The 50 most influential churches

I was encouraged to see some of my favorite pastors mentioned in this survey, such as John Piper and Tim Keller, but disappointed to see some missing as well. But the question I had after looking at this list is "how are these churches influential?" When I see Rick Warren listed as number one, I can understand his ranking because his influence goes well beyond the size of Saddleback, but rather his book, The Purpose Driven Life, has truly influenced the culture and had an impact in the cultural conversation. But what I want to know is whether these churches, with all of their size, prestige, and notoriety have truly impacted and influenced the culture. To whom and what are they the most influential? Of course this question cuts across to all churches, and I don't mean to suggest that these or any other churches are having an impact. But I think that impact should be measured by more than just the size of their congregations.
50 most influential churches

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Capturing the Low Ground

This is a provocative article by Dr. Wade Bradshaw of L'Abri Fellowship. It is a great article about answering the question, "Do we still need apologetics". Dr. Bradshaw addresses the role of apologetics within our postmodern culture. This is an article worth reading and interacting with.
Capturing the Low Ground - by Dr Wade Bradshaw

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The Fullness of the Gospel

Tod Bolsinger has written an excellent post on the Gospel and the Kingdom. It presents a more robust view of the Gospel in seeing it and understanding it through the lens of the Kingdom. A quote to wet your appetite
". . . if you ask most Christians, what is the gospel or good news, they will probably tell you that it is that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh who died on the cross for our sins.
But, they'd be wrong technically. And that technicality makes all the difference when we consider what it takes to make our churches glimpses of heaven here and now.
You see, according to the Bible, the gospel, the good news, is NOT Jesus loves you so much that he died on the cross for your sins. It is NOT God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son. It is NOT trust in Jesus and you will be saved. (In fact, that is not news at all, but good advice.) And while these are all absolutely true and (and the first two) incredibly great news, it is not the good news that Jesus was preaching throughout Galilee. Just think about it: He couldn't have been preaching that he died on the cross for the sins of the world, because he was still alive preaching! In its fullness, the gospel is about the Kingdom."
check it out....
read it all.

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What can we learn from the body?

It is always helpful to see and hear how others in the body of Christ are being innovative in making a Kingdom impact.

Two guys, Terry Stroch and Ben Boles have published their Top 10 list of innovative churches in America. As they publish this list they first define what is church innovation:

"Church innovation" is the introduction of new, fresh, and creative ideas and practices which are intended to be used for reaching people for Christ. The main driver for innovation is often the courage and energy to better the world through the local church. An essential element for church innovation is that its application generates results by helping people meet Jesus and become fully-devoted followers of Christ. Another measure of this is considering: Who is leading whom? In other words, what churches are becoming the benchmark for innovative ministry strategies and helping to resource other churches?

What can we learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ, and how can we integrate it in our currentsituationn and within the ethos of our church.

Top 10 list!

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Have a Happy Independence Day.

I thank the Lord for the freedoms to worship my Lord publicly without persecution. But even if there was persecution, like our brothers and sisters in China, Sudan and Egypt, I pray that I would have the strength and courage of a Daniel. Enjoy your Independence Day weekend. And if it is rainy and wet (like it has been in Orlando for the last 4 weeks), go to this link...Lady Liberty Fireworks ....and enjoy some virtual fireworks.

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