Lilly Endowment Awards $649M to Strengthen Future Pastors and Christian Storytelling
Defense Department May End Support for Scouting America Amid Ideological Concerns
The United States military could soon end its historic partnership with Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, according to a draft memo reportedly circulating within the Pentagon. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is preparing to cut formal ties with the youth organization, though the memo has not yet been formally issued. The document allegedly argues that Scouting America has shifted away from its traditional mission. Three in Four Southern Baptist Pastors Give Weekly Gospel Invitations, Study Finds
Visitors attending a Southern Baptist worship service are likely to hear a pastor issue a Gospel invitation and be asked to respond personally, rather than through digital means, according to new research. 74 percent of Southern Baptist pastors said they provided an opportunity for people to respond to a Gospel invitation during their weekly Sunday morning service every week in 2024.
Greg Laurie to Lead Harvest Crusade at Utah Valley University After Charlie Kirk Assassination
Trinity Christian College to Close After 2025–26, Citing Financial Shortfalls
Trinity Christian College, a private liberal arts institution in Palos Heights, Illinois, will shut down after the 2025–26 school year because of financial strains. Located on a 100-plus-acre campus about 20 miles southwest of Chicago, the 66-year-old college enrolls just under 1,000 students. Willy Rice Announces SBC Presidential Bid, Citing a Call to “Renewal”
Pastor Willy Rice of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida, has declared that he will allow his name to be placed in nomination for Southern Baptist Convention president at next year’s annual meeting. WEA General Assembly Concludes with Presentation of the “Seoul Declaration”
The World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly wrapped up Thursday evening after four days focused on Evangelicalism’s key challenges. During the meetings, the Rev. Botrus Mansour was installed as the WEA’s new secretary general, filling the top post after an 18-month vacancy. Emphasizing collaboration, he pledged, “I’m here to serve,” and cast a vision for a WEA characterized by “teamwork” and “unity,” alongside stronger regional alliances.
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WEA Names Godfrey Yogarajah Chair of New International Council
During business sessions this week, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly elected a new International Council and selected Sri Lankan leader Godfrey Yogarajah as chair. Yogarajah, a nearly 30-year servant within the WEA family, succeeds outgoing Executive Chair the Rev. Goodwill Shana of Zimbabwe. 
Episcopal Church Reports Fewer Baptisms, Slight Parish Decline, Attendance Still Lagging
The Episcopal Church released its 2024 Parochial Report last week, indicating continued declines in baptisms and a modest drop in the total number of parishes. While the report omitted a current total membership figure, overall membership stood at about 1.547 million in 2023 compared to around 1.96 million in 2010. 
Samaritan’s Purse Flies 100,000 Pounds of Aid to Gaza on New 767 Cargo Plane
Samaritan’s Purse said Saturday it used its newly acquired 767 cargo aircraft to fly more than 100,000 pounds of relief supplies into Gaza. The inaugural mission of the plane transported over 290,000 packets of ready-to-use supplemental food, as well as thousands of solar lights and blankets prioritized for women and children. 
WEA Launches 14th General Assembly in Seoul with a Vision of “The Gospel for Everyone”
Opening its 14th General Assembly on Monday morning at Sarang Church, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) set the theme as “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033.” Running Oct. 27–31, the gathering began with WEA Executive Chair the Rev. Goodwill Shana calling Evangelicals to renewed unity and long-range vision as they look toward 2033, the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection. 
USCIRF Urges Release of Pastor Ezra Jin, Denounces CCP’s Religious Repression
During a virtual hearing, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called for the release of Chinese pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and condemned what it described as the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign of transnational religious persecution. 
Hispanic Christian Leaders Voice Support for the GOP-Backed Dignity Act of 2025
Hispanic Christian leaders are voicing support for a Republican-led immigration proposal, lending strength to the effort. The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), which represents thousands of churches across the U.S. and the Spanish-speaking world, convened a leadership summit Tuesday at the Museum of the Bible. 
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Announces '2026 God Loves You Tour' in Manchester
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has announced that Rev. Franklin Graham will return to the United Kingdom next year to continue the “God Loves You Tour.” Graham last visited the U.K. in June, when he held an evangelistic event at London’s ExCeL Centre that drew thousands of attendees. 
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse Quit ECFA Citing New Policy Concerns
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse announced their disaffiliation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) over a recently introduced leadership policy. The ECFA released an update listing its current and former members, noting that BGEA had voluntarily resigned from the organization.
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Hearts on Fire Conference Draws 13,000 as Hundreds of Students Commit to Christ
Oklahoma University Student Fails Assignment After Labeling Gender Ideology “Demonic”
Jelly Roll Praises Jesus After Earning Three Grammy Nominations: “All I See Is God”
WH Press Secretary Condemns Asylum Abuse, Quotes Gospel After D.C. Shooting
Jordan Raising $100M to Recreate Biblical-Era Village Near Jesus’ Baptism Site
UK Christian Group Launches “Street Preacher’s Charter” to Protect Public Evangelism
California Drops All COVID-Era Citations Against Bay Area Church and School
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Trump Again Condemns Violence Against Nigerian Christians, Urges Government Action
UK Street Preacher Acquitted After Facing Charges Over Alleged Anti-Muslim Remarks
Shedeur Sanders Credits God After First NFL Start and Browns Victory
Pastor Michael Youssef to Step Down From Church of the Apostles to Focus on Global Ministry
China Arrests 18 Zion Church Leaders in Widening Crackdown on House Churches
Highland Park UMC Pastor Paul Rasmussen to Step Down, Citing Health Concerns
Maine Mother Appeals Custody Order That Restricts Child’s Church Attendance