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Counting America’s Churches of Christ: A Challenge

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Counting America's Churches of Christ: A Challenge

Faith Facts

  • The independence of Churches of Christ congregations makes counting membership challenging.
  • Past membership figures were widely overestimated until research efforts sought accuracy.
  • New surveys in 2024 are revitalizing efforts to track church data after pandemic disruptions.

Tracking the number of Churches of Christ in the U.S. is a complex mission for researchers due to each congregation’s autonomy. This autonomous spirit, highly valued for upholding Biblical unity and faithful doctrine, results in records that are often incomplete or outdated.

“So autonomous we’re anonymous.”

Efforts to gather accurate data began decades ago, revealing that previous estimations of rapid growth were exaggerated. Faithful scholars like Mac Lynn and Carl Royster have worked tirelessly to provide the Christian community with reliable figures, though their progress has faced obstacles and changing congregational responses.

“I want to know who we are,” said Suzie Macaluso, survey designer and sociologist.

Different beliefs about church practices contribute to diversity among Churches of Christ, further complicating record-keeping. Various codes in directories reflect doctrinal differences, from support for institutions to worship styles and language, all within a united goal of restoring New Testament Christianity.

The pandemic halted data collection entirely, underscoring how unpredictable circumstances can disrupt vital ministry work. In 2024, a coalition of Christian organizations renewed the effort, collaborating and employing detailed surveys to understand the fellowship’s true scope once more.

Stan Granberg, Church Research Council president, travels region by region, verifying every church address and personally reaching out to congregations. This labor reflects a deep commitment to unity, stewardship, and the Great Commission, honoring Christ’s call to know and shepherd His flock.

As believers, standing together to accurately represent our fellowship strengthens our witness and encourages faithfulness for generations to come. Stay informed and pray for those laboring to unite and serve Christ’s church in truth.

Read the full story at The Christian Chronicle

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Faith

Five Signs the Church Is Awakening

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Five Signs the Church Is Awakening

Faith Facts

  • 2026 is expected to be the most spiritually open year in recent memory, marked by declining atheism and renewed interest in Christianity.
  • Spiritual experiences and unexplained events are drawing many to explore faith, with 28% of new adult Christians citing such moments as their turning point.
  • Churches connecting compassion ministries to faith sharing are seeing rapid growth, as more people attend church activities and engage with the gospel.

Across the UK, churches are witnessing rising attendance and a newfound openness to the gospel. Both statistics and testimony highlight that God is at work, inspiring a season of hope and renewal.

Bible engagement is booming as seekers look for truth in a confusing world, leading to soaring Bible sales and deeper spiritual interest.

“It finally feels like we are playing for a team that are winning every week. May we rejoice that the winter has passed and learn how to be a church in the spring.”

Discipleship is crucial as newcomers need to be nurtured and connected within the church family, ensuring lasting spiritual growth and community.

Every believer can play a role by inviting others and sharing faith, as personal relationships remain the greatest influence on someone’s journey to Christ.

Read the full story at Premier Christianity

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Faith

Christians Rally to Defend Cities Church

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Christians Rally to Defend Cities Church

Faith Facts

  • GiveSendGo fundraiser for Cities Church nears $20,000 within hours, aiming for $100,000.
  • The drive supports church security and legal defense after disruptions by protesters.
  • The DOJ is investigating protestors for possible federal law violations.

After a disruptive protest targeted Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, the community united to support the Southern Baptist congregation with generosity and prayer.

The GiveSendGo campaign, initiated by Benny Johnson, received direct authorization from Pastor Jonathan Parnell to bolster security and cover legal costs in defense of faith and worship.

“100% of all proceeds go to the Church for stronger security, reinforcement of their House of Worship and legal fees to fight back against these vicious attacks,” the fundraiser stated.

The campaign urged believers to take a stand: “Help protect Cities Church and send a message that people of faith will NOT back down against the forces of darkness and evil.”

As protesters stormed the sanctuary during Pastor Parnell’s message, he responded with calm and courage, later reconvening his flock for worship that evening.

“The pastor of Cities Church, Jonathan Parnell, stood strong as a Man of God and defended his flock in the face of evil. The church even reconvened later that evening and held a worship service,” shared the GiveSendGo statement.

Former host Don Lemon participated in the demonstration, confronting Pastor Parnell at the pulpit, while social media amplified public outcry at the disturbance.

The Justice Department is reviewing potential infractions under the FACE Act, defending worship and the sanctity of religious assembly as guaranteed by law.

Following the incident, Alveda King underscored the Christian commitment to peaceful protest and nonviolence, referencing her family’s biblical legacy.

President Trump offered praise for Pastor Parnell’s composure, calling the protest at the church “horrible” and commending his leadership.

“I have such respect for that pastor,” Trump said. “He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible [on Sunday].”

Church elders denounced the intimidation, reaffirming that “Jesus is real” and condemning any interference with worship as both unlawful and unchristian.

“Such conduct is shameful, unlawful, and will not be tolerated. Invading a church service to disrupt the worship of Jesus — or any other act of worship — is protected by neither the Christian Scriptures nor the laws of this nation,” their statement read.

Cities Church encouraged believers to “Love One Another,” holding steadfast to the teachings of Jesus in moments of unrest.

Faith, family, and freedom stand strong when believers uplift their church and pray for the restoration of peace and Christian witness. Stay informed and keep Cities Church in your prayers as they bravely continue their ministry.

Read the full report at Christian Post

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Faith

Indian Christians Stand Firm Despite Persecution

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Indian Christians Stand Firm Despite Persecution

Faith Facts

  • Four Christian families in Midapalli, Maharashtra, faced home demolitions after refusing to abandon their faith in Christ.
  • Local authorities failed to protect the Christian families, even threatening to revoke their identification and supplies.
  • Despite harsh winter conditions, these believers are holding fast to their faith while appealing to higher authorities for justice.

Christian families in Midapalli village, India, have endured the destruction of their homes for refusing to renounce their faith. Faced with violent threats and the cold, they remain steadfast in Christ, choosing faith over compliance with unjust demands.

The local police not only failed to offer protection but also threatened these families, highlighting the challenges Christians often face for standing firm on Biblical truth. The church community is seeking justice and the restoration of their rights, trusting in the Lord’s provision.

“It is deeply concerning to witness the grave and unacceptable assault and humiliation these families have been subjected to on account of their religion.”

“Even more alarming is the failure of the police to protect these vulnerable citizens, which has emboldened the perpetrators.”

“We call upon the district administration and state authorities to intervene as matter of urgency, ensuring the safety of the affected families, restoring their rights, compensating them for the loss of their homes, and holding those responsible to account under the law.”

Now more than ever, Christians across the world must stand together in prayer for those persecuted for their faith, lifting up these families and declaring that hope and courage in Jesus can never be shaken.

Read more at Christian Today

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