The Church Report | Christian Standard, May/June 2023 centers on Christian unity, congregational health, and the shared mission of independent Christian churches and churches of Christ. The cover theme, “the church report,” frames an issue that combines reflection on unity with detailed reporting on church attendance, baptisms, discipleship, serving, special events, and giving in 2022.
Jerry Harris opens the issue with “The Need for Unity,” and Michael C. Mack follows with an editorial linking humility, unity, and revival. Feature articles then explore unity from several angles: Megan Rawlings warns against division in “Divide and Conquer,” Billy Strother examines the rise of the “nons” and struggling congregations, Tyler McKenzie writes about “Gradations of Unity,” Rudy Hagood applies unity to marriage, and Rubel Shelly, Daryl Reed, Ben Cachiaras, Drew Baker, Justin Horey, and Jerry Harris contribute additional perspectives on Christian unity and denominationalism.
A major section of The Church Report | Christian Standard, May/June 2023 is devoted to the 2022 church report and annual church survey charts. Kent E. Fillinger summarizes trends in in-person and online attendance, baptisms, discipleship involvement, service opportunities, special events, and financial giving. The issue also includes ministry-focused columns on elders, preaching, and medical missions through HASTEN International.
Altogether, this issue serves as both a snapshot of church life in 2022 and a thoughtful call for believers and congregations to pursue unity rooted in Jesus Christ.
