MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Barna Group, a leading source for insights on Christian faith and culture, has reported significant changes in church attendance patterns and attitudes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to their data, 22% of churched adults stopped attending church in 2020 alone. A 2021 Gallup poll further revealed that, for the first time, less than half of all Americans now claim to belong to a church, highlighting a growing trend of declining church membership.
In contrast, there is a notable rise in the use of social media, podcasts, and online streaming as alternative means for individuals to grow their faith. One local pastor making an impact through digital media is Craig Heilman. His ministry, “Study His Word Radio,” is a Christian worldview podcast that combines Biblical teaching with real-world issues. “I offer a verse-by-verse teaching of the entire Bible, Genesis through Revelation,” states Heilman. “I also interview Christians from all walks of life, impacting culture daily.” His podcast is available at studyhiswordradio.org, where all of his archived teachings can be found.
Pastor Heilman also dedicates an hour weekly on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. to cover news stories affecting Christians that are often overlooked by major media outlets. During this hour, he interviews local Christians who have a ministry or impact on the Marion community. Recent interviews have featured Amy Orr Parker of Luke 311 Ministries, Barbara Mills with Voice of Hope, Ohio State Representative Tracey Richardson, and Marion City Treasurer Tommy Reece.