By Joy Allmond NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When 9-year-old Zak McCullar presented a motion at the 2018 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting to add Children’s Ministry Day to the denominational calendar, he likely never imagined how children’s ministry would look just two years later. Despite a pandemic with social distancing rules and modified activities, Children’s … [Read more...]
Background checks remain essential part of reopening kids ministries
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As churches begin to regather and eventually restart their children’s ministry during COVID-19, leaders should keep other unseen dangers in mind—like sex abuse. A LifeWay Research study found more than 1 in 10 Protestant pastors say someone on church staff has sexually harassed a congregation member at some point in the church’s … [Read more...]
LifeWay camps provide free digital worship experiences
By Aaron Wilson NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- LifeWay Christian Resources is hosting online worship events to enable kids and students to experience a taste of camp at home this year. Alongside these events consisting of worship and age-specific Bible teaching, LifeWay will provide free digital resources to allow parents and church leaders to lead multi-day devotions, games and … [Read more...]
Women ‘dive into God’s Word’ through online Bible studies during COVID-19
By Aaron Wilson NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Amanda Strauwald doesn’t want things to go back to the way they were before COVID-19—at least, not when it comes to the new perspective she has on life. In studying the story of Gideon through an online Bible study from LifeWay Women, Strauwald said she’s been reminded of how the Lord shows up in difficulties and uses weaknesses. “As … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists experience historic drop in membership
By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A growing number of Southern Baptist churches are home to a shrinking number of Southern Baptists. Total membership in the Southern Baptist Convention fell almost 2% to 14,525,579 from 2018 to 2019, according to the Annual Church Profile compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions. The decline of … [Read more...]
