Altogether, the report found, churches had $87.2 million less to spend in 2011 on work beyond their congregations than in 2010. Empty Tomb also reported that overall church membership has declined.   Collection plates are growing even lighter as Protestant church member giving reached new lows in 2011, and tithing probably will not recover from the... Continue Reading

The Presbytery of Chicago’s Ecumenical and Interreligious workgroup hopes that this will be the first annual dinner of its kind. “I can’t think of any more important work at that moment when it comes to interreligious relations. We’ve got to weave the fabric of communities at the pew and prayer rug level, for the long... Continue Reading

Highland Park Presbyterian is locked in a legal battle over custody of its $30 million church campus in University Park on University Boulevard. The church and its regional parent group, Grace Presbytery, have been in talks to try to resolve the property issue, but no agreement has been reached. Earlier this month, a state district... Continue Reading

So tell me this isn’t about the money. The overriding concern of the Presbytery here is not mission. No, it is ecclesiastical extortion. It is unjust. Not to mention ironic: At the very meeting where MPPC’s congregational meeting was approved, the Presbytery closed down a failed new church development within ten miles of Menlo Park.... Continue Reading

“The elders have been very clear in their own conversations that no conclusion has already been reached and that this process calls us to genuine discernment about our future,” the letter read.   The 2,631-member Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas voted to enter into the discernment process with its presbytery this past Sunday (10/20/13).... Continue Reading

The conference at Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE, starts Thursday, Oct. 24, and includes a 7 p.m. worship service open to the public. A 7 p.m. Friday concert and keynote speech by Justin Lee, The Gay Christian Network founder and author of “Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate,” also is... Continue Reading

At the core of the dilemma for liberals is a total loss of nerve when it comes to talking about Jesus, sin and salvation, the need for New Birth and pressing such ancient doctrines as justification and sanctification. Liberals would sooner talk about the need for anti-racism training, eco-evangelism, poverty issues, women’s issues and almost... Continue Reading

The first two on the list I understood, but the third I didn’t. Why would pastors be a credit risk for a bank loan? Here are a few mitigating answers. They don’t excuse irresponsible behavior; they explain it.   “Never loan money to poets, painters, and pastors.” the banker told me. He called it the... Continue Reading

The Church of Scotland’s website last week had 77 properties for sale, including churches, halls, manses and plots. When the asking prices are totalled they are worth well beyond £10 million.   Bargain hunters have been looking at properties ranging from £20,000 for an island church to £500,000 for a city-centre site in the Edinburgh... Continue Reading

Three non-profit religious organizations, including a division of the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention, are suing the federal government over a controversial contraceptives regulation that is a part of the Affordable Care Act. The organizations Monday announced the class-action lawsuit against the federal requirement that employers cover the cost of contraceptives, including drugs that can cause... Continue Reading