Most Americans Say Religion’s Influence is Waning, Kendrick Brothers ‘The Forge’ Movie & Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter

A new poll from Pew Research says religious influence on society is shrinking.

80 percent of U.S. adults surveyed say religion’s role in American life is decreasing and 49 percent of U.S. adults say religion losing that influence is a bad thing.

48 percent of U.S. adults say there’s “a great deal” of or “some” conflict between their religious beliefs and mainstream American culture, an increase from 42 percent in 2020. 

According to a report from RNS, when asked whether the Bible should have influence over U.S. laws, respondents were evenly split: 49 percent said the Bible should have “a great deal” of or “some” influence, while 51 percent said it should have “not much” or “no influence.”
===

It mirrors a family reunion from the best of the Kendrick Brothers’ work. “The Forge” revives beloved characters from “War Room” and features actors from “Courageous” and “Overcomer.”

Superbowl champion, husband and father Benjamin Watson makes his Kendrick Brothers debut in The Forge, as does Aspen Kennedy, who stars in BET’s “Ruthless.” Prayer and discipleship are the themes of The Forge, featuring a committed Christian husband and father who mentors a high school graduate unsure of what to do in life.

Priscilla Shirer, who is in the movie, is joined by her brother and former NFL fullback Jonathan Evans, an associate pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship pastored by their father Tony Evans, also joins the cast. The Forge lands in theatres later this summer.
===

Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.

===

Ken Sande of Peacemaker Ministries should do their bests to hold on to their pastors.

He writes, “When church members are embittered by a pastor’s forced exit and their gossip and backbiting leaks into their community, their non-Christian friends, neighbors and coworkers have one more reason to ignore Jesus and the Gospel.

As George Barna observed, “Modern people contend that the greatest proof that God does not exist is the behavior of Christians themselves! In short, the way Christians live and act is solid proof in their minds that what Christians believe is not true.”

When a pastor is not there to shepherd a married couple through difficult times, they are more likely to divorce, which often has a devastating impact on their children, including increased mental health issues, delinquency and impulsive behavior, as well as poor academic performance and increased likelihood to engage in drug use and sexual activity.

The ripple effect of a forced pastoral exit can spread far beyond a local church as its reputation suffers, evangelism declines and missionaries on the field are forgotten.