ChurchLeaders

‘I Love Normal, Imperfect People’—Michael Gungor Joins Church Choir Despite Belief That ‘The Christian Empire Is Essentially Anti-Christ’

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:50:13 +0000

Songwriter and former evangelical worship leader Michael Gungor shared that he spent Sunday morning singing in a church choir.

‘America Has Become Morally Rotten, Completely Sick With Sin,’ Franklin Graham Warns During Rededicate 250 Event

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:14:32 +0000

Franklin Graham called Americans to repent during his video address at Rededicate 250.

LIFE Outreach International Founder and President James Robison Dead at 82

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:07:21 +0000

LIFE Outreach International founder and president James Robison has died at the age of 82.

Churches Keep Using Romans 14 to Police Women’s Clothing. BibleThinker’s Mike Winger Says They’re Getting It Wrong.

Jessica Mouser — Mon, 18 May 2026 04:24:48 +0000

In a live Q&A streamed Jan. 13, Pastor Mike Winger tackled the question of whether or not worship leaders should wear yoga pants—or even certain types of jeans–on stage.

The Crisis That Broke Lecrae Open and the Belief He Rebuilt From Scratch

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 18 May 2026 03:24:56 +0000

Lecrae, who has been open about his faith journey in recent years, shares in his lyrics that he “still believes in the Church, but it’s gon’ take us to put in some work.”

M.I.A. Says Jesus Appeared to Her. Her Fans Never Forgave Her for It.

Jessica Mouser — Sat, 16 May 2026 17:00:42 +0000

British rapper M.I.A., known for her singles “Bad Girls” and “Paper Planes,” has become a born-again Christian after having a vision of Jesus. The artist, whose real name is Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, spoke out recently against people who have been critical of this spiritual change.

Jackie Hill Perry Called the Enneagram Demonic. Here’s What She Found.

Jesse T. Jackson — Sat, 16 May 2026 04:30:57 +0000

Jackie Hill Perry posted an Instagram story over the weekend in which she expressed that after studying the widely popular Enneagram personality profiling system, she has come to believe that it is demonic.

Preteen Sunday School Lesson: Independence Day

ChildrensMinistry.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 22:53:21 +0000

This Fourth of July, use this preteen Independence Day Lesson to help preteens learn about independence.

Jamal Bryant Calls Kevin Hart Netflix Roast ‘Disrespect Dressed as Jokes’

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:19:53 +0000

Pastor Jamal Bryant took to social media this week to criticize “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” calling the event “disrespect dressed as jokes.”

Country Singer Eric Church Gives Faith-Filled Commencement Speech at UNC Chapel Hill

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:02:59 +0000

Eric Church is receiving kudos for his faith-filled commencement speech at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Jonathan Roumie of ‘The Chosen’ Marks 8 Years Since God Changed Everything

Jessica Mouser — Fri, 15 May 2026 18:36:12 +0000

Jonathan Roumie, who stars as Jesus in “The Chosen,” took time to reflect on how God has transformed his life in the past eight years.

Forrest Frank Releases 19 Versions of ‘Jesus Is Alive’ Featuring Artists Including Donnie Wahlberg, 1K Phew

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:13:57 +0000

Forrest Frank has released “Jesus Is Alive (Vol. 1),” featuring 19 different versions selected from his viral open verse challenge.

Greg Locke Honors Ex-Wife Melissa During Son Evan’s Memorial Service, Says Devil ‘Will Pay a Hundredfold’

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:30:18 +0000

On Wednesday, May 13, Global Vision Bible Church Pastor Greg Locke led a memorial service for his 20-year-old son, Evan.

20 Father’s Day Sunday School Crafts Kids (and Dads) Will Love

Christine Yount Jones — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:07:47 +0000

A Father’s Day Sunday school craft represents a special act of love. Check out these 20 Father’s Day crafts for children.

Franklin Graham Urges Prayer for 78-Year-Old Pastor Convicted Under Northern Ireland’s Abortion Buffer Zones Law

Jessica Mouser — Thu, 14 May 2026 21:40:27 +0000

Franklin Graham urged people to pray for Clive Johnston, a pastor found guilty of violating Northern Ireland’s abortion buffer zones law.

Pastor Found Guilty of Sexually Motivated Battery

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:40:47 +0000

Jason Allen, a West Virginia pastor, was convicted after a parishioner accused him of reaching up her skirt during a counseling session.

Former Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston Reposts Graphic Sex Video on X, Claims Account Was Compromised

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:32:54 +0000

On Thursday, former Hillsong Church global senior pastor Brian Houston reposted an explicit pornographic video on X.

Chris Tomlin Invites Hannah Harper To Sing ‘At the Cross’ Together After ‘American Idol’ Win

Jessica Mouser — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:41:16 +0000

After “American Idol” winner Hannah Harper reprised Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross (Love Ran Red),” Tomlin invited her to sing it with him.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Cofounder Who Gave Up His Fortune Now To Be Ordained as a Catholic Priest

Stephanie Martin — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:48:52 +0000

On May 23, e.l.f. Cosmetics cofounder Scott-Vincent Borba will be ordained as a Catholic priest by the District of Fresno in California.

Former Pastor Receives Life Sentence for Repeated Child Sexual Assault

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:43:33 +0000

Jeffrey Charles, formerly of Neighbors to Nations Church in Princeton, Minnesota, was found guilty in January.

Did Michael Jackson Pray To Receive Jesus Before He Died? Record Producer Rodney Jerkins Shares Story

Jesse T. Jackson — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:03:34 +0000

“Michael,” a new biopic about Michael Jackson, has brought new attention to an interview with award-winning record producer Rodney Jerkins.

Bryce Crawford Shares the Gospel With Epstein Survivor Marina Lacerda

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:58:41 +0000

Epstein survivor and advocate Marina Lacerda was interviewed by Bryce Crawford, who shared with her the hope Jesus offers.

Church Governance Checklist: 9 Legal and Compliance Issues Every Church Should Review Annually

Church Law & Tax — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:51:33 +0000

Legal compliance for church governance is continuous, not episodic.

‘American Idol’ Winner Hannah Harper Closes Finale Worshiping to Chris Tomlin’s ‘At the Cross’

Jessica Mouser — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:41:29 +0000

Hannah Harper was announced the winner of “American Idol” Monday and closed the finale with Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross (Love Ran Red).”

Robert Morris, Gateway Church Agree To Dismiss Legal Fight Over Retirement Benefits

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 12 May 2026 16:41:31 +0000

Gateway Church and former Pastor Robert Morris have settled their legal dispute over Morris’ retirement payments.

Word of Faith Critic Justin Peters Announces Senior Pastor Role at New Montana Church Plant

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:11:23 +0000

Justin Peters announced his role as senior pastor of Grace & Truth Community Church, a new church plant located in Laurel, Montana.

48 Things You Can Do to Relieve Anxiety

Josh Weidmann — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:09:16 +0000

I’ve written these forty-eight actions items like biblical counseling homework for myself. A constant diet of Scripture will renew our minds and bring that much needed cut-through the hills of anxiety (Rom. 12:1-2). I hope this is helpful for you to relieve anxiety in your life.

30 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens (Youth Ministry Edition)

Kyle Kuckelman — Tue, 12 May 2026 03:00:06 +0000

Summer is here, and that means youth ministers have all the time in the world. (Ha!) Although my summers are crazy busy, I love these month. That's why I created a summer bucket list for teens.

13 Famous Atheists Who Became Christians (Some Will Surprise You)

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 11 May 2026 22:58:04 +0000

Some of history’s sharpest minds set out to disprove Christianity and ended up converting. Others spent decades mocking faith before something quietly broke through. Some of these names are expected. Others are genuinely surprising. One became one of Christianity’s most influential defenders. Another publicly announced her conversion in 2023 after years as a leading atheist […]

Can Women Be Pastors? Gavin Ortlund Offers ‘Honest Reflection on a Controversial Topic’

Jessica Mouser — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:55:15 +0000

There is a role in church leadership only for men, says Gavin Ortlund, but women still have “absolutely essential and important” ministry roles.

Summer Church Activities: 18 Fun Fellowship Ideas

Toni Ridgaway — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:52:32 +0000

A great way to reach families is with summer church activities! After all, God doesn’t take a sabbatical during summer months. How can your church seize the unique evangelism and fellowship opportunities of the season? To help you brainstorm, we’ve collected some of our favorite summer church activities. Check out all these fresh, fun ideas for […]

7 Signs Your Church Is Slowly Dying (And Nobody’s Talking About It)

David Mercer — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:38:18 +0000

Nobody wakes up one Sunday and decides their church is dying. It doesn’t happen that way. It happens slowly, in the silences between the sermons, in the conversations nobody wants to start, in the metrics nobody wants to pull up on a screen. The church that’s dying isn’t always the one with a half-empty parking […]

‘This Is Not a Golden Calf’—Pastor Mark Burns Defends Golden Trump Statue

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:36:28 +0000

Critics are blasting a 22-foot gold-colored statue of President Donald Trump, while Pastor Mark Burns is defending it as a "celebration of life."

‘Forgive Quick. Love Deep,’ Greg Locke Urges Parents After Death of 20-Year-Old Son

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:17:59 +0000

On Sunday, May 10, an emotional Greg Locke spoke about his son Evan’s death before and during his sermon.

Robert Jeffress Says Trump Has ‘Better Understanding’ of Bible’s Teaching on Government Than the Pope

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:46:01 +0000

Pastor Robert Jeffress recently said President Trump has a “better understanding” of what the Bible teaches than the pope himself.

Pastor Greg Locke Shares Heartbreaking News That His 20-Year-Old Son Died From Overdose

Jesse T. Jackson — Sat, 09 May 2026 01:40:38 +0000

Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Church shared Friday night, May 8, that his son Evan died of a drug overdose.

Why Do We Take Communion? 7 Biblical Reasons for the Lord’s Supper

Staff — Fri, 08 May 2026 22:40:54 +0000

Discover the profound reasons behind the Christian practice of taking communion, from remembering Christ's sacrifice to uniting believers and anticipating His return. This article explores the powerful significance of The Lord's Supper and its role in the faith journey of Christians.

‘The World Is Going To Miss You’—Chris Pratt Flips Interview To Ask Ben Sasse About His Thoughts on Life

Jessica Mouser — Fri, 08 May 2026 22:21:32 +0000

Chris Pratt prolonged his recent interview with Ben Sasse and Chris Stirewalt, praising Sasse's faith and character.

‘God Is Faithful’—Mac Powell Reflects on 30 Years of Third Day

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:29:14 +0000

Grammy Award-winning Christian rock band Third Day is celebrating 30 years of music, and, according to frontman Mac Powell, reuniting with the band’s original members has brought a renewed sense of joy and possibility. Speaking with ChurchLeaders during the band’s anniversary tour stop in Fairborn, Ohio, Powell reflected on Third Day’s legacy, the challenges that led to the band’s […]

‘I’m Gonna Be a Candy Gram!’—Candace Cameron Bure To Be a Grandmother

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:19:19 +0000

Candace Cameron Bure will soon have a new role: grandma. Bure shared the exciting news that her oldest child, Natasha Bure Perry, is expecting.

Brandon Lake, Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham Among Top Nominees for 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:03:18 +0000

Singer-songwriter Phil Wickham received four nominations for the upcoming 13th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards.

Comedian Jay Pharoah Is ‘Right Where God Wants Me To Be’ After Receiving Bible From ‘Celebrity Evangelist’ Dylan Novak

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:29:30 +0000

Jay Pharoah revealed that he experienced a shift in his life after receiving a Bible from Dylan Novak, “the celebrity evangelist.”

Johnny B Opens Up About New Single ‘The Reason I’m Free’ and New Role at Fresh Wine Records

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:47:02 +0000

Worship leader and recording artist Johnny B has released a new single and has taken on a new role at Fresh Wine Records.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Filming Women From Church Bathroom Ceiling During Service

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:38:46 +0000

Aquilino Sanjur Ortega was arrested after he was allegedly caught filming women from the ceiling of Grace Church in Florida.

Johnson Amendment Remains in Effect After Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit

Matthew Branaugh — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:51:35 +0000

The Johnson Amendment—the controversial Internal Revenue Code provision prohibiting most political activities by churches—remains alive.

Warning Dreams from God: 10 Biblical Signs and What They Mean

Staff — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:23:50 +0000

From Joseph fleeing Egypt to the Magi rerouting their journey home, warning dreams have always been part of how God protects His people. The Bible records dozens of these divine night messages and Job 33:14–16 makes the pattern clear: “He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night… He whispers in their ears and terrifies […]

Daystar Television Network President Joni Lamb Has Died at 65

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:00:10 +0000

On Thursday, May 7, Joni Lamb, the co-founder and president of Daystar Television Network, died at the age of 65.

‘House of David’ Expands With New Moses Special Starring Ben Kingsley and O-T Fagbenle

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:39:43 +0000

Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios are expanding the world of the hit biblical drama "House of David" with a three-part companion special.

‘I Was Just in Awe’—John Piper Reflects on Ben Sasse’s Answer to Hypothetical Skeptic

Jessica Mouser — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:26:33 +0000

Dr. John Piper said he was in “awe” of a response former Sen. Ben Sasse gave in a recent interview with the New York Times' Ross Douthat.

Parade Santa, a Retired Pastor, Arrested in Child Sex Abuse Sting, Faces Life Sentence

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 07 May 2026 17:26:31 +0000

Thomas Hicks, a parade Santa and retired pastor, was arrested in a sting operation targeting men seeking to pay to sexually abuse children.