Ed Stetzer comments on being missional, research findings about the state of the church, the misuse of statistics, and more.
A federal appeals court on Thursday dismissed a challenge to the law that gives clergy tax-free housing allowances, saying the leaders of an anti-religion group in Wisconsin didn’t have the standing to bring the lawsuit.
Many churches today are explicitly constructed not to look and feel too much like a religious place. A stark contrast to the ancient cathedrals and churches of old—the very design of which was intended to help people experience the divine. How does this design shift impact worshipers? What about outsiders? What do church buildings say about the faith of those inside? And, when it comes to the next generation of believers, does the building itself have anything to do with their resistance or attraction to the church? To understand the principles of design that best resonate with Millennials, Barna Group partnered with Cornerstone Knowledge Network to conduct a multi-phase research program.
How then should we think about our rights with regard to death? Should life be in our control? Does it belong to us, to create or eliminate? The apostle Paul did not leave us without help on this question.
The Houston Chronicle examines Mayor Parker’s decision to withdraw subpoenas the city issued to five local pastors, and the impact that decision may have.
The Economist analyzes the Chinese governments response to the growth of Christianity in that nation.
The city of Coeur d’Alene in Idaho is now saying that a wedding chapel operated by Christian ministers Donald and Evelyn Knapp can refuse to perform same-sex marriages.
The scandal over the subpoenas issued to several Houston-area Christian pastors continues, even after the city refiled legal documents, removing the word “sermons” from the demand. They have clearly not removed the scandal from their city, and from the administration of Mayor Annise Parker. As the mayor’s own comments make abundantly clear, she stands at the center of the scandal.
Pope Francis and senior Catholic leaders wrapped up their two-week Vatican summit on the challenges of modern family life on Sunday (Oct. 19) without reaching a consensus on a number of hot-button topics. So where does that leave Francis’ papacy? And the church? Here are seven takeaways.
The research reveals the big picture: Today’s unchurched are much less likely to come from a church background than ever before.