US Church
Dante Bowe has been dropped by Maverick City. Here’s what we know so far
The popular worship collective Maverick City has cut ties with singer Dante Bowe. In a statement the band said Dante’s behaviour had been “inconsistent” with their “values and beliefs”. As fans are left confused and speculation mounts online, Heather Tomlinson reports on what we know so far, and suggests what a truly Christian response should look like
The heretical beliefs of US pastors is truly shocking. We need to lament and repent
From denying the trinity to affirming sex between cohabiting couples, a recent survey of 1,000 US pastors makes for concerning reading, says Graham Nicholls. Could the same be true of the UK Church?
Rick Warren's last sermon was a triumphant moment. My life has been changed by working with him
When Rick Warren addressed Saddleback Church for the final time, there was an enormous sense of completion says Larry Ross.
What Matt Chandler’s confession says about women, friendship and the gospel
The pastor of The Village church, Texas, has confessed to an inappropriate online relationship with a woman, and taken an indefinite leave of absence. But the framing of their relationship suggests men cannot have healthy relationships with women, and that is not a good gospel witness, says Aimee Byrd
Church leaders are calling on governments to 'repent' for Covid ‘totalitarianism’. I won’t be joining them
Is there an emerging totalitarianism of State control over the Church? Should we fear "medical coersion"? Has the media been guilty of fear-mongering during the pandemic? "Yes", say hundreds of church leaders...
Evangelist Michael Youssef: ‘I want to see a million souls saved'
As he celebrates 20 years of his ministry, Leading the Way, the forthright evangelist shares his passion for proclaiming the gospel
Redeeming Love: A beautiful retelling of Hosea…but you might miss the message
Jennie Pollock reviews one of the most hotly anticipated Christian films of the year
‘Life is about to get harder…but God will send renewal’ Mark Sayers on Covid, war and politics
What if in the midst of political instability and rising living costs, God is up to something exciting? That’s the belief of Mark Sayers. Tim Bechervaise caught up with the Aussie church leader, podcaster and writer to find out more
A toxic celebrity culture has infiltrated the Church. We must root it out
The emphasis on personas, platforms and profits is damaging the ordinary witness of faithful Christians, says Katelyn Beaty
700 responded to Franklin Graham’s ‘God loves you’ message in London. Can he win the critics over?
Protests over his past comments on Islam and homosexuality led to the postponement of Franklin Graham’s last UK tour. But two years later, the US evangelist is back, preaching to a near-capacity crowd at London’s Excel centre. Marcus Jones was there, and witnessed hundreds responding to the Gospel
Bethel’s Beni Johnson (1954-2022): The happy intercessor
The co-senior leader of Bethel Church, Beni Johnson, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged battle with cancer. Carrie Lloyd pays tribute to her
US Christians campaigned for the end of abortion. Will the British Church follow in their footsteps?
As Roe v Wade is overturned, Tim Wyatt looks at the implications for the Christian pro-life movement in the UK
Why I'm pleased Creflo Dollar has changed his mind on tithing
Creflo Dollar has become the latest celebrity pastor to change his position on prosperity teaching. Adesanya Adewusi asks: Did he go far enough?
Distracted by your smartphone? This is the book you’re looking for
Andy Crouch doesn’t advocate ditching your electronic gadgets. We just need to use them differently, he says
‘I helped capture Saddam Hussein’
Eric Maddox’s pioneering interrogation techniques led to the capture of one of the world’s most wanted men. But if it wasn’t for hearing the voice of God, Eric never would have joined the military
Lord have mercy on the Texas migrants
53 migrants travelling in the back of a lorry have lost their lives in what has been described as the deadliest human trafficking incident in US history.
The Christian faith of Dolly Parton
A Chicago church recently devised an entire preaching series around the life and lyrics of Dolly Parton. She may be the Queen of Country, but what about her own personal faith? Philippa Hanna explores
The uncomfortable truth about Christian involvement in the Capitol riots
As the committee investigating the 6 January 2021 attack holds public hearings to announce their findings, Jared Stacy says America needs to go beyond political investigation and look at the ungodly theology which motivated the riots
Hillsong: A megachurch exposed
At its best, this three-part documentary on Hillsong Church exposes serious wrongdoing that should bring about repentance, reflection and change. But in dipping into sensationalism and dialling the cynicism up to 11, it becomes its own undoing, says Sam Hailes
‘A coma stole years of my life’
After contracting meningitis during childbirth, Marcy Gregg awoke to a world she no longer recognised
Father Stu is a Christian film…but not as you know it
Your enjoyment of Father Stu is contingent on your tolerance for both bad language and Mark Wahlberg, says our reviewer. Nevertheless, this movie does mark a positive step forward in the evolution of Christian filmmaking
How to fix a problem like Hillsong
The global megachurch has been engulfed by multiple scandals in recent months. As allegations of cover-ups, affairs and inappropriate behaviour do further damage to Hillsong’s reputation, Tim Wyatt asks whether this pre-eminent Christian brand can weather the storm
Why some Christians are worried Disney is no longer ‘family-friendly’
A row about Disney and LGBT issues is breaking out among Christians in America. As the debate crosses the Atlantic, Heather Tomlinson looks at why this beloved institution is generating so much controversy
Men’s events with monster trucks don’t promote toxic masculinity, they’re reaching blokes with the gospel
A US conference has come under criticism for hosting monster trucks and rodeos alongside Christian speakers. For Carl Beech, organiser of a Christian men’s event in the UK, the complaints were not new. But for him, they simply don’t stack up
Roe v Wade: We need a grown-up conversation about abortion law
Christians may prefer not to engage in complex and divisive debates about abortion, but there are too many lives at stake not to take a position, says Rev George Pitcher
US Christians like me will rejoice if abortion is made illegal. And we will also care for vulnerable mothers
We must work toward a day when abortion is not only illegal but also unthinkable, says Chelsea Sobolik
Maverick City’s Dante Bowe: ‘Being famous for being a Christian is ridiculous’
Ahead of his UK debut at Big Church Day Out, the trailblazing worship leader and fashion model talks to us about breaking boundaries, hearing from God and why he’s ‘traumatised’ by the thought of being a Christian celebrity
Why single Christian women are leaving the church
If leaders don’t respond to women’s concerns about sexism, misogyny and their role in church life soon, it will be too late to stem the tide, says Dr Katie Gaddini
Why Anaheim’s decision to leave the Vineyard is a betrayal of trust
One of the most well-known Vineyard churches in the world has announced its withdrawal from the movement. Costa Mitchell, who has been involved in the network for decades and has personal relationships with many of the people affected, explains why Anaheim's decision has caused such widespread upset.
Why believing conspiracy theories corrupts your Christian witness
Christians have a dual responsibility to question conspiracy theories and show compassion to those who believe them, says Jared Stacy
After a heartbreaking week in Christian news, here are 6 things to do when our leaders fail
When our leaders fail the pain of disappointment can be hard to bear. Sarah Yardley leads us into lament, and encourages us to look to Jesus to learn the lessons of good leadership
My church isn’t taking Covid seriously. Should I leave?
Q: My husband and I live in the USA and have been heartbroken by our church’s lack of precautions during the pandemic. Now that we are fully vaccinated, we’re looking forward to worshiping in person again, but we’re struggling with whether to go back to church. We love it deeply, ...
Jon Tyson: ‘Praise God I’m alive during one of the greatest declines in the Western Church’
The straight-talking New York City-based pastor believes there’s a “tremendous opportunity” ahead of him to reach an increasingly secular world
After George Floyd, I needed a new prayer. When thousands joined Black Liturgies I realised I wasn’t alone
Ahead of Racial Justice Sunday, Cole Arthur Riley explains how racial injustice sparked her to create Black Liturgies
Jessica Chastain’s movie about disgraced televangelists is both an eye-opener and a bridge builder
This new film gives us a sympathetic portrayal of a Christian ‘power couple’ who dominated religious TV broadcasts in the 1980s
Inside the fastest growing religious movement on earth
The agnostic journalist Elle Hardy has been investigating how Pentecostalism is taking over the world. Here’s what she discovered
An interview with Jesus
Jonathan Roumie reveals what it's like to play Jesus Christ in the hit TV series, The Chosen
2021 in numbers
Our small team has spent the past year writing, designing and editing 840 pages of this magazine and uploading more than 500 articles to our website. But here, in no particular order, are the most important numbers you need to know about
PJ Smyth is a victim of trauma. He deserves our support, not our condemnation
PJ Smyth has been forced to step down as the leader of a US church movement affiliated to Newfrontiers, after a report concluded he did not disclose important information about his father’s abuses. But Andrew Graystone, who wrote a book on the John Smyth case, says PJ was his father’s first and most damaged victim.
Politics in the Church: Row breaks out over evangelical ‘elites’
Leaders are being accused of selling out their Christian beliefs in order to curry favour with the secular liberal majority
The petitions and prayer vigils worked. Julius Jones is saved from death row
After 20 years of campaigning, which included prayer vigils and singing worship songs outside the prison, the Christian family and friends of Julius Jones are celebrating a huge answer to prayer
The Church has benefited from Facebook. But should we embrace Zuckerberg’s Metaverse?
Is the recent Facebook rebrand just a business decision? And what exactly is a metaverse anyway? Our head of digital theology answers your questions
In half-hearted defence of Hillsong’s VIP worship tickets
The news that Hillsong United and Chris Tomlin will offer special VIP passes for their worship tour has sparked a debate about Christian music, celebrity and finance. Some have argued the selling of VIP tickets for Christian events is morally wrong, but the Rend Collective frontman Chris Llewellyn sees things differently
This powerful book is forcing the Church to re-think what the Bible says about women
The Making of Biblical Womanhood argues that Christians have distorted key verses and even written women out of Bible translations to justify their position
John Shelby Spong (1931-2021): The ‘heretical’ bishop who divided opinion
Spong didn’t believe in the resurrection, and rejected mainstream Church teaching on prayer, miracles and the nature of God
I’m a Christian and I survived 9/11. Here’s what I want the next generation to know
NYC tour guide Christina Ray Stanton survived 9/11. Here’s what she wants Christians everywhere to know about evil and suffering
Our society is more divided than ever. Here’s how Christians can help fix it
I bring good news and bad news. The good news is that the people of Britain are right about something. The bad news is that they are right about how awful something is. Half of our fellow citizens tell pollsters that our country is “more divided than ever before”. Following ...
Christine Caine: The prolific evangelist and activist isn’t slowing down yet
There is an honesty about Christine Caine that is rare in high-profile leaders. When the bestselling author, internationally acclaimed speaker and leader of multiple international organisations appears on our morning Zoom call, she is straight off the treadmill, laughing and apologising for her appearance in a sorry-not-sorry way that epitomises ...
When prophets fail
Respected leaders in the American Church were convinced God had told them Donald Trump would be re-elected president. Dave Roberts analyses why so many got it wrong, and seeks trusted voices to help us understand the role of the prophetic today
It’s one year since church leaders promised to re-examine their attitudes towards racism. So, what’s changed?
12 months on from the tragic death of George Floyd, have church leaders kept their promises?
Luis Palau (1934-2021): Energetic, enthusiastic and effective
After becoming a Christian at the age of twelve, Luis Palau began preaching on street corners. He went on to reach millions with the gospel. J.John pays tribute to the Argentinian evangelist
Eric Metaxas: I'd give Trump a 9 out of 10
The popular Christian author and media personality Eric Metaxas explains why he's backing Trump for re-election today
What if Covid-19 really is God’s judgement?
It isn’t a popular viewpoint…but could it be true? RT Kendall thinks so
The prophetic significance of taking a knee
Ryan Galpin looks at whether Christian athletes should be taking the knee in support of racial justice
Who are the Hebrew Israelites and why do they believe that Jesus is black?
Megan Cornwell investigates the sect that believes African Americans are the true Hebrew Israelites
When John Lennox met Dave Rubin
Justin Brierley has moderated hundreds of lively debates on Christianity and atheism, but when a renowned Christian apologist met a popular YouTube personality at a Californian megachurch, it turned out to be one of the most remarkable events the broadcaster has ever hosted
50 years of CCM: Why the glory days of Christian music are over
As Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) turns 50 years old, Derek Walker says the genre has lost its way
The case against sermon-centric Sundays
Skye Jethani explains why digital technology is disrupting our 500-year-old emphasis on lengthy Sunday sermons
RT Kendall: When Word and Spirit come together, revival will follow
Christians have taken sides for too long. Either we’ve pursued strong biblical teaching, or we’ve gone after an experience of God’s presence. It’s time to end the war, says RT Kendall
Joshua Harris: Why I regret writing 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'
I Kissed Dating Goodbye changed the way a generation of Christians thought about sex, relationships and purity. But two decades on, intense criticism has led Joshua Harris to pulp his bestselling book and issue an apology
Deconstructing faith: Meet the evangelicals who are questioning everything
A new generation is re-thinking what they've been told about Christianity, the Bible and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. They argue a 'new reformation' is taking place as they voice their doubts and embrace a process known as theological deconstruction. Those who have walked this road say it's a life-giving and ultimately faith-affirming process, but others are sceptical. Sam Hailes investigates
The Passion translation: Dr Brian Simmons responds to his critics
The former missionary explains why he’s produced a somewhat controversial new translation of the Bible called The Passion
How Hillsong conquered the world and changed the way we worship
What began as a single Sydney congregation is now a global church famous for producing some of Christendom’s best-known worship songs. As Hillsong gears up to plant yet more congregations across the UK, we take a peek behind the scenes of this pioneering megachurch
I visited six US megachurches. Here's what I learned
Justin Brierley travelled the length and breadth of the USA to go behind the scenes of some of the country’s biggest churches
Can evangelicalism survive in the age of Trump?
White evangelicals in the USA are continuing to back Donald Trump in spite of the President's inflammatory remarks. Sam Hailes reports
Bethel Church's Bill Johnson: 'If I doubted God's existence, I'd have to doubt mine'
Charismatics from around the world have been flocking to Bethel Church in Redding, California, to experience its ongoing focus on worship, miracles and revival. Greg Downes speaks to Bethel’s leader Bill Johnson about faith and doubt, hunting and healing – and his hope for revival.
The rise and fall of Mark Driscoll
The embattled pastor has resigned from the church he founded following accusations of bullying and mismanagement. After a steep decline in attendance, Mars Hill church is also disbanding.
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