Faith & Culture - Page 18 of 143

Young organists pull out all the stops to inspire interest

Studies shows a decline in organ use, with fewer congregations reporting their organ is played “often and always” and more saying “never” over time. But some enthusiasts seek to spark interest among young musicians.

01/02/2024 - By Adelle M. Banks / Religion News Service

Calling the police is not enough when abuse is alleged

While churches have made progress in recent years toward addressing abuse, including contacting law enforcement when learning about allegations of sexual abuse, they still can be reluctant to inform people in the pews about abuse that may have happened in their midst.

12/26/2023 - By Bob Smietana / Religion News Service

Americans searched for hope on Bible app in 2023

When people log on to the YouVersion Bible app, they don’t generally want to know what the Bible thinks about politics or hot-button social issues. They usually are looking for some reassurance that things are going to be all right.

12/18/2023 - By Bob Smietana / Religion News Service

Latino majority churches see growth, financial struggles

Majority Latino congregations report growth and stability in attendance and, on average, have younger participants—a sharp contrast to the declining attendance and aging congregations in most churches in the United States.

12/14/2023 - By Adelle M. Banks / Religion News Service

Las congregaciones de mayoría latina experimentan crecimiento y desafíos financieros

Las congregaciones mayoritariamente latinas informan de crecimiento y estabilidad en asistencia y, en promedio, cuentan con participantes más jóvenes—un marcado contraste con la disminución de asistencia y el envejecimiento de las congregaciones en la mayoría de las iglesias en Estados Unidos.

12/14/2023 - By Adelle M. Banks / Religion News Service

Challenge preaching to polarized congregations

Fueled by their work in comedy, psychology and theology, some clergy say reducing polarization is both a spiritual necessity for them and an ever-increasing part of their job description.

12/11/2023 - By Adelle M. Banks / Religion News Service

Podcaster sees Jewish conspiracy in red-nosed reindeer

A Christian nationalist podcaster claims Christmas songs written by Jewish songwriters were part of a conspiracy to kick Christ out of Christmas by turning a celebration of the birth of Jesus into a winter holiday with room for Jews.

12/08/2023 - By Bob Smietana / Religion News Service

Growing number of Americans ‘spiritual but not religious’

Americans have been abandoning organized religion in droves, and while some have walked away from religion altogether, a distinct group of Americans now call themselves “spiritual but not religious.”

12/08/2023 - By Yonat Shimron / Religion News Service

Churches planning multiple events for Christmas

Churches this year are planning an average of four extra events or activities to help members and guests celebrate Christmas this year, Lifeway Research discovered.

12/06/2023 - By Marissa Postell Sullivan / Lifeway Research

‘Jesus’ film producers plan release of animated version

The Jesus Film Project is producing an animated “Jesus” film that is set to release in theaters around Christmas 2025.

12/04/2023 - By Adelle M. Banks / Religion News Service

Evangelicals see Israel-Hamas war in light of End Times

When war broke out between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, Pastor Robert Jeffress at First Baptist Church in Dallas quickly prepared a sermon series on the Apocalypse, which would be accompanied by a forthcoming book on the subject.

11/20/2023 - By Fiona André / Religion News Service

Research: Practicing Christians more generous than others

Practicing Christians outpaced non-practicing Christians and nonbelievers in giving to charities including churches in 2022, the American Bible Society said in the latest release from its 2023 State of the Bible report.

11/17/2023 - By Diana Chandler / Baptist Press