May 11, 2008
CHURCHES WITHOUT STEEPLES: The Woman at the Well May Be at Starbucks
Bill McClure reflects on fishermen, Paul in Athens, and Starbucks ministry to show why gospel witness requires going where spiritually needy people already gather.
Series: Featured
Understanding the Externally Focused Movement
Krista Petty talks with Eric Swanson and Rick Rusaw about the externally focused church movement, community transformation, and how congregations can serve beyond their walls.
Making an Impact
Michael Brown shares how soccer, Jesus Pizza, and Total Athlete helped him build real relationships outside the church and connect with unchurched people in his community.
The Biblical Basis for Externally Focused Ministry
By Eric Swanson If you look long enough, you can find a “biblical basis” for almost anything. That”s what my friends and I discovered years ago when I was in college. We entertained ourselves by finding obscure passages to justify a wide and wild set of behaviors. (All of these are from the New American Standard Bible, my version of choice back then): “¢ Not wearing sweatshirts: “They shall not gird themselves with anything which makes them sweat” (Ezekiel 44:18). “¢ Sleeping in church: “I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of
May 4, 2008
Connecting Good Deeds and Good News
Rick Rusaw reflects on how serving others can open doors for spiritual conversations, showing that good deeds and good news belong together in the church’s witness.
May 4, 2008
The Church: A Place to Belong
Jud Wilhite calls churches to reject gated-community thinking and create cultures of belonging where messy people can encounter grace, compassion, and the life-changing message of Jesus.
April 27, 2008
Engaging the University
Buzz Roberts urges churches to engage college students with authentic friendship, spiritual courage, and a willingness to meet them on campus with the hope of Christ.
April 27, 2008
Recovery at Virginia Tech
One year after the Virginia Tech shootings, Steve Wilkin reflects on grief, spiritual openness, and how campus ministries helped students move toward healing and stronger faith.
April 27, 2008
The World at Our Doorstep
Sheree Shih shares how God used international study, campus ministry, Christian friendships, and Scripture questions to lead her from Taiwan to faith in Christ.
April 20, 2008
Leading Men
Three churches are discipling and training men and boys for long-term spiritual maturity and leadership—from battle-themed mentoring for teens to a demanding program designed to identify and develop future elders.
Why Bible Bowl?
Bible Bowl is more than a quiz game. Players and coaches describe how it strengthens Scripture knowledge, shapes humility and teamwork, builds lasting friendships, and creates discipleship connections that can influence ministry paths and Christian education decisions.
April 20, 2008
A Senior Minister’s View of Bible Bowl
Dale Harlow explains why Bible Bowl remains one of the strongest tools he’s found to motivate youth Bible study and Scripture memorization—and why the benefits last well beyond competition.
The Phone Keeps Ringing
Churches urgently call for youth ministers and other specialized staff, but the need keeps growing. Drawing on a poll of youth ministers, Andy Hansen shares key influence points and practical insight for recruiting vocational leaders.
April 20, 2008
Our Expanded Vision to Answer the Call
Andy Hansen shares how Christ In Youth hopes to amplify a unifying call for youth ministry—inviting students to live as kingdom workers, supporting local churches, and building momentum through MOVE conferences and online community.
Ministry Innovations and Changes
Megachurch and emerging megachurch leaders share ministry examples tied to growth—from outreach and new worship venues to staffing, small-group focus, and strategic changes that helped their churches expand.
April 13, 2008
How Healthy Are Our Megachurches? (An Introduction)
Christian Standard’s annual megachurch issue expands its reporting with more analysis, health indicators, and an interview with Kent Fillinger. Learn about the 2007 Megachurch Report: Deluxe Edition and how readers can help identify missing churches.
April 13, 2008
The Best Indicator of Church Growth
Baptisms reveal whether churches are reaching the lost or just shifting believers. This article examines megachurch baptism ratios, giving-per-baptism figures, and why retaining new disciples matters for long-term growth.
April 13, 2008
MEGACHURCHES: The 2007 List
Northside Christian Church, Yorktown VA, Larry Jones, 2007 Megachurches, megachurch list, emerging megachurches, weekend worship attendance,
April 13, 2008
And They Met Every Day (Almost)
Megachurches and emerging megachurches are offering worship services on multiple days and in multiple styles. Research across 113 churches suggests certain patterns—especially two service days and one or three worship styles—correlate with stronger growth.
By the Numbers (Megachurches and Emerging Megachurches)
Kent Fillinger and Ben Simms summarize 2007 megachurch attendance, growth trends, Easter attendance, baptisms, state-by-state counts, and leading churches by growth and baptism ratio.
