August 5, 2007
Still Alive
Using the “bilge pump” parable, Phil Scott warns that maintenance can’t stop long-term decline and urges congregations toward courageous leadership, innovation, and aggressive evangelism beyond the safety of the harbor.
Church Growth
Church Growth explores how congregations can grow in healthy, gospel-centered ways—both spiritually and numerically. Find practical, Bible-based articles on outreach, evangelism, discipleship pathways, assimilation, small groups, leadership development, and building a strong church culture. You’ll also discover guidance on strengthening ministries, improving communication, engaging your community, and measuring progress with wisdom and humility. Whether you’re leading a church, serving on a ministry team, or helping a congregation move forward, these resources aim to support sustainable growth that honors Christ and forms disciples.
July 29, 2007
A Much Needed Ministry: Reflections of a New Consultant
When a struggling church finally sought a consultant’s help, it was too late to recover. Closing the doors brought peace—and sparked a new calling to help other churches seek help sooner.
July 1, 2007
Saturday Night Church: What Were We Thinking?
After launching a Saturday night service with major volunteer effort and advertising spend, this church found most attendees were transfers from Sunday. The added service strained staff, programming, and family life—so they ended it within four months.
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCHES: By the Numbers
A report on 117 megachurches and emerging megachurches among Christian churches/churches of Christ explores growth patterns, multisite momentum, facility expansion outcomes, and demographic shifts shaping what comes next for large congregations.
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCHES: The 2006 List
CHRISTIAN STANDARD’s annual megachurch list highlights churches by weekly attendance. This entry defines megachurch and emerging megachurch thresholds and links to the 2006 megachurches chart.
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCH PROFILE: Parkview Christian, Orland Park, IL
A profile of Parkview Christian Church traces a pivotal 1997 congregational vote, the leadership decision that followed, and the relocation and expansion that accompanied rapid attendance growth and wider outreach.
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCH PROFILE: Parkway Christian, Surprise, AZ
Parkway Christian Church in Surprise, Arizona, grew through counterintuitive service decisions, multiple worship styles, and a strong small-group follow-up system—planning new venues while keeping worship environments intentionally intimate.
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCHES: Crunching the Numbers
Download a PDF featuring statistical breakdowns of megachurches and emerging megachurches, including fastest-growing churches, most baptisms, services offered, and “greatest Easter multiple.”
February 4, 2007
MULTISITE CHURCHES: It Works for Us
LifeBridge Christian Church shares what it learned taking a big step of faith into DVD preaching for multisite ministry—what worked, what mattered more, and why leadership, volunteers, and coordination make the difference.
To Move Or Not to Move
A church’s plan to buy land for future growth led to a long rezoning battle, a hard “no,” and years of waiting. This pastor shares how God used closed doors to guide relocation, strengthen community partnerships, and open a new chapter.
January 14, 2007
Authentic Christianity: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Joe Ellis urges American churches to recover authentic New Testament faith and function in a time of cultural shaking. Drawing on historic awakenings, he calls congregations toward restoration, evangelistic passion, and renewed effectiveness.
January 7, 2007
What Emerging Means to Our Churches and Ministries
Dan Kimball explains why churches can’t assume postmodern generations will think or worship like moderns. He urges leaders to understand emerging culture, adapt ministry approaches, and press ahead in making disciples with faithfulness and clarity.
October 29, 2006
The Male Connection: Reaching Men Involves More than Men’s Ministry
Leaders from two churches named Christ’s Church of the Valley discuss why they target men ages 25 to 45, how challenge and adventure shape their approach, and practical ways churches can better connect with unchurched men.
October 15, 2006
The Megas Were Minors
Knofel Staton reflects on what megachurches can offer—and why small congregations matter just as much. He traces how “minor churches” nurture faith and leaders, and calls both large and small churches to value each other’s role.
October 15, 2006
STARTING SMALL: It’s Really Not About Size
Tom Ellsworth shares hard-won lessons from moving from small-church ministry to leading a growing congregation—why attitude, vision, relationships, and serving matter more than size, and how churches can stay healthy as they expand.
October 15, 2006
STARTING SMALL: A God Thing
David Bycroft recounts how Tyro Christian Church grew from a small rural congregation into a thriving ministry marked by missions giving, volunteer engagement, and leader development—evidence, he says, of what God can do anywhere.
October 11, 2006
Interview with Barry McMurtrie
Barry McMurtrie explains why small churches plateau, how leaders can prioritize outreach, and practical ways to introduce change wisely while pursuing healthy church growth.
September 24, 2006
Why the U.S. Will Never Win the World Cup (and Why This Matters to the Church)
Using the World Cup as a mirror, Rick Grover challenges the church to move beyond preferences and short-term thinking toward a lived, sacrificial faith that shapes disciples and reaches the unchurched.
July 23, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 3)
Overchoice can confuse seekers and members when church calendars offer too many ministry options. Kent Fillinger shares a practical strategy to clarify priorities, define goals, and communicate growth pathways clearly.
July 19, 2006
Interview with Roger Andruss
Island Family Christian Church in Honolulu grew through prayer, purpose, and “Ohana” small groups. Roger Andruss shares his conversion story and ministry journey from Montana to Hawaii.
