The Well is a United Methodist church plant that, by most indicators, is a home run. It’s hip, it’s relevant, and on its first Sunday, 7 months ago, welcomed more than 800 people. However, pastor Arthur Jones says the challenge of discipleship-making remains: how do we help young people deepen their knowledge of Scripture, increase [...]

Fr. Jim Hamilton really thought the new Sunday night service he was hired to create would flop – but then God has a sense of humor. Out of Christ Church, Cranbrook‘s desire for a contemplative service for 20-somethings came Lex Orandi which, two years later, is a vibrant community that has far surpassed expectations. In [...]

Gone are those church planting days of door to door questionnaires and neighborhood polling. Anglican Church of Canada minister Ryan Sim is starting his church with an iPhone app. It will be called ‘Redeem the Commute’ – and it’s stage one of a process to introduce Christianity to unchurched residents of Ajax, Ontario. Enjoy the [...]

At too many churches, trying to get that one Sunday Morning takeaway is like trying to get a drink from a fire hose.  We’re bombarded with so many dissonant messages Dave Ferguson had to develop a way for his flock to focus on one central idea. Ferguson, pastor and founder of the Community Christian mega [...]

A sleepy, suburban parish has been awakened. Pastor Rebekah Maul, at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, Florida, arrived 16 years ago to what she describes as a congregation that had trouble believing in itself – then she began giving permission. In this interview, Rev. Maul describes how this liberation has transformed First Pres, bringing out [...]

When a pastor’s devastating moral lapse nearly closed Hill Country Bible Church, the congregation’s elders kept the church afloat – and now, nearly 30 years later, thousands of people are glad they did. Rebuilding trust was the first job the 20-something year old pastor Tim Hawks did – and the congregation responded, growing from 180 [...]

More than once, when pastor Bill Bohline has told the congregation at Hosanna Lutheran Church, ‘We believe the Lord has led you here,’ someone has cried. It’s the general feeling of God’s presence that Pastor Bohline believes brings people to his congregation, and keeps them there. Bill started this church 30 years ago, which now [...]

What are we called to do? It’s a pervasive question that author, blogger, counselor, and pastor of Calvin Presbyterian in Pennsylvania, Graham Standish just keeps asking. He credits an emphasis on discernment, in various levels, with the  substantial growth his congregation has seen. In this interview Graham tells us how he created a culture of [...]

A big reason Steve Stroope’s Lake Pointe Church near Dallas, Texas has gone from 12 families to 11,000 members (in 33 years) is because this congregation pays a lot of attention to families. Steve, who’s been at the helm of this conservative, evangelical church all 33 years says now, more than ever, families need vibrant [...]

Bringing a deeper sense of community to the thousands who come to church isn’t just a mega-church lament. Fr. James Mallon, pastor of Saint Benedict’s in Halifax, Nova Scotia, yearns for a parish full of deeper connection, heightened spirituality, and more infectious outreach – and he’s getting there! Fr. James is a pioneer in the [...]

Tripling in size did not come overnight for Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church (USA) in Austin, Texas, says pastor Larry Coulter. Much of the important work happened one by one – in the newcomer’s class. Larry says his heavy investment in newcomer incorporation (he teaches every class) has paid big dividends in building a [...]

Progressive Eric Elnes, who splashed onto the national scene with a walk across America and the popular Phoenix Affirmations, is keeping a step ahead with a new ministry in his church called Darkwood Brew. It’s an online TV show that’s got music, interviews, and Bible talk to help others in their walk with Jesus. Eric [...]

Keeping 180 year old Calvary United Methodist Church vibrant takes more than one person – pastor Todd Outcalt says it takes a caring community that will uphold an atmosphere of hospitality and welcoming.  This Brownsburg, Indiana congregation has moved 5 times in its history, and under Todd’s leadership, has seen Sunday attendance double. I first [...]

When do you lead by majority and when do you lead because you feel it’s what the Lord wants?  It’s a balancing act all church leaders face, and Episcopal priest and scholar Gary Hall knows it well. Gary has seen attendance and involvement increase at his large mainline congregation, Christ Church Cranbrook,by rediscovering the church’s [...]

Sure, it may sound ironic that the pastor of a church that meets in a $20m, former golf club in the Hawaiian Islands would point to humility as a key to success.  But Pastor Dan Chun’s accessibility, modesty and authenticity have served him well, and seen a congregation of 175 people on Sunday reach over [...]

How do you keep a 100 year old congregation vital, energized, and focused on God’s mission in the world?  Jay Sidebotham says he concentrates on bringing members to higher places of spiritual maturity. At Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, IL, the mantra is, ‘If you come here you will grow.’ I had heard of Jay’s ministry [...]

“If you’re over 40,” mega-church pastor Steve Andrews tells his congregation, “your job is to train the next generation of Christians.”  It’s leadership advice like this that’s seen Kensington Church in Troy, MI grow from 40 people to 12,000 in that last two decades. Steve’s heart for the Gospel and for keeping the message relevant [...]