LifeWay Research

Mother's Day Church Attendance Third Among Holidays, Father's Day Last

Between Easter and Christmas, Mother's Day may be the most likely day people will attend church, according to a recent study by LifeWay Research.

Americans Split on Whether Homosexual Behavior Is Sin

Americans are split on whether homosexual behavior is a sin, and many do not appreciate if a church teaches it is sinful, according to a recent survey conducted by LifeWay Research.

Poll: Pastors Uphold Christian Exclusivity

Nearly eight in 10 Protestant pastors strongly disagree that eternal life can be obtained through religions other than Christianity, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.

Bible readers prefer one translation but consult many, survey finds

Among regular Bible readers, more than a third indicate they read it nearly every day and typically use one primary version of the Bible.

Poll: Churches should be allowed to meet in public schools

Two-thirds of Americans believe public schools should rent to churches and other community groups, according to a new study by LifeWay Research.

Study: Americans weigh in on political candidates who express their faith

Presidential candidates who share their faith on the campaign trail may not be helping their bid for the nomination, according to a recent LifeWay Research survey of American adults.

Poll: Pastors oppose evolution, split on earth's age

Pastors overwhelmingly believe that God did not use evolution to create humans and think Adam and Eve were literal people, according to a recent survey by LifeWay Research.

Ultimate purpose and meaning: Some say they pursue it, others do not

Americans with even a slight curiosity about an ultimate purpose to life are more likely to participate in worship services, while half of those who never attend church never wonder about life's ultimate purpose.

Study: Americans have mixed impressions of Southern Baptists' identity

While the majority of Americans have a favorable impression of Southern Baptists, 40 percent do not.

Research: Pastors plan to host Christmas services despite busyness of Christmas Day

While 9 in 10 pastors plan for their churches to host Christmas Day services this year, there may be plenty of space in the pews for those who actually attend.

Meeting the Horizon: Issues churches ceed to face in the next decade

I tried to address some issues that Christians will need to address in the coming years to be vibrant churches engaging their communities. As such, it is not just about "do this" but about …

Monday is for Missiology: Musings on the manifesto

I wanted to take a look back at a 10-part series I did here on the blog about the manifesto. For those of you in leadership, it might be helpful to revisit these missional foundations and examine your ministry as you prepare for 2012. …

Fast-growing smaller churches

An encouraging aspect of research like this is that it shows churches -- both big and small -- are growing. Even in the midst of the current state of church health and our struggling economy, churches are growing, and God is glorifying Himself through the ministry of the local church. …

Monday is for Missiology: What you celebrate you become (church planting), part 2

Back in March I blogged about "What You Celebrate You Become." I wrote about meetings I led in Los Angeles, Dallas and Nashville with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. …

Monday Is for Missiology: Why organic churches will continue to make sense, particularly in multihousing settings

Neil Cole's strategy for church planting is one that runs countercultural to the typical American model -- large start, rented facilities, …

Monday is for Missiology: Is the mission of the church to join in the mission of Jesus?

I thought it would be helpful to get some different views -- I plan to present several over the next few weeks. Let me say that differing on the mission must not become a point of division between …

the meanings of missional

depending on your perspective, it brings warmth to your soul or a shiver down your spine. Yet, there is no question the word is gaining traction. Is this the case with the church word of the day or is it here to stay? And... Oh yes... What does it mean anyway? …

top issues church planters face

today, i am amazed at what solid help (coaching, websites, books, networks, training, etc.) a motivated church planter can find. Conferences like exponential continue to provide environments for god to shape a new breed of planter …

transformational small churches

i will be presenting on how the seven elements of transformational church can be applied specifically to small churches, along with thom rainer and mike harland (from lifeway worship). In addition, an interdenominational panel of small church …

ending the worship war without a truce

back in august i sat down with mike harland, director for lifeway worship, to talk through the issues of relevance and reverence in the gathered church's worship. Because i love the church, and hate it when we get …

the son of god and ministry to muslims

we had a good conversation in response to collin hanson's article in christianity today regarding ministry to muslims and some how to approach the translation of "son of god." in response to some of the …