December 23, 2008
Growth? What Growth?
Last week the Ministry Report highlighted a New York Times article stating that the current economic downturn was resulting in a nationwide church growth trend. But pollsters from Gallup say not so fast.
According to a massive review of almost 300,000 Gallup interviews in 2008, the bad economic times aren’t affecting church attendance in the slightest bit. Data from the fall months—including part of December—shows that 42 percent of Americans attend church weekly or almost weekly, which is exactly the same percentage as last year (and, coincidentally, 1 percent lower than early 2008).
Ghosts More Believable Than the Bible
If on some Sundays it seems like you're preaching to a congregation of atheists and agnostics, this may explain some things: A recent Harris Interactive poll found more Americans believe in ghosts than in the inerrancy of God's Word.
Scandal for Sunday
Ukraine's most prominent charismatic pastor, Sunday Adelaja, is at the center of controversy over his alleged involvement in a business venture that some claim bilked investors out of $100 million.
‘America's Pastor' on the Hot Seat-Again
QUOTE: "You don't have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand. ... Three years ago I took enormous heat for inviting Barack Obama to my church because some of his views...
A Church (Increasingly) Diverse ... and Informal
Although many church leaders believe this year's presidential election exposed the continuing stream of racial segregation within the church, the latest National Congregations Study shows...
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Communication
O Pastor, Where Art Thou? Brad Abare If I were a customer, the pastors would be the salesmen. It's their job to sell me, hook me and make me want more every week. |
Leadership
Are You Convinced? Jim Graff Significant churches believe their message is worth hearing. |
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Evangelism
The Buddhist Next Door James Stephens An American Buddhist's journey into Christian faith-and what surprised him when he got there. |
Ethics
Practicing What We Preach Jack Hayford Favoritism, greed, shoddy morals and shady ethics have found a comfortable home in the church. |
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