CULTURE
9 out 10 American Children are Engaged in Giving
90% of America’s children are actively involved in giving to charity according a recent study by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Given this trend, charities and nonprofits need to actively think about how to engage the children of their adult volunteers to support and nurture this trend. Source: Chronicle of Philanthropy
Divorcees Less Likely to Remarry
A new study by the National Center for Family and Marriage Research shows remarriage declining by 54% for Americans ages 20-24, and 40% for those ages 25-34. “Pretty much everyone, regardless of age, is less likely to get remarried than in the past,” according to sociologist Susan Brown. Source: Charisma News
CURRENT EVENTS
Pastor Questions the Science of Bill Nye
Creationist Pastor Ken Ham, founder of the organization Answers in Genesis, recently went public on Facebook with his irritation over the teachings of PBS’ Bill Nye: “He may be known as ‘Bill Nye the science guy’–but he doesn’t understand science correctly.” Source: Opposing Views
2013 Marks a Record High in Abortion Clinic Closings
44 of America’s abortion clinics have closed this year, illustrating unprecedented progress in the pro-life battle. Conservative advocates disagree for the reasons behind this trend but celebrate it triumphantly. Source: Christianity Today
Minnesota Court Rules in Favor of Bible Distribution at Pride
On Sept 11, 2013 the U.S. 8th circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Evangelicals distributing bibles at a Twin Cities pride festival. A 2-1 majority ruled that the distribution of materials should not be limited to those with booths at the festival and that those who wish to distribute materials at the GLBT festival should be free to do so. Source: Religion Clause
Christian Artist Accused of Hiring a Hitman to Kill His Wife
A San Diego Judge has ordered that Timothy Lambesis, frontman of the Christian band As I Lay Dying, will stand trial on charges of Solicitation for Murder. The case stands firmly on the testimony of an undercover officer who says that Lambesis offered him $1,000 to murder his wife. Source: Fox News
Religion and Depression Inversely Linked
A new study out of University College London shows that people who subscribe to religious beliefs are three times more likely to struggle with depression. This new data, collected from five European countries, contradicts past studies which concluded that religion was linked to increased mental health. Source: Opposing Views
Congregants Robbed At Church
A masked suspect robbed 20 worshippers at gunpoint while they attended a Massachusetts Pentecostal church this past Sunday. The suspect announced the robbery, took what he wanted and ran off shortly before the police were notified. Source: Fox News
South Carolina Church Gets Shot Up
Manning Strickland, Pastor of Legacy Church in South Carolina, walked in to find his church had been the victim of 16 bullets in his absence. The church was empty at the time of the shooting and police believe that it was likely the work of hunters although no one has come forward. Source: Christian Post
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | Ministry Briefing by Todd Rhoades & Matt Steen