Ministry Week in Review — July 4, 2026

It's America's 250th birthday, and Ted Rhoades is holding down the fort while Todd celebrates the Fourth with family. This Saturday edition covers the biggest stories in church leadership from the week — including a historic SBC vote, a striking counseling gap among pastors, a growing seminary debt crisis, and what it looks like to lead a patriotic worship service without crossing into nationalism. Stories This Week: SBC constitutional amendment on women in pastoral roles advances — plus Rick Warren sits down with Russell Moore to walk through the theology. A historic inflection point for tens of thousands of churches. LifeWay Research: 90% of pastors recommend professional counseling — only 9% have sought it themselves. 75% report being very or extremely stressed. 1 in 3 has considered leaving ministry. Todd's Chemistry Staffing blog: The seminary debt crisis — entry-level ministry positions requiring credentials that cost far more than the salaries on the other side can cover. July 4th in worship: Christianity Today, Church Leaders, and Thom Rainer on how to lead a patriotic service without letting patriotism become nationalism. PCUSA reports losing 26,000+ members and 128 churches in 2025. Ryan Burge research finds "non-denominational" is blurrier than most assume. Pastor David Hughey (First Baptist, Little Rock) voluntarily steps down amid personal circumstances — a powerful example of self-aware, congregation-first leadership. Bright Spot: Faith leaders on the National Mall, quietly present and prayerful on America's 250th birthday. Source Links: Christianity Today — Patriotic Worship Services Church Leaders — Four Approaches to July 4th Services Thom Rainer — Navigating Political Conversations from the Pulpit LifeWay Research — Pastor Counseling Study Todd Rhoades — Seminary Debt Crisis (Chemistry Staffing) Subscribe to the Church Leadership Radar newsletter: churchleadershipradar.com More from Todd Rhoades: Healthy Church Staff Podcast