Church & Ministry

Best Practices for Elders Discipling Younger Men

College Age Meets Middle Age

Discover how College Heights Christian Church connects college students with older believers through spiritual shepherding, community groups, career mentoring, and intentional intergenerational relationships that strengthen discipleship and the…

Three Reasons Evangelical Churches Are Growing When Others Are Not

Why are evangelical churches growing while other denominations decline? Three pastors explore how less institutionalism, greater flexibility, and a renewed emphasis on discipleship can help congregations reach people…

Responding to Jim Putman

Three church leaders respond to Jim Putman's church planting strategy, exploring the strengths and limitations of multisite churches, the importance of developing preachers, and the need to release…

Why We Decided to Plant Churches Instead of Create Multisites

Why did Real Life Ministries choose church planting over multisite campuses? Jim Putman explains how relationships, local leadership, discipleship, and long-term stability shaped the decision to plant six…

The Summer Ministry Cycle

Discover how church cycling groups can turn a shared passion for bicycling into meaningful ministry through charity rides, community building, and outreach to people experiencing homelessness.

Ministry Resource of the Month: Ice Cream

Discover how Momentum Christian Church uses an ice cream truck to build community relationships, create volunteer opportunities, and serve neighbors—plus five simple ice cream ministry ideas your church…

Missed Turns

Churches rarely lose their way overnight. Eddie Lowen explores the missed decisions, changing attendance habits, and outdated ministry approaches that challenge congregations—and how leaders can recognize the turns…

Students Stoked about Pepperdine’s “Surf Chapel”

Pepperdine University's Surf Chapel brings 100 students together each week for worship, surfing, and meaningful conversations at Zuma Beach, creating a unique environment for friendships, mentoring, and spiritual…

“Fewer Christians in the U.S.” Good News?

A Pew Research Center study reveals declining Christian identification in America alongside growth among Evangelicals and nondenominational churches. Mark A. Taylor asks whether this growth reflects genuine evangelism…

Serving People Every Single Day

Crosspointe Church in Cary, North Carolina, partners with the YMCA to build a 130,000-square-foot facility, creating jobs, expanding community services, and demonstrating how churches can serve their neighbors…

Get More People Involved in Your Group(s)

Discover 12 practical ways to get more people involved in church small groups, from building authentic community and encouraging personal invitations to launching group campaigns and creating welcoming…

Considering Ourselves Amid the Decline of Mainline Churches

Pew Research Center data reveals declining Christian affiliation in America, especially among mainline Protestants and Catholics. Mark A. Taylor examines why Evangelical growth offers encouragement while raising important…

Annual Megachurch Lists

Explore Christian Standard's annual megachurch lists from 2002 through 2015, including downloadable church attendance charts, historical megachurch definitions, and survey information documenting the growth and size of participating…

Weighing the Numbers

Do church numbers really matter? Mark A. Taylor explains why reporting statistics helps Christian churches celebrate baptisms, demonstrate their collective impact, and preserve an important record for future…