Monk Development's "2013 State of the Church Online Report" contains data gathered from a diverse group of "over 50 churches spread across the United States" that seek to serve their congregation's through the web (p.2). As I reviewed the report, I found myself returning again and again to a statistic that provides a benchmark for congregations seeking to develop a presence on Facebook. According to Monk's research, "the average for likes vs. total weekly attendance (TWA) is Read More …
Trends
No More Sermons (#1066)
David Murrow, author of Why Men Hate Going to Church and founder of Church for Men, recently asked a question worth considering: "Are Sermons Becoming Obsolete?" In that blog post he suggests something most know but don't often consider -- while lectures were once a preferred and popular means of communication, recent technological shifts have rendered them uncommon outside of two environments: universities and churches. Now, universities are beginning to consider other Read More …
E-Books on the Rise (#1065)
Writing for Mashable, Lauren Indvik reports "According to the Association of American Publishers's StatShot study released Thursday, e-books made up nearly a quarter (22.55%, to be precise) of U.S. trade publishers' book sales last year." So What? Just a few years ago e-books were a curious new option with limited adoption. In 2009, e-books accounted to only 3% of U.S. trade publishers' book sales. Put differently, e-books experienced a 650%+ increase in adoption between Read More …
Church Marketing Shifts (#1062)
Lindsay Christian's recent Capital Times article, "Marketing God: Churches Turn to the Web, Social Media to Attract Members," explores how many congregations in her area have shifted their marketing time and monies from print efforts to online endeavors. Christian's piece effectively explores how a significant trend has impacted congregations in her community. To highlight the significantly diminished return on investment and increasing irrelevancy of print advertising (especially Read More …
Mistreating Atheists? (#1061)
Intriguing Article Earlier this week my wife sent me a link to Tania Lombrozo's recent NPR article: "Atheist Shoemaker Loses Faith in U.S. Postal System." The article explores a study by the maker of Atheist Shoes considering what appears to be unfair treatment of their shipments by the USPS. Troublesome Experiences Atheist Shoes is a "cadre of shoemakers & artists in Berlin, Germany who hand-make ridiculously comfortable, Bauhaus-inspired shoes for people who don't Read More …
Bible Ownership & Readership (#1059)
According to "The State of the Bible 2013," a poll conducted by The Barna Group for American Bible Society, there is a significant gap between Bible ownership and readership. More specifically, almost 9 out of 10 Americans (88%) surveyed own at least 1 Bible & the average household contained 4.4 Bibles, and only 1 in 5 Americans read the Bible on a regular basis. So What? While this gap isn't surprising, a related statistic is: 3 in 5 (61%) wish they read the Bible Read More …
Teen Pregnancy – Reality Check (#1055)
Perception and reality often differ dramatically. According to a national telephone survey conducted earlier this year for The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy by Social Science Research Solutions, most American adults are not aware that the rate of teen pregnancy has declined significantly since 1990. FACT: Since 1990, teen pregnancy has decreased 43%. FACT: Since 1991, the birth rate among teens has decreased 49%. Reality Check: 68% of those surveyed who Read More …
Pastor of Innovation (#1054)
When I was a seminary student, it was understood that the vast majority of students would go on to pastoral ministry in a parish setting. Most of these individuals would spend all of their years in ministry as solo pastors serving smaller congregations. In recent years, the expectations have shifted significantly. Only about half of all recent seminary graduates enter parish ministry. For those who do enter this form of ministry, increasing numbers serve in large, mega, Read More …
Doubling of Those Age 65 & Over (#1052)
The United States Census Bureau projects that the number of those living the US aged 65 and over will double between 2010 and 2050. Even when one accounts for the anticipated population growth, a significantly greater percentage of those living in the US in 2050 will be 65 or older when compared to current levels. So What? There continues to be much discussion about how churches will change in the coming decades. How do you believe the doubling of those aged 65 Read More …
Affordable Apartments? (#1045)
The National Income Housing Coalition (NIHC) finds a minimum-wage earner with a full-time job can’t afford a two-bedroom apartment in any state in the U.S. This reality is based on rent costs determined by the HUD estimated Fair Market Rent (FMR), and a household budget that allocates no more than 30% of income (of one minimum-wage earner) on housing costs. The group produced a list of just how expensive a two bedroom apartment rental is in each state based Read More …