June 10, 2022
‘A Focus of Prayer’: Compass Celebrates Baptism Rebound in a Visual Way
A wall at Compass Christian Church in Chandler, Ariz., tells the story of the rebound in baptisms the megachurch has experienced thus far in 2022.
Articles for tag: Worship Center
June 4, 2017
Should We Build It? Will They Come?
By Mark A. Taylor We wanted experience from church leaders who have led their congregations to build. We were able to spend an hour with four who brought insight and a couple of warnings for any congregation considering a building campaign: Gene Appel, senior pastor with Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, California; Gary Johnson, lead servant with The Creek in Indianapolis, Indiana; Darrel Land, senior minister with Redemption Christian Church in Jasper, Indiana; and David Vaughan, senior minister with Whitewater Crossing Christian Church in Cleves, Ohio. Here are excerpts from that conversation. Tell us about your last building project. Appel:
September 4, 2014
Love Repurposed
By Jennifer Johnson When Robert Bess began serving as senior minister at Love Chapel Christian Church (Erwin, TN) in 2008, average attendance had dwindled down to just a few dozen people. Earlier this year, the church averaged 90 people on a weekend. But as we go to press, Love Chapel is seeing almost 150 people each weekend and is getting ready to welcome many more. The church achieved this amazing growth in just four weeks by repurposing a building on its property that usually sat empty, turning it into “The Love Chapel Connection Café.” Lots of churches have coffee shops,
December 30, 2010
New Members Light Candles
This past Sunday, Crossroads Christian Church (Newburgh, IN) celebrated the year and encouraged new decisions for Christ. After covering the stage in the worship center with unlit candles, church leaders invited all those who had become a Christian or a CCC member over the last year to come forward and light one of the candles. At the end of his sermon, senior pastor Ken Idleman extended an invitation for anyone who wanted to make one of those decisions that morning to also come forward and light a candle.
December 30, 2009
Interview with Alan Baumlein
By Brad Dupray When the leaders of Mount Pleasant Christian Church, Greenwood, Indiana, considered developing a new worship center, they prayed over their decision and determined to take a transitional step by first building a community life center. As executive pastor at Mount Pleasant, Alan Baumlein oversaw construction of the $7 million facility and, since its opening in September 2008, he oversees its use. This month Alan celebrates his 10th anniversary on staff at Mount Pleasant, where he served as outreach pastor the first four years. Alan joined Mount Pleasant in 1992 and later transitioned into ministry after a successful
May 31, 2009
The Day I Went to Church and Ended Up in a Closet
 By Mark Atteberry My wife and I were vacationing in a city that is home to one of our brotherhood”s greatest churches. I won”t mention the church”s name for reasons that will become obvious as you read. Suffice to say, we couldn”t wait to worship there. We”d heard so many good things we just knew we”d have an unforgettable experience. We did, but not in the way we expected.  WHAT HE SAID When we arrived at the sprawling campus I parked beside a woman who”d just locked her car and was heading for the nearest entrance. Having no
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCH PROFILE: Parkview Christian, Orland Park, IL
A profile of Parkview Christian Church traces a pivotal 1997 congregational vote, the leadership decision that followed, and the relocation and expansion that accompanied rapid attendance growth and wider outreach.
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.
August 28, 2005
Building a New Facility
Summit Christian Church has completed two major building projects in its early years. Steve Bond shares lessons on timelines, leadership energy, move-in planning, volunteer recruitment, budgeting, fundraising, and keeping the mission central.
August 28, 2005
Building a Lighthouse
How can a church building itself become a mission statement? Terrence O’Casey shares how Seaside Christian Church used symbolic design—and practical planning—to reach spiritual “drive-bys” while guarding against making a building an idol.
