50 Most Influential Churches for 2006

July 12, 2006 by

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:

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Kevin D. Hendricks


When Kevin isn't busy as the editor of Church Marketing Sucks, he runs his own writing and editing company, Monkey Outta Nowhere. Kevin has been blogging since 1998, runs the hyperlocal site West St. Paul Reader, and has published several books, including 137 Books in One Year: How to Fall in Love With Reading, The Stephanies and all of our church communication books.
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5 Responses to “50 Most Influential Churches for 2006”

  • Marcus Monroe
    July 16, 2006

    Hmm.. what do you think about them “ranking” churches?


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  • David Tensen
    July 16, 2006

    Hi guys,
    Just wanted to say how much I love this blog, service and ministry. As a Pastor, It has encouraged me to start http://www.survivechurch.com. Keep up the great work.
    Dave


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  • Peter Walker
    July 17, 2006

    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


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  • Marcus Monroe
    July 18, 2006

    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.


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  • Peter Walker
    July 18, 2006

    “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…”


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