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 […]
By Melissa Wuske The Healing Power of Music Saginaw, Michigan, has been hit hard by the collapse of the car industry. As a result, poverty and crime are high. But residents John and Katrina Vowell are seeking to make a difference. They started Major Chords for Minors, a free program for kids that offers music […]
By Melissa Wuske Divorce and the Church “The vast majority of churches do not have an effective marriage ministry,” said Greg Smalley, vice president of Focus on the Family. For many church members and ministers, that statement stings; but a new study conducted by LifeWay Research and sponsored by Focus on the Family, found areas […]
By Melissa Wuske Effective Suicide Prevention In the face of rising suicide rates nationwide—despite interventions like the national suicide hotline—the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit has seen dramatic success. When they began back in 2001, they had a bold goal—zero suicides—and a new approach designed to head off mental health crises rather than react […]
By Melissa Wuske Study of the Pastoral Profession It’s no secret that ministry is a tough job, but LifeWay Research has some good news: “Ministers are not leaving the ministry in droves,” said Scott McConnell, LifeWay Research vice president. That statement is a result of a survey of 1,500 ministers who held senior minister positions […]
