By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, TN – Pastors say the economy continues to have a negative impact on their churches despite stabilized giving, according to a survey by LifeWay Research. The survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors asked respondents “how is the economy impacting your church?” Almost two-thirds (64 percent) responded negatively, with 56 percent indicating somewhat […]

By Adelle M. Banks (RNS) The number of congregations that host worship services at more than one physical location has grown to more than 5,000 in the last decade, according to a new report. Researchers say these “multisite” churches, which may share worshippers across town or many miles apart, are growing at a much larger […]

Despite ongoing political tension in the Middle East, guided tours to major historical and biblical sites in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and Turkey continue to be popular among Americans, according to U.S.-based tour operator America Israel Travel (AIT). “Due to the Arab Spring, people may think it’s not safe to travel to the region and […]

By Lauren Markoe (RNS) After the movie theater massacre in Aurora, Colo., and a deadly shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis., Americans are divided on gun control, and within certain religious groups, attitudes are far from ambivalent. But on the question of guns in churches, there is actual consensus: A strong majority […]

By Jon D. Wilke NASHVILLE, TN  — When it comes to discipleship, churchgoers struggle most with sharing Christ with non-Christians according to recent study of church-going American Protestants. The study conducted by LifeWay Research found 80 percent of those who attend church one or more times a month, believe they have a personal responsibility to […]

Congregations fire up steps to invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to National Back to Church Sunday on Sept. 16 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /Christian Newswire/ — Show the “Pastor Rap” video on Sunday. Get the word out on Facebook and Twitter. Order invitations and door hangers for members to use when they invite people back […]

By Jeff Brumley Whether electric, digital or pipe, experts who play, study and make organs say the majestic instrument is making a comeback. There are times, Shaun King says, when worship music should be energetic, light or joyful. That’s when instruments like pianos, drums and guitars do the trick. But then there are times when […]

By Jeff Brumley A survey about social media usage and faith groups has researchers baffled. A survey’s finding that few Americans use social media to connect with churches and other religious groups has those who conducted the research astonished. “We were a little bit surprised,” Robert P. Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Institute, told […]