As 2013 nears an end, we wanted to take a look back at the top posts this year. These are the ones you read, liked and shared the most throughout 2013.
10. Leading on Fumes: Four Reasons to Remember the Sabbath
So I did what most terminally driven people do when they get close to running out of gas. I began to go faster! While I thought I could leap (or build) tall buildings in a single bound, I came to realize I was a man of flesh, not steel. I paid the price for that stupidity. So did my family, staff and church.
Mark Dance describes how ministry burnout led to being diagnosed with clinical depression and how rediscovering the gift of the Sabbath helped him refocus his life.
9. Behind the Build
Traditional or contemporary? Small, formal foyer or large, casual lobby? New construction or renovation? Those are just a few of the decisions churches face when entering a building or remodeling project.
Form, function and economics have influenced significant shifts in church architecture the past two decades.
Examining five recent trends, this article published in Facts & Trends magazine gives you and your church something to think about if you are planning on building or remodeling.
8. Is Your Stuff Holding You Hostage?
It all started with an epiphany. One day, I was staring at my largely unused library of more than 1,000 books when I was struck by the sense that it represented for me an embarrassment of riches. It dawned on me that I had not read at least half of them, and I likely wouldn’t re-read the half I had read.
“Minimizing to mobilize,” Sean Fowlds shares he and his wife’s own story and challenges others to pare down their possessions, so they can be more flexible in ministry.
7. New Study: Growth of Christianity Helps the National Economy
More Christians means more national economic well-being.
That’s the findings of Dutch researcher Dick Slikker after examining the data from more than 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The study found that more so than any other religious group, growth in evangelical Christians provided the most help to the economic ratings of the nations evaluated.
6. LifeWay Announces VBS 2014 Theme
Kids will become Agency D3 special agents during LifeWay’s Vacation Bible School 2014 as they collect and log evidence about Jesus.
Using their best high-tech operative skills, they will examine eyewitness reports, physical proof and biblical accounts to uncover and defend the truth about who Jesus really is. By collecting all the evidence, they will Discover the truth of the gospel; Decide to believe it; and then Defend that decision.
This coming year, LifeWay will unveil their first apologetics themed VBS, as children act as detectives investigating the truth about Jesus.
5. Number of SBC Churches Increased Last Year; Members, Attendance and Baptisms Declined
Southern Baptists experienced growth last year in the number of churches affiliated with the denomination and the total amount given for denominational missions causes. However, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions, most of the ACP metrics declined in 2012 including membership, average attendance, baptisms and total giving.
The story from June analyzed the 2012 numbers of the Southern Baptist Convention.
4. Seven Common Comments Non-Christians Make About Christians
One of my greatest joys in research is talking to and listening to those who clearly identify themselves as non-Christians. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not celebrating their absence of faith in Christ. My joy comes from listening to those who don’t believe as I do, so that I might be better equipped to witness to them.
Thom Rainer lists some of the most frequent comments he has heard from non-Christians about Christians. The list demonstrated that most are open to spiritual conversations.
3. Research: Americans Turn to God & Generosity After Natural Disasters
When natural disasters occur, most Americans take increased interest in God and donate to relief agencies – and they trust faith-based agencies more than their secular counterparts. A third also believe prayer can avert natural disasters.
After the devastating tornadoes that ravaged Oklahoma earlier this Spring, LifeWay Research found nearly 6 in 10 (57 percent) of Americans say their interest in God increases when a natural disaster occurs.
2. First Impressions: Ten Ways to Make Visitors Feel Welcome
Nearly everything about a Sunday morning worship service communicates something to first-time visitors. From the church bulletins to the parking lot layout, churches demonstrate how much – or how little – they care about people.
This list can help you avoid discouraging first-time guests from coming back to your church.
1. 10 Commandments for Using iPads in Church
Hymnals and Bibles are being replaced in many church pews by iPads and Kindles. iPhone and Droid screens light up sanctuaries, auditoriums and arenas on Sunday mornings.
When you are thinking about using a smartphone or tablet during the church service, here are 10 humorous, but important commandments to keep in mind.
“Thou shalt not” miss the top post of 2013 at Facts & Trends. Learn these tips on how to use new technology during church services.
photo from sxc.hu
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