Karen grew up in church. In college, she became active in student ministry and, after graduating, joined a comfortable church. Seven months later, she dropped out. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – Karen grew up in church. In college, she became active in student ministry and, after graduating, joined a comfortable church. Seven months later, she dropped out. Church somehow lost its importance in Karen’s life. Living in southern Florida, she decided there were plenty of other things to do on Sundays. “I really don’t feel that guilty,” she said. “I still pray and read my Bible.” Karen is just one of many young adults, 18-22, who stop going to church for a year or more, according to LifeWay Research data. In a new book – “Essential Church?: Reclaiming a generation of dropouts” – Thom S. Rainer and his son Sam examine why people like Karen have left churches. They also offer solutions for churches in reaching out to this growing number of dropouts. The elder Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources and author of “Simple Church” among his 20 titles, has served as pastor or interim pastor of 11 churches. Sam is a pastor in Sarasota, Fla., who, as president of Rainer Research, speaks often on helping churches become … [Read more...]

On a mountaintop overlooking the adobe homes of Huancané, Peru, there was a time when Juan Mamani poured beer at the base of a six-foot cross bearing the image of Jesus’ crucified body. HUANCANÉ, Peru (BP) – On a mountaintop overlooking the adobe homes of Huancané, Peru, there was a time when Juan Mamani poured beer at the base of a six-foot cross bearing the image of Jesus’ crucified body. The act wasn’t an offering to Christ but to the wooden cross itself, a prelude to an all-night, booze-fueled party known as the Cruz de Mayo (Cross of May). It was also a physical manifestation of the spiritual depravity that separates Peru’s Aymara people from God. Today, Mamani climbs that same mountain for an entirely different reason. Each week, the 60-year-old Aymaran grandfather makes the hour-and-a-half hike over its summit to Huancané where he meets with Rick and Kelly Martinez. Rick, who hails from Miami, and Kelly, a native of Millington, Tenn., are Southern Baptist missionaries working to spread the Gospel and plant churches among the Aymara. Two years ago, the Lord used their witness to lead Mamani to faith. Now Rick is discipling him to take the Good News to his own people. With Mamani’s help, the Martinezes have … [Read more...]