Nielsen Niels Rev

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Is Your Church Ready for Generation Z?

Is the church ready for Generation Z? We sat down with some members of the generation and many don't believe the church is ready for them.

Why Church Giving Is Decreasing

There are a few key reasons why giving might be down in your church.

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

His pew or hers? Woman concerned about man she met in church

Q: I met a nice guy at church of all places, and he's invited me out. I'm excited but nervous. Do I stay at his house or let him come to mine? It's been a while.

How To Be a Bad Church Member

Ever wanted to set your church back and create an unhealthy culture? Here is a short list of things to do to: 1. Constantly point out what should be done, but never volunteer to actually do anythin…

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

Religious Freedom as Freedom to Discriminate?

Removing religious exemptions will not promote tolerance or inclusiveness. It will forcibly strip religious organizations of their ability to operate as religious organizations.

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

Asking the Clergy: How do you care for yourself?

Lay people can usually take a break from routine by exchanging work gear for beachwear and a fancy cocktail on a vacation from responsibilities. But what of clergy, for whom leaving the grid may be mo

How Secular is “Religious”?

We don’t know how the ready access to information will ultimately change the human condition, but religions are already feeling the heat. A person today can, with a few keystrokes, discover facts about religions that, when I was young, were assiduously and successfully suppressed—particularly in those traditions common among disadvantaged people such as I was. …

Why Religious Cops Live Longer Than Non-Religious Cops

Most of us serving as police officers have considered our mortality, especially in light of the dangers we face every day. No one is guaranteed a long life, but everyone strives to lengthen the days and years we get to spend with family and friends. All of us are interested in living longer. Recent studies […]

How Religious Are You?

Pew Research has developed a typology of religion based on "how religious" a person is, along with the nature of that religious belief.

How Religious Are The World Religions?

How religious are the world religions? Most “religions” do not conceive themselves as doctrinal systems.

What is Religious Liberty?

The Baptist Joint Committee advocates a “golden rule” of religious liberty: Do not ask government to promote your religion if you don’t want government to promote somebody else’s religion; and do not permit government to hinder somebody else’s religion if you don’t want government to hinder your own religion.

Remember that Religious Freedom Law?

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act continues to prove itself adept at flattening government obstacles to religious practice.

Religious Reefer: Is Marijuana Halal?

Is marijuana halal? Unsurprisingly, the answer isn't so cut and dry.

Chimpanzees: Spiritual But Not Religious?

Some animals have been observed performing the same rituals over and over, leading scientists to speculate that they might have a sense of the sacred.

Are religious rituals important?