By Aaron Earls In “Overcomer,” a 2019 film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, a young girl struggles to understand where her identity is grounded. Most Americans say they find their identity in relationships and achievements. Nashville-based Lifeway Research asked 1,010 Americans about their sense of identity and what matters most about themselves. These are important … Continue reading “Americans Most Likely to Find Identity in Family and Accomplishments”
Author: Administrador
Churchgoers Hold Conflicting Views on the Need for Other Christians
By Aaron Earls Protestant churchgoers say they can walk with God just fine by themselves, but they also say they need other believers to help them do it. A Lifeway Research survey sponsored by the Center for Church Revitalization at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary finds majorities of those who attend U.S. Protestant or non-denominational churches … Continue reading “Churchgoers Hold Conflicting Views on the Need for Other Christians”
Two-thirds of Churchgoers Say Denying Self Is Essential to Serving Christ
By Carol Pipes A majority of Protestant churchgoers believe making sacrificial decisions to serve Christ is essential to their faith, and most try to avoid situations that might lead to immoral thoughts or actions. The 2019 Discipleship Pathway Assessment study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research found two-thirds (66%) of Protestant churchgoers agree with the statement: “A … Continue reading “Two-thirds of Churchgoers Say Denying Self Is Essential to Serving Christ”
Most Churchgoers Say They Spend Their Day Seeking God
By Aaron Earls American Protestant churchgoers say God is on their mind throughout their day in both intentional and impromptu moments. The 2019 Discipleship Pathway Assessment study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research identified seeking God as one of eight signposts of spiritual maturity. About 2 in 3 Americans who regularly attend a Protestant church (67%) disagree … Continue reading “Most Churchgoers Say They Spend Their Day Seeking God”
Most Churches Aren’t Engaged in a Worship War Over Music
By Aaron Earls For most pastors, the so-called “worship wars” over the style of the music used in their church have subsided, if they ever even felt that pressure. A study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research found 15% of Protestant pastors in the U.S. say the biggest challenge they face in the area of music is … Continue reading “Most Churches Aren’t Engaged in a Worship War Over Music”
Wednesday Night Still a Church Night for Most Congregations
By Aaron Earls What began as midweek prayer meetings in the 18th century have become an accepted part of the congregational life in the vast majority of Protestant churches in America. Nine in 10 Protestant pastors say they have some type of activity on Wednesday night, according to a new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research. … Continue reading “Wednesday Night Still a Church Night for Most Congregations”
Most Evangelicals Say They Want to Play Nice in Politics
By Aaron Earls Most American evangelicals believe Jesus’ Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—applies to politics. Some, however, see the political realm leading up to the 2020 elections as no place for niceness, according to a new study. A Lifeway Research study sponsored by the Ethics and Religious Liberty … Continue reading “Most Evangelicals Say They Want to Play Nice in Politics”
Pastors of Larger Churches More Likely to Regularly Counsel and Disciple Members
By Aaron Earls Meetings often fill the calendars of office workers, but pastors say their days are often full of meetings as well. A survey from Nashville-based Lifeway Research asked 1,000 Protestant pastors if they regularly have any of six types of meetings. Virtually every pastor (99%) says they regularly have at least one of … Continue reading “Pastors of Larger Churches More Likely to Regularly Counsel and Disciple Members”
Retired Pastors Satisfied and Optimistic, but See Room for Improvement
By Aaron Earls Most retirement age pastors and missionaries say their current life is close to ideal, but some who have entered retirement say they could’ve been better prepared. In a survey sponsored by Shepherd’s Fold Ministries, Nashville-based Lifeway Research asked 2,451 pastors, ministers and missionaries who were retired or at least 67 years old … Continue reading “Retired Pastors Satisfied and Optimistic, but See Room for Improvement”
Half of Pastors See Opioid Abuse in Their Own Congregations
By Aaron Earls Like most U.S. pastors, Robby Gallaty knows someone who has been affected by opioid abuse. But unlike most pastors, Gallaty has personally suffered through addiction. Twenty years ago this month, Gallaty endured a near-fatal car accident. When he left the hospital, the club-bouncer-turned-church-leader took with him several prescriptions for painkillers. “My descent … Continue reading “Half of Pastors See Opioid Abuse in Their Own Congregations”