May 2, 2026
Is America Going Back to Church?
Are we seeing a religious “vibe shift” in America? Survey data, Bible-reading trends, and stories from Restoration Movement churches point to new openness—especially among younger adults.
Articles for tag: Joe Tipton
December 30, 2024
A Raccoon, a Mayor, and a Rural Revival
The historic First Christian Church of Monticello, KY, has experienced growth and revival under the ministerial leadership of Joe Tipton.
SPOTLIGHT: Kids’ Ministry, Local Outreach Spark Baptisms at Kentucky Church
First Christian Church in Monticello, Ky., had a banner year for baptisms in 2022, according to the annual Church Report compiled by Christian Standard. Senior minister Joe Tipton said three factors accounted for the large number of baptisms at the church (which dates back to 1831) . . .
November 2, 2019
Children’s Ministry Best Practices (Medium/Large Church): First Christian Church, Monticello, Ky.
Historic Church Serves Youth, Savors the Growth By Justin Horey Leading an effective children’s ministry is a lot like baking a cake. It’s important to have the right tools, a complete recipe, and all the necessary ingredients. Even with all of those things in place, the process can still be messy. But as First Christian Church of Monticello, Kentucky, is proving, the results can be sweet. “Raccoon” John Smith, the renowned 19th-century evangelist, started First Christian Church in the tiny frontier town of Monticello in 1831. By the time senior minister Joe Tipton arrived at the church in 2011, Monticello
