By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Americans are expected to wager more than $8 billion on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, but don’t bet on many pastors joining in. A new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research found most pastors believe it is morally wrong to bet on sports, while few agree it should be legalized nationwide. Though if sports gambling does … [Read more...]
Small, Struggling Congregations Fill US Church Landscape
By Aaron Earls In many congregations in the United States, new faces in the pews have become rare. A new study from Exponential by LifeWay Research found 6 in 10 Protestant churches are plateaued or declining in attendance and more than half saw fewer than 10 people become new Christians in the past 12 months. “Growth is not absent from American churches,” said Scott … [Read more...]
Most Pastors Want an End to Illegal Immigration, But Also a Path to Citizenship
By Aaron Earls As U.S. lawmakers continue to debate the best approach to illegal immigration, most Protestant pastors say the solution should be multifaceted. Nashville-based LifeWay Research surveyed 1,000 Protestant pastors on their views on illegal immigration and how the church should view those in the country illegally. Eighty percent say the government has the … [Read more...]
Pastors optimistic about church’s future, regardless of past struggles
By Timothy C. Morgan Pastors are eager to reach the next generation for Christ as well as growing the size, diversity and level of discipleship within their congregations, according to a new survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors by Nashville-based LifeWay Research. “Pastors are thinking about reaching the next generation. That becomes a top concern for 4 out of 10,” said … [Read more...]
Young Adults Keep Christian Label, Shed Many Practices
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Most young adults who attended church as a teenager say they believe in God today, but fewer consider themselves devout Christians. And as a whole, they have conflicting recollections about the churches they attended in high school. LifeWay Research surveyed more than 2,000 American adults between the ages of 23 and 30 who attended a … [Read more...]
