August 3, 2008
Innovation and Invention
Rick Chromey explores what churches can learn from Google, Apple, and Facebook about innovation, authentic community, beauty, openness, and faithful engagement with a rapidly changing culture.
Articles for tag: Baptism
July 13, 2008
Restoration Movement Q&A 1
Gene Carter, Becky Ahlberg, and Eric Ahlberg reflect on the Restoration Movement, church loyalty, doctrine, family heritage, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the continuing call to Christian unity.
July 13, 2008
Restoration Movement Q&A 2
Robert Lowery reflects on the Restoration Movement’s ongoing relevance, emphasizing John 17, Christian unity, Scripture, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the enduring call to world evangelism.
July 13, 2008
Restoration Movement Q&A 3
Brian Lowery reflects on the Restoration Movement, doctrine, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, evangelical churches, and the movement’s ongoing relevance in a changing world.
Restoration Movement Q&A 5
Ethan Magness reflects on the Restoration Movement’s continuing relevance, its commitment to Scripture, its place in a postmodern age, and the importance of baptism and weekly Communion.
May 25, 2008
Spiritual Seismic Shifts Are Changing Our World
Dave Ferguson identifies three spiritual shifts shaping evangelism today: trust before truth, belonging before believing, and serving before salvation.
May 18, 2008
Tune Up the E-String
John A. Snyder urges churches to “tune up the E-string” by keeping evangelism central, sharing the gospel clearly, and asking people to make decisions for Christ.
May 18, 2008
Unusual Conversions
Ben Merold shares several surprising conversion stories from decades of evangelistic ministry, showing how God’s Word and the Holy Spirit can work in unexpected ways.
By the Numbers (Megachurches and Emerging Megachurches)
megachurch attendance is summarized here with average size figures, total weekend and Easter attendance, and baptisms across 113 churches. Megachurch attendance averages and growth highlights This snapshot also lists state-by-state counts, fastest-growing churches, and baptism ratio leaders. Average sizes are shown for megachurches, emerging megachurches, and all 113 churches. Growth highlights include fastest-growing churches (2007, since 1997, and since 2002) and a growth overview. Baptism totals, a baptism-per-100 ratio, and top churches by baptism ratio and total baptisms are included. By Kent Fillinger and Ben Simms WHAT IS “AVERAGE”? The 52 megachurches’ average size: 4,019 The 61 emerging megachurches’ average
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.
January 6, 2008
To Err Is Divine: “Pastoring” in Biblical Perspective
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
January 3, 2008
“˜Union in Truth”: Still Our Motto!
On the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, Victor Knowles reflects on “union in truth,” the Restoration Movement’s growth, and the movement’s divided streams—urging believers toward unity grounded in Holy Scripture.
June 10, 2007
An Unfinished Restoration Acknowledged
Gary Weedman reflects on the unfinished work of restoration within the Stone-Campbell fellowship and highlights contemporary voices calling the church back to ancient worship, spiritual life, and unity.
April 8, 2007
What”s the Debate About?
Is belief alone enough—and is a memorized sinner’s prayer the biblical pattern? Mark Atteberry points to five responses repeatedly seen in Scripture when people accepted Christ, including repentance, confession, baptism, and perseverance.
February 25, 2007
Should We Care About Calvinism?
As Calvinism gains renewed attention, three Christian church leaders discuss free will and God’s sovereignty, the influence of Calvinist writers, and concerns about methodology, sacraments, and evangelical identity.
February 4, 2007
Personal Journeys
After sudden tragedy reshapes a family’s path, this reflection traces grief’s sharp turns and the hope found when God leads. Stories of Sam and Dorothy show how loss can become ministry.
December 17, 2006
Still Unto Us
A reflection on Christmas amid a world marked by anger and violence. Through Matthew’s birth narrative and Isaiah’s promise, we remember the Prince of Peace and the steady settling-in of shalom.
November 12, 2006
A Tale of Two Brothers
Dave Smith recounts the conviction that followed years of mistreating his brother and the freedom found in asking forgiveness. Drawing from Matthew 18, he urges believers to forgive as God has forgiven.
October 11, 2006
Interview with Barry McMurtrie
Barry McMurtrie explains why small churches plateau, how leaders can prioritize outreach, and practical ways to introduce change wisely while pursuing healthy church growth.
October 1, 2006
Why I Came Back to the Christian Church
Jeffrey A. Metzger shares lessons from serving in denominational churches—what he found encouraging, what felt counterproductive, and why he believes local church autonomy better supports mission and biblical faithfulness.
