SEVIERVILLE, TN– Shane Smith, Director of Business and Records for the Church of God’s Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, announced earlier this month that the local children’s home has once again received the prestigious 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The award verifies sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Long-term declines in church member giving and membership continued in 2014.

How can church worship services be opened to congregational participation? That is the question Larry Peabody, author of ‘Curing Sunday Spectatoritis,’ posed to church leaders. In the book, 25 leaders describe a variety of ways they are turning spectators into participants during congregational meetings.

(RNS) Donald Trump’s support has plummeted in the past week — but white evangelicals are sticking with him.

The storm has passed but the destructive results are still being realized from Hurricane Matthew, which left five U.S. states devastated and the country of Haiti crippled. Some are saying the destruction rivals that of Hurricane Katrina but in many ways, it is worse. Bodies are still being found and the water in North Carolina is still rising.

Someone asked me recently what I primarily look for in the hiring of a staff position. I said, without reservation, first and foremost, I look for the heart. I want a heart that honors Christ more than self, one that desires to grow and learn, and one which is willing to sacrifice personal privilege for the benevolent purpose of others.

With Christmas and New Year’s Day both falling on a Sunday this year, churches are anticipating big challenges: will fewer volunteers be available? how to maximize attendance possibilities? how best to do outreach? how to manage year-end giving in light of two holiday weekends?

The November/December 2016 issue of the bimonthly review Books & Culture will be its last after a run of 128 issues over 21 years. Earlier this month, the ministry of Christianity Today made the difficult decision to end the beloved publication.

Cleveland, TN–Church of God General Overseer Timothy M. Hill offered the following comments on the political process in the United States: