College campuses in the U.S. are not generally considered bastions for Bible literacy or interest, say officials from the Christian organization InterVarsity. However, in light of a recent Barna Group study released about the most and least Bible-minded cities in the nation, InterVarsity optimistically points to thousands of Bible studies "breaking out across the country," following commitments made at its student missions conference (Urbana 12) at the end of December in St. Louis.

"In a week when the Barna organization has highlighted the most Bible-Minded and least Bible-Minded cities in the U.S., and classes have resumed on college campuses across the country, it's exciting to know that thousands of college students are leading many of their friends into new relationships with God through Bible study," said InterVarsity Evangelism Director Terry Erickson.

In the Barna findings, Knoxville, Tenn., was named number one on the "Most Bible-Minded Cities" list, while Providence, R.I. and New Bedford, Mass. shared the number one spot for "Least Bible-Minded Cities" out of 96 cities. more >>

Mars Hill Church Downtown Seattle, one of 14 churches that have sprouted from the teachings and ministry of founding pastor Mark Driscoll, opened this past Sunday at its new location, a historic 1910 place of worship that once included some of Seattle's early families.

"There's a new chapter in Seattle's history tonight with the salvation of a downtown Seattle building that is over 100 years old," a local TV news anchor shared last week, Mars Hill reported. "The new tenant, a church, is preserving the building and restoring it to its original use."

Holding church services at out-of-the ordinary locations is not something new for Mars Hill. The Downtown Seattle church is using the building most recently known as Daniels Recital Hall after selling its Belltown location, the former building of the "notorious" Tabella Nightclub. more >>

A Texas megachurch overseen by Bishop T.D. Jakes has opened up a new campus three years after purchasing the location, which was once a shopping center.

With the sound of shofar, The Potter's House of Dallas held their first worship service on Sunday at the Fort Worth location, expanding the number of operating campuses for the church that boasts an estimated 30,000 members.

Patrick E. Winfield Jr., a pastor ordained in 1996 who is presently pursuing a doctorate in education from Dallas Baptist University, heads the newly operational campus, known as The Potter's House of Fort Worth. more >>

Hobby Lobby Inc., an evangelical Christian retail business, has announced that it will donate a piece of property to a Chicago megachurch.

The Oklahoma City-based crafts company decided to give Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago the vacant site that once housed a cosmetics business known as Johnson Products.

"On New Year's Eve, we got a life-changing phone call to let us know they were committed to formally and officially donating the property – with no consideration," said the Rev. Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship, to the Chicago Sun-Times. more >>

One of North Carolina's largest churches is looking to expand in response to continued growth, bucking the national trend of decline in religious affiliation in the United States.

Elevation Church, a multisite megachurch centered around Charlotte, is looking toward building a $20 million facility in Ballantyne for its administrative staff, as well as a 1,500-seat sanctuary.

In addition to this, the Charlotte Observer reports that Elevation is also considering several sites in Huntersville for what would be its eighth campus. more >>

Saddleback Church, the multi-campus megachurch headed by pastor and author Rick Warren, will be going into a new facility in a California city.

Saddleback has signed a long-term lease for a facility for its San Clemente campus, which boasts an estimated 2,500 members and has been meeting at a local high school. Led by Scott Hitzel, the congregation hopes to move into the completely renovated facility by Easter Sunday, 2013.

Regarding the move to the new facility, many local clergy have expressed support for the rise of the Saddleback satellite campus in their neighborhood. more >>