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When the Christian Law Association recently posted a message publicly—beyond its normal audience of supporters and followers—the response was eye-opening. While many Christians were encouraged and thankful for the ministry’s stand, the sheer flood of hateful comments directed against God, the Bible, and those who love Him was absolutely staggering. It wasn’t a small handful of critics; it was an overwhelming outpouring of anger and hostility toward even the mention of Jesus Christ.

This experience is a sobering reminder of the spiritual climate in America today. Many of us, faithfully attending our churches and surrounded by fellow believers, can begin to feel insulated from the growing opposition to Christianity in our culture. We live and serve in communities where the Bible is respected, where prayer is normal, and where faith in God is woven into the fabric of daily life. But the reality outside those circles is very different. There is a deepening resentment toward God’s Word and those who stand for Biblical truth.

As Christians, we must not let this discourage us but rather drive us to our knees in prayer. America desperately needs revival. 

The angry words and vicious attacks we see are not just against us—they are against the Savior we serve. Our response must be one of love, truth, and unwavering commitment to intercede for those who oppose the Gospel. Scripture reminds us that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12), but it also reminds us to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matthew 5:44).

This moment should shake us out of complacency. It should remind us that our nation’s spiritual battle is very real, and the need for Christians to stand boldly and pray fervently has never been greater. Let us pray for America, for our leaders, and even for those who are hostile to the Gospel—that their hearts might be softened and turned to Christ. May we refuse to retreat into silence and instead continue to let our light shine in a world that desperately needs it.

When they are used effectively, computers can streamline work and make churches much more efficient. But mistakes happen, and not all of these are innocent errors. CLA recommends that churches adopt an Incident Management Procedure when there are issues with technology, including theft and data corruption.

Proper management procedures can help legally protect the church. These procedures include identifying the scope of the incident, creating an Incident Management Form, notifying the supervisor of the person who caused the incident, and defining a resolution.

If you need additional information about this important topic, contact our offices today.

Though it is thankfully rare, ministry workers need to know what to do when they come across an unknown substance in a suspicious package. Staff members need to be trained to put down the package immediately without attempting to clean up any released powder or liquid, and without attempting to brush off the substance from clothing or skin. Then turn off all HVAC systems immediately to prevent a potentially harmful substance from getting into the air circulation system and being spread throughout the building. These procedures seem like simple common sense, but because they occur so rarely, staff members should be periodically reminded of these actions to keep them at the top of their minds. 

If you need to establish emergency response policies for your ministry, please contact our offices for further information.

Through the years, the Christian Law Associationhas been blessed to win an unbelievable number of cases, defending the rights of churches and individual Christians to practice the religious liberty promised in the United States Constitution. But we can never make the false assumption that once something is settled, it is settled forever.

Courts tend to follow precedent.

If the courts allow one church in a state to have a 

Christian school, it is likely that they will allow all churches in the same state to have Christian schools because courts tend to follow precedent.

Attorneys tend to show distinctions.

In order to get a ruling that goes against established precedent, attorneys try to show how the present case is somehow different from cases in the past. They may argue something as simple as, “The cases in the past dealt with larger churches that were more likely to have qualified teachers, but the present case deals with a smaller church that is less likely to have such resources.”

The United States Supreme Court sometimes changes its mind.

In the matter of abortion, the Supreme Court for many years ruled that every state must allow abortions. In recent years, the Court ruled that it is acceptable for abortion rights to vary from state to state. Even long-established precedents can be overturned with a single case.

A recent Supreme Court decision has created some confusion.

In most cases involving public schools, if one group of students is allowed to express their thoughts, then all groups are. But when a school on the East Coast allowed some students to wear shirts that said, “He, She, They. It’s All OK” but disallowed one student to wear a shirt that said, “There are only two genders,” the Supreme Court refused to hear the case, thereby allowing the school to exercise viewpoint discrimination.

Please continue to pray for the Christian Law Association.

Because of the nature of the law in the United States, our work defending Christian liberty is never done. We are determined to continue winning cases in the future, just as we have in the past; but we know we cannot do so without God’s help. We humbly ask all our supporters to keep us in their prayers.

Here are some surprising and thought-provokingstatisticsabout Christians in the United States, based on recent studies from sources like Pew Research, Barna Group, Lifeway Research, and Gallup:

Christianity Is Declining Rapidly

Only 63% of Americans now identify as Christian (Pew Research, 2021), down from 90% in the 1970s. If trends continue, Christians could be a minority by 2070.

Church Attendance Is Even Lower Than Belief

While 63% say they are Christian, only about 28–30% attend a church service once a week. That means over half of self-identified Christians don’t go to church regularly.

Fewer Than 10% Hold a Biblical Worldview

According to Barna (2023), only 6% of U.S. adults—and just 19% of born-again Christians—have a Biblical worldview, meaning they believe in core Biblical principles like absolute moral truth and salvation through Christ alone.

Evangelicals Are a Small Minority

Though often highly visible, evangelical Christians make up only 23–25% of the population, and that number is shrinking, especially among young people.

Gen Z Christians Are Doubting More

Among Gen Z (ages 10–25), over 45% of those raised in a Christian environment say they have serious doubts about their faith, and many cite the church’s stance on social issues as a reason.

Bible Reading Is Shockingly Rare

Only 11% of Americans read the Bible daily (American Bible Society, 2023). More than half of self-described Christians say they rarely or never read Scripture.

Half of Pastors Are Seriously Considering Leaving Ministry

According to Barna (2023), 42% of pastors have seriously considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year due to stress, isolation, and pressure.

Christian Persecution Is Increasing Domestically

Legal pressure against Christian individuals and ministries is rising.

A Majority of Christians Can’t Define the Great Commission

A Lifeway Research study found that 51% of U.S. churchgoers have never heard of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), or can’t explain what it means.

When I think of America, I think of a land birthed in liberty—liberty not only to speak and assemble, but liberty to worship the Lord without fear of government interference. Our Founding Fathers were not perfect men, but they understood a perfect truth: that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Chief among these is the right to worship freely.

We at the Christian Law Association are privileged to witness this freedom in action every day. We speak to pastors seeking to proclaim the Gospel boldly. We advise teachers disciplined for quietly living out their faith in public schools. We help Christian business owners who refuse to compromise their beliefs, even when it costs them financially. These believers are not making headlines—but they are the heartbeat of the American church.

And yet, we also see another side of America—one that grieves our hearts. We see government officials who treat churches unequally. We see Christians told to remove Scripture verses from their workspaces, students barred from bringing their Bibles to school, and ministries targeted for holding to Biblical truth. This is not the America our founders envisioned.

But we are not discouraged. We are resolved.

When I think of America, I think of Christians who still kneel in prayer, families who still gather around the dinner table to read God’s Word, churches who still preach the truth without compromise. I think of our attorneys—fighting daily, often behind the scenes, to ensure the next generation has the same religious freedoms we’ve enjoyed.

Our freedom is not free. It has been paid for by the blood of patriots—and by the sacrifice of those who stood for truth when it wasn’t popular. The Christian Law Association stands with them.

Let us not take these freedoms for granted. Let us continue to speak, to serve, and to stand. Let us remember that this liberty is not man’s idea—it is God’s gift. And with His help, we will preserve it.

About two years ago, an employee in the medical industry worked within the rules of his company to establish a Bible study with some of his fellow employees. This, however, was strongly opposed by some of his superiors, and they began to develop a plan to shut down the Bible study.

Without any notice and without being given any reason, the employee was sent home. Because he knew his bosses well, he knew that—regardless of what anyone might state publicly—the real reason for this was their desire to disband the Bible study. He also knew that he would likely lose his job.

When he contacted the Christian Law Association, our experienced attorneys were able to provide sound legal guidance. After all this time, the Bible study is still going. One man who attends the Bible study has now become a Christian.

Because of God’s goodness, the man who operates the Bible study still has a career that is on track. In fact, it appears that his superiors can perceive the value of his work, and they have even continued to provide him with customary increases of salary.

The Christian Law Association is committed to fighting for religious liberty. Whether that is handling cases that appear before the highest courts of the land or helping a good-hearted Christian man keep his Bible study going, we are privileged to defend the rights of Bible-believing Christians.

If we take the time to look around, it is obvious that the attendance in many churches is lower today than it was a year ago. This downward trajectory is not associated with just one church; it is unfortunately a part of a growing trend in all churches across America.

We have all felt the impact of rising prices, and churches are no different. In many congregations, the financial challenges are severe. Expenses are going up, but offerings are going down.

When the COVID-19 panic hit, many faithful church members stayed home, planning for that to be only for a season. Sadly, many of them have never returned. That—coupled with shifting trends in many people’s attitude about organized religion—is another contributing factor to the current weakened state of church growth.

The statistics for 2024 are not complete, but reasonable estimates indicate that somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 churches closed their doors permanently during the year. Going back to 2019, statistics about Protestant churches indicated approximately 4,500 closures that year. It is common for churches to close or to merge because church attendance in America is in trouble.

America needs churches! America needs you to keep your church strong!

At the Christian Law Association, it is our privilege to fight to protect the religious liberties of Bible-preaching churches. At the same time, we understand that all the well-intentioned efforts of our legal missionaries cannot replace dedicated pastors and church members who have a heart to keep the New Testament church alive in this nation.

This is the time to support your local church. This is the time to be involved, to contribute, to participate in outreach. The message of the Gospel makes an eternal difference. May the Lord help us rededicate ourselves to support the church which He bought with the precious blood of Christ.

When summertime arrives, churches kick into high gear. Activities, camps, special programs—all these projects can excite the membership and keep the staff extremely busy. As you enter into this joyous, but hectic, season, keep these tips in mind to stay safe and legally sound.

 1. Review and Update Insurance Coverage

Make sure your liability insurance is current and covers all summer activities, including off-site events, camps, and volunteer-led outings.

 2. Require Signed Permission and Waiver Forms

Get signed consent and liability waivers from parents/guardians for minors participating in events. Clearly outline the activities and any associated risks.

 3. Screen All Volunteers and Staff

Conduct background checks on anyone working with children or youth. Document the process to protect the church legally if an issue arises.

 4. Provide Staff & Volunteer Training

Offer mandatory safety training, including child protection policies, emergency procedures, and mandatory reporting obligations.

 5. Comply with State and Local Laws

Ensure activities meet all local, state, and federal legal requirements (like permits for large gatherings, food service regulations, and transportation rules).

  6. Implement a Two-Adult Rule

Never allow one adult to be alone with a minor. Always have two unrelated adults present to protect everyone involved.

  7. Prepare Emergency Medical Plans

Have clear emergency procedures. Keep medical release forms and allergy information on hand, and ensure first-aid kits are available at every event.

  8. Transport Minors Safely and Legally

Use approved drivers with valid licenses and proper insurance. Get written permission for any off-site transportation.

  9. Monitor Outdoor and Water Activities Closely

For activities like swimming or hiking, use certified lifeguards or qualified supervisors, and have clear supervision ratios based on age and activity risk.

 10. Document Everything

Keep thorough records of incident reports, permission slips, training sessions, and background checks. Good documentation can be crucial if any legal issues arise later.

Taking a little extra time to tend to these matters is an important step in safeguarding the many activities on your summer schedule. If you need additional information or have questions, please contact our offices.

1. Wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7).

When God told King Solomon to ask for anything he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7–12). Living in the shadow of his father, King David, he asked for the one thing that really touched the heart of God, Heaven-sent wisdom. When God saw that Solomon’s heart was filled with a desire for wisdom, He gave him the wisdom he asked for, as well as extreme riches that he did not ask for.

2. Do not confuse wisdom with knowledge.

Knowledge is “knowing things”; wisdom is “knowing what to do and when to do it.” We have all met people who are extremely intelligent, but the actions of their day-to-day lives are extremely foolish. It is impossible to navigate the Christian life without knowing what to do and when to do it. We cannot be successful spouses, parents, employers, or employees without having this wisdom. We can rely on our own best efforts, or we can rely on God’s magnificent wisdom.

3. Wisdom brings happiness.

Proverbs 3:13–15 explains, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.” If you want to be happy, you need to obtain Heaven-sent wisdom. Given the choice between wealth and wisdom, always choose wisdom. Seeking happiness by following the way of the world is a catastrophic choice. True happiness is found only by seeking divine wisdom and living the lives God has designed for us.

4. We must acknowledge that we lack wisdom.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask.” The word lack here means “to be destitute,” not “to be just a little short.” We must be honest with ourselves and with God. We must admit that we simply do not know how to raise our children or manage our careers without God’s divine help. In most cases, people who are highly talented, gifted, or experienced have even more trouble asking for God’s help. Our prayer must be, “God, I admit that I lack. I must have Your wisdom because I do not know what I am doing.” While the world encourages us to believe in ourselves and trust in what we can make of ourselves, God’s Word commands us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, thereby acknowledging our lack (1 Peter 5:6). We must never get comfortable living without Heaven-sent wisdom.

5. We must ask God for wisdom.

When we ask God for wisdom, God promises to give us a generous portion of it. He will give us even more wisdom than we need. Furthermore, God promises that He will never find fault with us for asking for wisdom. He will never say, “You seem weak for asking.” We should ask God to give us wisdom for the specific situations we encounter day by day. In every situation of life that we encounter, we should ask ourselves, “Do I care enough about this to ask God for His help?”

6. We must exercise faith when we ask for 

                wisdom.

In salvation, we exercise faith and ask God to save us. In our day-to-day lives, we must exercise faith in asking God for wisdom. We can’t be fickle, thinking, “Maybe God will give me wisdom; maybe He won’t.” That kind of thinking is unstable. Stable, Bible-based thinking is remembering that we are part of God’s family, and our loving Heavenly Father wants to give us wisdom. It is tragic for a wife to look for leadership from an unstable husband who is not asking God for wisdom, or for a child to seek guidance from a parent who is comfortable living without God’s wisdom.

7. Wisdom impacts our daily lives.

When we choose to seek God’s wisdom, it improves our relationships. Heaven-sent wisdom makes us better parents, better children, better employers, and better employees. When we are filled with God’s wisdom, our actions will manifest the fruit of the Spirit, “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23).

Christian, have you asked your 

Heavenly Father for wisdom today?