Changing from a blue state to a green

Despite the headline, this post has nothing to do with politics - at least not directly. I recently became aware of this interesting map, which is based on data from the Glenmary Research Center. (Hat tip: the Informational Inflammation blog.)

The blue states on this map are those which only had between 1% and 3% of the population in evangelical churches in the year 2000. The Northeastern states and Utah have the lowest percentage of Evangelicals, owing to the large populations of Mormons and Roman Catholics in those areas relative to the rest of the country.

No real surprises here, I suppose, although my (unscientific) observations lead me to think that Connecticut is changing color to green.

Based on the criteria of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research (2000+ average weekly attendance) we now have 3 megachurches: First Cathedral (Bloomfield); New Life Christian Fellowship (Darien); and Kingdom Life Christian Church (Milford). And certainly we have other churches with an attendance of over 1000: Gateway Christian Fellowship (West Haven), Black Rock Congregational Church (Fairfield), and Walnut Hill Community Church (Bethel) come to mind immediately, and I'm sure there are some others.

The many stories we're hearing of growth in all areas of the State leads me to believe that God is doing something in our day and sending a fresh wind of revival to New England.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, church, religion, evangelical, bloomfield, darien, milford, west+haven, fairfield, bethel

Christian Events in Connecticut This Week

There are lots of events coming up in our cute little State OTHER than the election...

October 25
***Alpha Course Interactive Conference Call, with Nicky Gumbel

October 26-28
***Uprising Annual Women's Conference, with Jane Hansen and Barbara Yoder (West Haven)

October 27
***New Canaan Society Men's Breakfast, with Alan Wright (Stamford)
***Jan Nel (Darien)

October 29
***County-Wide Prayer Meetings sponsored by When Connecticut Prays (various locations)
***Philip Yancey (Wethersfield)

For additional details on these events, visit the CT Christian Events Calendar, powered by Google!

Want to submit an event? Write us at info@prayct.org.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, Evangelical, Wethersfield, Stamford, Darien, West Haven

Fairfield megachurch moving out of town

It's the "mega" in megachurch that has the town fathers in Fairfield uncomfortable enough to block expansion of Black Rock Congregational Church. Following the town Conservation Commission's decision to block their expansion plans, BRCC is seeking elbow room in neighboring Easton after 150 years in Fairfield.

From the Fairfield Citizen-News:

Dr. Joseph Ricciotti, who resides on Lindmir Lane, a cul-de-sac behind the church, is a member of the local grass-roots opposition group Preserve Upper Black Rock Turnpike, which had been opposed to the expansion proposal ever since its beginning. "We felt that the wetlands were in jeopardy and we felt that that the size of the structure was inappropriate for area," he said.

"Needless to say we're pleased that we don't have to be concerned about the building projects that we felt were not appropriate," said Ricciotti. "We wish them well and we hope they are successful in their new location."

Currently, the BRCC has 1,200 church members and at the Sunday services, as many as 1,300 to 1,400 people attend the church. The growth in church members prompted the plans for the expansion last winter. "We've had a steady growth over the years," said [church business administrator Timothy] Kanuch.

At the BRCC's new membership classes, there are approximately 40 new members who join the church three times a year, which Kanuch said is a growth rate of approximately 8 to 10 percent each year.

We know some fine folks at BRCC and we wish the congregation well.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, Fairfield, Easton

Connecticut Election Endorsements from FIC

(With apologies to Will Rogers.)

For some reason, the Family Institute of Connecticut is the most vilified group of people in the whole State. I can't figure out why this is.

In the newspapers and on the radio there are lots of people always angry at the FIC. These people always seem to be very angry indeed. They use big words when talking about the FIC like "abomination." Using a word like that, you would think this meant the angry people were big Bible readers but then I saw that there was another person who called the FIC the "Christian Taliban!"

This was really a surprise to me because I've met Brian Brown a few times and I really don't think he would decapitate people he doesn't care for like the Taliban-type people do over in Afghanistan. He never seems to be angry like all the angry people I mentioned a minute ago.

Knowing Brian and what he actually does support, I'm suspicious of people who talk about him like that!

So, I'm happy to help spread FIC's list of endorsements for the November 7 elections.

You can download the list here as a PDF.

Tags: Connecticut, news, politics, elections, conservative, liberal, republican, democrat

Updates to the Connecticut Church Map

Pastors Todd & Leslie Foster of Church on the Rock in New Haven

We've added several new churches to the Connecticut Church Map:

• Calvary Life Christian Center in Cheshire, pastored by John Muratori.

• The Potter's House in Farmington, pastored by Dr. Dale Fife and Brian Fife. You may know Dr. Fife as the author of the wonderful book The Secret Place: Passionately Pursuing His Presence

• Church on the Rock in New Haven, pastored by Todd and Leslie Foster.

• We've also updated the listing for First Assembly of God Church in Waterbury, pastored by James Lilley.

The Church Map is one of the most popular features on our website, and is a great way to find a church or let people find yours! To suggest a church, write us at info@prayct.org.

Tags: Connecticut, church, Christian, Christianity, Cheshire, Farmington, New+Haven, Waterbury

Darien church seeks relief from Bishop's oversight; South Windsor church makes arrangement with Bishop

A Darien Episcopal church involved in the "Connecticut Six" controversy continues to seek relief from the oversight of the Episcopal Bishop of Connecticut, the Rev. Andrew D. Smith:

In a recent ruling that was dismissed by a federal judge involving the role of gays in the Episcopal church, the six priests who filed the lawsuit against Connecticut Bishop Andrew D. Smith are appealing the decision.

The Rev. Christopher Leighton, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Mansfield Avenue, said the "Connecticut Six"—a group he is apart of and is a term used to designate the opposing priests—feel they are continuing to be "marginalized and pushed aside" in wake of the court's decision.

"Nobody wanted it to go this far," Leighton said. "We're not trying to punish the bishop by appealing the decision; we just want relief from under his leadership."

Rev. Leighton spoke strongly about the direction of the church and how properly to view the response of dissenting congregations:

"The Episcopal Church has made it a point of walking apart from the Anglican community for some time now," Leighton said, pointing out that nearly 77 million people worldwide practice Anglican Christianity. "Our goal is only to stay true to the faith we know, which resides alongside the Anglican Church."

Leighton did say, though, that the "Connecticut Six" would be able to strike a deal with Smith under one condition.

"I would tell the bishop that if he was to let us remain Anglican, we would drop the pending lawsuit and call it a draw," he said.

(Source: Darien News-Review)


The worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church in the USA is a part, is in the process of tearing itself to bits over the practices of its American and Canadian constituents. Largely unknown to Americans, the conflict is raging worldwide as "Third World" bishops have been calling Western believers to repent from their Scriptural departures. Congregations which are of a mind to actually follow the Scripture are leaving the Episcopal Church, either seeking alternative oversight by other bishops or else going independent.

According to the Episcopal News Service, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in South Windsor has now concluded their own arrangement with Bishop Smith. That church will receive pastoral care for a time from retired Bishop of Connecticut Clarence Coleridge.

Tags: Connecticut, Christianity, Christian, Anglican, Episcopal, Darien, South+Windsor, Theology, Bible

The Book Contest rolls out

We've been having a lot of fun here the last few days as we rolled out our book contest... I'm not allowed to play, of course, but somebody's already nominated one my favorites: Gene Edwards's A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness. It's the kind of book you can't really explain to people; you can only bug them until they read it for themselves. You will be challenged and you will definitely see yourself at some point within the book. Which kind of heart do you have? Are you most like Saul, David, or Absalom? Sometimes, it's hard to know... the point is that God is looking for leaders who are more broken than brave or self-important.

Complete info about the Book Contest here. Keep those nominations coming in to info@prayct.org!

More fun came in the form of our post "Top Ten Reasons People Stop Attending Church" receiving record-setting traffic from Reddit (record-setting for us, anyway) and even a tiny bit from Digg. If you're not sure what that means, follow those links and have fun.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, books, blogs

Top Ten Reasons People Stop Attending Church

There are always good churches around, and the Lord's own words tell us that he is building up the Church as his own personal project. Therefore, we know that the Church (with a capital "C") will never go "out of business." However, for the sake of those who need to know God, honesty requires us to admit that some of our churches do need a doctor. Furthermore, history tells us that churches that don't see a doctor end up getting examined by a pathologist!

With that in mind, here's a list that may make us cringe: 10 reasons why people stop attending church. As Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let Him hear." (Please note that total may be more than 100% because respondents could supply more than one answer. Survey sample = 469 "formerly churched adults.")

1. Simply got too busy - 19 %
2. Family/home responsibilities prevented attendance - 17 %
3. Church members seemed hypocritical - 17 %
4. Church members were judgmental of others - 17 %
5. Moved too far from church - 17 %
6. Work situation prevented church attendance - 15 %
7. Church was not helping me develop spiritually - 14 %
8. Stopped believing in organized religion - 14 %
9. Church was run by a clique that discouraged involvement - 12 %
10. Got divorced/separated - 10 %
    

Lots of food for thought here. Three of the top ten had to do with the actual behavior of church members and another one had to do with the church's failure to effectively make disciples as Christ commanded.

Source: Lifeway Research.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, Religion, Discipleship, News, Church, God

Christian Movie Week!

Tiffany Dupont as Queen Esther in "One Night With The King"

OK, nobody has actually declared it to be Christian Movie Week, but it certainly feels like it. A number of movies with biblical and Christian themes have just been released or are about to be released, along with some important documentaries about the Christian movement. This coming week we'll be looking at some of them in a little bit of detail.

The first of these, and possibly the most-anticipated, is One Night With The King, a re-telling of the story of the Book of Esther based on the historical novel Hadassah: One Night With the King by Tommy Tenney. Actress Tiffany Dupont makes her debut as Esther, but there are also well-known players such as John Rhys-Davies, Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif and "Tiny" Lister. (Click link for trailer, etc.)

None other than Hollywood movie magazine Variety gives One Night With The King a very good review, almost surprising itself in the process:

Blessed with abundant production values and a minimum of campy excess, "One Night With the King" is a surprisingly satisfying attempt to revive the Old Hollywood tradition of lavishly appointed Biblical epics aimed at mainstream auds. Pic has a much broader appeal than earlier product produced by Gener8Xion Entertainment ("The Omega Code," "Carman: The Champion"), and conceivably could attract ticketbuyers who have ignored other recent pics aimed primarily at devout churchgoers. Indeed, even a few diehard non-believers may be won over by the considerable charisma of top-billed newcomer Tiffany Dupont.

If you're interested in seeing One Night With The King, it's playing at these Connecticut locations:

Bridgeport: Showcase Cinemas, 286 Canfield Avenue

Danbury: Loews, 4-6 International Drive

Orange: Showcase, 100 Marsh Hill Road

Plainville: Plainville 20, 220 New Britain Road

Waterbury: Brass Mills Stadium 12 , 495 Union Street

I'm planning on seeing this in the coming week. Has anyone seen it already? Send us a review at info@prayct.org.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, movies, film, one+night+with+the+king

Benefit Concert for George Kiriakis, Oct. 14

A concert to benefit George Kiriakis will be held on October 14th 2006 at 7:00p at New Life Christian Fellowship Church, 65 Tokeneke Road, Darien.

We were saddened to learn that George suffered a stroke in the month of August. George has been a vital part of the Christian community in Fairfield County and beyond for many years. We encourage you to come together to help George and and his wife, Marion, with medical expenses and everyday needs. Admission is free and an offering for George will be taken.

For more information visit www.friendsofgeorge.net.

(Blog hint: please use the e-mail icon that appears under the post to send this message around. It's the one that looks liek a little envelope. Thanks!)

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Darien

Connecticut Christian Events Calendar Takes Top Spot in Google Calendar Listings

Our Connecticut Christian Events Calendar, powered by Google, has quickly become one of the most visited "inside" pages on our website, second only to the Connecticut Church Map.

And now, thanks to Pray CT's regular readers and visitors, we are now listed first among all Google Calendars related to Connecticut. Thank-you, readers! This is a great milestone and shows the continuing growth and reach of the Christian community in our State.

(By the way, some of you are doubters and need proof on everything, so here you go...)


















Google Calendar is really taking off and for good reason; it's got lots of great features. You can use it in a limited way without a free Google account, but using it with an account is better. You can subscribe to different calendars (like Pray CT's) and even integrate them calendar with your own, personal calendar.

Keep telling your friends about our calendar, and thanks again for making it such a success.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Evangelical, Google, web2.0

Announcing Pray Connecticut's Book Contest: Win Top Christian Books

We've never run a contest or drawing before, but I've been spurred to do so this week by seeing Christianity Today's list of "The Top 50 Books that Have Shaped Evangelicals." The list makes for very interesting reading - and sure brings back a lot of memories! It's also going to make for plenty of arguments. Many of the entries are "no-brainers," but some lack "man in the street" appeal. For example, Understanding Church Growth, by Donald McGavran, is # 2 on the list because CT sought the opinion of American Evangelical leaders they were acquainted with when they created the list. But most Christians who are not clergy have never heard of the book.

But... I'd like to know what has helped and formed the faith of everyday believers. What books have, well, just really blessed you or inspired you? What are the books you go back to over and over again - your "desert island" books? I think this list would be more interesting than CT's list! Here's a chance to vote for your favorite - and also win a great book for free!

Here's how the contest will work:

Win A Great Christian Book In Time For Christmas - up to $25 value!

• Submit a list of the books which have had the most impact on your faith and your walk with the Lord. Books may be fiction, non-fiction, biographies, or devotionals. (Don't submit the Bible, reference works or prayer books such as The Book of Common Prayer.)
  
• The contest is open to anyone living in the USA or Canada.
  
• Entries must be e-mailed to us at info@prayct.org and will be accepted through the end of November 30, 2006.
• Because of our specific focus, books must be written by evangelical or charismatic authors.
• The books must have been written since 1950.
  
• Votes will be tallied and a list of the top 50 entries will be released and discussed on our blog during the first week of December.
• Seven happy people will be chosen at random to receive (free, shipping included!) a copy of any book which appears on the final list, up to a $25 value. If a person picks a book on the list which sells for more than $25, that person will receive an electronic gift certificate from Christianbook.com.
• The seven winners will also be given the opportunity if they desire to guest post on the Pray Connecticut blog during December about the books they voted for and the book they picked.
  

Voting starts right away, so get those entries in to us at info@prayct.org!

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, Evangelical, Charismatic, Religion, God, Jesus, Bible, Theology, faith, Scripture, books, Church, prophecy

Walk For Life Fundraiser coming up October 21

Hopeline Pregnancy Resource Center is holding a "Walk for Life" fundraiser on Saturday, October 21st in three locations:

1) Walnut Hill Church Community Church in Bethel,

2) Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Trumbull, and

3) Harrybrooke Park, New Milford.


The object of the walk is to raise funds for the needs of Hopeline Medical Clinic and administrative needs. Walkers should register at the different sites beginning at 8:30am. The event will be held from 9am - 12 noon. We are asking for a minimum of 2 miles per walker.

Praise Report:
Hopeline has been given a grant by Focus on the Family to purchase an ultrasound machine for the new medical clinic which is in the process of opening in Danbury. Statistics show that women who view a picture of their baby through an ultrasound 90% of the time will change their mind as it relates to abortion.

Hopeline is believing God for many miracles in the upcoming years and many efforts are being poured into the medical clinic and other needs that women have.

For more information, please contact:

Linda J. Cochrane R.N., Executive Director
Hopeline Pregnancy Resource Center
1.203.207.4673
hopeline@sbcglobal.net
1.800.203.4673

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, prolife, abortion, Trumbull, Bethel, New Milford, Danbury

New survey on Pentecostals and Charismatics opens eyes

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has released a very large survey on Pentecostal and charismatic groups in 10 different countires, including the U. S. Although the entire 233-page complete report may be tough sledding for some, anyone interested in the role of religion in American life will find the survey highly interesting.

Among the survey's findings: in the USA, some 23% of the population can be described as "renewalist," meaning they are either Pentecostal or charismatic. The survey addresses the beliefs of renewal Christians compared to other Christians and discusses religious trends in different countries.

To browse a summary of the report, click here.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, religion, pentecostal, charismatic, church, news, trends, politics

Pray Connecticut now an affiliate of ChristianBook.com!

Need a new Bible?

Just in time for Christmas, which will be here before you know it, our main site at www.prayct.org has been approved for an affiliate relationship with Christianbook.com, usually referred to in Christian circles as CBD.

What does this mean for users of our site? We can now sell Christian books, music, and videos through the Pray CT website! You can also search the entire CBD website right from Pray CT's homepage.

Worried about selection? CBD is the largest Christian products distributor in the world.

Check us out often as our online bookstore and music store begins to take shape over the next few months!

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Evangelical

Prayer Request Update

Please continue to pray for Pastor Rick McKinniss of Wellspring Church in Kensington. Pastor Rick is making what is truly a miraculous recovery after suffering a 20-foot fall from a ladder. We give thanks to the Lord and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Rick and his family.

Remembering Jonathan Edwards

Today is the birthday of Jonathan Edwards, often referred to as America's greatest theologian, and one of the greatest leaders of the Great Awakening of the 1740's. Born in Connecticut (the East Windsor Hill section of what is now South Windsor) in 1703, Edwards was a prodigious writer as well as an anointed preacher.

His most famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God, left hearers gripping the pews in terror for fear they should slip into Hell itself.

Edwards is also renowned for his famous tract on prayer and revival called A Humble Attempt. In this piece he sought to summon the Church throughout the world to concentrated intercession for a revival that would do no less than accomplish the final conversion of the heathen and usher in the Kingdom of God. The longer title of A Humble Attempt reveals Edwards's thinking:

A Humble Attempt to Promote the Agreement and Union of God's People Throughout the World in Extraordinary Prayer For a Revival Of Religion And The Advancement Of God's Kingdom On Earth, According To Scriptural Promises And Prophecies Of The Last Time.

United prayer would be the key to an outpouring of the Spirit. Edwards gave an example of how intercessory prayer had recently been used to accelerate the work of God - and I would not doubt that the "concert of prayer" he referred to greatly helped to advance the Gospel throughout the English-speaking nations of the world:

In October of 1744, a number of ministers in Scotland, considering the state of God's Church, and mankind in general, believed that God was calling those concerned for the welfare of the Church to unite in extraordinary prayer. They knew God was the Creator and source of all blessings and benefits in the Church so they earnestly prayed that He would appear in His glory, and strengthen the Church, and manifest His compassion to the world of mankind by an abundant outpouring of His Holy Spirit. They desired a true revival in all parts of Christendom, and to see nations delivered from their great and many calamities, and to bless them with the unspeakable benefits of the Kingdom of our glorious Redeemer, and to fill the whole earth with His glory.

These ministers consulted with one another on this subject and concluded that they were obliged to begin such prayer and attempt to persuade others to do the same. After seeking God for direction, they determined that for the next two years they would set apart some time on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings every week for prayer as one's other duties would allow. More importantly, it was decided that the first Tuesday of each quarter (beginning with the first Tuesday of November) would be time to be spent in prayer. People were to pray for either the entire day or part of the day, as they found themselves disposed, or as circumstances allowed. They would meet in either private prayer groups or in public meetings, whichever was found to be most convenient.

It was determined that none should make any promises or feel under strict obligation to observe every one of these days without fail; for these days were not holy or established by sacred authority. However, to prevent negligence, and the temptation to make excuses for trivial reasons, it was proposed that if those who resolve to pray cannot take part on the agreed upon day, they would use the next available day for the purpose of prayer.

The primary reason for this cooperation in prayer was to maintain, among the people of God, that necessity of prayer for the coming of Christ's Kingdom, which Christ directed his followers to do. We are, unfortunately, too little inclined to pray because of our laziness and immaturity, or because of the distraction of our own worldly, private affairs. We have prayed at times, but without special seasons for prayer, we are, likely, to neglect it either partially or totally. But when we set aside certain times for prayer, resolving to fulfill this commission unless extraordinarily hindered, we are less likely to neglect it.

We can certainly profit from this example. What would it accomplish in our day if New England - or perhaps even the entire English-speaking world - would unite in prayer once a quarter, and all ministers of Christ sowed their time into prayer for revival every week?

Let's pray that Christians will unite in prayer for a Heaven-sent revival that will once again, as Edwards said, bless the nations with the "unspeakable benefits of the Kingdom of our glorious Redeemer, and to fill the whole earth with His glory."

For more on Edwards, visit the Yale Edwards site here.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Christianity, Evangelical, Revival, Religion, Bible, Jesus, Prayer, Theology, God

Praying for the Upcoming Elections

We'll have more to say about Connecticut elections in the days to come, but please begin to pray now (if you haven't already) for the many other elections taking place, including the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate.

A prayer guide calling America back to repentance and praying generally about the elections can be found at the 40 Days USA site. The site is sparse, but in addition to the prayer guide it contains some articles on prayer and an audio message by Derek Prince called "Fasting Precipitates God's Latter Rain."

Tags: Connecticut, Christian, Evangelical, News, Politics, Prayer

Special Prayer Request

Please remember in your prayers Pastor Rick McKinniss of Wellspring Church in Kensington, CT. Pastor Rick took a bad fall from a ladder on September 30 but, miraculously, only suffered four cracked vertebrae in his lower back. Rick is in the forefront of Connecticut's apostolic leadership and our prayers and wishes are for a speedy recovery.

God TV comes to America

Worldwide Christian television station God TV has come to the US and is broadcasting on DirectTV Channel 365. Many Connecticut residents don't have good access to good Christian programming and God TV could fill this gap for some. We'll give it a shot.

More good news: for those who don't have satellite TV, you can also watch God TV by going to http://www.god.tv/US/WatchNow/ and watching it streaming live on the Web via Windows Media Player. I have it on right now and it's good quality, 312K.

Tags: Connecticut, Christian