Church & Ministry

Megachurches and More: The 2014 Lists

Explore Christian Standard's 2014 megachurch lists, featuring attendance data from 347 churches, including 64 megachurches and 70 emerging megachurches. Download the charts and discover additional insights into church…

We Got Booted from the List!

More than the Numbers

What do church statistics reveal about ministry effectiveness? Kent E. Fillinger examines 2014 megachurch and emerging megachurch results, celebrating outreach, baptisms, and growth while identifying challenges in staffing,…

A High-Tech Small Group Solution for Busy Lives

Discover how Hasandra Heyward helped create an online small group connecting busy women through weekly conference calls, building meaningful community and encouraging spiritual growth across multiple states and…

The Most Consequential Church Trend in 2015 . . . and What to Do About It

Will Mancini examines declining church attendance in 2015 and offers three practical ways leaders can respond by simplifying programs, strengthening discipleship, and focusing on spiritual growth rather than…

If Numbers Interest You

Explore key findings from the 2014 CHRISTIAN STANDARD megachurch report, including attendance averages, growth rates, baptisms, giving, debt, and leadership statistics, along with the fastest-growing congregations.

Bringing a Missions Mentality to Student Ministry

What if reaching today's students requires thinking like missionaries? Mike Andrews explores the cultural barriers separating generations and challenges churches to build trust, listen with humility, and equip…

Super-size Your Volunteer Base

Discover how one congregation recruited more than 700 new volunteers and built a stronger culture of service through five practical values emphasizing humility, responsibility, generosity, teamwork, and encouraging…

The Incredible Opportunity of “I Don”t Know”

Saying “I don’t know” can open the door to meaningful discipleship. Michael C. Mack explains how small group leaders can encourage discovery, deepen learning, and develop future leaders…

What We Don’t Know

When Fred Liggin met a homeless man named Frank, he didn't know his story. What followed revealed a powerful lesson about helping people experiencing homelessness through compassion, meaningful…

19 Ways to Recognize a Hero

Real heroes don't wear capes. Jennifer Johnson shares 19 heartfelt observations about church ministers whose everyday sacrifices, quiet compassion, and faithful leadership make a lasting difference in the…

Meeting at Jacob’s Well

Discover how Mark Thornton's Jacob's Well ministry in Lincoln, Nebraska, builds neighborhood relationships through food distribution, community gardens, children's programs, and partnerships that bring churches and neighbors together.

Ideas for Reaching Mom’s Family on Mother’s Day

Mother's Day brings visiting family members into church services. Discover five practical outreach ideas to welcome guests, share the gospel, introduce helpful ministries, and encourage families to return.

My Neighbor

When Alison P. Martinez meets a lost neighbor named Carol, a simple act of kindness grows into a determined effort to secure medical care—and an unexpected moment of…

Feet to Faith

Brad Johnson and his sons serve Lexington's homeless community through Church Under the Bridge. Peggy Park shares how their Sunday volunteer work combines worship, meals, practical assistance, and…