearly two-thirds of Protestant churchgoers say they’ve invited at least one person to visit their church in the past six months, according to a new report from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. “It’s a fairly easy thing for churchgoers to do,” … [Read more...]
