Reason for Churchgoers Skipping Services, Karen Abercrombie of ‘War Room’ Fame & Trust God for Restoration

Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church, but sleet and hail will keep many churchgoers out of the pew on a Sunday. In fact, some may even skip to get a little extra sleep or watch their favorite team.

A Lifeway Research study of U.S. adults who attend a religious service at a Protestant or non-denominational church at least monthly finds several reasons some will miss church at least once a year.

Most regular churchgoers say they would miss a weekly worship service at least once a year to avoid traveling in severe weather (77 percent), to enjoy an outdoor activity (55 percent) or to get some extra sleep (54 percent). Half (50 percent) would do so to meet a friend or group of friends. Fewer say they’d skip not to have to travel when it was raining (43 percent) or to watch a sporting event or their favorite team (42 percent).
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Karen Abercrombie, who stole hearts as prayer warrior Miss Clara in “War Room,” is known to a select few as “Mama Karen.” They are the 45 or so former foster children who have benefitted from Abercrombie’s care.

Her current role in the Pure Flix miniseries “Eleanor’s Bench” brings to the screen the trials inner-city youth face when left without a home and is reminiscent of the love and care Abercrombie offered while fostering in upstate New York and Los Angeles.
The fictional, six-episode series from Affirm Films reminds Abercrombie of her childhood in Philadelphia, one of the reasons she fostered.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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Even amid despair, God has a plan. A Lifeway Bible Study talks about how God rescues His people. Jeremiah declared that God would restore the people of Israel after 70 years of living in exile.

While they waited, Jeremiah exhorted the exiles to live in such a way that the land of their exile would benefit from their presence, and to pray for their unbelieving neighbors. He called them to exercise spiritual discernment, identifying false prophets so they could turn from them. Jeremiah reminded the exiles that God had a plan of restoration for them. The sovereign God of Israel was in full control. Regardless of their circumstances, God’s people could trust Him.