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A recent study, part of Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC), reaffirmed the emotional benefits of regular religious worship. Who knew? Everyone who makes worship a regular part of their lives! See You Sunday? The study, entitled “See You Sunday?,” was recently published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.  (An overview…

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Church attendance and membership in the U.S. are declining at an alarming rate, which raises as obvious question: Why? To find answers, the American Bible Society recently commissioned a survey of American adults that looked at how Americans feel about church, temple or other faith communities. And several words stood out in their responses: believing, belonging…

The Baptist Vocational Training Centrr re-integrates liberated Trokosi slaves into society by training them in sewing, dressmaking, hair dressing, kente weaving, catering, and knitting. As of 2007, the Centre has graduated over 50 students. Trokoski, or religious servitude, is the practice of giving young virgin girls as slaves to serve fetish priests a shrines. It is believed that the girls' service can atone for another's sins and appease angry gods.
One million dollars can go a long way. It can buy a beautiful home, cover the cost of lavish vacations and allow people to dress beautifully and live quite comfortably. But it also can be used for greater good. In loving hands, it can support Christian missions that help people in desperate need. And that’s…

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As U.S. congregations navigate the post-pandemic landscape, a new report reveals a surprising twist: while income levels have risen, inflation has outpaced those gains, leaving many churches financially vulnerable despite an overall sense of improved fiscal health. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research authored report, “Finances and Faith: A Look at Financial Health among Congregations in…

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Two thousand years ago, Christ told His followers, “Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations….” Christians did so then, and they do so now. One group of modern disciples is Ensemble 2024. These Christians’ efforts coincide with the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris. But the leaders of Ensemble 2024 don’t want the work…

A Personal Loss On average, approximately 4,500 U.S. churches close every year, and only 1,000 new ones open. And every year, 2.7 million church members become inactive, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The statistics are impersonal until you think about the pastors and church members who feel the loss — pastors like Ryan Burge,…

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Young Americans represent the future. So, it isn’t surprising that an organization such as the American Bible Society would want to better understand Gen Z’s views on the Bible. So, what does this generation of 11-to-26-year-old Americans think about God, faith and the Bible? And what other key findings does the report reveal? The American…

Evangelical beliefs and practices are the most reliable indicator of American Christians’ support for Israel, according to new research. The study of “Christian Attitudes Toward the War in Gaza in 2024” included 2,033 self-identified American Christian adults. Surveys were conducted March 8-14, 2024, by Motti Inbari, professor of Jewish studies at the University of North…

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has its place. Siri or Alexa will play your favorite music at a moment’s notice. Your doctor can use AI to help diagnose certain medical problems faster, and AI is a handy tool for your bank when fraud is suspected. However, a recent State of the Bible study shows that many…

Fewer Americans are reading or otherwise engaging with the Bible, according to new research from the American Bible Society, but there is reason for hope. The downward trend continues to unfold in the newly released chapter 3 of the State of the Bible report. But chapter 3 offers hope — especially among Gen Z adults who…
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