BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (Lifeway Research) — If you ask someone at church to name their favorite story from the Old Testament, they may mention Moses or Noah, but they might also talk about Jesus or Paul. Some may even begin describing a story from outside the Bible. When asked about their favorite story from the Old Testament, around 4 in 5 U.S. Protestant churchgoers share one from the first section of the Bible, according to a Lifeway Research study. More than 1 in 10 (11%), however, offer a … [Read more...]
Lifeway Research: Most pastors have limited non-ministry work experience
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (Lifeway Research) — A pastor’s resumé might include multiple churches and ministry roles, but most won’t have much non-ministry experience listed. Most current U.S. Protestant senior pastors worked outside of ministry as adults for only a short time, according to a Lifeway Research study. Only 3 in 10, however, began vocational ministry as the senior pastor. “A person’s journey to the pastorate can happen at almost any age, but the majority of pastors are in a … [Read more...]
Americans grow less religious
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (BP) – Fewer Americans see religion as an important aspect of their lives, and it shows in their beliefs and actions. A Gallup survey finds U.S. adults are less likely to identify with a religion, say religion is very important to them, belong to a congregation or attend worship services. Religious identification Most Americans still identify with a religion, and Christianity is by far the largest faith group in the United States. But the percentage of Christians has … [Read more...]
Lifeway study: Most churchgoers have invited others to join them
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (Lifeway Research) – When churchgoers show up to their church’s worship service, they’re often hoping to have a guest with them. A Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant churchgoers finds 3 in 5 (60%) say they have extended at least one invitation in the past six months for someone to attend their church, including 19% who have made one invitation, 21% with two invitations and 20% with three or more invitations. A third of churchgoers (33%) say they haven’t invited … [Read more...]
Most Southern Baptist churches use background checks, fewer receive abuse training
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (Lifeway Research) – New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro has used background checks in its ministry for more than 10 years. “It gives us peace of mind,” said Kellie Clem, financial assistant at New Vision. “Also, there are occasions where it becomes a chance to talk with volunteers about their faith walk due to results that have come back.” According to the 2023 Annual Church Profile (ACP), most Southern Baptist congregations, like New Vision, use background … [Read more...]
Easter Sunday remains a high attendance day for most churches
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (BP) — Most pastors are expecting one of their largest crowds on Easter, but those expectations have tempered some in the past decade. The three highest-attendance Sundays for pastors—Easter, Christmas and Mother’s Day—have remained the same since 2011, but each is now less likely to be among the top days, according to a Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors. “While many churches consider high attendance as something from their pre-pandemic past, seasonal … [Read more...]
Half of pastors say the economy is hurting their church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Individuals aren’t the only ones facing consequences of inflation and other negative economic factors in the U.S., as many pastors say their churches are being harmed as well. A Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors found 52% say the current economy is having a negative impact on their churches. For 40%, the economic circumstances aren’t having any effect. Fewer than 1 in 10 pastors (7%) say the current economy is a positive factor for their churches. The … [Read more...]
Lifeway trustees hear strategy for next era of ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In the first in-person trustee meeting since February 2020, Lifeway Christian Resources President and CEO Ben Mandrell shared the three-pronged strategy for the next phase of Lifeway’s ministry. “God is calling us to embrace a new season,” Mandrell said. “I believe Lifeway has great days ahead as we push forward into the future with confidence.” Mandrell said the first two years of his presidency were about narrowing the focus of the organization. “Lifeway must draw … [Read more...]
The next generation needs Christian apologetics
EDITOR'S NOTE: To learn more about Christian apologetics, visit the website of the Missouri Baptist Apologetics Network at https://mobaptist.org/apologetics/mban/. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When Jesse Florea glances out his office window at the patchwork display of fall colors surrounding the snow capped summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, he’s reminded of the power of worldviews. “Someone with an atheistic worldview might look at those mountains and say, ‘Billions of years of erosion and … [Read more...]
Americans most thankful for family this Thanksgiving
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Even though the pandemic may change Thanksgiving celebrations this year, Americans still express thankfulness for their family and friends. According to a survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, more than 4 in 5 Americans (84%) say they are thankful for their family. Sizable majorities also note being thankful for health (69%), friends (63%) and memories (63%). Around half point to personal freedom (53%) and stability (47%). More than 2 in 5 are … [Read more...]
Survey: Most evangelicals choose Trump over Biden, but clear divides exist
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LifeWay Research) – Evangelicals seem ready to cast their ballots in the 2020 election. Nine in 10 evangelicals by belief are registered to vote, and few are undecided about their presidential choice. A new survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, conducted Sept. 9-23, finds President Donald Trump with a sizable lead over Democratic nominee Joe Biden among likely voters with evangelical beliefs. Deep divides, however, persist among evangelicals across ethnic … [Read more...]
Mandrell, LifeWay trustees celebrate ‘new day’
NASHVILLE (BP) – In his first trustee meeting as president and CEO, Ben Mandrell gave board members an optimistic vision for the future of LifeWay Christian Resources. He described the current season as "a new day" for both himself and the 128-year-old organization, during LifeWay's Aug. 26-27 trustee meeting. Mandrell announced several strategic areas on which he would focus during his first 90-days. Among his top priorities are re-energizing employees and building strong relationships … [Read more...]