Ed Stetzer highlights on his blog a ten-year study that reveals changes in American congregations since 1998. This study, the National Congregation Study Wave II, directed by Mark Chaves, a professor at Duke University, compared over 1,505 congregations in 2006-2007 with 1,234 congregations in 1998. What are the notable changes in American congregations since 1998? Click here for Ed’s commentary or here for a link to the study. I’ve briefly summarized some of the findings below. What are your Read more [...]

What is the American preference for Christmas greetings? Pew Research recently posted data from a survey: When given the option of hearing "Merry Christmas" or a less religious greeting -- like "Happy Holidays" -- in stores and businesses, Americans choose Merry Christmas by a 60%-to-23% margin. When specifically given "doesn't matter" as an option, however, a 45%-plurality have no preference for how they are greeted during the holiday season -- 42% want Merry Christmas and 12% prefer the less religious Read more [...]

Great leaders are typically great organizers and communicators of vision. They inspire with their plans for the future. Just as important as a grand vision, however, is a grand appreciation for the moment at hand. While it is not as widely discussed as other leadership traits, embracing the power of spontaneity has several benefits for leadership in general, but specifically for church leaders as well. I’ll share with you a few I’ve noticed anecdotally. Creative fuel is pumped. The creative Read more [...]

LifeWay Research has data from a new survey that answers the question: Despite several high-profile court cases over the past few years that tried to limit religious speech and the display of religious items in the workplace, most Americans have no problem with either. According to a recent survey by LifeWay Research, less than a third of Americans have issues with those who display religious items at work. Also, less than 4 out of 10 mind religious talk in the workplace. The survey asked respondents Read more [...]

Christianity Today just posted their top 10 religion stories of 2008. Click on the links below for the individual articles. 1. Election 2008: Democrats woo evangelical vote, making only slight gains from Bush era. 2. Voters turn back California Supreme Court's same-sex marriage decision. 3. Christians in Orissa, India, again become scapegoats for Hindu extremists. 4. Anglican Communion continues to implode in slow motion. 5. Christians flee Iraq and Gaza. 6. Candidates' religious associations come Read more [...]