Only One In Six Protestant Churches Disciplined Members Last Year, Poll Finds

Only One In Six Protestant Churches Disciplined Members Last Year, Poll Finds

A recent Lifeway Research study, which surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. Protestant pastors, found that only 1 in 6 reported that their church has formally disciplined anyone in the past year. Most pastors (54%) stated their churches have not formally disciplined a member since they became the pastor, nor is it known to have happened previously.
  • 47% of US Evangelical Pastors Work Bivocationally, Compared to 35% of Clergy Overall
    A recent study by Lifeway Research reveals that nearly half of all Evangelical pastors in the United States hold a second job outside their church ministry. According to the research, “Forty-seven percent of Evangelical pastors work bivocationally, compared to 35% of clergy overall,” and this data was compiled from the National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL).
  • Alistair Begg Concludes Over Four Decades of Ministry at Parkside Church
    Pastor Alistair Begg has concluded his tenure as senior pastor of Parkside Church, wrapping up over four decades of ministry with a final sermon centered on the themes of faith and the sufficiency of God. In a sermon delivered on June 8, Begg, aged 73, revisited the biblical story of Moses, particularly focusing on the dialogue between Moses and God at the burning bush.

Almost 50% of Church Attendees Worship at More Than One Church, Study Shows

Nearly half of American churchgoers attend more than one congregation, a trend that has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research published a June report titled “Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations,” which details responses from 24,165 churchgoers across the United States representing 80 denominations. Data collection took place from September 2024 through January 2025.
  • ‘Large Churches Are Growing Larger, While Small Churches Continue to Shrink’
    A June 3 Lifeway report notes that “the large churches are growing larger and the smaller ones keep getting smaller,” highlighting a growing divide nationwide. While smaller churches face significant challenges, such as limited staff size and budgets, they also possess certain advantages. 
  • $1.5 Million in Donations to Rebuild Historic Tennessee Church Destroyed by Arson
    Heavily damaged by an arson attack in April, the historic Clayborn Temple Church of Memphis received about $1.5 million in donations for restoration. Multiple foundations have contributed around $1.5 million to aid in its rebuilding, including the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, according to The Associated Press.
  • SBC Annual Meeting to Address Resolutions on Pornography, Sports Betting, and Abortion Pills
    The Southern Baptist Convention Committee on Resolutions released a list of eight proposed measures last week, including addressing major cultural issues such as banning pornography and reversing the legalization of gay marriage. The SBC Annual Meeting & Pastors’ Conference is set for June 8–11 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
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  • Low Turnover Rate Among Pastors Despite Growing Frustration, Study Finds

    A Lifeway Research study shows that despite many pastors, especially in mainline Protestant churches, seriously considering leaving during COVID-19, only about 1% leave each year over the past decade. The study revealed that the percentage of pastors leaving their positions for reasons other than death or retirement has remained steady at just over 1%. Specifically, in 2015, only 1.3% of pastors left for such reasons; this increased slightly to 1.5% in 2021 but decreased again to 1.2% in 2025. 

  • Gateway Church Appoints Lifepoint Founder Daniel Floyd as Next Senior Pastor

    Pastor Daniel Floyd has been confirmed as the new senior pastor of Gateway Church, a megachurch based in Southlake, Texas. "I am pleased to announce to you today that our new senior pastor of Gateway Church will be Pastor Daniel Floyd," Gateway Church elder Tra Willbanks told the congregation after highlighting a lengthy and meticulous search process to find a God-inspired leader who could help cast a fresh vision for the Texas megachurch.

  • DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Idaho Town Over Religious Discrimination Toward Church

    The U.S. Department of Justice sued Troy, Idaho, for religious discrimination after denying Christ Church's application for a permit to hold services in the C-1 zone. In a complaint filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, the department contends that Troy violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) when it rejected the church’s permit application, which would have facilitated worship services for the growing congregation in Troy.

  • Washington Church Builds 60 Affordable Homes for Low-Income Residents

    Shiloh Baptist Church of Tacoma in Washington, has completed the development of 60 affordable housing units located directly across from their sanctuary. The project, known as Shiloh New Life Apartments, was finalized in January and consists of two separate building complexes.

  • Over 5,500 Sign Petition Against NJ Town’s Seizure of Episcopal Church Property

    Thousands of people have signed a petition to oppose a plan by Toms River Township in New Jersey to seize the property of Christ Episcopal Church through eminent domain. Last month, the Toms River Township Council narrowly approved a proposal to take control of the church’s 11-acre property and convert it into a recreational facility. The petition, recently posted by the church’s rector, the Rev. Lisa Hoffman, has collected over 5,600 signatures as of Tuesday morning.

  • PCUSA to Require Clergy Candidates’ Views on LGBT Issues

    The Presbyterian Church (USA) has introduced a new requirement for ordination candidates to be questioned about their views on LGBT issues. A majority of PCUSA presbyteries, or regional bodies, have approved Amendment 24-C, which modifies G-2.0104b of the Book of Order to mandate that candidates be asked about their perspectives on matters including sexual orientation and gender identity.

  • Alfred Street Baptist Church Donates $132K to Help Pay Off the College Debt

    A historic and predominantly African American megachurch has donated approximately $132,000 to help pay off the college debt of 11 graduates from Saint Augustine’s University (SAU). Founded in 1803 and currently boasting around 10,000 members, Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, made the generous donation of “$132,469 to eliminate the college debt of 11 graduates of Saint Augustine’s University,” according to a press release.

  • UMC Bishops Confirm Ruling Does Not Overturn Local Gay Wedding Bans

    The leadership of the United Methodist Church has clarified that a recent decision by its highest court, which permits pastors to decide whether they will officiate same-sex weddings, does not override regional bans on such unions. The Judicial Council ruled last month that church trustees could not prohibit pastors from performing same-sex wedding ceremonies.
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