Lifeway Research

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“Solid theology rarely arrives all at once. More often, it grows slowly through repeated exposure to truth and roots itself when a child’s natural curiosity takes hold.” — Lauren Grooves lfwy.co/Hbo250YO1yf

More than 2 in 5 U.S. Protestant churchgoers (44%) don’t see anything wrong with pastors using AI in sermon prep, but 43% disagree, including 24% who do so strongly. lfwy.co/KjTh50YNBem

NEW: When we don’t purposefully teach theology to our kids, it reveals more about our own lack of faith than theirs. lfwy.co/XS0450YFPLb

The fact that your church has conflict is not a sign it’s unhealthy. It’s a sign you have people in your church. So don’t miss these steps. lfwy.co/KACu50YNBcP

Almost all U.S. Protestant pastors have some clear concerns about implementing AI in their ministry work. lfwy.co/Sxh850YNBbE

Many churches are choosing to have bivocational pastors, as leaders and congregations work to steward their resources. lfwy.co/9MGM50YNBay

Less than half of U.S. Protestant pastors say they are using AI, but fewer are actively avoiding or ignoring the technology. lfwy.co/VbBT50YNAvA

NEW RESEARCH: Pastors and churchgoers aren’t completely opposed to AI, but they have concerns about its implementation and influence on Christianity. lfwy.co/bIbl50YFPmm

“If you haven’t already done so, make sure you know your church and everyone in it. Have meals together, serve together, volunteer in the community together. Become a member of the church and not just the pastor of the church.” lfwy.co/6l3U50YNtFI

“To avoid unnecessary struggle in your rural church, lead through people instead of your position as pastor.” — Adam Kipp lfwy.co/eeA450YMRNN

People’s lack of commitment seems like something outside of a pastor’s control, but how might you lead your church away from apathy? lfwy.co/tWaB50YMRLH

“In the rural church, most everything is seen, approved, and achieved through personal relationships. It’s not about plans, programs, and structures; it’s about relationships.” — Adam Kipp lfwy.co/GPwk50YLg0K

Around 7 in 10 U.S. Protestant churchgoers (69%) say they set aside time for private worship, praise or thanksgiving to God at least a few times a week, with 40% doing so every day. lfwy.co/HFJo50YLbLJ

NEW: How can a pastor draw on an understanding of the relational nature of a rural church to avoid unnecessary struggles? lfwy.co/jIfL50YFOFK

“Hardship calls believers to submission—to live counter-culturally, to surrender as free people in Christ, and to walk in the favor of the Lord, no matter the situation.” — Julie Dickerson lfwy.co/CT1s50YLbKy

“Parents disciple through the everyday rhythms of life—conversations at dinner, prayers at bedtime, forgiveness after conflict.” — @chadhiggins lfwy.co/2ijv50YLbFn

Whether intentional or impromptu, most churchgoers say they regularly, personally express praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is. lfwy.co/mK1450YLbIq

Today, almost 780 million Christians call Africa home, while more than 415 million live in Asia. Christianity is growing more on those two continents than anywhere else in the world, according to the @CSGC. lfwy.co/xT0w50YLbGW

“Like David, we can bring the truth of what we know of God to bear on our deepest disappointments, unnamed feelings, and erratic emotions.” — Julie Dickerson lfwy.co/aEym50YLbxj

“Guilt doesn’t make disciples. It just makes tired Christians. Tools, however, empower people. A good tool creates confidence.” — @chadhiggins lfwy.co/yNz650YLbwj