Vital Signs: 2025 Annual Statistical Report pt. 2
Part 2 of the Vital Signs 2025 Annual Statistical Report covers ministers’ retirement confidence, multisite ministry trends, and what churches reported about giving, staffing, and mission investment.
Articles for tag: 3:STRANDS Consulting
Your Ministry Matters
In this Editor’s note, Shawn McMullen encourages church leaders—especially in small congregations—to remember that every faithful ministry matters. Prioritize personal holiness and depth with Christ, and trust God with the breadth of the impact.
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 9, 2008
Interview with Kent Fillinger
Kent Fillinger explains how megachurch metrics can become meaningful for smaller congregations, why adaptability matters, and how leadership transitions and succession planning may shape the movement’s future.
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCHES: Why Count?
Kent Fillinger urges church leaders to move past “dysfunctional politeness” by setting clear expectations, monitoring results, and evaluating ministry programs so churches can adjust and bear fruit.
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
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.
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 16, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 2)
Starbucks has mastered community, consistency, and customization. Kent Fillinger explores what churches can learn about welcoming people, shaping first impressions, and offering accessible pathways for spiritual growth.
July 9, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 1)
A changing generation wants news—and spirituality—on its own terms. This article compares the newspaper industry’s challenges with the church’s, then outlines three responses: deny reality, make cosmetic changes, or pursue strategic, mission-driven transformation.
November 27, 2005
MINISTERIAL PAY — What Besides Pay?
A practical checklist for evaluating minister compensation beyond salary, including time away, insurance, retirement, continuing education, and ministry-related perks churches may provide.
