What the Data Is Telling Us About Ministry in 2025
We’re reflecting on the growing sense of fatigue, isolation, and spiritual disconnection among pastoral leaders—confirmed by research from Barna, Pew, ATS, and others. We explore how shifting congregational motivation, declining spiritual practices, and gaps in theological education are shaping today’s ministry landscape. But we also offer a word of hope rooted in the gospel: God is still at work. With prayer, honest connection, and renewed practices, there is a path toward resilience. You are not alone.
Books for Church Decline, Conflict and Seasons of Change
Decline, conflict, deconstruction, change… these can all be difficult seasons in the life of a congregation. If you’re in one of these seasons right now we’ve put together a list of books that might help - whether they give you some insight into what’s happening, give you hope for a brighter tomorrow, or just make you feel a little more seen in through this difficult period.
Strengthening Lay Leaders in Seasons of Decline and Transition
When a congregation is in a season of decline, or interim leadership - it can feel overwhelming. Where should we start? What should we focus on? Is there any hope to turn things around? These are big questions and we don’t promise to answer them in a single post, but the following might help shed a little light into a season of ministry that feels darker than usual…
Measuring Success in Ministry
How do you measure success? What is success in ministry? What does that even look like? And by what metrics do we measure such things?
In the congregational setting, it is so often Sunday attendance and offerings. Is that the best way to measure the present reality we are facing.