50 Most Influential Churches

Well, it's probably true, regardless of what folks thing about PD.

 

if you are not purpose driven you are nothing. Every church is driven by something.

 

I see a lot of names that I don't agree with their teachings but can see how they made the list.

 

Thanks for posting this.

It's really sad to see Joel Osteen at no. 5, TD Jakes at no. 8, Schuller at 14.

Yes, they are influential, but it's not good.

 

My personal opinion as a Bible Believer....if THAT is the top 50 then we are in big trouble in this country.There may be some good,honest,sincere men on that list but the doctrinal diversity is enough to make me dizzy.It appears old fashioned fundamental Bible believing types just don't EVER get any credit.Thank God though...we ARE on God's LIST.That's the only one that really matters.

Greg Sr.

 

A big AMEN, brother Perry

Man can only measure man's influence, but God alone knows who the great ones are. When we get to heaven, it will probably be someone like the Methodist preacher that is responsible for Charles Haddon Spurgeon getting saved, or someone like him.

 

I think that is a verya accurate list. At least the ones I've heard of. Think of how many churches you know or have heard of that are trying to be the Saddleback or Willow Creek in your community. (for whatever its worth).

I was glad to see Piper on there as an example of good influence.

Here at SBTS, Capitol Hill w/ Mark Dever would have had to been near the top. It seems as if I hardly meet someone who isn't going there as an intern, has already been there, or is a roomate of someone who went.

 

Number 15 just blew the whole thing for me. The church is large, but it is one of the weirdest things I have encountered. The pastor isn't actually at the church usually. Well, he is at the church, but several other locations are watching via television. I still don't know how a local church can operate when the pastor isn't local.

 

Isn't it a little arrogant to assume that you are on God's top 50 list? And why is doctrinal diversity such a bad thing? It's not like Baptists have a monopoly on Truth.

 

Jonathan....no arrogance intended in my comment.The ONLY list I believe God keeps is the Lambs Book of Life...and we better ALL be on that one or there is Hell to pay.Besides...if you look again I don't believe I even mentioned the word BAPTIST in my post....I said "Bible Believers".I just don't believe the "Top 50 churches" list is a valid measure of truth OR fidelity to God and/or His Word.Neither is any list that equates large attendance with spiritual "life" OR spiritual "health".Fidelity to the Word of God and the fundamental doctrinal truths of the Christian faith is the only valid measuring stick....in my humble opinion.Again...no arrogance intended.Influence can be both good....and BAD.

Greg Sr.

 

The problematic people on the list that I know about have nothing to do with doctrinal diversity but rather doctrinal deception.

T D Jakes denies the Trinity; Osteen is Word Faith, and Schuller is mostly New Thought.

 

It is equally arrogant to imply that there is a lack of biblical fidelity to God and/or His word among these churches. Typical fundy mindset.

 

Life Church is incredible. And actually each campus does have a pastor. Just b/c Groeschel is teaching does not mean he is the "pastor" at each location.

 

I recently read Dever's book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church.

Highly recommended!!

 

What was it Jesus said about men giving you praise?

I agree with brother Gregory. This list might impress men but I highly doubt if it impresses God at all.

(My new computer doesn't have my SwordSearcher on it yet, or I would post the appropriate Scriptures. Perhaps someone could help me out?)

In HIS service;
Jim

 

All about Grace, I will agree... it is incredible. And yes, there is a pastor on each campus... if you can call it a pastor. The person delivering the sermon is "the pastor" to most of us. It would bother me if I didn't know my pastor as a person, it would bother me that much more if I didn't even have the opportunity to meet the man. As this church expands from the Oklahoma City metro area, that is exactly the case. I just don't see why they can't plant a church the "old" way. You know, find the land, build a building, find a pastor, let the new pastor lead the sheep.

 

which is why you probably would not be comfortable at Life Church -- which is okay b/c I am sure there are plenty of churches where you are where you can serve and use your gifts and be friends with the pastor. That does not mean Life is wrong with what they do. Evidently thousands like the way Life does church, so more power to them. God is using them to reach many people in many different cities and venues. To God be the glory.

 

Interesting---that none of the 50 on this list----made the top three on my list-----which are:

FBC, Jacksonville, FL---with Dr. Jerry Vines

Belvue, Cordova, TN---with Dr. Adrian Rogers

FBC, Dallas---(in the glory days of W A Criswell)