Religion

The Junior Warden is the second lay leader in an Episcopal or Anglican church. He is traditionally responsible for the building and maintenance and is also is an assistant to the Senior Warden.

Are you trying to bring new music into your worship service? Are you experiencing resistance as well as confusion? The answer may be a balanced approach that fuses the old and the new.

Church announcements are a vital communication tool for congregations. A typical page of church announcements will list upcoming church events, weddings, memorial services, birthdays and requests...

Churches are often in need of good pianists, especially when congregation sizes fluctuate and choirs or worship services are added. Even churches that have consistent staff musicians need people...

Changing the name of a church could be a long process. The first step is to ensure that the congregation is on board with changing the name. Is there a legitimate reason, or is it an idea that is...

A Baptist pastor has many roles to fulfill within the church. He is the preacher, an administrator, and an evangelist. The pastor is also a servant leader and responsible for maintaining the...

Church anniversaries are sometimes called a homecoming. These special celebrations recognize the beginnings of the church, commemorating its progress and journey. During a church anniversary,...

A quick read of the United Kingdom's Places of Worship Registration Act leaves the nation looking draconian at best. While excluding Jews and Quakers, all other denominations are forced to meet in...

Black History Month is a time for America to celebrate the positive achievements of black culture. In black churches, Black History Month in February is a time for celebration and reflection. Past...

The job description of a church financial secretary varies from church to church. In congregations that employ dedicated financial officers, like a treasurer or a bookkeeper, the financial...

People become so involved in their churches that they are sometimes hesitant to leave when they need to. It can be hard to know if it’s time to start looking for a different spiritual home, but...

A church isn't really complete without a pastor. The pastor gives his congregation direction and spiritual guidance and runs the church. Depending on the size of his congregation, a pastor can...

Sunday morning sermons should engage the heart, mind and spirit! Too often sermons are boring, dull and irrelevant to the lives of contemporary people of faith. But it doesn't have to be this...

Raise funds for a church in a way that involves both the congregation and outside communities. Since a church is a religious community, it is important that a fund-raising event respect the...

A christening is a Christian ceremony in which an infant is "brought to Christ." During the ceremony, the infant is typically baptized by the sprinkling of water. People who are not religious, or...

During touch economic times, it's often churches and charities that feel the financial pinch. Low collections are causing some churches to adapt new methods of fund raising. If financial...

Programs marking the anniversaries are an important part of the church community. Not only do they honor the accomplishments of the congregation, but they also give an important boost to attendance.

There is no better time to celebrate your church than on an anniversary--especially a major anniversary like the church's 10th, 25th, 50th or 100th anniversary. By focusing on both the history of...

In Methodism, each congregation has a person designated as “Lay leader.’ This person represents the congregation to paid staff and ordained clergy. In this article, I will share my views on this...

Pastors have a wide variety of responsibilities that vary from church to church depending on membership, staff size and facilities. The goal of a pastor's job is to give spiritual direction and...

Praise dancing can be an important part of worship services, combining music with interpretive dance to create powerful images that leave a lasting impression on members of the congregation. If...

Responsive readings are a part of church services for many Christians. During a responsive reading, an individual reads a portion of text aloud, and the congregation follows by reading the next...

Churches establish building funds to raise money for a specific project such as a new sanctuary or a fellowship hall. Sometimes churches maintain an ongoing building fund in order to have money...

The number of members at a church can be a tangible assessment of the progress and success of the church itself. Although numbers do not mean everything when it comes to a church congregation,...

Churches have long been the center of community and family life for many individuals, and that aspect can play a large, influential role in one's life. When changes come--be it a leadership...

It's not easy to locate a building for your church. There are so many variables to consider, such as zoning laws and congregational and outreach needs. While it may be a time-consuming task, it is...

The Universal Life Church (ULC) provides fellowship and ministerial ordination for anyone regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. The church's founder, Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, wanted...

Every so often a news outlet runs a story on megchurches or "big churches." The word megachurch is more commonly used to describe this type of congregation, but either term applies to a church...

Programs for pastor anniversary celebrations can be a huge success, or a major flop. Your pastor deserves the first. Church management needs to think through how to give a gift experience that...

Churches offer a number of ministries geared both towards serving members of the congregation and members of the community. Although specific job descriptions and ministries may vary from one...

When preparing to start up a new church, it is extremely helpful to write and circulate a church prospectus. The prospectus is a convenient way to spread the word about plans for a new church, and...

Get your church out of debt by encouraging the congregation to pray together and get out of debt on an individual basis. Use wisdom and practical advice from God to get out debt with help from a...

Address a pastor with respect because, according to Christian beliefs, a pastor was sent by God to rule over the congregation. Ask the pastor what title he or she would like used, such as...

Start a church bookstore by getting financing through the congregation or fund-raisers, stocking books, music and clothing and considering payment options. Decide where a bookstore would be...

A pulpit is a stand that is placed in the front of a church. Some churches center their pulpit in the middle of the stage, while others place it off to the side. The pulpit is generally accessed...

The first aspect of constructing a stage for preaching is the dimensions. Naturally, the stage should be placed in front of the congregation. It should also be elevated at least 2 or 3 feet above...

If you live in a small community, there may not be a choice of Temples. If you live in a community with several, it can be overwhelming. How do you pick? What are the most important things to...

How often we have passed a church and wondered what happens inside? One of the best ways to communicate the character and values of your church is with a logo. Whether you want to acknowledge your...

Depending on the size of a congregation, there are a number of unique ways to raise funds. Learn about putting on a carnival with inflatable games, food vendors and other entertainment with help...

Forming a drama team at a church can be inspirational to its members and the congregation itself. One of the first steps is to gain the proper permission by going through the correct avenues....

A church's mission statement is a short summary of what the church sees as its mission to it congregation and the world at large. Writing a mission statement can be as easy as having a few phrases...

We've all been there. Your local church wants to host a Vacation Bible School but no one will volunteer to do it. Finally out of a sense of obligation you accept. "I can do this," you...

Ordained ministers are a cornerstone of American society and various faiths. Ordained ministers are typically selected in their respective faiths to perform a variety of tasks, including...

The preacher steps to the podium, pausing for a moment to draw the focus of the congregation toward the pulpit. First sentences are designed to capture the listeners' attention and prepare them...

Churches take several different approaches to serving the children attending services. Some facilitate a parallel children's church service. Others excuse the children during the sermon, but they...

As a member of a church in transition between pastors, you will understand the sensitivity of the situation. Welcoming a new pastor can be awkward and challenging for both the congregation and...

House churches are small gatherings of worshippers who seek a worship experience that is more intimate than the massive services offered by megachurches. With the help of a few basic tips, it is...

Each person brings his or her unique gifts and personality to whatever ministry he or she is called to. Make no mistake about it, if you are active in your congregation in any meaningful way, you...

The relationship you have with your congregation’s pastor is something of vital importance to you. Like everything else in 21st century society, there is a right way and a wrong way to cultivate...

New York City has a significantly large Jewish presence. Finding Shabbat activities in the city shouldn’t be a problem, not matter what congregation you prefer and where in the city you...