A new paper draws an intriguing conclusion to a question scholars have wrestled with for several decades: Why are Americans dropping out of church? One reason? They’re logging on to the Internet, Religion News Service reports. What are the implications for your congregation?
Churches are jumping on the online giving trend in record numbers. Most find it a safe and efficient way to help their members with consistent stewardship. Has your church started offering it yet? From Lifeway.com. (Photo by Jhaymesisviphotography, used by Creative Commons license
Wondering what to do with leftover Easter candy? Want to take advantage of the “day after” candy sales AND express sound theology? Consider an Easter Monday party to celebrate God’s last laugh. It’s a fun tradition and good stewardship, too. (Photo: audrey, Creative Commons)
The Bible gives a two-sided portrayal of wealth: It is good, but it can seduce us into sin. The solution, according to New Testament scholar Craig L. Blomberg, is to freely share it. In Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship (Zondervan), Blomberg, who teaches at Denver Seminary, argues that sacrificial giving is an essential part of good stewardship. He spoke with CT editor at large Rob Moll about our spending patterns and whether Christians are required to tithe. (Photo (c) Luke Peterson, used by Creative Commons license)
Opinion research from the Barna Group shows that viewpoints on the importance of church tracked according to age. Not surprisingly, the older the respondent, the higher the value he or she placed on church. The younger the respondent, the less value.
After four decades of providing authoritative publications, consultants and workshops for congregations and pastors, the Alban Institute has announced it will close its doors, according to Religion News Service. Read the Alban Institute’s statement.
Getting things like a new car or 60-inch flat-screen are goals many of us work toward. Unfortunately, these pursuits have the opposite effect we intend: Instead of making us happier, getting more stuff drags us down, researchers have found. Time magazine reports. (Photo by ClerkBase, used by Creative Commons license.)
The vast majority of multisite churches are growing, according to a new study, and they are seeing more involvement from lay people and newcomers after they open an additional location. Interesting report from Religion News Service. (Photo (c) Dion Hinchcliffe, used by Creative Commons License)
So what can you do to help your tweens and teens learn the value of a dollar? Take direction from Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (NIV) Here are some ideas to get started. (Photo by Steven DePolo, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
“I’m blessed!” How many times have you heard (or said) that phrase to describe one of life’s happy outcomes. It’s not just ubiquitous and overused, most of the time it’s also unbiblical and misleading, says blogger Scott Dannemiller. (Photo by Sharron Blezard)
