Christian Leadership in Service and the Annual Megachurch Report
Mark A. Taylor highlights the Leaders in Christian Service program and its recognition of Christians whose leadership extends beyond the local church. He also introduces Christian Standard’s annual megachurch report and explains how readers can access additional analysis or submit corrections.
- Nominations are being sought for the Leaders in Christian Service award.
- The award recognizes Christian character, vocational or volunteer leadership, and service in the church and community.
- Christian Standard’s annual megachurch report includes expanded research and invites readers to submit updates or corrections.
By Mark A. Taylor
Leaders in Christian Service
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.
The Annual Megachurch Report
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.
Author: Mark A. Taylor
Mark A. Taylor, who served as Christian Standard editor from 2003 to 2017, retired in June 2017 after almost 41 years with Standard Publishing (Christian Standard Media).
