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July 12, 2006
50 Most Influential Churches for 2006
(Filed under: Examples)The Church Report has released their list of the 50 Most Influential Churches for 2006 (1.9 MB PDF, 9 pages). The list is compiled by recommendations from leaders of 2,000 of the largest churches, so "influential" is a bit fuzzy (yes, we did recently have that debate when we belatedly linked to last year's list).
Here's more on the list:
- Church Relevance offers a list of the 50 churches and their web sites, which makes it a little more accessible to check out each one.
- Monday Morning Insight raises some questions about the list and has some good discussion going.
- Community Christian Church's pastor Dave Ferguson blogs his reaction to being ranked #13 on the list.
- Bob Franquiz offers ways he's been influenced by churches on the list
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at July 12, 2006 2:21 PM
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Comments
Hmm.. what do you think about them "ranking" churches?
Posted by: Marcus Monroe at July 16, 2006 9:52 AM
Hi guys,
Just wanted to say how much I love this blog, service and ministry. As a Pastor, It has encouraged me to start www.survivechurch.com. Keep up the great work.
Dave
Posted by: David Tensen at July 16, 2006 7:13 PM
I think the idea of "ranking churches" is great... within reason. As a marginalized, somewhat provacative endeavor, treating churches like any other "rateable" product can challenge the ways we look at Christendom.
What if we started applying a 1-10 rating scale for churches? Now, that may seem a little irreverent, but doesn't it instantly put the focus on the visitor - OUTSIDE!? Doesn't it change our focus from "Keeping the in-crowd happy" to "making the establishment (establishmentfor better and for worse) RELEVANT!"?
In so many ways, churches have sold out to a consumerist, economic, businesslike organizational structure. Except there is little accountability to our "customers," since our "highest paying clients" tend to be that stagnant in-crowd.
By putting the power to rank and evaluate into the PEOPLE'S hands, we give up our grip on normalcy. A real egalitarian Body of Christ!
Now, this "Top 50 Most Influential" list is just the elite patting eachother on the back. But real rating - real ranking - that would be something to see!
Peter
ChurchRater.com
Posted by: Peter Walker at July 17, 2006 5:49 PM
I think you bring up some great points, I remember a sermon by ed young at fellowship church, it was entitle "GO". It was all about the great commission. I mean, isn't that what church is about, reaching the lost and growing together. The focus should be reaching out, and if ranking helps this, then I see your points as very valid. Great post.
Posted by: Marcus Monroe at July 18, 2006 10:03 AM
"GO". It was all about the great commission. I mean, isn't that what church is about, reaching the lost and growing together.
===================
Yes Marcus. Jesus was ALWAYS saying "GO OUT, GO OUT, GO TO JUDEA, SAMARIA, THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, GO OUT" and the Church keeps saying: "Come in! Come inside! The world is a dirty, scary place! Come in! It's safe in here! Come in! Our coffee is hot and our music is positive and encouraging! Come in, come in, come in..."
Posted by: Peter Walker at July 18, 2006 4:54 PM
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