A recent Barna Update found that while pastors feel confident in ministry, many struggle in their interaction with others. The study was conducted by The Barna Group among a nationwide sample of Protestant pastors. Pastors may be employed in one of society?s most demanding professions and many churchgoers may place unrealistic expectations on their leaders. But today?s pastors are surprisingly similar to people from other walks of life ? with doubts and insecurities of their own. Pastors brim with self-confidence in many areas of their ministry, but admit it is a challenge to maintain genuine connections with other people. David Kinnaman, who directed the study of pastors' self-perceptions, discussed some of the implications of the research. "It is tempting for some pastors to try to emulate the most captivating and high-profile pastors. But God uses all types of people to do His work, and this research underscores the diversity of personalities, perspectives and life circumstances among pastors these days." Click here to read the seven intriguing insights found regarding how pastors think of themselves and the churches they lead. Do you identify or agree with these insights?

Have you seen Relevant's latest release Hope in the Dark? It is a photo documentary by freelance photographer Jeremy Cowart and Jena Lee, executive director of Blood: Water Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and promoting clean blood and clean water in Africa. The book documents the hope and pain of the AIDS generation'a generation beset by poverty and fear. Despite the sickening odds, Cowart captures brief glimpses of beauty, optimism and joy as he makes his way across the continent. Through this collection of startling and remarkable images, his lens uncovers not just the magnitude of the problem, but also the places where God is undeniably present in the midst of it.

We are sure you all have been waiting for this! We took a poll back at the Catalyst Headquarters and got one song from everyone on staff that they have been listening to non-stop. It is a pretty interesting combination to say the least. Check out our IMIX on itunes by clicking here. What are you listening to right now?

In the latest issue of Outreach Magazine, Rebecca Barnes reports the status of "Home Grown Churches," and the impact of this movement on the local church. One of the important questions in regards to house churches centers around the area of discipleship. Are more people staying committed to their faith through organic churches? Missiologist and North American Mission Board (namb.com) Research Team Director Ed Stetzer thinks the answer might be "yes." In his recent book, he references an annual House Church Conference in CO. According to Stetzer, the conference drew more than 400 people last year, and more than 100 network leaders attended its pre-conference. Stetzer also cites global house church trends-watcher Wolfgang Simpson's estimate of 5,000 house churches in North America, and Barna researcher Thom Black's estimate of 1 million people involved in house churches in North America. "We see an increase in models of church that reject certain organizational models, embracing what are often called 'incarnational' or 'house' models," says Stetzer. "They are responding to the fact that after decades of trying fresh ideas in innovative churches, North America is less churched, and those that are churched are less committed." Interesting insights, to say the least, what do you think?

Business 2.0 Magazine recently released their list of the "50 People Who Matter Now," revealing their take on the innovators, entrepreneurs, executives are setting today?s business agenda. You can check out the entire list at here. So, who is setting today's agenda for the Church? Give us your opinion on "Who Matters Now."