America's 50 Most Influential Churches

Church Report Online ^ | July 2007 | Church Report Online

[Terriergal]

Well, in spite of the fact that I have problems with Catholic doctrine, I do find it odd that they left them out. Probably because there aren’t any ‘big name’ Catholics on TV (e.g. seeking attention for themselves)

[x_plus_one]

IF the church doesn’t offer holy communion every week then who cares what they say or think?

[LiteKeeper]

I guess it all depends on how "influential" is defined?

BTW, I had the privilege of studying under him while in seminary, and he officiated at our wedding! I am truly blessed!

[JCEccles]

The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.

It's a participatory "roll up your shirtsleeves" church staffed by almost exclusively by an unpaid lay ministry, a church where worshippers are expected to show their love for God and Jesus Christ through service to others. There isn't a single Rick Warren-style "rockstar" among any of the leadership. No entertainment value to be had. No pressure to satisfy itching ears.

[Terriergal]

Joel Osteen Teeth Whitener

[Terriergal]

lol you’re not serious...

I agree that asking the leadership isn’t the most scientific method of getting these results... but ... are you saying that Lakewood should be #1 in this survey...You’re not saying that Osteen is biblical? are you?

[Terriergal]

I think you may be right. But another question is — is social justice/social gospel/social reform supposed to be what Christ’s church is focused on?

[murphE]

“Megachurches” aren’t influential; sees are. People attend whatever megachurch they feel comfortable with.

Don't you mean "Mega-ecclesial communities"? ;-)

[CANBFORGIVEN]

Sounds like a popularity contest to me!

[ovrtaxt]

Yes. Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

As for non-essential doctrines, I can live with some variation.

[Vision]

I sure am. The Lakewood message has been growing for 40 years and isn’t showing any sign of stopping.

[al_c]

I don't know about influential, but when you are able to write a check for $600 million to avoid trial, you are certainly one of the richest.

The TV news stated that most of this money will have to be loaned or donated. They do not have enough to write a $600 check.

[Resolute Conservative]

So far so good.

[VOA]

RE: “(*) Max Lucado recently resigned as Minister of the Oak Hills
Church in San Antonio.”

OK, I’ll be honest that I’m cynical enough to wonder what that is
all about.

Took a little searching, but it appears that a health concern is
the reason behind Max Lucado stepping down.
(But his writing career should see him through his retirement years!)

http://www.oakhillschurchsa.org/about/employment/seniormin.php

[Terriergal]

That equals biblical?

[Terriergal]

Yeah, it would have piqued my curiosity too. But not much. I haven’t heard much strange about Max Lucado except his fluffy pretty shallow writing.

[Terriergal]

Ever hear of file-cabinet orthodoxy? (e.g. we have a statement of faith that sounds pretty orthodox, but that’s not what we preach every Sunday)

[VOA]

Most influential churches:

1. Roman Catholic Cathedral of Los Angeles

Influential, yes.

As for Roger Mahoney and his Taj Mahoney...
for good or for evil, that's a whole other question.

[Vision]

Let's just say the traditional religion you seem to be proud of doesn't work for me. BTW, if you see the Pope, tell him he's not speaking for God when he condemns the US role in Iraq, and he should be ashamed of himself.

Many people begin coming to God once they stop being religious, because there is only one master of the human heart— Jesus Christ, not religion.

[VOA]

I haven’t heard much strange about Max Lucado except his fluffy pretty
shallow writing.

Yes, Lucado sure does seem to have found a niche in religional writing.

At least he hasn't yet been revealed to be a Ted Haggard.
And he does seem to be a pretty decent and unassuming type compared
to some (mainstream) Church of Christ preachers I've been
exposed to.