Search and rescue
The search team responsible for bringing a nominee for SBC Executive Committee President/CEO said they hope to have a candidate by the time of the EC’s Feb. 19 meeting. No one wants to rush them, but after the failure to elect the first nominee Jared Wellman, and the withdrawal of a nominee for interim CEO following the departure of Willie McLaurin, the pressure is on. The EC said their VP Jonathan Howe will remain as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is elected, apparently ending internal debate about replacing Howe with a third interim in two years.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on EC efforts to stem the hemorrhaging of money, to settle questions arising from legal responsibilities related to abuse claims, and the still open Department of Justice investigation.
Election jitters in small group discussions
The 2024 election looks a lot like 2020, so far, and 2016 before that. In some churches, that’s not an issue, as many people are of the same mind politically, or their church doesn’t discuss politics. In other churches, political discussions outside the pulpit can be a minefield. A 2023 Duke University survey found that 74% of evangelical clergy said their political views were in line with the majority of their congregation. The problem is more likely whether members can disagree agreeably and respectfully. While mainliners debate social justice issues, “Evangelicals are thinking about the community and how to preserve the community, which are traditionally conservative notions,” political scientist Paul Djupe said.
‘10 minutes from Normal’: We’re almost there
The conductor’s announcement on the central Illinois Amtrak line describes life three years after the Covid outbreak. While 100% of U.S. churches had returned to live worship services by August 2023 according to Lifeway Research, only 89% of church goers were back in their seats. Enough with the “new normal” claims after Covid, this is simply “normal.” Smaller churches rebounded quicker than larger ones, as 58% of churches with 50 or less in attendance are now at or above their pre-Covid numbers. Now it’s up to church leaders to determine how to adjust to their new sizes and budgets.
— by Eric Reed, with info from Lifeway Research, Newsweek, Washington Post