Southwest Congregational Church

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.

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

Should believers invite unbelievers to church?

Yes, believers should most definitely invite unbelievers to church where they can hear the true teaching of the Word of God.

What You Need to Know Before Joining a Church

Before we attend a church, we should know that it is a legitimate church. Now, obviously, if the sign on the front of the church reads “Church of Satan,” we know it isn’t a legitimate body of Christian believers.

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.

Am I Relevant? — Congregational Consulting Group

“My worry is that I am not relevant.” I asked fifty denominational leaders to share their deepest worries, and only one brave soul had raised his hand. “No matter what I do,” he said, “the church is likely to continue its decline. My deepest worry is that I have chosen to invest my life in …

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...