August 3, 2008
A Community for the Unchurched
Russell Jarvis examines why many unchurched Americans still seek authentic community and challenges churches to listen, rethink inherited practices, and recover a more relational expression of faith.
Articles for tag: Church growth
July 27, 2008
Lessons Learned from Christ”s Church
Bruce E. Shields reflects on ordinary congregations, faithful mentors, grief, generosity, and mission, showing how Christ’s real and often messy church teaches wisdom no classroom can fully provide.
July 27, 2008
Simple Ways to Begin to Be Intentional About Evangelism
David Bycroft calls churches to become intentional about evangelism through prayer, natural invitations, vibrant Sunday services, and special events that help people hear the gospel.
July 20, 2008
More Than the ABC”s
Mountain Christian Church keeps disciple making at the center of its mission, measuring growth by spiritual transformation rather than attendance alone.
July 16, 2008
Interview with Doug Wood
Doug Wood explains how churches can address fear, build trust, recover Restoration principles, and pursue first-century growth without compromising biblical convictions.
July 16, 2008
Showing a Better Way
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Doug Wood’s reminder that healthy church growth begins with making disciples, not with polished programming, image-building, or crowd-attracting strategies.
June 18, 2008
Interview with John Chace
John Chace reflects on how elders and staff share vision, shepherding, strategic planning, and support through growth, building expansion, and long-term ministry in South Florida.
June 15, 2008
Evangelism Is Natural Church
David Bycroft challenges churches to see evangelism and growth as natural outcomes of a healthy congregation, calling leaders to become persistently intentional about reaching the lost.
June 1, 2008
You Can Cope with Change
John Derry urges churches facing stagnation to seek faithful catalysts for renewal, adapt wisely to changing conditions, and pursue growth without compromising their mission.
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.
April 13, 2008
Mega Myth Busters: A review of “Beyond Megachurch Myths”
Dick Alexander reviews Beyond Megachurch Myths, highlighting research that challenges common assumptions about megachurches and points church leaders of every size toward healthier, more effective ministry practices.
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
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.
April 13, 2008
Multisite Momentum
Multisite ministry is rising among megachurches and emerging megachurches, with growth data that looks promising but not automatic. This article explores what the numbers suggest—and why long-term commitment matters.
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.
March 26, 2008
Stability Through Paralysis: posted 3/26/2008
A longtime church planter reflects on how new methods once sparked excitement, how age can crave stability, and why older leaders may look grumpy even when they’re grateful for bold, faithful change.
March 9, 2008
An Epidemic of Selfishness
Personal preferences can quietly become roadblocks to evangelism and growth. David Bycroft calls the church to Paul’s others-first attitude and offers practical ways congregations can cultivate selflessness for the sake of reaching the lost.
February 13, 2008
This Is What”s “˜Actually Happening”
Mark A. Taylor reflects on why the North American Christian Convention remains worth engaging, pointing to Cam Huxford’s perspective on growth, mission, change, and the shared essentials celebrated at the NACC.
