Community

“Some find the constant pop of the wiffle ball batted about by oversized ping pong paddles annoying. Others see a sport encouraging exercise, multigenerational competition, and camaraderie.” - Baptist Press

“As he spoke some members from the audience jeered, many carrying signs that read ‘Christ Church Not Welcome Here’ and [worse things].” - RNS

“If we need community for physical and mental health, how much more do we need it for spiritual health?” - Ligonier

“They are numerous, and they are located in the heart of places with lots of people…. I wish I could write that these churches will make a comeback, but it’s still an unrealized possibility.” - Sam Rainer

“Eighty-four percent of pastors say the local church’s role in community is to ‘tell others about Jesus’” vs. 58% of Christians and 30% of non-Christians. - Barna

“Perceived demographics may not match actual demographics. You may think you know your community, but in many cases, church leaders have a skewed view of who lives around the church.” - Sam Rainer

“In Western culture, the high regard for autonomy and obsession with individualism has come at a cost: community. This lack of community (coupled with other factors) has contributed to rising loneliness, affecting our physical and mental well-being. In the church, it’s affecting our spiritual health too.” - TGC

Practicing Christians who say local pastors are aware of their community’s needs: 73%; non-praciticing Christians: 63%; non-Christians: 44%. - Barna Research

“Much of what is reported in the media regarding law enforcement these days is negative and critical. Brown Street Baptist Church wanted to change that negative perception, at least for those who serve the church’s city.” - GARBC

“Among U.S. Christians, about three-quarters say churches should be subject to the same rules as other businesses.