Copyright https://www.christianity.com 2025, Christianity.com Mon, 27 Jan 2025 03:35:40 -0500 https://www.christianity.com/church/6-things-to-consider-when-church-no-longer-feels-like-home.html https://www.christianity.com/church/6-things-to-consider-when-church-no-longer-feels-like-home.html Tamra Andress https://www.christianity.com/author/tamra-andress/ Finding the right church home is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. Tamra highlights six key reasons why it might be time to consider “church shopping,” including the need for deeper spiritual maturity, a stronger discipleship focus, and a sense of authentic community. If you’re feeling spiritually stagnant, disconnected, or unsure about your church’s direction, it may be time to prayerfully explore where God is leading you next. With His guidance, you can find a church that aligns with your growth and helps you live out your faith boldly. Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:15:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-steps-towards-healing-from-church-hurt.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-steps-towards-healing-from-church-hurt.html Chad Roberts https://www.christianity.com/author/chad-roberts/ I’ll never forget the Sunday Curtis and his wife walked into my church. Surprised, I asked, “What are you guys doing here?” The reason their visit was so unusual is that while we were good friends, I knew they were leaders in their church. I remember vividly the pain on their faces when they told me through tears about their decision to leave their church family. Church hurt is a unique pain, and those of you who have been through it can relate.I want to show you why church hurts happen, and if you are someone who has experienced a church hurt, how you can get past it. While the emotions you feel are real, and while it may be true you are the one who has been wronged, it is important to understand that church hurt is one of the key plays in Satan’s playbook and is one of his oldest schemes against believers. So, while I do not want to minimize the impact of your hurt, I want you to see the reality of spiritual warfare. I want you to be able to recognize the fingerprints of Satan and to know how to overcome him.Here are a few helps that I have learned over my twenty-plus years of being a pastor. Not only have I counseled many families who have been hurt, but I have also been disappointed, let down, and quite honestly betrayed at times. I have had to handle my share of hurts. Unfortunately, because I am as flawed as anyone else, I have seen families within my own church get hurt, and we have had to learn how to navigate this. The point is no matter where you live or what style of church you belong to, hurts and offenses are a reality in the body of Christ. Thankfully, the Bible teaches us how to handle them. So, if you are someone who has experienced hurt, there is help, hope, and healing found in God’s Word.Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Emiliano Vittoriosi Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/7-powerful-ways-churches-can-bridge-the-generation-gap.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/7-powerful-ways-churches-can-bridge-the-generation-gap.html Allma Johnson https://www.christianity.com/author/allma-johnson/ In churches across the world, a unique challenge is emerging that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries: the growing gap between generations. As people from different age groups come together in worship, there are often varying preferences, experiences, and even theological perspectives. The older generation may cherish hymns and formalized liturgies, while younger members are drawn to contemporary music and less structured worship experiences. These differences can sometimes cause tension, as each generation naturally gravitates toward its own style and expression of faith. But despite these differences, the church is called to unity, to function as a single body where every generation plays an integral role. This unity is not merely desirable; it is essential if the church is to thrive and fulfill its mission in an increasingly complex world. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, KJV) So, how can we bridge these generational divides to create a church that honors tradition while embracing transformation? How can we build a community where every generation feels valued and can contribute fully to the body of Christ? Let’s explore these questions by examining the unique value each generation brings, the biblical call to unity, and practical ways we can foster intergenerational understanding and collaboration. 1. Recognizing the Value of Every Generation One of the first steps toward bridging generational gaps is to recognize the immense value that every generation offers. Each group brings something unique, whether it’s the stability and wisdom of the older generation or the energy and innovation of the younger. Together, they form a more complete picture of what it means to live and grow as a community of faith. Older generations have often experienced more seasons of life and have witnessed God’s faithfulness over many years. They have seen prayers answered, endured hardships, and sustained the church through challenges. This depth of experience is invaluable; it grounds the church, providing a steady foundation that has stood the test of time. Many elders hold a wealth of knowledge about scripture, theology, and church history, which they can pass on to younger generations. Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV) tells us, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” These "crowns of glory" bring wisdom, stability, and a reverence for God’s Word. Younger generations, on the other hand, often approach faith with fresh eyes. They bring energy, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ways of worship, service, and outreach. They’re typically more in tune with contemporary culture and can offer insights into how the church might better reach a changing world. In Matthew 18:3 9 (KJV), Jesus reminds us of the importance of childlike faith, saying, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Young believers, with their enthusiasm and willingness to question norms, invite the church to keep growing, adapting, and connecting with people outside its walls.When the church celebrates and honors these unique contributions, it becomes a stronger, more balanced body. Both perspectives—rooted in tradition and innovative progress—are essential to fulfilling the church's calling. The result is a church that not only honors its history but also moves forward with purpose and vision. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/    jeffbergen Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/what-is-the-congregational-church-and-congregationalism.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/what-is-the-congregational-church-and-congregationalism.html Justin Wiggins https://www.christianity.com/author/justin-wiggins/ The origin of the Congregational Church goes back to the Puritan movement which began in 16th century England. At the time of this movement, the Puritans wanted separation from The Church of England, which was started by King Henry VIII when he broke away from The Roman Catholic Church. The Puritans rejected the hierarchy of priests and bishops and desired to have their own expression of worship. The Puritans believed that scripture was the ultimate authority rather than the Catholic Church or Church of England being the ultimate authority and that salvation comes by faith alone in Christ. This theological view was very controversial in the 16th century and caused the Puritans to face great persecution from different Anglican and Catholic communities. The Puritans who came to found the Congregational churches in America fled England during persecution when Queen Elizabeth I ruled. Different Congregationalist churches spread throughout various parts of America, as well as Canada, the British Isles, and other parts of the world. The early Congregational churches spread widely after experiencing freedom in their worship. Many people who were discouraged by theological feuds and persecution came to join different Congregational church communities. Puritans were, in turn, influenced by Protestant Reformation theologians such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Robert Browne. Browne, along with another Puritan, Robert Harrison, known as a "Separatist," founded the first illegal Congregational community sometime around 1581 after rejecting the theology of The Church of England. This first illegal community sowed the seed for what would become one of the largest Christian denominations worldwide. Photo credit:  ©Getty Images/TonyBaggett Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:50:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-the-westminster-confession-of-faith.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-the-westminster-confession-of-faith.html Britt Mooney https://www.christianity.com/author/britt-mooney/ Created in the mid-17th century, the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) outlines the core beliefs of what we call Reformed Christianity. Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:55:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/church/why-do-so-many-megachurches-seem-to-be-corrupt.html https://www.christianity.com/church/why-do-so-many-megachurches-seem-to-be-corrupt.html Clarence L. Haynes Jr. https://www.christianity.com/author/clarence-l-haynes-jr/ The challenge with many megachurches is that they are often personality-driven, and the senior pastor often has the last word on everything. These churches often lack accountability and are more prone to corruption. Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:45:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/the-top-10-challenges-pastors-will-face-in-2025.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/the-top-10-challenges-pastors-will-face-in-2025.html Clarence L. Haynes Jr. https://www.christianity.com/author/clarence-l-haynes-jr/ As we think about 2025, one thing is certain for this year. Being a pastor is not getting any easier. As the culture and our society shift, the challenges pastors face seem to be growing. Doing this job well will require more help and dependence on the Holy Spirit. If you are a pastor, take those words to heart because here are some challenges you will face in 2025.1. Declining Church AttendanceI was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. - Psalm 122:1People don’t attend church at the rate they used to. Multiple studies have borne out this fact. This is not a problem just among Christians, this spreads across all religions. According to Gallup, only 30% of Americans attend a religious service on a weekly basis or nearly every week, down from 44% two decades ago. Since people are not showing up as much, this forces pastors to consider why there are fewer people interested in coming to church than there used to be. Beyond that, we must consider if there is a role the church is playing in the decline of church attendance. Blaming the culture is easy, but maybe this requires a lot more introspection. Clearly, there is something missing that is driving people away, and if we are going to win people back, then pastors need to figure this out.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Martine Severin Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/church/is-depopulation-a-threat-to-the-churchs-future.html https://www.christianity.com/church/is-depopulation-a-threat-to-the-churchs-future.html James Spencer https://www.christianity.com/author/james-spencer/ As the world faces a looming depopulation crisis, Christians are called to consider deeper questions about family, faith, and culture. Is declining birthrate a sign of shifting priorities, or a chance to refocus on God’s purpose for our lives? Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:40:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/church/do-all-churches-face-east.html https://www.christianity.com/church/do-all-churches-face-east.html Lisa Loraine Baker https://www.christianity.com/author/lisa-loraine-baker/ Outside the God-given directions for the Jewish temple found in the Old Testament, churches have no command to orient their buildings in an easterly manner. Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:10:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-warning-signs-your-church-is-susceptible-to-abuse.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-warning-signs-your-church-is-susceptible-to-abuse.html Mike Leake https://www.christianity.com/author/mike-leake/ Maggie was excited to finally bake a cake with her mother. They carefully prepared all of the ingredients: fluffy flour, sugar as fine as powder, a pinch of salt, creamy butter, fresh eggs, a bit of vanilla, and some baking powder to help it rise. She mixed it all together, put the batter in a cake pan, placed it in the oven, set the timer, and waited for her delicious cake.After 30 minutes, Maggie checked the oven—expecting a golden-brown cake, ready to be iced. To her great disappointment, it was still only a cake pan filled with batter. She had all the ingredients to make a cake, but she forgot to turn on the oven.A cake requires not only all the right ingredients but also the proper environment for it to bake. Abusive churches are similar—but rather than bringing the delight of a freshly baked cake, it harms all those who partake. An abusive pastor or an abusive congregation needs an environment susceptible to abuse in order to “thrive.” What does such a culture look like? Here are five marks of a culture susceptible to abuse.Also, we should note that just because these are present, it does not mean that your church is abusive. To use our cake analogy, you can have an oven on—set to the perfect temperature—but it will not produce a cake without all of Maggie’s ingredients placed in there.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/arkira Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:10:00 -0500 2025-01-27T03:35:40-05:00