Articles for tag: Kent E. Fillinger

September 10, 2010

LARGE-SIZED CHURCHES: Hope on the Road Less Traveled

Hope on the Road Less Traveled By Kent E. Fillinger “Need hope? Find it here.” That is the message on the LED sign at Twin Oaks Christian Church,Â Woodhaven,Â Michigan. The message of hope is needed in this southern suburb ofÂ Detroit, given the area”s depressed economic condition. Hundreds of new people have found hope at Twin Oaks since it relocated in 2007. The church”s average attendance has grown from 282 to 738 in three years””an increase of 162 percent. Twin Oaks is the fastest-growing large-sized church during this time frame from among the 75 churches profiled. And most of this growth is

September 13, 2009

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Church Growth

MEDIUM-SIZED CHURCHES: The Elephant in the Room

by Kent E. Fillinger Describing the 66 medium-sized churches analyzed in this issue reminds me of the old fable of the blind men who each touched a different part of an elephant and then tried to describe what the animal looked like. The men disagree based on the part of the elephant they touched and their personal perspective.Â For the last four years, 3:STRANDS Consulting has partnered with Christian Standard to conduct in-depth research of Christian church/church of Christ megachurches and emerging megachurches. For the first time, the same research survey was completed by churches with average worship attendances of

April 19, 2009

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Church Growth

Megachurches: Church Unique

Â By Kent. E. Fillinger Church Unique is the title of a great book released last year by Will Mancini, and it is also a good description of the 117 megachurches and emerging megachurches profiled in this special double issue. While there are significant trends and key stats that can be gleaned from studying these churches collectively, the strength is in the unique stories of the churches represented and how God is using each one to change people”s lives for Christ. Innovation””or Imitation? A unique vision is not limited to these 117 profiled churches; in reality, every church has a

July 23, 2006

Kent E. Fillinger

Church Growth Church & Ministry

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 9, 2006

Kent E. Fillinger

Church & Ministry Church Growth

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

Kent E. Fillinger

Church & Ministry Church Staff

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.