Churches Go Less Formal to Make People Comfortable

"Comfortable is a theme that's becoming common among churches taking advantage of new, non-traditional spaces. Across the country, churches are springing up in unexpected locations — movie theaters, skating rinks, strip malls and old warehouses, among others — in an effort to welcome people who may not feel comfortable in more traditional settings."

Methodists See Clues for Growth in Thriving Churches

"The United Methodist Church. . .commissioned an ambitious survey of nearly all its 33,000 U.S. churches to find out what its growing memberships are doing to keep congregations thriving. Of those churches, the four key factors of vitality stood out as 'crystal clear findings that are actionable,' according to the survey."

Southern Baptists Buck Trend, Post Most Baptisms in 4 Years

". . .the Southern Baptist Convention—the nation's largest Protestant denomination — post its highest number of baptisms in four years. Baptisms jumped by 7,539. Specifically, the baptisms jumped from 342,198 to 349,737 last year, reversing years of decline. Baptist leaders say the numbers show the convention's renewed focus on reaching nonbelievers is working."