August 9, 2009
Whatever Happened to Pastoral Care?
David A. Fiensy reflects on the difficult work of pastoral care, warning that neglecting the suffering harms the church’s witness, weakens preaching, and obscures the God of the cross.
Articles for tag: Megachurch
April 9, 2009
MEGACHURCHES: The 2005 List
CHRISTIAN STANDARD’s 2005 megachurch list reports statistics for churches averaging 2,000 or more in weekly attendance and emerging megachurches averaging 1,000 to 1,999.
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
MEGACHURCHES: The 2007 List
Northside Christian Church, Yorktown VA, Larry Jones, 2007 Megachurches, megachurch list, emerging megachurches, weekend worship attendance,
By the Numbers (Megachurches and Emerging Megachurches)
Kent Fillinger and Ben Simms summarize 2007 megachurch attendance, growth trends, Easter attendance, baptisms, state-by-state counts, and leading churches by growth and baptism ratio.
And the Award Goes to . . .
A quick “awards” roundup comparing emerging megachurches and megachurches across attendance growth, senior minister tenure, worship-service counts, multisite reach, baptisms per giving, missions participation, church planting, and per-person generosity.
April 9, 2008
About Megachurches, for Every Church
This annual megachurch issue celebrates growth and baptisms while noting recent declines, offering smaller churches practical insights and pointing readers to the 2007 Megachurch Report: Deluxe Edition.
January 9, 2008
Written for Readers
Mark A. Taylor introduces Roy Lawson as CHRISTIAN STANDARD’s newest columnist and previews “From My Bookshelf.” He also shares the year’s schedule of expanded special issues planned around key themes and events.
October 28, 2007
Let’s Celebrate
Bob Russell highlights reasons the Restoration Movement should celebrate, pointing to renewed evangelistic focus, church growth, and effective church planting across the country—even in places once considered hard soil.
September 16, 2007
The Emerging Church Phenomenon
A look at the emerging church movement—its beginnings, key voices, and defining practices—plus a careful distinction between “emerging” and “Emergent,” and a critique that also notes strengths in authenticity and mission.
June 20, 2007
Are You Wonderful?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on empty praise, biblical heroes, and the quiet faithfulness of ordinary Christians who serve God without needing the spotlight.
April 11, 2007
Interview with Sue Wilson
Sue Wilson shares candid insight on marriage, ministry partnership, and the pressures of being a pastor’s wife at a large church. She reflects on criticism, communication, church growth, and practical advice for younger ministers’ wives.
February 28, 2007
More Important than Trans Fat
A reflection comparing fast food to shallow spirituality, urging churches to keep the “flavor” while improving the “content.” The goal isn’t just pleasing crowds, but pursuing the long-term health of the audience.
June 4, 2006
Gloriously Out of Control
After decades in ministry, Rick Lowry asks whether church “success” can be measured by numbers—or by revival. He reflects on awakenings he’s witnessed and challenges leaders to pray for renewal that begins with themselves.
June 4, 2006
Have We Lost Our Focus?
When churches use raffles, prizes, or entertainment to boost attendance, what are they teaching people to expect? This article contrasts gimmicks with prayer, fasting, and missional love as the truer path to lasting growth.
May 14, 2006
3 WOMEN IN MINISTRY: ‘I’m Glad I’m a Megachurch Pastor’s Wife’
Susan Wilson shares how God called her to ministry too—and how that calling has shaped her life as a megachurch pastor’s wife through rapid growth, new challenges, and the joy of seeing lives changed.
MEGACHURCHES: The Coach in the Pulpit
A college coaching analogy frames the pressures on megachurch senior ministers, the dynamics of icon culture, and research on tenure and growth. The article argues churches should begin succession planning earlier to ensure healthier transitions.
April 9, 2006
MEGACHURCH PROFILE/Web Only: Adventure Christian Church
Adventure Christian Church grew rapidly from its earliest days to a major campus in Roseville, California. After years of fast growth, leaders are pausing to clarify vision, strengthen systems, and keep evangelism and compassionate outreach central.
April 9, 2006
MEGACHURCH PROFILE: SouthBrook Christian Church
SouthBrook Christian Church embraced “less is more,” pruning complexity and focusing on mission clarity. Learn how strategic simplicity, multisite ministry, and “Water Cooler Weekends” helped fuel remarkable growth and community.
April 9, 2006
MEGACHURCH PROFILE: Mountain Christian Church
Founded in 1824, Mountain Christian Church blends longstanding community trust with a future-focused mission. Leaders emphasize conversion growth through preaching, worship, and community service, supported by a robust small-group system and a strategic church plant in White Marsh.
