'Nightline': The Year in Jesus

ByABC News
December 22, 2006, 4:27 PM

Dec. 22, 2006 — -- More than a quarter of all Americans identify themselves as evangelical Christians, and the number is growing. There were dozens of fascinating stories in American religion in 2006, and on Monday, Christmas night, we'll be taking a look back at some of the people and trends that defined the year in Jesus.

And Stephen Baldwin, the youngest of four brothers in the storied Baldwin family, has stepped into what he calls the "gnarly" niche in the evangelical scene. His "Livin' It" extreme sports tour mixes skate parks with prayer circles in an approach he believes is necessary to connect to a younger generation of worshipers.

Other reports have featured Franklin Graham, who this year proved he could fill the shoes of his father, Billy Graham, while standing by some very controversial comments about Islam, to Rick Warren, the "purpose-driven" pastor who is using the power of his church to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa.