CNN recently conducted a poll of American morality similar to the one conducted by Time Magazine in 1987. When the statistics are placed side-by-side, one can see significant signs of change over the past 27 years. Overall: In 1987, 7 out of the 8 actions surveyed were considered by the majority of Americans to be morally wrong. Now, only 3 of the behaviors are thought to be morally wrong by a majority (being married and having sex with someone else, cheating on taxes, and Read More …
Trends
Fastest Growing Group (#1298)
D.J. Chuang, former Leadership Network Director for Asian-American Churches, recently co-authored an informative presentation for church leaders focused on the fastest growing group in the United States: Asian Americans. Some of the many significant facts within that document are less than 5 years ago Asians overtook Hispanics as the largest immigrant group entering the United States, by 2011 over 18 million Americans self-identified as Asian American and the number is projected to Read More …
Top Bible Verses of 2013 (#1295)
The most popular Bible app, YouVersion, recently released data about how people used the Bibles they provide in 2013. The top five Bible verses are Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… Matthew 6:13 - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil Joshua 1:9 - …Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged… Philippians Read More …
Sermon Preferences (#1292)
According to the latest survey by LifeWay Research, most Americans prefer in person preaching to a video sermon when attending worship at a church. About a third (35%) indicated they will only visit churches with services of worship that feature live sermons. Strikingly, less than 1% prefer viewing a video sermon. So What? I have only attended one service of worship that featured a video recording of a pastor's sermon. Prior to that experience, I disliked the idea. Read More …
2014 = Year of the Bible? (#1289)
Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News Service, recently suggested that 2014 may be known as the "Year of the Bible" thanks to five films: “Son of God” | 20th Century Fox (February 2014) “Noah” | Regency Enterprises (November 2014) “Heaven is For Real” | Sony Pictures (April 2014) “Exodus” | 20th Century Fox (December 2014) “Mary, Mother of Christ” | Lionsgate Films (December 2014) So What? The good book will certainly be represented on the big screen through Read More …
No Longer Taboo (#1286)
Zack Perkins, a blogger who is "trying navigate Christianity as a Millennial through the Orthodox way," recently shared a list of five uncomfortable issues the church needs to talk more about: addiction, sexuality, sincere doubt, mental illness, and loneliness. So What? Perkins is right when he suggests that the items appearing on his list are "issues that individuals in the Church are dealing with—issues that the Church Body should be talking about." I am thankful that I Read More …
My 2014 Resolutions (#1283)
I rarely participate in the annual ritual of crafting resolutions for the coming year. I did commit to one in 2012. This time, for 2014, I have settled upon three: Participate in worship in at least 10 different communities of faith Write at least 200 blog posts and be more actively engaged on Twitter Read at least 100 books and write reviews for at least 50 So What? New years bring new possibilities. While I expect a fair degree of the unexpected in the months ahead, Read More …
Top Posts of 2013 (#1282)
According to the number of page visits during this calendar year, the most popular posts I wrote in 2013 are Top 10 Books of 2012 1,000 Posts Pastor of Innovation Social Media Shortcomings Review of When Spiritual but Not Religious is Not Enough So What? I truly appreciate the feedback readers provide. You vote by clicking, and your interest in posts and topics is confirmed by the time you linger on my site. While this data is helpful, it tells only part of the Read More …
US Megachurches (#1277)
Warren Bird, research director at Leadership Network, recently shared some incredible statistics about megachurches (those congregations with an average weekly worship attendance of at least 2,000) in the United States. 5 million - the number of people who worship at a megachurch during a typical week. 1,650 - the current number of megachurches in the United States. 0.5% - While almost 10% of Protestant churchgoers attend a megachurch, these churches represent only about Read More …
Christmas: Cultural or Religious? (#1276)
Just in time for Christmas, the Pew Research Center released information about how Americans view the holiday. While 92% of Americans celebrate Christmas, there is considerable diversity when it comes to the basis of such celebrations: 51% - more of a religious holiday, 32% - more of a cultural holiday, and 9% - both/other (which includes those who celebrate but did not comment on whether they felt it was more religious or cultural). So What? Notably there is a generational divide. Read More …