Author: Administrador

By Bob Smietana Back in the 1890s, a pair of Sunday school teachers—D.T. Miles of Hopedale, Illinois, and Virginia Hawes of New York City—both had the same idea. School kids were off for the summer. Why not invite them to church to study the Bible? And maybe sing a few songs and have some fun … Continue reading “Even If They Don’t Go to Church, Americans Still Love VBS”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP43_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download Scott McConnell interviews Dr. Jared Pingleton about resources for churches to get started helping those dealing with mental illness. Dr. Pingleton shared staggering numbers: 20%-25% of adults in the U.S. suffer at any present time with a diagnosable mental illness. Alcoholism and the addiction to pornography contribute … Continue reading “Episode 38: Interview With Jared Pingleton on the Church and Mental Illness”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP46_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The Lifeway Research team discusses the value of tracking Protestant pastors’ changing views on racial reconciliation and on use of technology in the church 93% of Protestant pastors agree that every church should strive to achieve racial diversity. In the last 4 years, more pastors agree (and … Continue reading “Episode 39: Tracking Pastors’ Changing Views on Issues Relevant to Church Outreach”

By Bob Smietana Most churchgoers will put up with a change in music style or a different preacher. But don’t mess with a church’s beliefs or there may be an exodus, according to a new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research. The study of Protestant churchgoers found most are committed to staying at their church over … Continue reading “Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, Not Music or Preachers”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP47_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The Lifeway Research team discusses recent research on how often American churchgoers say they have invited someone to attend a worship service with them at their church. 62% of American churchgoers say they extended at least one invitation over the last six months. 29% say they did … Continue reading “Episode 40: How Often are American Churchgoers Inviting People to Church?”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP48_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The Lifeway Research team discusses ways churches welcome guests. 96% have an opportunity to meet the pastor after the service. 95% have greeters at the entrances. 83% have cards guests are asked to complete. 78% have a central location where guests can learn about the church. 69% … Continue reading “Episodes 41: How are American Protestant Churches Welcoming Their Guests?”

By Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn.—America’s Protestants like to invite their friends to church. At least once in a while. Nearly two-thirds of Protestant churchgoers say they’ve invited at least one person to visit their church in the past six months, according to a new report from Nashville-based Lifeway Research. “It’s a fairly easy thing for … Continue reading “Two-Thirds of Churchgoers Have Invited Someone to Church”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP49_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The Lifeway Research team discusses the different research approaches used to define and describe American evangelicals. Definitions based on denominational affiliation, self-identity, or theological beliefs categorize Americans differently, with important demographic and sociological implications. Be sure to Tweet your questions and comments to us: @LifewayResearch and individually: … Continue reading “Episode 42: Research Challenges and Opportunities When Describing “Evangelicals””

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP53_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download Scott and Lizette talk with Dr. Thom Rainer about the impact churches can have when they become more intentional about connecting with their first time guests. Churches addressing the issue of “the holy huddle” Holy Huddle: when people who know each other gather together (instead of people … Continue reading “Episode 43: Interview with Dr. Thom Rainer on Becoming a Welcoming Church”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP50_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The team discusses data on American participation and positivity regarding VBS. Summary: A surprisingly high number (60%) of American adults say they attended VBS when they were growing up 9 out of 10 who attended VBS growing up have positive memories of VBS VBS has been around … Continue reading “Episode 44: Study Reveals Americans’ Appreciation of Vacation Bible School”