Christian News – ChurchLeaders

‘It’s the Best Movie Ever’—Child Stars of ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Tell Why It’s the Can’t Miss Holiday Film of the Year

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 23:13:57 +0000

Coming to theaters everywhere this Friday (Nov. 8), "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is a fresh, heartwarming holiday story fit to be at the top of everyone’s Christmas list.

Robert Morris Demands Money From Gateway; Investigation Reveals Some Church Leaders Knew About Abuse

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:01:50 +0000

Gateway Church elder Tra Willbanks gave a significant update to the congregation, providing details about the findings of an independent investigation into the church's handling of past abuse allegations, including those against the church's founder and former senior pastor, Robert Morris.

Lauren Daigle ‘Thrilled’ To Contribute Original Track to ‘Bonhoeffer’ Movie

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:49:30 +0000

Singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle, Billboard’s top Christian artist of 2023, has announced that her new original track “Then I Will” serves as the end-title song for the upcoming film “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.”

MI Pastor Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct Toward Young Boy

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:43:45 +0000

Harold Norman Cole Jr. of Trinity Baptist Church in Farwell, Michigan, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

FBI Raids Home of Pastor John-Paul Miller Months After Wife’s Death Ruled a Suicide

Jessica Lea — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:55:38 +0000

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant Nov. 1 at the home of South Carolina Pastor John-Paul Miller, husband to the late Mica Miller. The FBI would not confirm if the search was related to the death of the pastor’s estranged wife.

Wife of Christian Missionary in Angola Arrested on Suspicion of His Murder

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:20:07 +0000

Following the alleged murder on Oct. 25 of 44-year-old American missionary Beau Shroyer, authorities in Angola have arrested Jackie Shroyer, his wife, in connection with his death.

‘Bless Our State With Her in Office’—Mark Driscoll’s Wife Prays Over Kari Lake During Weekend Service Before Election

Janna Firestone — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:57:23 +0000

With a red, white, and blue backdrop behind them, a number of church leaders took to the platform at Mark Driscoll's church ahead of this week's election.

Prosecutor Seeking Additional Charges Against MI Youth Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:58:38 +0000

A former youth pastor who has been charged with 11 counts relating to child sex abuse could face additional charges, as more witnesses have come forward. Zachary Joseph Radcliff, 29, already faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA Opens a New Front in ‘Spiritual Warfare’ on Christian Campuses

Kathryn Post — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:10:52 +0000

Just eight days shy of Election Day, 31-year-old political activist Charlie Kirk addressed a sea of college students in glaring-red MAGA hats at Grand Canyon University, near downtown Phoenix.

As Election Day Looms, Wisconsin Clergy Pray and Stress That Every Vote Is Sacred

Bob Smietana — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:51:00 +0000

As two dozen pastors, poll chaplains and other leaders gathered for a pre-election press conference outside of First United Methodist Church in Wisconsin's capital Wednesday (Oct. 30), they got a taste of what life is like in a battleground state.

John Legend Debates Abortion With Christian YouTuber Ruslan

Jessica Lea — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:07:44 +0000

Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter John Legend responded to a video that Christian YouTuber Ruslan made addressing the singer’s views on abortion.

‘Crying So Hard’—Dallas Jenkins Shares What Inspired Him To Make ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 22:59:12 +0000

On Nov. 8, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” one of this seasons funniest Christmas movies of the holidays, is set to premiere in theaters.

As ‘God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust’ Comes to Great American Pure Flix, David A.R. White Shares His Hope for Viewers

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:13:34 +0000

The film “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust,” featuring David A.R. White, is now available on Great American Pure Flix.

Don’t Be a ‘Jerk for Jesus,’ but Don’t Be a ‘Coward for Christ’ Either, Shane Pruitt Urges

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:59:12 +0000

Evangelist Shane Pruitt recently encouraged Christians not to be silenced by culture when it comes to speaking about issues biblical issues.

‘Truly Indescribable’—10,000 Texas A&M Students Praise Jesus at Unite US Event

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:43:07 +0000

At a worship and evangelism event on Tuesday (Oct. 29), more than 10,000 students at Texas A&M University gathered for a night of praise and Christian revival. Unite US, organizer of the event, said hundreds of attendees made faith decisions for Jesus.

Alabama Church Sign Refers to Black Trump Supporters as ‘Ignorant, Stupid’

Dale Chamberlain — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:49:36 +0000

"Attention to all Blacks who plan to vote for Trump: You are an ignorant, stupid negro," reads the marquee sign outside New Era Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church’s pastor, whose name is Michael Jordan, stands by the message.

In a Time of Change, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Says, He Kept His Eye Trained on Love

Yonat Shimron — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:18:47 +0000

His electrifying sermon on the power of love at the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be the highlight. But Michael Curry may also be remembered for a capacity to keep the main thing the main thing.

John Cooper Hopes New Skillet Album Will Inspire Others To ‘Speak Against Evil’

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:06:15 +0000

On Friday Nov. 1, Christian rock band Skillet will release its 12th studio album, titled “Revolution.”

‘God Is Absolutely Good,’ Says Pitcher Blake Treinen After Dodgers Win World Series

Stephanie Martin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:34:05 +0000

After his Los Angeles Dodgers came back from a 5-0 deficit Wednesday (Oct. 30) to clinch their eighth World Series championship, closing pitcher Blake Treinen glorified God during an on-field interview.

Former Youth Pastor Charged With Nearly 150 Sex Crimes Related to Voyeurism

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:58:33 +0000

The number of sex crime charges against a former South Carolina youth pastor continues to rise as investigators uncover more victims. Daniel Kellan Mayfield, who served as a youth pastor at Gowensville Baptist Church until his initial arrest in 2023, faces nearly 150 charges related to voyeurism.

Sex Should Be ‘Within a Committed Relationship,’ Whether Straight or Gay, Says Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Jessica Lea — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:19:44 +0000

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is facing backlash for answering a question about “gay sex” by saying “all sexual activity should be within a committed relationship.”

Paula White Interviews Donald Trump on His Faith at Inaugural Summit Attended by Jack Graham, Mark Driscoll and Sean Feucht

Jesse T. Jackson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:00:24 +0000

On Monday afternoon (Oct. 28), the National Faith Advisory Board hosted their Inaugural National Faith Summit, which featured an exclusive interview with former President Donald Trump.

FFRF Accuses CU Buffs Football Coach Deion Sanders of ‘Religious Coercion,’ This Time for Locker Room Prayer

Janna Firestone — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:25:48 +0000

While the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has written a second letter to Colorado University leadership complaining of the Deion Sanders' "religious coercion," a religious liberty law firm contends his actions are "clearly legal."

After Images of Steven Lawson and Unknown Woman Emerge, Phil Johnson Answers More Questions

Jesse T. Jackson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:36:13 +0000

New details in the scandal surrounding Dr. Steven Lawson.

‘Free Healthcare for Illegals Is on the Ballot’—Church Faces Backlash for Message on Digital Billboard

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:58:28 +0000

A North Carolina church is facing backlash after displaying controversial political messages on its digital billboard. People’s Baptist Church in Greenville has since removed the messages, one of which stated that “free healthcare for illegals is on the ballot.”

Jesus, MMA, and Heavy Metal Feature in New Movie, ‘The Carpenter’

Jessica Lea — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:32:03 +0000

What do Jesus, heavy metal and mixed martial arts (MMA) have to do with one another? Each is a feature of the movie, “The Carpenter,” set to be released in select theaters nationwide on Nov. 1.

Worship Pastor Who Worked With Diddy Describes ‘Demonic’ Influences in the Industry

Stephanie Martin — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:56:15 +0000

In a frank interview about his experiences in the secular music industry, Houston-area worship Pastor Rod Long described previous encounters with disgraced rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

‘Our Hope Is That People Would Give Their Lives to Christ’—Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham Release Nationwide Concert Film ‘For the One’

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:54:15 +0000

Grammy Awarding-winning contemporary worship singers Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham have teamed up to release a feature film titled “For the One.”

Texas Pastor Back in the Pulpit Despite Looming Sexual Assault Trial

Dale Chamberlain — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:22:02 +0000

Texas Pastor Dr. Ronnie Goines is back in the pulpit despite having been arrested and charged with sexual assault.

After Exiting the Christian Music Industry, These Artists Engage Religion on Their Terms

Kathryn Post — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:37:24 +0000

After interrogating their beliefs, some onetime CCM artists are revisiting faith in some fashion, trying on elements they’d previously discarded and writing music for listeners who might be more spiritual than religious.

Controversial Pastor Doug Wilson Subject of New Podcast, ‘Sons of Patriarchy’

Kathryn Post — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:31:58 +0000

The creators say the Idaho pastor represents an increasingly mainstream biblical patriarchy movement with dangerous implications.

Lecrae, Justin Giboney, Cory Ruth Discuss Morality in Politics and Voting for Policies Over People

Jessica Lea — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:25:56 +0000

Christian hip hop artist Lecrae hosted Justin Giboney, a Christian who affiliates with the Democratic Party, and Cory Ruth, a Christian who affiliates with the Republican Party, on “The Deep End With Lecrae” to hear their views on various questions related to the 2024 presidential election.

Browns’ Jameis Winston Credits ‘Unwavering Faith, Ultimate Belief [and] Dependence on the Lord’ for Underdog Win

Jesse T. Jackson — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:51:57 +0000

Cleveland Browns veteran quarterback Jameis Winston (30) used his pregame and postgame on-field interviews to proclaim his faith in Jesus.

Dallas Jenkins Announces Release Date for Season 5 of ‘The Chosen’

Janna Firestone — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:09:25 +0000

Dallas Jenkins, the creative mastermind behind "The Chosen," announced that Season 5 of the series will be released in theaters in April 2025.

Alabama Church Mourns Pastor, Allegedly Shot and Killed By Adult Daughter

Stephanie Martin — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:22:08 +0000

Joy Tabernacle Full Gospel Church in Mobile, Alabama, is mourning the death of Pastor Robert Matthews. Police say the church leader was shot and killed last Sunday evening (Oct. 20) by his daughter, 36-year-old Charity Matthews.

Former Youth Pastor Convicted of Sexually Abusing Teen While Aboard an Airplane

Dale Chamberlain — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:57:12 +0000

A former youth pastor has been convicted of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft. Justin Baker, 41, was arrested March 14 after sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman on a flight from Burbank, California, to Seattle.

Ralph Fiennes Talks About Papal Thriller ‘Conclave,’ Women’s Ordination

Aleja Hertzler-McCain — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:06:46 +0000

"Conclave," Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, dramatizes the Catholic process for choosing a new supreme leader in a film that has already won top prizes at multiple film festivals and seems well positioned for awards show season.

On ‘Jamal Bryant Podcast,’ Dante Bowe Discusses How He ‘Accidentally’ Posted a Nude Selfie

Jesse T. Jackson — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 23:21:35 +0000

Former Maverick City Music singer Dante Bowe recently sat down with Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to discuss his transition from gospel music to R&B.

67% of Pastors Have Personal History of Porn Use, Reports Barna

Jessica Lea — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:45:02 +0000

The American church has a porn problem. Nearly 1 in 5 pastors (18%) in the United States currently struggles with pornography. Two-thirds (67%) have engaged with porn at some point in their lives. And 74% of practicing Christians “who have engaged with porn” say no one is helping them avoid it.

Youth Pastor Arrested, Charged With Living Off Earnings of Teen He Trafficked

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:48:53 +0000

Stephen Johnson, who served as a volunteer youth pastor and counselor for 12 years in Alabama, has been charged with living off the earnings of a teen prostitute.

If You Aren’t Being ‘Persecuted’ for Your Faith, You Might Be Doing Something ‘Wrong,’ John Amanchukwu Tells Modern Church Leader Conference

Jesse T. Jackson — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 22:26:32 +0000

Preacher, author, and activist John K. Amanchukwu Sr. recently told attendees of the Modern Church Leader Conference that if they weren't being persecuted for their faith, they might be doing something wrong.

Florida Pastor Recovering After Being Stabbed in Apparent Random Attack

Stephanie Martin — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 19:58:15 +0000

Following what police said seems to be a random stabbing incident, an Episcopal rector in Florida is hospitalized in stable condition.

Charlie Kirk Calls on American Pastors To Preach Against the Democratic Party, Asks Christians To ‘Put Pressure’ on Pastors Who Refuse

Dale Chamberlain — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:39:35 +0000

As election day looms, political activist Charlie Kirk made characteristically provocative remarks about the Democratic Party during a Trump rally in Deluth, Georgia, on Wednesday (Oct. 23).

Trump’s Closing Argument to Evangelicals: I Will Protect You. Harris Won’t.

Jack Jenkins — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:04:23 +0000

As the 2024 presidential contest enters its final days, former President Donald Trump is turning to the group most responsible for getting him this far: evangelical Christians.

Archbishop Steve Wood on Where the ACNA Has Been, and Where It’s Headed

Kathryn Post — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:49:50 +0000

A week ahead of his investiture, or formal installation, in South Carolina on Oct. 30, Steve Wood spoke to RNS.

Jack Hibbs, John MacArthur Comment on ‘Jesus Is Lord’ Incident at Harris Rally; Evangelicals for Harris Critiques ‘False Narrative’

Jessica Lea — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:17:00 +0000

After two Christian pro-life college students claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris mocked them at a rally for calling out "Christ is King” and "Jesus is Lord,” pastors including Jack Hibbs and John MacArthur are citing the incident to suggest that Harris is an anti-Christian.

MI Youth Pastor Led a ‘Double Life,’ Faces Up to Life in Prison for Alleged Sexual Misconduct Against Children

Janna Firestone — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:03:55 +0000

Zachary Joseph Radcliff (29) has been charged with nearly a dozen counts of criminal sexual misconduct. He served as the worship director and interim youth pastor at Oakwood Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and has since been fired from the church.

Trial of Alabama Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse Underway Following 2-Year Delay

Dale Chamberlain — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:35:22 +0000

A former Alabama pastor is standing trial for sex crimes this week after a two-year delay. Danny Duane Pitts, formerly of GracePoint Church in Decatur, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sodomy.

It Is a ‘Sin’ If Christians Don’t Share the Gospel, Miles McPherson Tells Modern Church Leader Conference

Jesse T. Jackson — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:36:49 +0000

Pastor Miles McPherson of Rock Church in San Diego, California, challenged hundreds of Christians at the Modern Church Leader Conference on Monday (Oct. 21) to share the gospel with others, going as far as to say that it is sinful if they don't.

‘Literally a Matter of Life and Death’—Tony Dungy Urges Floridians To Vote Down ‘Right to Abortion Initiative’

Jessica Lea — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:03:57 +0000

Tony Dungy is urging Floridians to vote “no” this November on Amendment 4, arguing it “would radically change the abortion landscape in Florida.” The vocal Christian and NFL Hall of Fame coach said the vote is “literally a matter of life and death.”