By Melissa Wuske Olympian Praises God Despite Spinal Injury Jamie Nieto, former U.S. Olympic high jumper from the 2004 and 2012 games, suffered a spinal injury in April that will keep him from attending the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Nieto coaches potential Olympic athletes, and while performing a high jump during a training exercise, Nieto […]
In The World—July 31, 2016
By Melissa Wuske Ministers Face Financial Stress A recent survey by the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) showcases the financial stresses ministers face. “The vast majority of pastors do not have their own radio or TV show, robust church staff, or megachurch attendance,” said Leith Anderson, NAE’s president. “Rather, they faithfully serve in small churches […]
In The World—July 24, 2016
By Melissa Wuske The Most Important Voter Issues Nearly a third of voters say a candidate’s position on issues is the most important factor in choosing whether to vote for that person, according to a Barna Research study. Tied for second place (11 percent each) were the candidate’s experience/track record and their leadership qualities. While […]
In The World—July 17, 2016
By Melissa Wuske Payday Loans—Sinful? A recent study by LifeWay Research found that more than three-quarters of Christians think loans where the lender profits by hurting the borrower financially, such as high-interest payday loans, are sinful—and nearly 20 percent have taken out payday loans themselves. Christian leaders agree: “Payday loans with their exorbitant interest rates […]
In The World—July 10, 2016
By Melissa Wuske What’s New in Youth Ministry A Barna Group study, in partnership with Youth Specialties and YouthWorks, talked to senior ministers and youth ministers about the priority they place on youth ministry and the challenges and changes those ministries are currently facing. Most churches (61 percent) say youth ministry is one of the […]