The Matt Chandler-led Acts 29 has launched a new funding initiative that will give up to $50,000 to new churches started through its sponsorship this year. In an interview with The Christian Post, President Brian Howard said the organization hopes to plant 30 churches this year, explaining each church plant will receive two $25,000 gifts within two years, the first of which will assist with start-up costs, while the second will be awarded after the church has reached a certain funding metric.

In a recent virtual training seminar, leaders in Church of the Resurrection, a United Methodist megachurch based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, touted the benefits of online worship, saying it's "one of the biggest opportunities to make the Gospel more available." During one training session, Justin Schoolcraft, who oversees the young adult program for the church, stated, "There’s something about somebody joining on Zoom or digitally, being in their space ... where they are familiar, and they are comfortable, that it interestingly makes it a little easier to open up about the movement of God in our lives." However, not all church leaders are proponents of online worship. Last October, Pastor John MacArthur said he didn't believe online worship matched up to the biblical definition of "Church."

The Church of England has ordained a 42-year-old India-born priest as a bishop as the denomination continues to increase its number of clergy from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. The Right Rev. Malayil Lukose Varghese Muthalaly, also known as Saju, told The Telegraph Online, "I have been preparing for this service very much aware of what a great privilege it is that people around the world are praying for this moment." The newly-ordained bishop is among the youngest bishops in the CofE denomation.

"When Jesus lived out His ministry on earth, He purposefully sought out those who were on the fringes of society, the ones cast as lost causes and less-than. Jesus met them where they were and elevated them in His love," Sarah Freymuth writes. In this op-ed, Freymuth discusses the importance of being "Team Jesus," breaking barriers to share the Gospel with all people.

Samuel Sey writes about the Freedom Convoy, a recent event during which tens of thousands of Canadians gathered across Ontario — and particularly Toronto — to protest vaccine mandates in Canada. Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling the truckers a "small, fringe minority" with "unacceptable views," Sey notes there were around 5,000 people alone at the overpass he protested from. In writing about what Sey refers to as violations of "truth, facts, and justice," he points to the control the "elite[s]" are exerting, as evidenced by unvaccinated Canadians being banned from restaurants, movie theaters, concerts, gyms, some trains and planes. "COVID has killed many people. However, that isn’t an excuse for the government to kill our spirits," he writes.

In places like Rwanda, widows like Antoinette are rising out of poverty, starting businesses and installing running water into their homes (something that’s almost unheard of in her remote village) thanks to the support of a savings group run by her local church.

“It’s true! I have tap water!” Antoinette said. “I used to be a person who couldn’t speak in public. I’ve become confident because of being part of a [savings] group and being among people.” Read More

The United States Department of Justice has unveiled new guidance allowing male inmates at federal prisons to be housed with female prisoners. In updating the DOJ's Federal Bureau of Prisons' "Transgender Offender Manual," Trump-era language that required the use of "biological sex as the initial determination for designation" of trans-identified inmates was removed. The updates also now require prison personnel to address trans-identified inmates using their preferred pronouns. Female inmates in California expressed opposition to a law enacted last year that allows the placement of male inmates who identify as female in women’s prisons. Citing safety concerns due to the biological differences between men and women, the female inmates were quoted as saying they're now "prey for men."

Big Daddy Weave lead singer Mike Weaver spoke about his brother's death at Rock the Universe, which marked the first performance for the band since Jay Weaver's death. "The story of Jay's life continues to just blow us away how Jesus had used him in the lives of people," Weaver said. Click to watch.

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