December 30, 2008
A Worshipping, Foreclosing Church
Three-quarters of the nation’s 335,000 churches are virtually or completely mortgage-free. But for many of those in the minority carrying a loan on their property, what were already tight times—due to decreased giving from financially stretched churchgoers—are quickly becoming tough times.
A recent report by First American CoreLogic discovered that hundreds of churches are facing foreclosure, almost all of which were affected by the mortgage boom in recent years that saw church-issued mortgages increase 50 percent from 2002 to 2005. According to the U.S. Census, spending on church construction rose from $3.8 billion in 1997 to $6.2 billion in 2007. A separate study found that church borrowing as a whole peaked at $28 billion nationwide in 2006, including mortgages, construction loans and church bonds.
Church of England Today, Church of the Few Tomorrow
A report from the statistical arm of England’s Bible Society claims that within a generation the number of people attending Church of England services will be a tenth of the current—and already plummeting—amount.
Sliding Spirituality
Two-thirds of Americans believe religion is losing its influence on daily life in our country, while only 27 percent believe it is gaining ground, according to the latest Gallup poll.
Isn't This How It's Supposed to Be?
QUOTE: “What this church is starting with is very on trend with the culture right now and the desire to be very integrated and involved with communities.
Haggard ‘Miserable' Since Scandal
Former pastor Ted Haggard admits in a new HBO documentary titled The Trials of Ted Haggard that he was guilty of sexual immorality in the past, but that he’s unhappy with some of the consequences he...
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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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