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.

Pastors say porn impacts their churches, but many are not sure to what degree

Most pastors believe pornography has adversely impacted the lives of their church members, but almost half cannot estimate what percentage of their congregation views porn.

Poll: Pastors say Mormons not Christians

Most pastors feel strongly that Mormons are not Christians, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.

Survey: Pastors feel privileged and positive, though discouragement can come

Though almost all pastors feel privileged to be in ministry, a majority also experience loneliness and discouragement.

Bible readers want accuracy, word-for-word translation

Most American Bible readers prefer word-for-word translations of the original Greek and Hebrew over thought-for-thought translations and value accuracy over readability.

Survey: Pastors want IRS out of pulpits, politics out of sermons

Protestant pastors overwhelmingly agree government should not attempt to regulate pastor's sermons through reevaluation of a church's tax exemption, according to a new survey by LifeWay Research.

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Survey: Pastors think denominations important, but will be become less so

A majority of pastors with denominational affiliation believe it is vital to be part of a denomination, but a majority also believe that the importance of identifying with a denomination will diminish over the next 10 years.

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Survey: Pastors report mixed economic signs

LifeWay Research finds that although the offerings in most American churches have met or exceeded budget requirements in 2011, the economy is still having a negative impact on local congregations.

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Pastors divided on when to perform weddings

LifeWay Research finds American Protestant pastors have widely varying standards for when they will and will not perform wedding ceremonies.

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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 …