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This edition is sponsored by ECFA |
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From editorial director of news Kate Shellnutt: Earlier this week, I was emailing with one of our Canadian freelancers, Meagan Gillmore, and mentioned how I was trying to finish up her piece early since I would be off later in the week for July 4. She replied to let me know she was also adjusting her schedule for her own national holiday, since Canada Day is on July 1.
I’m not sure if Canadian churches bust out their Maple Leafs for Canada Day, but the red, white, and blue of Independence Day in America tends to spill into church services.
More than half of US pastors like to incorporate “patriotic elements” during services the week of the Fourth, per Lifeway Research. But with all the holiday travel, few pastors—just 3 percent—consider it a particularly high-attendance service.
A few years ago, CT heard from worship leaders about various approaches to patriotic music, including why some like the tradition of singing songs like “America the Beautiful” and why some skip the special selections. |
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Trust is the foundation of long-term ministry impact. |
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For over 40 years, ECFA has helped 2,700+ churches across the globe strengthen financial integrity and earn the trust of their communities. |
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As an accredited ECFA member, you earn the right to display the highly recognized ECFA seal—showing your commitment to operating above reproach. You’ll also gain access to expert, faith-based guidance on best practices in board governance, financial reporting, fundraising, and more. |
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In today’s world, trust isn’t optional—it’s essential. ECFA helps you build it. |
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| PAID CONTENT FOR FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY |
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Right now, more than a third of the world cannot afford and access sufficient nutritious food. The newly released 2025 Global Report on Food Crises found that 294 million people…
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Today in Christian History |
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July 3, 529: The Synod of Orange convenes in southern France. Led by a forceful Augustinian, Caesarius of Arles, the synod upheld Augustine's doctrines of grace and free will while condemning the views of Semi-Pelagians (including John Cassian and Faustus of Riez), who believed the human will and God's grace work together (see issue 67:Augustine). |
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For pastors trying to minister to congregants caught in immigration raids, the first hurdle is finding them. The informal detention centers used by the Trump administration don’t have clear signs…
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Jimmy Swaggart, the Louisiana televangelist whose name became a watchword for scandal, died in Baton Rouge on July 1. He was 90. Swaggart was one of the best-known and most…
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This is part 2 in a series on the Yazidi community. Click here for part 1. The previous article in this series highlighted the impact of USAID cuts on the…
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A group of immigrant rights groups and parents are continuing their legal fight over birthright citizenship, days after the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration to limit judges’ ability…
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It's easy to live in a state of panic, anxiety, and fear, from the pinging of our phones to politics and the state of the church. In this issue, we acknowledge panic and point to Christian ways through it. Russell Moore brings us to the place of panic in Caesarea Philippi with Jesus and Peter. Laura M. Fabrycky writes about American inclinations toward hero-making. Mindy Belz reports on the restorative work of Dr. Denis Mukwege for rape victims in Congo. We’re also thrilled to give you a first look at the Global Flourishing Study, a multiyear research project about what makes a flourishing life across the globe. While panic may be profitable or natural, we have a sure and steady anchor for our souls in Jesus. |
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