Church Leadership Radar - May 9, 2026

This week's Ministry Week in Review covers a mix of encouraging data and challenging questions for church leaders.This Week's Stories:SBC Baptisms Up for 5th Consecutive Year — LifeWay Research's 2025 Annual Church Profile shows 263,000 baptisms (up 5%) and weekly attendance up 4%, even as membership continues to decline. What does it mean when people meet Jesus but skip the membership card?Vision vs. Direction — The Unstuck Group's new podcast episode "This Isn't Working Anymore" makes the case that having a vision statement isn't enough. Direction is what gets you somewhere.Remembering Joni Lamb — Co-founder of Daystar Television Network passed away at 65 after building one of the largest Christian broadcasting networks in the world, reaching ~100 million households.Faith Protects Mental Health — New peer-reviewed research from BYU's Wheatley Institute links religious practice to significantly lower rates of suicidality, self-harm, and depression.The Big Picture — Hartford Institute's new congregational study: the church isn't returning to a previous era of glory — it's gaining clarity. Plus: Kanakuk Kamps and Wheaton College accountability threads.Bright Spot — Brandon Lake preached at the close of a secular music tour with Nick Jonas and Dan + Shay — and approximately 500 people were baptized. At a pop concert.Sources & Resources:LifeWay Research — 2025 Annual Church ProfileThe Unstuck Group Podcast — "This Isn't Working Anymore"BYU Wheatley Institute ResearchHartford Institute for Religion ResearchStay Connected:📧 Subscribe to the Church Leadership Radar Newsletter🎙️ Healthy Church Staff Podcast