(ChurchLeaders) Though most churches have temporarily moved online to help reduce virus transmission, the few that have defied government orders are making headlines and raising the ire of officials. Now New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is under fire for what religious-liberty advocates call an overreach of authority. During a March 27 briefing, de Blasio addressed … [Read more...] about NYC Mayor: Houses of Worship That Defy Directives May Be Closed Permanently
Church
Most Pastors Bracing for Months of Socially Distant Ministry
(Christianity Today) A new survey by Barna Research found over the course of just a week, most church leaders went from thinking they’d be back to meeting as usual in late or March or April (52%), to projecting the changes would extend to May or longer (68%). “There is this realism that’s setting in,” said David Kinnaman, Barna Group president. But while most pastors are … [Read more...] about Most Pastors Bracing for Months of Socially Distant Ministry
Pastor Arrested for Holding Church in Defiance of Directive
(ChurchLeaders) Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne, who leads a megachurch in Tampa, Florida, was arrested Monday for refusing to cancel services in compliance with a local government directive telling people to stay at home except for essential needs. Citing religious freedom, The River at Tampa Bay Church held two services last Sunday, even busing people in to them. The church … [Read more...] about Pastor Arrested for Holding Church in Defiance of Directive
Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Tests Positive for COVID-19
Mega church pastor Carl Lentz (Hillsong NYC) tested positive for the Coronavirus, but reports that he is good now. Lentz says, "I'm good...Let me tell you something. It is definitely real...the symptoms are so real. It's kind of like a flu times 50...still don't feel like myself...I look forward to getting my energy back." He also said, "My breath is a lot shorter. … [Read more...] about Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Tests Positive for COVID-19
Pastors Worry Most About Reaching Younger Audience
The lastest Barna Research study reveals that what is on the mind of America's pastors. 51 percent of the Protestant pastors polled say that reaching a younger audience is their main concern for their church today. Other concerns were the declining of outreach and evangelism, inconsistent volunteering, stagnate spiritual growth, and declining attendance were the top 5. … [Read more...] about Pastors Worry Most About Reaching Younger Audience