ChurchLeaders

Is This the Most Faith-Filled ‘American Idol’ Top 5 Ever?

Jessica Mouser — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:35:53 +0000

The Top 5 contestants on “American Idol” stand out for their phenomenal performances and because a number of them have been vocal about their Christian faith.

Former Sen. Ben Sasse Shares His ‘Parting Wish’ for America

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:35:56 +0000

Scott Pelley of “60 Minutes” interviewed former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, who is terminally ill with cancer, about topics including death, faith, and America.

American Idol’s Most Famous Christian Singers (And Where They Are Now)

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:42:50 +0000

“Being in Christ makes you a new creation—and God’s nature has to flow through everything you do.” — Danny Gokey, American Idol Season 8 Few television programs have done more for the Christian music industry than “American Idol.” Since its premiere in June 2002, the singing competition has served as a launching pad for faith-based […]

‘Thank You, Jesus’—Annie F. Downs and JW Jaeger Announce Engagement

Jessica Mouser — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:22:12 +0000

Annie F. Downs is engaged to JW Jaeger, only a few months after hard launching their relationship to the world.

Former Youth Pastor Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges Involving Minor

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:50:16 +0000

Joshua Trent worked at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and Christian software company ChurchTrac during the alleged abuse.

32 Christian Wedding Reception Ideas That Honor God and Delight Your Guests

Christine Yount Jones — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:32:37 +0000

Wedding reception ideas for a Christian marriage are not always that different from any wedding, but you do have an opportunity to honor God and shine the light of Jesus in your reception--just as you did in your wedding.

After Demanding Death Penalty, Pastor’s Accused Killer Now Wants Life in Prison

Jessica Mouser — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:54:43 +0000

Adam Sheafe, who has stated that he murdered New River, Arizona, Pastor Bill Schonemann, is now seeking a life sentence.

White House Correspondents’ Association Shooting Suspect Thanked His Church in Manifesto, Cited ‘Rage’ at Trump Administration

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:03:59 +0000

Cole Allen, the suspected shooter at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, apparently wrote a manifesto referencing his Christian beliefs.

Russell Brand Denies Guilt in Sexual Abuse Case, Accuses Piers Morgan of ‘Carrying Water for Satan’

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:08:08 +0000

Russell Brand, a British comedian and actor turned conservative Christian influencer, recently appeared on “Piers Morgan Uncensored."

Donnie Wahlberg Shares the Moment He Told Wife Jenny McCarthy, ‘I Have To Give My Life to [Jesus] Now’

Jessica Mouser — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:04:00 +0000

Despite his success, Donnie Wahlberg has felt empty and lonely, and he reached a point where he knew he needed to fully surrender to Christ.

9- and 12-Year-Old Children Could Testify Against Father, Former Worship Pastor Caleb Flynn, in Murder Trial

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:32:38 +0000

The children of former worship pastor Caleb Flynn could be called to testify during the murder trial of their mother, Ashley Flynn.

New Noah’s Ark Discovery ‘Is Not Legit,’ Says Apologist Wesley Huff

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:11:11 +0000

Claims that new technology confirms the location of Noah’s Ark do not impress apologist and Bible scholar Wesley Huff.

Benny Hinn Ministries Faces Asset Garnishment Following Lawsuit Over Unpaid Services

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:51:53 +0000

The assets of televangelist Benny Hinn's nonprofit organization will be subject to garnishment per a court order following a lawsuit.

‘He Couldn’t Wait To See Jesus Face to Face’—Tim Tebow’s Father Dies at 78

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:47:33 +0000

On Friday morning, April 24, Tim Tebow shared that his father, Robert Tebow, died at the age of 78.

Cross Church Pastor Ryan Blackwell Named Lifeway President and CEO

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:36:09 +0000

Earlier this week, Ryan Blackwell, teaching and executive pastor of Cross Church, was elected president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources.

Helping Students Transition From Children’s Ministry to Youth Group

Youth Ministrycom — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:40:34 +0000

Heading from children's ministry to youth group is so much more than a “new adventure” for kids. It’s symbolic of growing up.

Children’s Ministry: Here’s Why What You Do Matters

ChildrensMinistry.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:08:29 +0000

Dear children’s ministry leader: The kids and families you serve are thankful for you! You make an eternal difference in kids’ lives.

‘Why Does This Keep Happening?’—Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo Explore Bill Gothard’s ‘Dangerous’ Theology

Jessica Mouser — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:05:39 +0000

Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband, Jeremy, ask, “Why does this keep happening?,” in light of the recent news about Joseph Duggar.

Is Noah’s Ark Finally Found? Researcher Points to New Evidence in Turkey

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:20:41 +0000

Researcher Andrew Jones believes Noah’s Ark is sitting on the top of Turkey’s Mount Ararat, confirming a 1959 discovery.

Former SBC Pastor Receives 3 Consecutive Life Sentences Following Conviction for Child Sex Abuse Material

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:42:31 +0000

Jonathan Elwing, a former Southern Baptist pastor, has been convicted of multiple charges involving child sex abuse material (CSAM).

Fake Verified Forrest Frank Social Media Account Praising Trump Goes Viral, Fools Thousands, Including ChurchLeaders

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:43:24 +0000

A verified fake Forrest Frank social media account on X has gathered more that 80,000 views on a post praising President Donald Trump for participating in “America Reads the Bible.”

Israel’s Largest-Ever Middle East Pride Festival Sparks Backlash From Christians, With Some Citing Sodom and Gomorrah

Jesse T. Jackson — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:35:05 +0000

The Middle East’s largest ever LGBTQ+ Pride festival will be held in Israel at the Dead Sea for four days beginning June 1.

Pastor Mark Driscoll’s Now-Rescinded DC Invite Came From Unauthorized Source

Stephanie Martin — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:58:46 +0000

After Mark Driscoll’s Rededicate 250 invitation was rescinded, the pastor's team clarified unauthorized organizers caused the confusion.

Billy Hallowell Calls Supernatural Evidence ‘An Apologetics Tool’ Pointing to God

Jesse T. Jackson — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:16:35 +0000

Billy Hallowell says that “Investigating the Supernatural" is driven by a desire to confront confusion surrounding a topic often avoided in the church.

Kendra Duggar’s Parents, Paul and Christina Caldwell, Break Silence on Joseph Duggar’s Arrest

Jessica Mouser — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:13:21 +0000

The parents of Kendra Duggar, Paul and Christina Caldwell, issued a statement on the arrest of Joseph Duggar for alleged sexual abuse.

‘You’ve Used Jesus as a Mascot’—‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ Panelists Slam Pastor Douglas Wilson

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:19:49 +0000

On "Piers Morgan Uncensored," two progressive panelists accused controversial Pastor Douglas Wilson of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

MercyMe’s Bart Millard Has Been Voting for Hannah Harper on ‘American Idol’

Jessica Mouser — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:21:35 +0000

“American Idol” contestant Hannah Harper got to meet the members of MercyMe and learned that frontman Bart Millard has been voting for her.

Sarah Jakes Roberts Says She Was ‘Almost Paralyzed’ After Frightening Trampoline Accident

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:40:15 +0000

Sarah Jakes Roberts, co-pastor of The Potter’s House of Dallas, shared that she was nearly paralyzed following a trampoline accident.

Former SBC Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse Charges

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:57:34 +0000

Silas Shelton, a former Southern Baptist pastor in Ohio, has pleaded guilty to four charges involving child sex abuse.

‘I Saw Jesus’—’The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Shares Powerful Near-Death Experience After Stroke

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:02:50 +0000

Quinton Aaron, the actor who portrayed Michael Oher in “The Blind Side,” claims that he encountered Jesus during a four-day coma.

Eden Joel, Son of Former Newsboys Bassist, Releases Music With Explicit Warning

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:43:28 +0000

Eden Joel, the son of former Newsboys bassist Phil Joel, has been releasing music, but you won’t be hearing it on Christian radio.

Wesley Huff Debunks Claim That the Bible Was ‘Voted On’ at the Council of Nicaea

Jessica Mouser — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:25:09 +0000

Wesley Huff and Andy Steiger address incorrect ideas about the Council of Nicaea put forth by influencers such as Adam Allred and Billy Carson.

Perez Hilton Is Asked If His Encounter With God Means He Will Stop Dating Men

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:26:35 +0000

Last month, gossip columnist Perez Hilton shared a video in which he claimed that he encountered God during a recent 21-day hospital stay.

Chick-fil-A Employee Initially Declines Reward for Returning $10K: ‘That’s What Jesus Would Do’

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:30:03 +0000

When 18-year-old Chick-Fil-A employee Jaydon Cintron found almost $10,000 in the bathroom, he turned it in to a supervisor.

Trump Takes Center Stage at National Bible Reading Following Backlash Over ‘Blasphemous’ AI Image

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:48:38 +0000

The “America Reads the Bible” event is underway, with numerous public figures—including President Trump—taking turns reading Scripture.

Trial Date Set for Former Worship Pastor Caleb Flynn in Wife’s Murder Case

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:21:56 +0000

Judge Jeannine Pratt has set a trial date for former worship pastor Caleb Flynn. Flynn is charged with murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn.

Children’s Church Lesson for Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Gives Us Power

ChildrensMinistry.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:01:14 +0000

In this children’s church lesson for Pentecost, kids discover the context of Pentecost as they explore the Holy Spirit’s power.

Elementary Sunday School Lesson: Celebrating Father’s Day

ChildrensMinistry.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:30:32 +0000

Use this great Father’s Day Sunday school lesson with elementary-age kids to help kids appreciate and honor their fathers.

The 5 Love Languages of Volunteers (and How to Use Them!)

ChildrensMinistry.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:11:59 +0000

Become fluent in the five love languages of volunteers so that your volunteers feel just how much you appreciate them!

Albert Mohler Says Trump’s AI Image Was ‘Blasphemous,’ Regardless of Intent

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:37:30 +0000

Dr. Albert Mohler called an AI-generated image posted by President Donald Trump “blasphemous.”

Albert Mohler Warns SBC Is at a ‘Breaking Point’ Over Female Pastors

Jessica Mouser — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:23:43 +0000

Confusion over female pastors has pushed the Southern Baptist Convention to a "breaking point," warned Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr.

Premise of Upcoming Rom-Com ‘One Night Only’ Disgusts Christians

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:32:04 +0000

Universal Pictures hyped its romantic comedy “One Night Only,” set in a society where premarital sex is legal for only one night each year.

Christian Rocker Magdalene Rose Receives Apology After Church Canceled Show Over Her Appearance

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:21:35 +0000

Last week, Christian artist Magdalene Rose went viral for speaking out about churches canceling her shows because of the way she looks.

White House Faith Office Hosts Over 100 Pastors, as Well as Missionaries From the Buddhist Community

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:57:18 +0000

Paula White-Cain posted photos of a busy week at the White House Faith Office, which it hosted leaders of the Buddhist community.

‘Not Religious’ Astronaut Reid Wiseman Asked for Chaplain After Emotional Return From Historic Lunar Mission

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:33:30 +0000

Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman admitted that while he is “not religious,” he sought out a Navy chaplain upon the crew’s return to earth.

Lee Strobel Hopes Church Leaders Use ‘The Story of Everything’ To Reach the ‘Spiritually Curious’

Jessica Mouser — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:41:29 +0000

Lee Strobel explains how church leaders can use "The Story of Everything" to reach the spiritually curious and to strengthen believers.

Franklin Graham Says Trump Would Not ‘Knowingly Depict Himself as Jesus Christ’

Jessica Mouser — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:40:54 +0000

Franklin Graham said he does not believe President Donald Trump “would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ."

Pete Hegseth Quotes Fake Bible Verse From ‘Pulp Fiction’ During Pentagon Prayer

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:14:09 +0000

Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth recently offered a prayer modeled after Ezekiel 25:17—just not the version that appears in ancient manuscripts.

Joy Behar Claims Jesus Did Not Say He Was the Messiah: ‘Jesus Was More Modest Than That’

Jessica Mouser — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:21:00 +0000

“The View” panelist Joy Behar stated that Jesus did not claim to be the Messiah, drawing pushback from some of her cohosts.

JD Vance: Pope Should ‘Be Careful’ Discussing ‘Matters of Theology’

Stephanie Martin — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:12:27 +0000

Vice President J.D. Vance urged Pope Leo to use caution when speaking on theology while welcoming dialogue with the pope on disagreements.