ChurchLeaders

‘Fight Like Jack’—At Gloo’s 2026 AI Hackathon, Austin Christian University Students Win $120K on Behalf of Injured Classmate

Jessica Mouser — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:57:02 +0000

Austin Christian University students took home the grand prize for the second year in a row at the 2026 Gloo AI Hackathon and also won the Best of the Agents Track.

Audio Adrenaline’s Mark Stuart Teases New Music Using AI To Recreate His Voice

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:35:35 +0000

Audio Adrenaline frontman Mark Stuart is considering recording new music with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), a possibility that could allow the Christian rock singer to return to the microphone years after losing his ability to sing. Audio Adrenaline was formed in 1986 and signed with Forefront Records in 1991. The band’s career includes […]

‘Dreams Really Do Come True’—Candace Cameron Bure Now a Grandmother of 2

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:24:55 +0000

Actor and producer Candace Cameron Bure took to social media on Oct. 8 to share a photo of her newborn granddaughter, Winnie.

SBC Pastor in Kentucky Faces Multiple Sex Crime Charges

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:53:55 +0000

Scott Hughes, a Southern Baptist pastor in Kentucky, is facing multiple child sex abuse charges.

Colton Dixon Calls New Song ‘Bones’ a ‘Christian’s Response to Halloween’

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:52:41 +0000

Christian recording artist Colton Dixon told ChurchLeaders that he considers his upcoming single, “Bones,” as a “Christian’s response to Halloween.”

Children’s Christmas Program Ideas: 100+ Free Church Resources

ChildrensMinistry.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:03:35 +0000

Explore more than 100 children’s Christmas service ideas, and choose some for your church and kids!

5 Questions Your Accountability Partner Should Be Asking You

Brad Hambrick — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:31:58 +0000

The words "accountability partner" sound like an exception and a punishment rather than a lifestyle and a gift.

Philippians 4:13 Meaning: The Most Misread Verse in the Bible

James Emery White — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:13:52 +0000

The reason most viral verses are going viral has little to do with the actual meaning of the verse itself.

10 Signs of a Real Man

Frank Powell — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:42:24 +0000

What is a "real man"? Our society has a lot of answers to this question, but what if our culture is grossly misleading us? Here are 10 true traits of a man.

Children’s Message for All Ages: God Gives Us Peace

ChildrensMinistry.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 19:26:53 +0000

Use this children’s message to help kids in your children’s ministry experience the fact that God gives us peace.

Taking Back the Holidays

Youth Ministrycom — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 19:06:40 +0000

I never realized I could so easily lose sight of Christ during the holidays, a time of year when I talked about him so much.

Family Ministry Activity: Courageous Fall Mystery Objects

ChildrensMinistry.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:47:47 +0000

Use this fall family ministry activity to teach kids and their grown-ups about the courage only God gives.

CS Lewis’ Family Breaks Silence on Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ Film Following Controversy Over Meryl Streep Casting

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:47:24 +0000

The family of C.S. Lewis released a statement supporting director Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Netflix film, “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.”

‘Hail Satan’—Satanic Invocation Sparks Outcry at Iowa City Council Meeting

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:23:07 +0000

Some attendees of a city council meeting in Ottumwa, Iowa, voiced concern after a member of The Satanic Temple delivered the invocation.

Pastors Are Preaching Longer, and Most Churchgoers Are Fine With It

David Mercer — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:20:56 +0000

Ask ten pastors how long a sermon should run and you will hear ten different answers, plus at least one story about the Sunday the roast burned. New research finally puts real numbers behind the debate, and the results upend a popular assumption. In a culture trained on 60-second videos, more Protestant pastors are preaching […]

‘Where Is the Public Embrace for the Wounded?’ Asks One of Michael Tait’s Accusers

Stephanie Martin — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:00:27 +0000

Days after a pastor posted a photo of himself with former Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait—who’s been accused of sexual assault—one of Tait’s accusers is criticizing the message being sent.

Christian Bucket List: 50 Things to Do Before Heaven

Joe McKeever — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:44:27 +0000

A Christian bucket list with 50 meaningful things every believer should do before heaven, including faith, service, forgiveness, prayer, and purpose.

New Details Emerge in Child Abuse Case Involving Heather Thompson Day and Seth Day

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:43:26 +0000

New details have emerged regarding the arrest of bestselling Christian author Heather Thompson Day and her husband, Seth Day.

How I Changed My Mind on the Death Penalty

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:04:50 +0000

In recent years, I have become increasingly suspicious of the idea that capital punishment is reflective of the type of justice Jesus would have us pursue. Here's why.

Caleb Flynn’s Daughter Pleads With Him To ‘Repent to God…Your Time Isn’t Over’

Jesse T. Jackson — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:12:41 +0000

In victim impact statements, the two daughters of Caleb and Ashley Flynn pleaded with their father to tell the truth and repent to God.

Leaning Into the Grind

Youth Ministrycom — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:40:48 +0000

Youth ministry is fun. I love what I do, even when it’s hard. But some seasons are harder than others, and fall often feels like a grind.

Controversial Televangelist Jim Bakker Passes Away at Age 86

Jessica Mouser — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:06:07 +0000

Televangelist Jim Bakker, who was plagued by financial and sexual scandals in the 1980s, passed away on Oct. 5 at the age of 86.

Bijan Robinson Honors God After Rushing for 145 Yards, 2 TDs in Monday Night Football Win

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:37:46 +0000

Atlanta Falcons standout Bijan Robinson took time to honor God during post-game interviews after a 45-24 victory over New Orleans Oct. 5.

Judge Sentences Caleb Flynn to Life Without Parole: ‘You Used Your Faith To Manipulate the Lives of Others’

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:26:56 +0000

On Monday, former worship leader Caleb Flynn was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Are Altar Calls Biblical? 4 Mistakes That Quietly Distort the Gospel

R. Larry Moyer — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:06:00 +0000

When altar calls are properly handled, lost people are asked to trust Christ as the only way to heaven. The issue is responding to Christ, not to you.

Did Early Christians Believe Jesus Was God? Philippians 2

Jessica Mouser — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:48:04 +0000

Author and theologian Dr. Gavin Ortlund responded to what he termed an “evolutionary Christology” and argued instead for a “big bang” perspective based on Philippians 2.

10 Things a Pastor Should Never Do (If You Want to Last)

JLee Grady — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:55:00 +0000

If you aspire to ministry, there are things a pastor should not do. Don’t be stupid. Decide now to avoid these obvious pitfalls.

10 Signs You Belong to a Healthy Church

Greg Stier — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:34:00 +0000

When you plug into a church that is getting it done, it’s a true blessing.

Why Your Evangelism Isn’t Working (And What to Do About It)

Jonathan Dodson — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:27:00 +0000

Our evangelism isn't working. While a person’s response to Christ is ultimately a matter that rests in God’s sovereign hands—something we have no control over—a person’s hearing of the gospel is a matter we do have control over and responsibility for.

Brian Tome Steps Down as Crossroads Church Senior Pastor, Will Remain in Teaching Role

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:33:16 +0000

Roughly one month after returning from a suspension, Brian Tome announced that he will no longer serve as senior pastor of Crossroads Church.

12 Truthful Marriage Vows You Won’t Hear at a Wedding

Frank Powell — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:55:57 +0000

While I’m not against writing marriage vows Casanova would applaud, I am against vows that are more romantic and emotional than practical and honest. Here are 12 truthful vows you won’t hear at a wedding.

Only 1 in 3 Pastors Back the 10% Tithe. Here’s What Barna Found

Staff — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:40:55 +0000

Recent research conducted by Barna has found that only a minority of Christian pastors believe that tithing (giving 10% of one’s income to the local church) is a biblical mandate.

The Question Box

Youth Ministrycom — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:42:43 +0000

Use a question box in your youth ministry as a means for teens to ask their questions—in a safe, anonymous way.

Redeem Halloween With This Pumpkin Gospel Presentation

ChildrensMinistry.com — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:32:24 +0000

Use the pumpkin gospel presentation as a children’s message in an intergenerational service or in your children’s ministry class.

A Funeral Showed This Pastor What His Polished Preaching Was Missing

Timothy Paul Jones — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:45:54 +0000

Whatever you may think about a preacher's invitation to salvation in a church service, one thing is clear: they aren’t afraid to preach for conversions. Neither were the preachers and prophets whose words the Holy Spirit has preserved in the pages of the New Testament.

After Heather Thompson Day’s Arrest, Beth Moore Says She’ll Stop Writing Forewords but Will Keep Supporting Younger Christian Leaders

Jessica Mouser — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:19:57 +0000

The arrests of Heather Thompson Day and Seth Day have led Beth Moore to ponder the risks inherent in endorsing and supporting Christian leaders.

Russell Tusing, Guilty of Child Cruelty, Preaches on Childlike Faith

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:20:52 +0000

Russell Tusing was back in the pulpit nine months after pleading guilty to cruelty to children in the first degree.

10 Ways Every Christian Can Strengthen Their Church

Paul Chappell — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:58:51 +0000

If we follow Christ, we will strengthen the church. But what does that look like? Here are some attributes of church members who are growing in the Lord and building up His people.

22 Famous People You Didn’t Know Were Christians

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:36:19 +0000

The shock rocker who made fake blood famous prays every day. The actor who played TV’s best-known skeptical psychiatrist says Jesus changed his life. A country star with a prison record turned his Grammy speech into a sermon. Christian celebrities are easier to find than they used to be, and many are not the names […]

SBC President Willy Rice Calls on Pastors To ‘Step Up’ Politically Ahead of Midterms

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:41:25 +0000

As midterm elections loom, Southern Baptist Convention President Willy Rice is calling on pastors to “step up” politically.

12 Reasons I Love My Pastor

Thom Rainer — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:01:47 +0000

I love my pastor, but I must admit, I don’t often express that I do. Shame on me. Allow me to take a few moments to articulate some of the reasons why I appreciate my pastor so much.

Pastor Posts Photo With Michael Tait at Pastors Gathering, Rebukes Christians Who ‘Can’t Forgive’ Tait

Jesse T. Jackson — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 02:12:48 +0000

On Thursday, Oct. 1, pastor Nathan Mudd shared a photo of himself with former Newsboys frontman and DC Talk member Michael Tait at a pastors gathering at Macedonia Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kid Rock Proclaims ‘Jesus Is King’ on First Single From Faith-Based Album

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:14:02 +0000

Kid Rock, who’s become vocal about his faith in Jesus, has released the first single from his upcoming album “Halfway to Jesus.”

‘I’ll Never Fully Understand Why He Chose Me’—Dallas Jenkins Thanks God at ‘The Chosen’ Wrap Party

Jessica Mouser — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:11:51 +0000

Dallas Jenkins posted an emotional video he filmed of himself at “The Chosen” wrap party, in which he expressed his deep "gratitude" to God.

Do Younger Churchgoers Want More Liturgy?

Trevin Wax — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:16:48 +0000

As a church leader, you’ve probably heard the stories of young evangelicals heading for church traditions with more liturgy.

South Carolina Pastor, Wife Arrested Over Alleged $200K Theft From Church

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:33:05 +0000

A pastor and his wife were arrested after being accused of defrauding their church of more than $200,000.

God Behind Bars To Receive First-Ever Community Impact Award Presented by Jesus Calling at Dove Awards

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:00:11 +0000

God Behind Bars CEO Jake Bodine says Christians should not view justice and redemption as competing ideas when thinking about the men and women serving time in America’s prisons.

A Church Split Doesn’t Just Divide a Congregation, It Can Cost People Their Faith Forever

Philip Wagner — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:38:00 +0000

I’ve heard the stories of wounded believers who no longer go to church because of the pain of trying to surviving a church split. It happens way too often.

5 Skills Every Pastor Needs to Grow a Healthy Church

Rick Warren — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:05:19 +0000

How do we experience a breakthrough in church growth? There are plenty of answers in terms of systems and methodologies, models and approaches. But before we go about the reshaping of the structure or ministry of a church, we first need to experience a change in our mindset.

South Carolina AG Takes Over Criminal Cases Connected to Pawleys Island Community Church

Jessica Mouser — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:20:57 +0000

The South Carolina AG has taken over prosecution of five people connected to Pawleys Island Community Church and its now-closed Christian academy.