Author: Administrador

By Bob Smietana For some Americans, dropping a check into the offering plate at church is a bit like having a Discover Card. Both offer a cash-back bonus. About a third of Protestant churchgoers say their congregation teaches that God will bless them if they donate money. Two-thirds say God wants them to prosper. One … Continue reading “Most Churchgoers Say God Wants Them to Prosper Financially”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP52_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download There’s a difference between believing God wants His people to prosper and believing God gives prosperity to those who do certain things for God. Micah challenges the listener to consider that Acts 4 describes how God caused humanity to prosper through Jesus’ suffering. What God allowed Jesus … Continue reading “Episode 45: Interview With Pastor Micah Fries Discussing the Prosperity Gospel”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP51_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The Lifeway Research team talks with Micah Fries about adoption and foster care and some recent research on what churches are doing in this area. 25% of American churchgoers say they have seen someone in their church providing foster care in their church What makes adoption and … Continue reading “Episode 46: Interview With Micah Fries About Adoption and Foster Care”

By Bob Smietana America has become increasingly divided by politics in recent years. So have its Protestant churches. More than half (57 percent) of Protestant churchgoers under 50 say they prefer to go to church with people who share their political views. And few adult Protestant churchgoers say they attend services with people of a different … Continue reading “Many Churchgoers Want to Worship With People Who Share Their Politics”

By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist pastors and church staff has lagged behind the growth in the cost-of-living over the past two years. And health insurance coverage remains low, according to the 2018 SBC Church Compensation Study. The biannual study is a joint project of state Baptist conventions, GuideStone Financial Resources … Continue reading “SBC Pastor Salaries Not Keeping Pace With Inflation”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP55_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download The research team interviews Carol Pipes, Lifeway’s director of corporate communications, on the research process for journalists and communicators Summary: “It’s all physics.” Carol begins by talking about her dad’s research as an aeronautical engineer and the importance of data for his work. What has been asked … Continue reading “Episode 47: The Value of the Research Process for Journalists, Interview with Carol Pipes”

By Bob Smietana In recent months, churches have been rocked by high-profile accusations of sexual misconduct among clergy. While the Catholic church’s continued abuse scandal has dominated the headlines, Protestant churches have also seen high profile pastors accused of sexual misconduct. More accusations are likely to come—from congregations big and small. One in 8 Protestant … Continue reading “Pastors More Likely to Address Domestic Violence, Still Lack Training”

http://ministrysites.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/keepasking/EP54_KEEPASKING.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window – Download Carol Pipes, Lifeway’s director of corporate communications, talks with the team about writing on research. Summary Data rarely speaks to itself. Carol’s team helps bring the Lifeway Research data to life and help connect it to help those in ministry. Facts are important to leaders, pastors, church … Continue reading “Episode 48: Interview With Carol Pipes on Writing About Research”

By Aaron Earls NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A slim majority of pastors say they approve of the job President Donald Trump has done in the White House, but many are unsure. A new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research of Protestant senior pastors found 51 percent approve of how President Trump has handled the job, with 25 … Continue reading “Half of Protestant Pastors Approve of Trump’s Job Performance”

By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Six in 10 Americans say religious belief is a matter of personal opinion. For 7 in 10 Americans, such religious beliefs include one true God existing in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And a similar number who say God is perfect. But an increasing majority of Americans deny … Continue reading “Americans’ Theology is a Mix of Orthodox Belief and Shifting Opinions”