Real Life Ministries

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What alcoholics can teach churches

Daybreak Fellowship blends language of addiction recovery with Christian worship

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

Why I’m Grateful for the Local Church

I love my church where I serve, but I’m also very grateful for the local church in general. In all its beauty and flaws, I can’t imagine culture surviving without it.

I’m Unemployed. Should I Still Tithe?

I grew up in the Church, and I have always been taught the principle of tithing. For years, I’ve faithfully given 10 percent of my income to church, but I

8 Concerns That Church Members Seldom Tell Pastors

There are some concerns that are harder to bring up than others. Things like: We're concerned about your marriage.

10 Traits of a Great Church Member

What kind of members does God use to build a great church<br>As a pastor, I have noticed some trends among church people who help move the church forward. The following is a list of characteristics of those type of people. Not everyone will have every quality, but it’s the combination of each of them in people that builds a great church.<br>Great church members:<br>Believe and love God’s Word.<br>Joshua 1:8 “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day…

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

Religious Freedom as Freedom to Discriminate?

Removing religious exemptions will not promote tolerance or inclusiveness. It will forcibly strip religious organizations of their ability to operate as religious organizations.

Baptism, Christening and Religious Occasion Ideas

Delicate Blessings Cross - Personalized #Baptism Invitations

Is It Okay to Listen to Non-Religious Music?

A reader writes: Despite being a Protestant, I enjoy reading your blog. Since I see that you’ve answered other people’s questions before, I thought I’d ask you a question about a problem I’m having. In my community, people often say […]

Religious? Atheist? None? There’s An App for You

Everything from prayer to holy texts, these apps have got you covered.

How Religious Community Is Linked to Human Flourishing

An analysis explores how service attendance relates to health and well-being.

A religious leader tries to tell the wrong woman how to dress. Big mistake.

Far Too Many Americans Consider Themselves “Spiritual But Not Religious”

Where have all the religious pictures gone? You don’t want to know

The quintessential homestead had an open hearth, the glow from the Sacred Heart and a picture of JFK

Sharing community, culture, faith: Study finds religious people are happier

Is having faith in God the key to happiness? A new study seems to suggest so, having found that the happiest people in any society or culture tend to be those with strong religious convictions who actively engage with others in regular community worship.<br>The Pew Research Center looked at data fro

Do Megachurches Provide a Better Religious Experience than Smaller Churches?

Leadership Network’s work with innovative pastors regularly pairs us with megachurches. Indeed, in recent years no one has done more megachurch research than us.Thought leader @lensweet recently tweeted “No one knows more about...

5 Facts That Will Help You Host More Successful Religious Events

See how you can use special events to reach a bigger audience and grow your congregation.