23 November, 2024

Calling All Leaders, Announcing All Megachurches

by | 5 April, 2006 | 0 comments

By Mark A. Taylor

When we say CHRISTIAN STANDARD is a magazine for leaders in the local church, immediately we create a problem. Just who is a leader?

At no time is that question more clearly answered than when we consider the Leaders in Christian Service program cosponsored by Milligan College and Standard Publishing.

Leaders in Christian Service recognizes men and women who have discovered the beauty in the paradox presented by Christ: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26, New Living Translation ). Those who have received this reward in the past include leaders in education, law, business, and government who have made significant and sacrificial contributions for Christ.

We are actively seeking nominations now for this year’s award. Honorees will be introduced at a special breakfast at the North American Christian Convention in Louisville in June.

Who qualifies for this award? Those, according to a news release from Milligan College, who are examples of Christian leadership “beyond the walls of the church. . . . Whatever their profession, they advance the cause of Christ and exemplify a stewardship of their life, influence, and resources.”

When nominations are received, judges will be looking for:

“¢ excellence of Christian character

“¢ strong Christian example through professional/vocational or volunteer leadership

“¢ evidence of Christian service in the church and community.

You can nominate someone today. Visit www.milligan.edu/LCS to download a nomination form. Or call 423-461-8316 for more information.

 

IF YOU’RE ONE of the many keeping track of our annual megachurch list, you”ll notice some differences in this year”s report.We”re indebted to Kent Fillinger and Ben Simms with 3:STRANDS Consulting in Indianapolis, Indiana, for compiling and comparing the figures and writing all this week”s megachurch features. This is by far the most complete and comprehensive overview of our megachurches CHRISTIAN STANDARD has ever published.

Complete as it is, this isn”t all. 3:STRANDS has prepared a detailed analysis that will interest many students of church growth and other megachurch watchers. You may purchase your own downloadable copy by CLICKING HERE.

And now for the usual disclaimer: If you attend or know about a megachurch not listed here, or if you believe our figures about your megachurch are not accurate, please tell us. We have made every effort to publish a complete and accurate report. But we know congregations are entering the megachurch and emerging megachurch (another new term this year) categories every year. If we”re wrong or incomplete, we”ll publish an update soon.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 24 Study | Free at Last

If there is anything that should cause us to give thanks this week it is that God has provided an eternal home for us.

November 24 Application | No More

Sin’s devastating effects have plagued this fallen world ever since the Garden of Eden, but “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

November 24 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7, 18-20), by Mark Scott.

Our Gated Community

The Lord’s presence will sustain us whenever the “gates of Hades” and their leader (Satan) pose a threat.

Follow Us