congregations
Churches’ ministry to those hurt by the pandemic shows ‘monumental’ growth, study says
By Adelle M. Banks — December 21, 2021
(RNS) — The percentage of churches reporting deaths within their membership increased from 17% in the summer to 28% in November, a new report states.
Amid COVID-19, most churches provide hybrid worship, half stopped picnics
By Adelle M. Banks — November 10, 2021
(RNS) — A new study shows that ‘the pandemic has had a profound impact across the religious spectrum, and that some churches are faring better than others,’ said scholar Scott Thumma.
Clergy, scientists grapple with thoughts of worship without congregational singing
By Adelle M. Banks — May 15, 2020
(RNS) — ‘Singing together is a big deal,’ said a Philadelphia pastor.
Fear remains a barrier for minority participation in US census, say faith leaders
By Adelle M. Banks — February 19, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Some religious leaders are supporting the count that officially starts April 1, but issues of trust and safety remain.
Study: Religious attendance flatlining, but giving remains strong
By Yonat Shimron — October 16, 2019
(RNS) — The study from the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving at Indiana University finds that nearly half of America’s estimated 360,000 congregations saw an increase in giving from three years ago.
New report urges congregations to aid family caregivers
By Adelle M. Banks — June 17, 2019
(RNS) — The report recommends that houses of worship provide volunteers who can help care recipients navigate their health decisions or give respite to caregivers.
Congregations share, sacrifice during government shutdown
By Adelle M. Banks — January 25, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Houses of worship have begun using their own financial resources to help those with dwindling ones.
Multiracial churches increase as blacks, whites learn to worship together
By Adelle M. Banks — June 29, 2018
(RNS) — As a new study shows that multiracial churches are on the rise, leaders of intercultural congregations say it takes perseverance to maintain diversity in their pulpits and their pews.
Survey: Protestant church diversity ‘heading in the right direction’
By RNS staff — March 21, 2018
(RNS) — A new survey published by LifeWay Research suggests Protestant churches still are diversifying slowly — despite reports of a 'quiet exodus' of people of color from predominantly white evangelical churches.
Center for Congregational Song launches as antidote to ‘worship wars’
By Adelle M. Banks — October 12, 2017
(RNS) — 'This idea that we need to be at war with each other over worship styles, I find ridiculous,' said center director Brian Hehn.
Some Protestant pastors preach on race but most leave it to others
By Adelle M. Banks — March 30, 2017
(RNS) A new LifeWay Research survey also finds that most pastors have not addressed economic inequities in their communities or joined a public lament about racial injustice.
Sanctuary congregations have doubled since Trump election, say faith leaders
By Lauren Markoe — January 17, 2017
(RNS) More than 800 congregations now call themselves 'sanctuaries.'
Juggling faith and family when Christmas is on Sunday
By Adelle M. Banks — December 22, 2016
(RNS) Christmas on a Sunday can present a conundrum as pastors try to balance parishioners' sacred religious observance at church with family time at home.
Tiny churches, big hopes: Why some thrive despite the odds
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — January 4, 2016
(RNS) In the age of the megachurch, meet some very small congregations that defy the odds for survival and thrive by "being all you can be in a religious setting."
Evangelical group issues ethics code for congregations
By Adelle M. Banks — October 2, 2015
(RNS) “Deal fairly and openly with causes of scandal when they occur, within the framework of the law,” the guide says.
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