This month:
What's Next for Sarah Palin
Praying for Our New President
The Age of E-vangelism
How to Go Against the Flow
Plus much more... …

 

 

[12.22.08] One of the 50 most powerful people in the world is a Pentecostal preacher from Nigeria whose mission is to save souls.

 

A quiet revolution is under way in the Middle East as vast numbers of Muslims, propelled by dreams and visions, are coming to faith in Christ.

 

[12.22.08] Although it takes a back seat to rumors of war, a tsunami of faith is quietly overtaking the Muslim world. Islamic adherents are laying aside their allegiance to Muhammad to follow Jesus Christ, despite the social ostracism, persecution and possible martyrdom that converts to Christianity face. Propelled by dreams, visions and miracles, this wave of revival is bringing vast numbers of Muslims-some say millions-into God's kingdom.

 

On the social networking site, Twitter, speaker and author Max Lucado is encouarging prayer for president-elect Barack Obama's Jan. 20 inauguration.

 

[12.22.08] Max Lucado, speaker and author of 3:16: The Numbers of Hope (Thomas Nelson), has launched a new prayer effort to support president-elect Barack Obama's Jan. 20 inauguration.

Lucado is using the popular social networking tool Twitter to spread the word about the initiative. "It's time to pray for the leaders of our nation," he said. "They need our prayers. The times are turbulent: economy in jeopardy, nations in conflict. How can leaders lead during a day of bailouts and bombings? Only with God's help."

 

Stephen Sawyer's portraits of Jesus are becoming popular among Christians who want to use art to evangelize.

 

Sawyer’s Art for God work is popular with a growing body of Christians who want to use it to share their faith with others, he said. “They want art on their walls to match their heart; they don’t care about it matching their couch anymore. To be part of that is precious.”

 

Pentecostal leaders in Ukraine have accused the prominent Kiev pastor of involvement in a failed business that has lost $100 million.

 

 

After decades of unflinching conservative activism, the man who coined the phrase ‘moral majority’ died Thursday at age 66.

 

[12.19.08] Paul Weyrich, one of the 20th ^{century’s strongest advocates for conservative causes, died early Thursday morning at age 66. The cause of death was not immediately known, but he had been in declining health for several years.}

 

A pro-life group has galvanizing thousands of voters to contact Congress in opposing a bold abortion agenda submitted to President-elect Obama by abortion advocates.

 

 

Hours after Obama chose Rick Warren to bless his first day in office, voices from both sides of the abortion and gay-marriage debate were sounding off.

 

[12.19.08] Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren has drawn criticism from leaders on both sides of the culture war after agreeing to give the invocation at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration on Jan. 20.

 

Joel Edwards said that although poverty may never be eradicated, Christians have a responsibility "to bring not only optimism but hope into fairly difficult situations."

 

[12.18.08] A leading British Pentecostal is calling Christians to deepen their commitment to the poor by challenging world governments to cut poverty in half by 2015.

Joel Edwards, who recently was named international director of Micah Challenge, said that although poverty may never be eradicated, Christians have a responsibility "to bring not only optimism but hope into fairly difficult situations."

 

A study of past recession cycles found that the growth rate among evangelical churches dramatically increased while mainline Protestant churches declined.

 

"It's a wonderful time, a great evangelistic opportunity for us," said A.R. Bernard, founder and senior pastor of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York to the Times. "When people are shaken to the core, it can open doors."

 

Reza Safa, founder of the evangelistic TBN Nejat TV, said Iran wants to make conversion punishable by death because it fears the spread of Christianity.

 

 

After a fire was set at Wasilla Bible Church last Friday night, a conservative leader alleged the church may have been targeted for its support of traditional marriage.

 

[12.16.08] The hometown church of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was set on fire last Friday night, rousing the former vice presidential nominee from bed and prompting her to tell church leaders she's sorry if her high visibility in any way caused the incident.

 

Christian artists today are using their special talents to share Christ in ghettos, on beaches, in shopping malls, in prisons and anywhere else people need His love.

 

[12.16.08] The scarred intersection on Chicago's north side was the battleground for a dozen rival street gangs. At the corner of Sheridan Road and Sunnyside Avenue, memorials marked the spot where slain gang members had fallen.

But in the space of a few weeks, the violence subsided and the trade from the drug houses disappeared.

 

The 54-year-old pastor stepped down as senior pastor roughly a month after he was removed from the church’s Hour of Power TV program.

 

[12.15.08] The Rev. Robert A. Schuller resigned as senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral roughly a month after he was removed from the church’s Hour of Power television program.

 

Richard Cizik, vice president for governmental affairs with the National Association of Evangelicals, resigned Thursday after expressing support for gay civil unions during a recent radio interview.

 

 

Although the best-selling novel by author William P. Young has energized millions of readers, some claim it has a low view of Scripture.

 

[12.12.08] The year's most popular Christian novel is also one of the most controversial. Critics of The Shack have lambasted its theological underpinnings as it makes its mark on Christian publishing.

Although The Message author Eugene Peterson compares it to Pilgrim's Progress, Prison Fellowship founder Charles Colson claims The Shack has a "low view of Scripture." Others have said it presents a faulty view of forgiveness and has traces of universalism.

 

Christian groups are outraged that the Dec. 15 cover story uses the Bible to argue in favor of gay marriage. Prayer leader Lou Engle called on Christians to cancel their subscriptions.

 

 

The former pastor of the ‘Smithton Outpouring’ says his Missouri congregation is now ready to host a global revival.

 

 

Farmer-turned-evangelist Angus Buchan says he is seeing revival in South Africa, which has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world.

 

[12.10.08] Farmer-turned-evangelist Angus Buchan believes South Africa is experiencing a revival as people fill stadiums to hear his message of hope, faith and reconciliation.

In July, Buchan drew a crowd of 70,000 in the capital city, Pretoria, the largest gathering ever at the famous Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The event was broadcast live to about 500 million people around the world on GOD TV, one of the world's largest Christian television networks.

 

A recent video that features Hollywood actors mocking Christians for their support of Proposition 8 has sparked outrage.  

 

 

A network of abortion clinics in a Hispanic community have closed down and its owner could face nearly 20 years in prison.

 

 

Evangelist Daniel Tassew Haile led the first known outreach to the nation of Somalia.

 

[12.08.08] When he was 11 years old, Daniel Tassew Haile had a vision of Jesus. In it, he says, God called him to salvation and ministry-but Haile didn't immediately answer the call.

In fact, Haile was 18 before he gave his life to Christ, and even then he didn't immediately launch into ministry. Instead, the Ethiopian youth earned a bachelor's degree and served as a mathematics teacher at a French high school. But after seven years in the educational system, he couldn't shake the burden for souls.

 

Christian music artists Brandon Heath, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Ce Ce Winans, Kirk Franklin and others recently racked up nominations for next year's Grammys.   

 

[12.05.08] Gospel Music Association's New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath received two GRAMMY Award nominations Wednesday during a televised show from Los Angeles.

 

A convicted murderer, ordained as a Pentecostal minister while in prison, is the subject of a lawsuit aimed at allowing him to preach to fellow inmates.

 

 

The Common Cause Partnership, led by Bishop Robert Duncan, unveiled a provisional constitution on Wednesday to form a conservative branch of the Anglican Church in North America.

 

 

Months after the revivalist announced he was divorcing his wife and stepping down from ministry, the board at Fresh Fire Ministries gave their perspectives on Bentley’s current status.

 

 

The Vatican recently warned Roman Catholic priests not to use any language in their parishes that might be deemed offensive to gays and lesbians.

 

[12.04.08] The Vatican released a pamphlet last week warning Roman Catholic priests not to use any language in their parishes that might be deemed offensive to gays and lesbians reports the dailymail.co.uk.

The brochure, created by bishops and given to those priests under them, instructs priests to no longer assume every parishioner is heterosexual and therefore to refrain from using "heterosexist" language: "Remember that homophobic jokes and asides can be cruel and hurtful—a careless word can mean another experience of rejection and pain."

 

Magdi Cristiano Allam said the party would defend Europe’s Christian values against secularism and relativism.

 

A Muslim convert to Christianity whose March baptism triggered international death threats has formed a political party designed to “defend Christian Europe.”

Magdi Cristiano Allam, an Egyptian-born Italian citizen, said his Protagonists for Christian Europe party would defend Christian values, which he believes are being threatened by secularism and relativism, the Associated Press reported. Despite its mission, the party would be open to people of all faiths and would enter candidates in European Union elections next year.

 

A Baptist pastor and state legislator helped establish a provision in Homeland Security legislation acknowledging the state’s need for God’s protection first and foremost.

 

[12.02.08] A Kentucky lawmaker believes God is the state’s first line of defense against terrorism.

In legislation organizing the state’s Homeland Security division, state Sen. Tom Riner tacked on a provision that lists the agency’s “dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth” before its other duties, which include analyzing terror threats and distributing millions of dollars in federal grants.

 

A survey released Monday found that the country's dire economic situation is now negatively impacting houses of worship and nonprofits across the nation.

 

[12.02.08] According to the latest Barna Research survey the world’s current economic woes have taken a major toll on churches and nonprofits.

The Barna survey took a random sampling of more than 1,200 adult respondents across the country, one of every five households has decreased its giving to churches or religious organizations in recent months. Nonprofits have been hit the hardest, with almost one-third of all adults (31 percent) donating less to such groups

 

From governments to church leaders, officials worldwide pledged to continue combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.

 

[12.01.08] Across the globe on Monday leaders of churches and nations promised to help fight the spread of HIV while observing World AIDS Day—an international campaign launched in 1988 to improve HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

 

Christian organizations across the country have begun campaigns to fight retailers who choose not to acknowledge Christmas.

 

[12.01.08] As humanists and atheists continue launching anti-Christmas crusades worldwide Christians in the U.S. have decided to kick off campaigns challenging retailers and anyone else trying to remove Christ from the season.

Mathew Staver, founder of the Florida-based legal firm Liberty Counsel (LC), recently initiated "Friend or Foe," an annual campaign that offers free legal services to anyone persecuted for public displays of Christmas.

 

Wycliffe Bible Translators kicked off National Bible Week earlier this week by launching one of its most ambitious Bible-translation projects ever.

 

 

Former European abortionist Stojan Adasevic has performed tens of thousands of abortions and now credits a heavenly dream for his conversion to a pro-life "apostle."

 

 

Representatives of Focus on the Family and the Colorado Department of Human Services met with nearly 1,500 Christians on Saturday to challenge them to ‘Wait No More’—adopt children from the state’s foster care system.

 

 

Some observers say charismatic minister Ulf Ekman is opening the door too wide to Catholicism

 

[11.24.08] After stoking controversyin the 1980s and 1990s for his Word-Faith message, Swedish pastor Ulf Ekman is again at the center of debate for his embrace of Catholic and Protestant leaders who advocate uniting all Christians “under the pope.”

 

Following an unfavorable verdict this week in New Jersey that stemmed from a discrimination lawsuit against the company, eHarmony will need to come up with an online portal for the gay community.

 

 

Ministers involved in restoring the former pastor questioned whether he was ready to return to the pulpit.

 

 

The nonprofit organization founded by James Dobson announced that it will lay-off 202 employees and the close of half of its print magazines.

 

[11.21.08] Citing the economic slowdown, Focus on the Family announced earlier this week that it will lay off 202 employees and turn four of its print magazines into online publications.

Founded by James Dobson, the nonprofit organization will terminate 149 employees and eliminate 53 vacant positions—about 18 percent—of its 1,150-strong staff, company officials said. Focus previously announced in October that 46 employees would be reassigned or laid off in 2009.

 

Atheists have begun plastering the sides of buses with ads in the Washington, D.C., area asking holiday shoppers: "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake."

 

[11.20.08] Observers say Christianity and the Christmas spirit are under attack after an atheist organization kicked off an ad campaign in Washington, D.C., that suggests believing in humanism is a better alternative for Christmas enthusiasts than believing in God.

 

Since Nov. 4, Christians have reported increased incidences of church vandalism and sometimes-violent attacks for their support of traditional marriage.

 

[11.19.08] The Nov. 4 passage of constitutional amendments banning gay marriage in California, Arizona and Florida has evoked a sometimes-violent response from radical gay activists who have vandalized churches, mobbed intercessors and disrupted a worship service in Michigan.

Intercessors with a house of prayer in San Francisco said they feared they might be killed Friday night during a routine prayer walk through the area’s Castro district, which has a large gay community. They said a crowd who thought they were marriage amendment demonstrators shouted lewd remarks, pushed them, threw hot coffee on their faces and threatened the prayer group leader with death. (See related video.)

 

An art exhibit in the center of one of the nation’s most liberal cities is inviting passers-by to think about faith and the power of prayer.

 

 

The former ORU president pays past personal expenses, receives salary until next year.

 

 

Owners of a Michigan-based gourmet coffee shop have been able to minister to secular patrons as a result of their name, Shadrach, Meshach & ABeanToGo.

 

[11.17.08] Kirk Walker has had a passion for coffee since he drank his first cup at age 14. His love for the brew has since led him to launch a business that is not only satisfying palates, but also creating ministry opportunities.

“The name always gets people’s attention,” Walker says of Shadrach, Meshach & ABeanToGo Inc., the gourmet coffee company he founded in Goodrich, Mich. “Mostly the secular world has reflected back to their childhood and remembered those things” they learned in Sunday school.

 

A Haitian orphanage is being featured this Sunday on the hit TV show as part of an effort to feed and clothe the poor.

 

 

A recent survey found that most of Barack Obama’s pro-life supporters don’t think legislation reduces abortion.

 

 

The Cathedral at Chapel Hill, built by Earl Paulk, is on the market for $24.5 million.

 

 

Churches and Christian aid organizations are responding to what is being called a humanitarian catastrophe in the war-torn African nation.

 

“We’re in the midst of assessing suitable temporary settlement sites for people who are in urgent need of food and non-food items, shelter, water and sanitation,” said World Vision aid worker Michelle Rice.

 

Pastor Randy White promised to fight the proceedings, saying his Florida megachurch has never been late making mortgage payments.

 

[11.12.08] A California-based Christian bank filed foreclosure proceedings against Without Walls International Church Nov. 4, demanding immediate repayment of a $1 million line of credit and a $12 million loan on its property in Tampa, Fla.

 

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, affectionately known around the world as “Kaká,” recently shared his faith with millions of prime time TV viewers in Brazil.

 

 

Though some disagree with America's invovlement in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, Christian U.S. military officers have witnessed God's miraculous intervention.

 

[11.11.08] The idea of Christians enlisting in the military poses a dilemma for some people. After all, if Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, how can anyone who claims to follow Him enter a profession in which killing people is an obligation?

As a born-again believer in Christ for 24 years and the father of two young Christian men who serve in the armed forces, I certainly sympathize with those pondering this question. I know Jesus is the only source of lasting peace. And as a believer I am sure God takes no pleasure in war.

 

The Presidential Prayer Team piloted by John Lind has launched a 77-day campaign for Barack Obama and the nation leading up to Inauguration Day.

 

 

Christian organizations are downsizing in the wake of a government crackdown on visas for foreign volunteers.

 

[11.10.08] Several Christian organizations founded to assist Israel are being forced to downsize and revamp their services and some are in danger of closing altogether due to a new enforcement of government policy.

Christian ministries in Israel are bolstered by a foreign volunteer staff that had been allowed to serve for up to five years. But recently Israel’s Ministry of Interior began enforcing a rule requiring volunteers to leave the country after 27 months, a move that cuts some staffs by 50 percent or more as visas come due.

 

The Christian horror film 'House', which stirred controversy after it received an R rating, released in theaters across the country.

 

 

Thousands of letters from around the world tell the 20th century’s most famous preacher how his ministry changed their lives.

 

 

Advocates prepare for uphill battle to end abortion under pro-choice president.

 

 

Voters in California, Arizona and Florida passed amendments to their state constitutions defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

 

 

Church leaders congratulated Barack Obama on his historic victory and urged believers to intercede for the 44th U.S. president.

 

 

The international prayer day comes on the heels of attacks against Christians in India and Iraq.

 

 

After surviving two suicide attempts and a near fatal stabbing, John F. Wheeler now tells young people there is nothing that God can't bring them through.

 

 

Two months of violence against Christians in India is drawing international attention and calls for government intervention.

 

[11.03.08] Two months after bloody anti-Christian attacks broke out in India’s eastern state of Orissa fearful local Protestant and Catholic villagers told the Associated Press (AP) they’re still repeatedly threatened by Hindu extremists to abandon Christianity and convert to Hinduism.

 

A group of atheists launched a successful campaign aimed at encouraging London commuters to disbelieve in God.

 

 

 

Pro-life measures on the ballots of South Dakota, Colorado and California this Election Day could, depending on the state, either restrict or essentially ban abortion.

 

Annette Wiese awoke to her husband's screams, only to find that Bill had spent 23 minutes in a fiery pit that many people, including some Christians, don't believe exists.

 

 

Bob Larson, known for dramatically delivering the demon-possessed, launched his own reality TV show on the Sci-Fi Channel.

 

[10.30.08] A controversial Christian exorcist, who has written more than 30 books and for 20 years hosted a national radio broadcast, stars in his own reality TV show that debuted Thursday.

 

Mathew Staver says this Sunday more than ever pastors must boldly proclaim biblical values and encourage their congregations to vote

 

 

The 2008 race to the White House has divided evangelical Christians more than any other election in recent history. 'Charisma' takes a look at the issues that have been so contentious.

 

[10.30.08] When Stephen Mansfield started writing his book The Faith of Barack Obama, the Illinois senator was a long-shot presidential hopeful whose religious background was of little interest to most. One year later, Obama is the Democratic nominee for president, and his faith is a popular topic. In fact, national media outlets such as Newsweek began calling Mansfield long before his book released in August.

 

Three days before America decides its next president, TheCall will hold 12 hours of prayer and fasting in a San Diego stadium.

 

[10.28.08] As a historic U.S. presidential race enters its final week, Christians are being implored by one of the nation’s leading prayer organizers to fast and pray for abortion and gay marriage to end, and for the nation’s next president to govern with godly principles.

Lou Engle, who founded a prayer movement called TheCall, will convene a massive rally at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. California’s recent Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage was a major source of motivation for Engle’s choice of venue.

In a statement on his Web site, Engle called gay marriage “a reflection of how far down the line we have come in removing the very moral foundations that preserve society.”

 

The leader of Ancientcrossroads.org and ex-witch.org says many people involved in occultism are looking for spiritual fulfillment.

 

[10.28.08] As some people gear up for Halloween celebrations, ministries such as ex-witch.org and ancientcrossroads.org are helping those trapped in an occultist lifestyle find freedom.

Mark Bishop, the president of Clorical Ministries, which oversees both Web sites, says people following paganism are really searching for spiritual fulfillment.

 

A pastor from Nairobi, Kenya, warned Christians in the U.S. on Monday about villagers in Kenya worshipping snakes and offering animal sacrifices on behalf of Barack Obama.

 

[11.04.08] As millions of evangelicals cast their votes in today’s U.S. presidential election, a pastor from Nairobi, Kenya, is warning Christians to at all costs avert a Barack Obama presidency. 

 

Swedish pastor sentenced to jail for preaching against homosexuality is among several voices calling on U.S. Christians to support marriage amendments.

 

 

 

 

A Florida Supreme Court ruling limits a lawsuit filed against Jews for Jesus by woman who said the organization falsely reported she converted to Christianity.

 

 

Marvin Sapp picked up nine nominations for the 24th annual Stellar Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Never Would Have Made It."

 

[10.24.08] Marvin Sapp led all nominees for the 24th annual Stellar Awards—announced earlier this week—with nine nominations, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Never Would Have Made It."

Other leading nominees named for the best African-American artists in gospel music in 2008 were Jonathan Nelson with eight nods, while Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kirk Franklin each earned five nominations.

 

A Barna survey released Thursday found that John McCain and Barack Obama are neck and neck among born-again Christian voters.

 

 

Oral Roberts University settled a wrongful termination lawsuit Wednesday that was filled by three former professors last October.

 

 

Dutch Sheets calls for bold, passionate prayer to elect pro-life candidates.

 

[10.22.08] A nationally recognized prayer leader is calling on Christians to pray “faithfully, passionately and boldly” over the next two weeks to shift the presidential election in favor of the pro-life candidate.

 

Church of God pastor Collin Green said he is not intimated by the Winter Hill Gang’s infamous past

 

 

Intercessors are being asked to pray at fiscal institutions on Oct. 29, the 79th anniversary of Black Tuesday.

 

 

A Taliban spokesman said the woman killed in Afghanistan was targeted for preaching Christianity.

 

[10.20.08] A Christian aid worker was shot dead in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday on her way to work. A Taliban spokesman told the Associated Press (AP) the woman was targeted because she was spreading Christianity.

 

The Love Dare, originally written only as part of the movie Fireproof, soared to No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list recently.

 

Released Sept. 28, the marriage book written by the film's co-producing brothers Stephen and Alex Kendrick—which debuted at No. 4 on the list—has 600,000 copies in print, and was in its fifth printing.

 

At least 13 people have been killed this month in a wave of concerted attacks against Christians in Mosul.

 

 

On Tuesday Zondervan released a new book by Kate Gosselin and her husband, Jon—who star in the hit reality TV series 'Jon & Kate Plus 8' on TLC.

 

 

The event hosted by the National Day of Prayer Task Force comes on the heels of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer.

 

 

After a major scandal and dwindling crowds, the Lakeland Outpouring concluded Sunday.

 

 

The Feast of Tabernacles events are expected to pour $18 million into the local economy.

 

 

At least 60 people have died in the unabated, anti-Christian violence that broke out in August.

 

 

The film dubbed Billy: The Early Years—about the genesis of Billy Graham's ministry—opened on 282 screens in the Southeast and Texas Friday.

 

[10.10.08] Billy: The Early Years—about the genesis of Billy Graham's ministry—hit 282 screens in the Southeast and Texas Friday.

Directed by Robby Benson, the film stars Armie Hammer (Veronica Mars, Flicka) as the young evangelist and takes viewers through Graham's early years, as he meets his future wife, Ruth, and forms a friendship with Charles Templeton. In addition, the film features performances by Martin Landau, Stefanie Butler, Lindsay Wagner and country singer Josh Turner as George Beverly Shea.

 

The secular press has been probing conservative Christian leaders of late about how they can support a woman for vice president but prohibit her from leading a church.

 

 

Suzanne Scholte was honored in Seoul, Korea, Tuesday for her campaigns to improve the human rights of refugees from North Korea and the Western Sahara.

 

 

Churchgoers in 175 nations were expected to participate in the Global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.

 

 

Christian suspense writers Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker received an R rating for their upcoming film House, which was adapted from their 2006 best-selling novel.

 

[10.07.08] The makers of the movie version of House, penned jointly by leading Christian suspense writers Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker, are disappointed that it will have an R rating when it releases in more than 400 theaters next month—possibly keeping away a big chunk of its potential core audience.

The film was given the adults-only stamp by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for "terror and violence," making it the only Christian-themed movie other than Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ to receive such a rating.

 

Despite the political distress and poverty that has rocked Zimbabwe, evangelist Christopher Alam says thousands are committing their lives to Christ.

 

[10.06.08] An international evangelist says the devastating toll of Zimbabwe’s fiscal drought and resulting food shortage has sparked an unprecedented spiritual hunger among residents in the downtrodden southern African nation.

 

The "Bible Across America" nationwide tour invites people to hand write one verse of the New International Version Bible. The handwritten verses will be compiled into a new Bible to be called America's NIV.

 

[10.03.08] To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the New International Version (NIV), Zondervan this week launched the "Bible Across America" nationwide tour that invites 31,173 people to hand write one verse of the world's most widely read contemporary English translation of the Bible.

The handwritten verses will be compiled into a new Bible to be called America's NIV, Zondervan officials said. The tour, which began Tuesday from Zondervan's headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., will travel to 90 cities in 44 states, covering more than 15,000 miles.

 

Leighton D. Smith says economic woes preceded a revival in 1857 that at one point recorded 10,000 conversions each week.

 

 

In a strategic campaign held Sunday, a conservative legal group encouraged pastors nationwide to preach their convictions regarding candidates running for office.

 

 

Fireproof—a drama starring Kirk Cameron as a firefighter who turns to God to help save his marriage—premiered at No. 4 over the weekend with $6.5 million total receipts.

 

[08.29.08] Boosted by grass-roots support and bulk ticket purchases from churchgoers as well as some Christian retailers, Fireproof—a drama starring Kirk Cameron as a firefighter who turns to God to help save his marriage—premiered at No. 4 at the weekend with $6.5 million total receipts, the Associated Press reported.

Variety said Fireproof was "the biggest surprise" of the weekend's box office, noting that the movie saw the strongest opening among recent faith-based films.

 

Ben Harney, founder of the By All Means Save Some theater group, promotes biblical principles through performance arts.

 

[09.29.08] A Tony Award-winning actor is using theater to teach life skills and biblical principles to youth in New York City.

Through the By All Means Save Some (BAMSS) Theatre Works, which he founded with his wife, Olive, Ben Harney helps youth develop discipline and social skills by participating in wholesome theatrical productions such as Annie, The Wiz and A Raisin in the Sun. The productions are funded through partnerships with local organizations, public schools and the Harneys’ church, Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn.

 

Feminists, Christians, gay activists, Jews, Muslims and human rights activists expressed disgust over the appearance of Iran's President at a Christian-sponsored dinner.

 

 

Christians have been buying advance tickets to pack out showings of the latest film from the producers of Facing the Giants

 

 

Believers across denominational lines are starting 40-day prayer and fasting campaigns for the 2008 general election on Nov. 4.

 

 

Teenagers across the U.S. and Canada prayed early Wednesday morning for their schools, families and communities.

 

 

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem wants the UN to formally charge Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with the crime of incitement to commit genocide.

 

[09.23.08] A Jerusalem-based ministry has delivered a petition to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon signed by nearly 60,000 Christians from 128 nations demanding that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad be indicted for incitement to commit genocide against Israel.

 

Evangelist Doug Stringer says young leaders "are wandering around without any covering, without a sense of destiny and purpose."

 

[08.23.08] No matter where he ministers, whether in the U.S. or abroad, in inner cities or suburbs, evangelist Doug Stringer encounters a common need: mentors, or spiritual fathers, who can help a largely fatherless generation find its way.

“Every young woman, every young man is waiting to hear the sound, ‘That’s my girl, that’s my boy,’ ” Stringer says. “They’re longing for some sort of affirmation, acceptance and approval from someone they respect. It doesn’t even have to come from their biological parents anymore.”

 

The recently released Baylor University survey concluded surprising results about megachurches, atheist and how the American church reaches the community.

 

[09.19.08] Baylor University’s Institute for Studies on Religion (ISR) released a survey Thursday that concluded surprising results about the American religious landscape. In a follow-up to the school’s 2005 survey on religion, which found that most Americans believe in God or a higher power, researchers sought to delve deeper into Americans’ beliefs. 

 

A New York-based ministry is praying for international revival in the run-up to Rosh Hashanah.

 

[09.18.08] Churches in the greater New York area began 72 hours of prayer and worship last night to ring in the New Year—that is, the Jewish New Year.

 

Though the destruction will require much more than charity, Christian networks are proving to function as some of today’s best first responders to natural disasters.

 

 

The co-founder of Encounters Networks is remembered as a compassionate woman who never lost her will to fight.

 

 

Ray Boltz says he has battled homosexuality his entire life and has now decided to live as an openly gay Christian.  

 

Boltz, 55, said that for the duration of his 20-year gospel career,

 

In a letter to staff and faculty, the chancellor and founder of Regent University called for fervent and prevailing prayer regarding ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

 

[08.12.08] Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson issued an urgent call this week imploring Christians to pray for the ongoing conflicts involving Georgia, South Ossetia and Russia, as well as Israel and Iran. He claimed an escalating conflict in the region could place 40 percent of the world’s oil at risk. 

“Russia’s vicious dismemberment of the tiny nation of Georgia is the beginning of an unfolding sequence of Russian aggression,” wrote Robertson, chancellor of Regent University, in a letter addressed to the school’s staff and faculty.

 

During