37 Church Stats to Know in 2019

It’s that time of year again – when we take a deeper look inside the current state of the church. In 2017 and 2018 these were our most read and shared posts of the year, and we hope this installment is just as helpful. By going over some of the most important church statistics, you’ll be better prepared to grow your church throughout 2019. From attendance to social media, you’ll find statistics for most every area of the church. Don’t be discouraged by any unfavorable statistics. That just means there’s room for improvement. Without further ado, here’s the church statistics you need to ...

WOMEN in MINISTRY

Discipleship Dilemma in URBAN CHURCH PLANTING

A recent study put forth by Barna research discussed the current “State of Discipleship.”[1] I’m a big discipleship advocate—constantly preaching and teaching about the Great Commission, mission, and disciple-making. Not only do I preach and teach it—I disciple and invest into others. I love relational community. But, the Western church is hemorrhaging. I believe the number one reason is a lack of disciple-making. Barna reveals, “only 20 percent of Christian adults are involved in some sort of discipleship activity.” In the research, Christians were asked which term or phrase best described a spiritual growth process. Ironically, but very illuminating, “discipleship” ranked fourth on ...

VBS for Adults

For reasons obvious to most of our readers, I was able to attend no less than 10 (ten) VBS/Kids crusades this summer. Seven Baptist, several Pentecostals and a Methodist one. The themes ranged from jungle journey and the Lion King to giddy up cowboys and cowgirls and world/planet/time travelling. All cool themes with lots of props and much careful preparation all in the name of bringing the Good News to the little ones. A noble cause truly worthy of any expense and labor for any church out there. Time and length ranged from one whole day or one evening service to three ...

7 NEW Barna Trends for Stronger Churches

Here are 7 insights drawn from the data that will help you be a more successful church leader. 1. Pastors have higher life satisfaction than most. Surprised? Be encouraged. 9 in 10 pastors are satisfied with their quality of life. Pastors rate their emotional health and spiritual health higher than the general US population does. 96% of married pastors are satisfied with their relationships with their spouses. 97% rate their relationships with their children as excellent or good. In the midst of ministry challenges and trials, pastors have personal satisfaction and strength that is higher than among the general US population. Those statistics are mighty ...

The Recollections of John Walker “Jack” Hilderbrand

From the Newsletter of THE ASSOCIATION OF THE DESCENDANTS OF NANCY WARD BELOVED WOMAN OF THE CHEROKEES JUNE, 1994 Jack Hilderbrand Recollections Edited and Annotated by David Hampton (Uncorrected) John Walker Hilderbrand, better known as Jack, was born on 23 February 1818, the son of Peter Hilderbrand and Elizabeth "Betsy" Harlan Hilderbrand. His mother was a granddaughter of Nancy Ward. He came to the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory in 1842, but did not remain, returning to Tennessee where he lived the rest of his life. In 1908, after he turned 90, he was interviewed at his home in Cleveland, Tennessee about events in early day ...

Barna Group: The State of the Church (2019)

You are reading a free research sample of State of the Church & Family Report The Christian church has been a cornerstone of American life for centuries, but much has changed in the last 30 years. Americans are attending church less, and more people are experiencing and practicing their faith outside of its four walls. Millennials in particular are coming of age at a time of great skepticism and cynicism toward institutions—particularly the church. Add to this the broader secularizing trend in American culture, and a growing antagonism toward faith claims, and these are uncertain times for the U.S. church. Based on ...