The State of the Church

The May 2018 issue of Christian Standard focuses on The State of the Church and offers a broad look at the health, growth, leadership, and future direction of independent Christian churches within the Restoration Movement. Anchored by the visible cover theme and Ken Idleman’s feature, “The State of Our Christian Churches Today,” this issue evaluates where these churches are thriving, where they are vulnerable, and what trends may shape the years ahead.

A major portion of the issue is devoted to Christian Standard’s annual Special Church Report, this time covering megachurches and emerging megachurches. Readers will find reporting on church growth, multisite expansion, online campuses, baptisms, debt, generosity, and ministry spending. That statistical overview is paired with practical and reflective articles on church planting, leadership health, minister care, missions, and doctrinal clarity.

The State of the Church also highlights both opportunities and concerns facing the movement. Articles explore the “family of churches” model of church planting, support for hurting ministers, missions momentum through ICOM, and the question of whether Christianity is truly disappearing. The issue also includes stories from churches across the country, showing how different congregations are navigating growth, transitions, outreach, and local ministry challenges.

For readers interested in The State of the Church, this Christian Standard issue provides a useful snapshot of Restoration Movement churches in May 2018. It is especially helpful for pastors, elders, church staff, and ministry leaders who want to understand current realities in church leadership, church growth, and gospel mission.