From the weeks-long revival service at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, to the release of Christian films and shows that provoked faith and courted controversy—and to everything between—2023 has been an eventful year for American Christians.
Throughout the year, ChurchLeaders has followed several national stories, as well as highlighted the work of local ministers and everyday Christians. Some of these stories were uplifting. Others were devastating, disturbing, and sometimes even bizarre.
So much has happened this year that it would be easy to forget some of it. Nevertheless, faithful Christians believe that God is working through all of it for good.
Most Popular Articles on ChurchLeaders in 2023
Here are the most popular news articles on ChurchLeaders from 2023 based on what our readers have clicked.
20. Francis Chan, Rick Warren Do Not Attend National Collegiate Day of Prayer at Asbury To Keep It Free of Celebrities
In February, notable names such as Francis Chan, Rick Warren, and Allen Hood were scheduled to help lead the National Collegiate Day of Prayer at Asbury University before a spontaneous, multi-week worship service broke out. After discussions between Asbury University administration and the National Collegiate Day of Prayer team, the decision was made to keep the event 100% celebrity-free.
19. ‘I Saw the Vision of Jesus Christ’–‘Paper Planes’ Rapper Shares She Has Become a Born-Again Christian
British rapper M.I.A., known for her singles “Bad Girls” and “Paper Planes,” has become a born-again Christian after having a vision of Jesus. The artist, whose real name is Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, spoke out against people who have been critical of this spiritual change in a social media post in December 2022.
18. Beth Moore Shares What She ‘Didn’t Realize’ Before Watching the New Duggar Family Docuseries
When the docuseries “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” released in June, it revealed to author and Bible teacher Beth Moore just how much the teachings of Bill Gothard, which the Duggars promoted, have shaped her communities.
17. ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky Prays for Damar Hamlin on Live TV—‘Maybe This Is Not the Right Thing To Do, but I Want To’
On Tuesday, Jan. 3, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky told viewers, “Maybe this is not the right thing to do, but I want to,” right before praying for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during an episode of NFL Live.
16. Lysa Terkeurst Reveals She Has a New Love Interest: ‘It’s Been the Biggest Surprise’
In June, author and ministry leader Lysa TerKeurst shared with her Instagram followers that she has a new love interest. The news came a year-and-a-half after TerKeurst announced her marriage of 29 years was ending due to the repeated unfaithfulness of her now ex-husband, Art TerKeurst.
