Christian Standard | May/June 2022 by Christian Standard Media

the church report + the church leadership crisis + reunification of the church + importance of military chaplaincy

fr o m th e pu bli sh er

Transitions Are Great Times to Innovate

’m tired of several culturally popular words. The term “new normal,” which I’ve written about previously, is one of them; it seems to carry a connotation of something “less than before” that we must reluctantly accept. I’m also tired of the overuse of the word “season”—it causes me to have “friends are friends forever” flashbacks! But the one I’m seeing more and more lately is the word “transition.” That hits close to home, as I have just “transitioned” from being senior pastor of The Crossing—a position I’d held for the last 24 years—to teaching pastor; the person I’ve been mentoring for the past 16 years has been installed as the new senior pastor.

amounts, staffing, how to manage an online audience, and a host of other matters. Christian colleges and universities are also navigating some tough transitions (as we shared in our January/February issue).

Churches of all persuasions across the country are transitioning to a post-pandemic reality, even though it’s a bit premature to declare the pandemic over. These churches are navigating different weekend attendances, offering

All this transition causes me to remember the talk about innovation that Craig Groeschel gave at the 2014 North American Christian Convention. He referenced Mark 2:15, which tells the story about a paralytic lowered before

We live in a culture that gives a title to every hard thing with which one might deal, and post-traumatic stress disorder frequently is the term of choice. It is traumatic when you’ve established a vision, a metric to measure the success of that vision, and a game plan to implement it . . . only to have it blown apart by unforeseen circumstances.

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Jesus through a hole in a roof. Groeschel said, “Innovation isn’t as much about what we do but how we think. When we can learn to think differently, we can become what God has intended for us to be.” He then laid out an equation of creating an innovation environment:

L i m i t e d R e s o u r c e s + a W i l l i n g n e s s t o Fa i l + I n c r e a s i n g Pa s s i o n = E x p o n e n t i a l I n n o vat i o n . If your ministry is experiencing limited resources— whether that’s attendance numbers, money, staffing, or your personal position—you are in a great place to try new things. We must get away from the attitude that “we can’t because we don’t.” We have everything we need to reach everyone God wants us to reach in this moment. Limited resources don’t hinder innovation, they catalyze it! We need to let our limited resources become a breeding ground for innovation.

thinking about taking it easy, but we must not forsake our passion. Instead, at such a time as this, we need to turn up the power of our passion! If we still believe people are headed to a very real fate called Hell unless they come to Jesus, then our “want to” has to move to “have to”! We have to reach people for Jesus! We have to care more about reaching them than we do pleasing them, and when we do that, innovation is fueled up with passion. We are a movement that must embrace innovation without compromising the sacred truth of the Word of God. Whether you are involved in a church, ministry, or university, let whatever transition you are experiencing lead you to a place of innovation where your area of ministry is one of the hardest places from which to get to Hell!

We need to embrace the axiom, “Failure is not an option, failure is a necessity!” John Maxwell says, “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly!” I couldn’t agree more! No one ever does anything new perfectly the first time. Our greatest accomplishments in ministry rest on countless big and small failures, but every failure brings an adjustment that moves efforts forward. Transitions in life and ministry can put us into spaces that are far from the usual. In truth, these transitions lead us to places with plenty of opportunities to fail, but those same places are rich with personal and ministerial innovation. Transition is where we test the strength of our passion. Some people decided to just stop working because of the pandemic. But how about those of us in ministry? Transitioning out of a senior role could cause a person to start

Jerry Harris is publisher of Christian Standard Media and teaching pastor at The Crossing, a multisite church located in three states across the Midwest. @_jerryharris /jerrydharris

CHRISTIAN STANDARD FOUNDED 1866 BY ISAAC ERRETT Devoted to the restoration of New Testament Christianity, its doctrine, its ordinances, and its fruits.

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In Every Issue 2021 CHURCH REPORT MINISTRY IN A (POST) COVID WORLD Kent E. Fillinger

ANNUAL CHURCH SURVEY CHARTS

24 26 32

2-3

from the publisher

6-7

from the Editor

8-9

BOLD

Megan Rawlings

10-11

Is The Restoration Movement Relevant? Tom Ellsworth

12-14 SOLVING THE LEADERSHIP CRISIS Jerry Harris

C h r i s D e We l t

DON'T FIGHT THE HAND T H AT N E E D S Y O U ! Victor Knowles

Tyler McKenzie

58 64

18-19

Lt. Jamin M. Bailey

'HOW WILL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A CHAPLAIN?' To m E l l s w o r t h

' T H A N K YO U F O R S AV I N G M Y L I F E ' Roger Storms

70 76 82

HEAL Charles Darwin and the Restoration Movement Wes Beavis

HORIZONS from the Inside Laura McKillip Wood

20-21

M I L I TA R Y C H A P L A I N C Y

ENGAGE The Impact of Smartphones

16-17 A PAS S I O N F O R J O H N 17: T H E L E G A C Y O F D O N D eW E L T

e 2: EFFECTIVE ELDERS

INTENTIONAL Cracking the Case Oshar ye Hagood

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PREACH Chris Philbeck

Interact

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Online Attendance: The Exception or the Rule?

ou may notice changes in our annual church survey report in this issue. We’ll blame COVID-19—at least partially. It’s the fashionable thing to do these days . . . and the pandemic has had a huge impact. Before 2020 and coronavirus, online streaming of worship services was the exception rather than the rule for many churches. A 2019 Lifeway Research study showed that 22 percent of churches were streaming their services at that time. But within months of the start of the pandemic in early 2020, 97 percent of churches were providing some form of online services. The exception became the rule and vice versa. Before COVID, churches used the streaming of their services primarily as an outreach tool; church visitors often said they checked out the church online for several weeks before showing up in person. During the pandemic, the streaming of services became the main way—and for many weeks, the only way—people attended services.

Our churches moved from using online ministry as a strategy to a necessity. And when churches began to regather, some people chose to stay home and continue streaming. Months of sitting on the couch in pajamas and watching church services on a big-screen TV or computer monitor had become a habit for many; it was convenient, comfortable, and safe. “Substituting digital for in-person gatherings during a pandemic is smart,” says Benjamin Windle in his book Digital Church in a Lonely World, published by Barna. “It is not a full expression of church community, but it is something.” An introduction to our church report, which begins on page 24, explains why, now that the pandemic is waning, we are reporting in-person only attendance in our charts. I’ll further expound on those reasons here. Churches use a variety of methods to report their online numbers. It’s like the days of the Old Testament

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For instance, one megachurch in our movement counts a person attending online after they’ve viewed for 40 minutes; another counts the person after just 1 minute (and I’ve heard of churches that count a view on Facebook after only 3 seconds!). Also, churches use a variety of multipliers, that is, how many people per device are counted as attending. The multipliers range from 1 to 3. That’s a wide margin! Most churches (according to Kent Fillinger’s 2020 church survey) said they count online viewers of church services from any location, yet a small percentage count only viewers who live near their church. With all the differences in how churches count online attendance, how can we be sure the numbers for each church are comparable to other churches and that the overall figures are accurate? Also, we believe the physical gathering of the local church is a vital part of being a New Testament church. The early church met together in the temple courts and in homes, and they were encouraged not to give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25). As part of a movement that desires to restore New Testament Christianity, we are obliged to report on biblical practices. We consider gathering in side-by-side and face-to-face fellowship—where we devote ourselves to Bible study, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer—as an essential of the church. The Scriptures are not silent on this fundamental. That’s not to say we are anti-technology or against advancements that are part of our modern culture. We should use technology wisely and strategically to carry out Christ’s mission. For more than 2,000 years, the church has utilized new technologies to go and make disciples of all nations (using sailing ships, trains, automobiles, and planes), baptizing them (using baptism tanks, which the early church didn’t have), and teaching them to obey everything Jesus taught us (using scrolls, printed Bibles, overhead projectors, Flannelgraph, large video screens, digital media, etc.). “The point is this: We are not immune to the digital era. If we fight it, we will lose,” says Windle. “At the same time, if we act like a leaf tossed into a stream and simply abandon biblical convictions, we will drift from our central purpose.” We can embrace digital without capitulating to it. Windle continues,

If we resist digital, we will continue to lose our two youngest generations (and the next generation of church leadership). If we capitulate, we will give into consumerdriven, preference-based Christianity and lose our effectiveness. But if we first map out our biblical convictions and clearly define biblical community, and then innovate radically with digital tools to support that, we will get the benefits of both. Is your life better with a smartphone? If you use it wisely, it can be helpful. But people face unintended consequences from irresponsible smartphone use. Is the church better with online services? Yes, if used wisely and strategically to carry out Christ’s mission. Could there be unintended consequences? Perhaps, if leaders do not ask the right questions. “Online ministry should support, not substitute,” says Windle. How does online ministry support the health of our church? How is it helping us reach younger generations? For whom is online ministry intended? How can we use this technology to reach and serve them better? These are good questions for church leaders to consider for any technology. Here’s another great question: How will we as Christ’s church love one another, be devoted to one another, build up one another, care for one another, bear one another’s burdens, exhort one another, pray for one another, confess our sins to one another, show hospitality to one another, teach one another, and speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in real (not virtual), in-person biblical community? That, my friend, is the “full expression of church community.”

@michaelc.mack @michaelcmack @michaelcmack /authormichaelcmack

judges when “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).

BOLD

omen’s ministry has a nebulous reputation. Whenever I say those two words together, women’s ministry, I get different reactions depending on the audience. I despise overgeneralizations, but I will make one here. People in Generation Z (those born 1999–2015) and millennials (1981–1998) nearly gag when the mere idea of women’s ministry surfaces in conversation. Am I coming on too strong? Have a chat with a few women in those generations and see for yourself. I don’t think it needs to be this way. After studying the situation for the last few years, I have five suggestions that leaders in women’s ministry should consider and address to help generate interest and excitement among younger women so they will want to be involved.

You Can Get Young Adults Involved in Your Women’s Ministry! By Megan Rawlings

1. W o m e n 4 0 a n d Y o u n g e r Wa n t M o r e T h a n Ta l k i n g Heads In a popular Bible study “go-to,” members of a small group read a spiritually topical book and then meet on a given day to discuss their findings and watch a related video (i.e., a “talking head”). But women can do this on their own . . . they don’t need a team. Younger women don’t want to spend their limited time with other women simply watching a video of someone who is not invested in their lives. These busy women desire to be taught at their level of faith. They need the personal touch of someone who knows them and will connect with them at a deeper level.

2. T h e y P r e f e r V e r s e- B y-V e r s e B i b l e S t u d i e s Many “Bible studies” that focus on a specific topic don’t interest younger women who are eager to learn and grow from your women’s ministry. They want verse-by-verse teaching through a book of the Bible. This is not an easy task, as few books can be studied in six weeks. However, working through the Word of God will have a great impact on your women’s ministry.

3. T e a Pa r t i e s A r e F i n e , b u t B e H o n e s t A b o u t T h e m Many women tell me, “I hate women’s teas.” I don’t know if that is entirely fair. I think some generational compromise would help. When we do things for fellowship, let’s be up-front about the purpose. A women’s tea is simply a time for camaraderie. Say that. Be honest. Tell the women that although it might not be their cup of tea, it is an opportunity to get to better know the women with whom they study the Bible. It’s an opportunity to break bread. It’s an opportunity to be together.

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4 . T h e y Wa n t t o B e M e n t o r e d

If you want them to be dedicated, arrange for spiritually mature women to speak hard truths to them in love. They need someone who can give them wisdom and advice. They need a friend who will listen and care.

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For the younger generations to be truly invested, your women’s ministry needs to be more than just attendance at a weekly Bible study. Remember, these young women grew up on screens and, therefore, they have a deep longing for meaningful and authentic connections.

I wa n t t o o f f e r i n s i g h t i n t o w h at y o u n g e r g e n e r at i o n s a r e l o o k i n g f o r a n d s u g g e s t p o s s i b l e way s t o s u c c e s s f u l ly i n v i t e t h e m i n t o w h at y o u h av e e s ta b lished.

5. N o t A l l Y o u n g W o m e n H av e Fa m i l i e s at H o m e , a n d M o s t H av e J o b s Not all young women are alike. Yes, women love a good cleaning hack or recipe, but this may not be the main focus of their lives. Many are unmarried and don’t have children. For most of these millennials and Gen Zers, working from home isn’t an option; because of that, morning or afternoon Bible studies will not drum up a tremendous response. However, in many cases young women have children but not nuclear families, so they will need childcare. What I am saying is this: mind the times!

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This is neither an exhaustive list nor an attempt to tell you everything you’re doing is wrong and needs to change. On the contrary, I want to offer insight into what younger generations are looking for and suggest possible ways to successfully invite them into what you have established. My prayer for you is that you make the gospel known and Jesus famous.

Megan Rawlings serves as vice president of planned giving with The Solomon Foundation. She is the founder and CEO of The Bold Movement. She is an extrovert, pastor’s wife, and lover of the Scriptures. /tbmministry @tbm_ministry @tbm_ministry @theboldmovement theboldmovement.com

e 2: e f f e c t i v e e l d e r s

Is the Restoration Movement Relevant? By Tom Ellsworth

n 1856, postal authorities accepted a new name for a little community in southern Indiana: Santa Claus. Then, in the 1920s, the Postal Service decided there would never be another Santa Claus Post Office in the United States. Consequently, every December, more than 400,000 pieces of mail are routed through the town because of its Christmasthemed postmark. I suspect the community’s founders never anticipated the full impact of the unique name. On a little knoll just a mile or so south of Santa Claus stands quaint, white-framed Mt. Zion Christian Church, the oldest church building in Spencer County. The original “church house” was built in 1835, but the church family had been meeting together in various homes since 1820 . . . only 11 years after Thomas Campbell penned his Declaration and Address—what many consider the birth of the Restoration Movement—and four years before Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell first met! Is this connection to Restoration Movement history important? Has this heritage run its course? Are certain issues yet to be resolved? For those who serve as elders, these questions deserve thoughtful answers.

T h e I m p o r ta n c e o f O u r M o v e m e n t ’ s H i s t o r y I believe all history is important. When we as God’s people do not remember who we have been in the past, we cannot know who we are today nor what we are trying to accomplish for the future. I fear when we as inheritors of this Stone-Campbell Movement forget the history of our spiritual heritage, we will lose something priceless. It’s generally agreed that the Restoration Movement’s four central founding figures were Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, and Walter Scott. We could also add “Racoon” John Smith and John Rodgers, two men who were instrumental in uniting the Stone and Campbell movements. Together, over time, these leaders—and many others—embraced spiritual ideals that I believe are still relevant today: • The Scriptures alone are the source of Christian teaching. • Churches should function in congregational freedom, not under denominational authority. • Evangelism should be a major emphasis. • Faith in Christ and obedience to him are all that is necessary to become a Christian. • Baptism by immersion unites the believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. • A weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper is central to congregational worship. • Local churches are under the oversight of a plurality of elders.

These principles rest upon the foundation of unity based on New Testament authority. Unity at the expense of New Testament authority tends to accept any doctrinal belief so long as it results in unity. One’s interpretation of New Testament authority to the exclusion of unity tends to breed sectarianism because others who don’t agree are excluded. In 1626, Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius wrote, “In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” Other slogans captured the essence of this simple, yet profound, approach: • “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” • “No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible, no law but love” • “Not the only Christians, but Christians only.”

Pat t e r n s W o r t h F o l l o w i n g T o d ay Are these principles, birthed two centuries ago, still relevant? Some, it seems, are seeking to distance themselves from the Stone-Campbell heritage by minimizing the Lord’s Supper, compromising doctrinal positions, and emphasizing personal experience over Scripture’s authority. Is it time to move on from the past? After all, the Restoration Movement hasn’t solved all church-related issues. And, unfortunately, this movement designed to restore unity has divided more than once. Just as the U.S. Constitution remains indispensable after 234 years, I would contend the ideals espoused by Campbell and Stone also represent timeless wisdom.

Mt. Zion Christian Church continues to worship weekly, and while it may not be as famous as the Santa Claus Post Office just up the road, its impact through the years has been far more amazing. At least five generations of my family worshipped there and are buried in that cemetery. The preachers who served there were the evangelistic, church-planting kind that established the congregation where I became a Christian. I owe those men my life in Christ. I owe this Restoration Movement heritage my understanding of simple New Testament Christianity. I owe my ancestors (many of whom were preachers there) my faith as their legacy of faithfulness lives on 200 years later. Who knows how many others can claim the same indebtedness to the Mt. Zion congregation? I’m confident the founders of that church family never envisioned the impact of that singular distinction. Will perfect unity ever be achieved? Not in this life. Does the Restoration Movement heritage answer all the issues? Probably not, but it is a great place to start. Of this I am certain—I wouldn’t want to be part of any other heritage. More information about Restoration Movement pioneers is available in such books as Union in Truth by James North; The Great Awakenings and the Restoration Movement by Max Ward Randall; The Church: A Trilogy by Robert C. Shannon. John W. Wade, and Enos E. Dowling; and The Stone-Campbell Movement by Leroy Garrett, among others.

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The plea for unity on the Bible’s authority is vital; I don’t have to agree with another’s opinions to work and serve together for the good of the kingdom. Campbell and Stone didn’t see eye-to-eye on some major theological issues, but they united despite their differences. That seems a pattern worth following today. One need not look far to discover the drawbacks of a denominational structure, the danger of devaluing Scripture’s authority, or the selfishness of focusing inward at the cost of evangelism. I have yet to witness an immersion that didn’t result in hugs and tears of joy. And the Lord’s Supper has never become routine to me; to the contrary, even after years of weekly Communion, it is central to my worship. Does this heritage speak into our polarized society? I believe it does. Since the Restoration Movement is nondenominational, there is no collective national voice to speak on political matters. When folks of one political persuasion feel unwelcomed in any congregation because of political views espoused by the leadership, doesn’t

Tom Ellsworth served as senior minister with Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Bloomington, Ind., for nearly 40 years before retiring last year.

/e2elders @e2elders

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that miss the point of “in nonessentials, liberty?” The church certainly must stand firm on moral issues that political parties tend to hijack. But should the church make people feel excluded based on political opinions and personalities? That’s not our heritage.

• The name “Christian” identifies the church with the person of Jesus Christ.

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‘Continuous Partial Attention’: The Impact of Smartphones on Us, Our Kids, and Our Faith By Tyler McKenzie

n a punchy scene from Gulliver’s Travels, the Lilliputians (the little people) think Gulliver’s clock is his god because he keeps checking it. After interrogating him, the Lilliputians conclude the following: “And we conjecture it is either some unknown animal, or the god that he worships; but we are more inclined to the latter opinion, because he assured us . . . that he seldom did any thing without consulting it. He called it his oracle, and said, it pointed out the time for every action of his life.” Already, in 1727, author and Irish clergyman Jonathan Swift was satirizing how enslaved humans are to time. It’s cutting cultural commentary. Fast-forward to today and ask yourself, What might the Lilliputians think our god is now? What do we check incessantly? What do we consult before we do anything? What is our oracle? Answer—the smartphone. It’s the first and last thing we touch each day. We pick it up in unceasing intervals. We can’t leave home without it, or panic ensues. It sits face-up on the dinner table, next to us on the couch, on our nightstand while we sleep, and within arms-reach in the car. It owns us.

Smartphone Side Effects Steve Jobs’s iPhone changed our lives in 2007 in much the same way Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press changed history in 1440. Smartphones have become such a problem that both iPhone and Android have developed features that monitor screen time. Each Sunday, when I get a screen time update, I wonder how I got anything done the previous week. The iPhone also has a “pick-ups” counter that will report how many times you pick up your phone. If you want a healthy dose of selfloathing, check it out. The iPhone’s release started a smartphone explosion over the next decade and a half. By 2011, 35 percent of the American population owned a smartphone. Last year, Pew Research reported the number of smartphone users reached 85 percent. Psychologist Jean M. Twengy published an article in The Atlantic in 2017 called “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” The article reported an acceleration in all sorts of mental health problems, antisocial behaviors, and extended adolescence among youth starting in 2012. Twengy cited research to support the hypothesis and summarized it all by writing, “If you were going to give advice for a happy adolescence based on [our data], it would be straightforward: Put down the phone, turn off the laptop, and do something—anything—that does not involve a screen.” If you are 25 or older, you can probably remember a time when you didn’t carry in your pocket this portal to

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everything. You remember boredom. You remember sitting in waiting rooms and . . . waiting. Maybe you’d pick up a well-worn magazine to read. You can remember killing time on long car drives by counting the number of different state license plates. Nowadays, before leaving on that long drive, you’d better be sure the tablets are charged “or we’re staying home!”

Incessant Interruptions In 1998, Linda Stone coined the phrase, “Continuous partial attention” (and added that it “is our new default setting”). Boy, was she was right! Carey Nieuwhof asked us to imagine that all the incessant buzzes, chirps, and rings on our phone are like knocks on the front door. Imagine: You wake up early . . . go to your prayer spot . . . coffee . . . Bible . . . journal . . . and you start to pray. “Our Father, who art in heaven . . .” and all of a sudden, knock knock! You go to your “front door,” and it’s your friends from the group text. “Good morning! Check out allllllll these funny GIFS.” You roll your eyes, silence the thread, and head back to your spot. “Hallowed be thy name. Thy king . . .” Knock knock! It’s your calendar, “Hey! Just alerting you to a meeting in an hour. Travel time is 12 minutes. Traffic is light.” OK, got it.

“

“Thy kingdom come. Thy . . .” Knock knock! “It’s mom. Just checking in.” Knock knock! “I need an opinion on this report ASAP.” Knock knock! “Want me to pick up a sandwich?” It goes on and on and on . . . Knock knock! “It might storm.” Knock knock! “Want cheese on that sandwich?” Knock knock! “You need some steps—get up and walk around!” Knock knock! “Did you hear what the president said?” Knock knock! “Here’s some random spam you didn’t order.” Knock knock! “Word on the street has it that . . .” Knock knock! “Did you wash my uniform?” Knock knock! Knock knock! Knock knock! All. Day. Long. All of this scared James Williams, a 10-year Google veteran who was part of the team that masterminded the data-driven advertising model we know all too well. (His work won him the Founder’s Award, Google’s highest honor for employees.) Yet, as he watched the product of his work, he began to feel uneasy. He noticed how distracting and addicting it was. He was horrified his

technology could chop into pieces and then colonize every moment of human attention. Fast-forward a few years, and Williams won the Nine Dots Prize for his scathing critique of the tech industry. He wrote, “The liberation of human attention may be the defining moral and political struggle of our time.”

C o n t i n u o u s pa r t i a l at t e n t i o n i s s p i r i t u a l ly d e va s tat i n g w h e n i t i s o u r d e fa u lt s e t t i n g b e c a u s e i t d e b i l i tat e s o u r c a pa c i t y t o p r ay.

Tech-Free Techies Do you think Williams is a conspiracy theorist with anxiety? Google CEO Sundar Pichai told the New York Times in 2017 that his 11-year-old son doesn’t have a phone. Pichai said his family has rules regarding technology. “At home, our television is not easily accessible, so that there is activation energy before you can easily go watch TV. I’m genuinely conflicted . . .” Pichai isn’t the only techie genuinely conflicted. Stories out of Silicon Valley tell of tech executives who pay for their kids to go to device-free schools, such as the Waldorf School in San Francisco. The Times wrote, Inside a concrete block at the top of a hill in San Francisco, 27 nine-year-olds are handed needles and ordered to sew. Across the hall, eight-year-olds churn butter by hand, while downstairs four-year-olds are busy carrying out their duties: sweeping up, washing dishes and dehydrating fruit. This is not a childlabour camp in the heart of America’s richest city. It is a school, and among the tech crowd it has become much sought after. The San

Francisco Waldorf School, you see, has a strict “no screens” policy. In fact, it is deliberately “analogue,” a throwback to a time when it was all blackboards, pencils and paper—but with a new-age twist. . . . CBS News reported nearly 75 percent of Waldorf students have parents who work in tech. The tech elite in America, The Times concluded, are paying “up to $40,000 a year to wall off their kids from their creations.” I guess their technology is OK for your kids, just not their kids.

The Power of Unplugging

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One of our highest responsibilities in this moment is to help our people unplug from distractions and rediscover intimacy with God.

The Hippocratic Oath is an ancient pledge in which physicians vow to practice medicine with the highest ethical standards. A thousand years ago, some Christian doctors made it their own.

I wonder, When will “Big Tech” adopt something like a Hippocratic Oath? I would encourage Christian leaders serving in tech not to wait for the government to intervene or for their bosses to get a conscience. Embrace the existing ethical standards and lift them higher. And church leaders, we may not have influence over the consciences of the big technology companies, but we do have influence over our congregations. One of our highest responsibilities in this moment is to help our people unplug from distractions and rediscover intimacy with God. a b ou t th e au th o r

Tyler McKenzie serves as lead pastor at Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

Continuous partial attention is spiritually devastating when it is our default setting because it debilitates our capacity to pray. In other words, it hampers our ability to hear, see, adore, petition, experience, and commune with God. And Christians can’t have a relationship with God without prayer . . . at least not much of one.

Hea l

hat relevance does Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary theory, have to the Restoration Movement? A lot. As a clinical psychologist, I spend most of my time counseling RM ministry leaders. I can attest to the relevancy of Darwin’s oft-quoted phrase, “survival of the fittest.” Simply put, those organisms that can adjust favorably to their environment are the ones that survive. If they can’t adapt, they die out.

Finding Support in Autonomous Churches

Charles Darwin and the Restoration Movement

This “survival of the fittest” concept is very much a part of our movement’s construct. Pastors who can adapt and overcome their prevailing difficulties are the ones who will survive in ministry. Restoration Movement pastors who face challenging circumstances may find support from ministry colleagues, elders, or parachurch ministries, but they will not find support from a denominational headquarters, because there is none. That makes us unique. Foundational to the Restoration Movement identity is the autonomy of the local church. This allows great freedom for each congregation to minister in whatever way the church believes the Lord is directing. However, when a pastor is struggling, it’s up to that individual to figure it out. No denominational safety net or support resource is available.

By Wes Beavis

In their book, Pastors in Transition: Why Clergy Leave Local Church Ministry, authors and researchers Dean Hoge and Jacqueline Wenger ask, “What can denominational officials do to help ministers who find themselves in trouble?” They even say, “Denominations to which these ministers belong, ‘owe it to them’ to try and provide support.” However, Hoge and Wenger were assuming every pastor is part of a structured denomination, but that is not the case with our churches.

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In The New Testament Church, R.C. Shannon said the early 19th-century founders of the Restoration Movement were opposed to denominational government, and so they established that each church should be autonomous. In that era, denominational hierarchies issued edicts for all their member churches to folT h e r e i s n o d e s i g n at e d p r o t o c o l f o r p r o v i d i n g low, so the founders of the m e n ta l h e a lt h s u p p o r t t o pa s t o r s w h o a r e i n c r i Restoration Movement had s i s o r t r e n d i n g t o wa r d m i n i s t r y b u r n o u t. good reason to advocate for local church autonomy.

Surviving Ministry Challenges Research for my doctoral dissertation on “The Precipitating Factors that Lead to Stress and Burnout in

The COVID-19 pandemic likely has changed those numbers, but the pandemic also has changed the stress levels of our ministers . . . and not in a good way. One might wonder whether the “autonomy of the local church” makes it more difficult for pastors to navigate catastrophes like a global pandemic.

Providing support to pastors who are enduring personal crisis is a worthwhile effort. As I wrote in the final lines of my doctoral dissertation, “To revive and restore distressed pastors seems to fit with the mission of Christ, who declared that he was sent by the Father to heal the brokenhearted” (see Luke 4:18, King James Version).

While it is liberating to minister without interference from a centralized denominational body, Restoration Movement ministers have no obvious place to turn when they are facing problems, conflicts, and doubts about their ministry journey. There is no designated protocol for providing mental health support to pastors who are in crisis or trending toward ministry burnout. It is in this respect that the “survival of the fittest” tenet of Darwinism seems relevant. From my experience counseling RM ministry leaders, I have learned that they are a hardy lot. They trust in God to get them through. They reach out to trusted ministry colleagues. They seek help from friends. A great many of them tough it out and, despite many ministry challenges, continue to serve in ministry. They are survivors. God gives them strength and enables them to carry on despite the suffering. But some research also indicates we are losing ministers at levels that are concerning.

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The Role of Counseling My clinical practice reveals that many pastors who leave ministry do so for reasons that can be remedied with some counseling support and guidance. It requires a great investment to prepare a person for vocational ministry. It’s sobering that so many can leave after only a handful of years in full-time ministry. So, it must be asked, “If God wants us to steward our resources, shouldn’t our ministry leaders be included on that list?” After all, those ministers spiritually lead more than a million Americans. I’m not suggesting the Restoration Movement set up a central body to provide support to pastors in crisis. Still, increased awareness and support are needed. It is encouraging to report that, from my professional experience, RM churches and elderships are increasingly making provision for pastors to receive confidential counseling. I’ve noticed our movement’s leaders are beginning to include pastor emotional health and well-being in their conversation of stewardship of spiritual resources. If not

Dr. Wes Beavis has served as a pastor in Restoration Movement churches in both the United States and Australia. He is also a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in helping ministry leaders navigate the leadership journey. His latest book is Let’s Talk about Ministry Burnout: A Proven Research-based Approach to the Wellbeing of Pastors. drwesbeavis.com text 949.246.7836

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for confidentiality laws, I could share many examples of how counseling has restored pastors to optimum health and ministry vitality.

Restoration Movement Church Pastors” (published in 2019) revealed that there were 5,320 U.S.-based independent Christian churches/churches of Christ at the time, 9,033 RM pastors, and 1,274,665 congregants attending these churches (0.4 percent of the U.S. population).

hori z ons

atasha Reimer watched the video flash across her screen, horrified at the view of devastation and death in Ukraine. Lives lost, homes destroyed, orphans created.* She closed her laptop and dropped to her knees. “God, what will become of my people?” she cried. “What can I do to help them?” She prayed this same prayer every night for weeks.

Years before, Natasha had attended Kentucky Christian University and eventually earned a master’s degree in diplomacy and international development at University of Kentucky. Although she made her home in the United States, her heart was in Crimea, Ukraine, where she was raised and her parents still lived.

Healing Destruction from the Inside By Laura McKillip Wood

Natasha had worked with Mulberry International since the early 2000s, focusing on ministry to orphans and foster children in Crimea. When Russia occupied Crimea in 2014 (subsequently annexing it), most Americans left for more stable areas. She and Jody Hesler, who helped start the organization in the mid-1990s, did not want the ministry to end just because the Americans funding it left. They grieved for those who faced homelessness after the destruction of their villages along the border with Russia. Jody offered to change Natasha’s role to become executive director of the ministry and challenged her to find a way to keep it afloat during those uncertain times. Natasha agreed to pray for 30 days and determine where God was leading her.

T h e S i t u at i o n i n U k r a i n e In the 1990s and early 2000s, after the Soviet Union dissolved and Ukraine became an independent nation again, missionaries and relief workers flooded into the country. Some works they started flourished, but many depended on Americans for leadership and funding. With Russia’s occupation of Ukraine, those Americans left, and the ministries struggled. Additionally, when Russian forces occupied areas along Ukraine’s eastern border, fighting destroyed villages, and a 13-mile-wide stretch of land labeled a “buffer zone” was created. According to Natasha, “1.8 million Ukrainians are displaced.” The hostilities have now lasted longer than World War II. “Imagine your house blown away and you don’t have adequate clothing. The cold . . . makes it unbearable. People freeze to death.” The world initially reacted with horror to what Russia did to Ukraine. Organizations distributed basic humanitarian aid to people living in the rubble. Eventually, however, these organizations moved on to work in other areas of the world. There are now only enough resources from international aid organizations to help about 1 million of the 3 million people who need it. “I’ve never seen anything in my life like this—the poverty, absolute despair, and awful conditions are unimaginable,” Natasha says. “We’ve been to some homes that are basically condemned housing with a dirt floor. No running water, no

M u l b e r r y I n t e r n at i o n a l’ s M i n i s t r y During Natasha’s month of prayer and discernment in 2014, she realized God had opened a door for her. “My first answer was a hard no, but I was praying, and God said, ‘This is your chance.’” She accepted the role of executive director of Mulberry International and got to work. Mulberry expanded its focus from Crimean orphans and began working with ministries in areas in Eastern Ukraine. The organization currently works in the city of Mariupol, near the border with Russia, and the villages around it. Many internally displaced people have settled in substandard housing in Mariupol. Mulberry supports a variety of ministries there, all completely run by local Ukrainians who want to help those who have been displaced. “We have partnerships with the local churches,” Natasha says. “They are the hands and feet of the ministry and provide local oversight and church support. We provide the financial resources.” Any local organizations who want to partner with Mulberry International must be run by Christians, and they must already be actively ministering, she says. Mulberry also provides zero-interest loans to people who create sustainable employment for the unemployed and who want to use their businesses as evangelistic tools in addition to meeting physical needs.

On her visit, Natasha saw “sacrificial, hardworking, honest Ukrainians who were faithful with a little and could be given more.” She is excited about what God is doing and happy that Mulberry can partner in that work. She also realizes the danger is not over. In November, Russia moved more forces to the border, leading many to speculate military action might be imminent. Natasha’s heart aches for the wonderful people she knows there. “When I’m there, grandmas come up to me and kiss my hands and thank me. I just think to myself, I don’t deserve this. It’s heartbreaking, but at the same time, helping those people in the name of Jesus is what it’s about.” To learn more about the work of Mulberry International, visit http://mulberryinternational.org/ *This article was written in December 2021. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over the next several weeks, Laura McKillip Wood wrote articles about how Christian individuals and organizations in Ukraine were persevering during wartime. View them at christianstandard.com/category/news. abou t the au thor

“We have a dairy farm, repair shops, a bakery, a pottery shop, and poultry farms for families in the war zone. All of this is on top of the actual church work being done in the area.” All the while, Mulberry International has maintained its focus on orphans and disadvantaged children. “We are the primary financial supporter of Good Samaritan Children’s Home, which hosts about 30 kids [ages] 6 through 18.” Mulberry also works with abused, neglected, and abandoned children, at-risk families, and foster and adoptive families.

E x pa n d i n g t h e W o r k In September 2021, Natasha traveled to the buffer zone near Donetsk, where fighting between Russia and Ukraine began seven years earlier. During the worst fighting, homes and towns in the buffer were destroyed. No one is supposed to live there anymore, but people still do. Natasha’s dream is to expand the work of Mulberry into the Donetsk region. She has contacts in the churches and

Laura McKillip Wood, former missionary to Ukraine, now serves as bereavement coordinator and palliative care chaplain at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She and her husband, Andrew, have three teenagers. /laura.wood2 @woodlaura30 @woodlaura30 lauramckillipwood.com lauramckillipwood@gmail.com

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knows healthy ministries there that already work with displaced people. Mulberry International is raising funds that will allow these ministries to work more effectively and reach more people.

sink, no bathroom, and people have been living there for years with small children. They just try to survive.”

inte nt i ona l

n the January/February issue, Rudy told husbands about the importance of their wives. He wrote, “For, after Christ, she is your life’s work. She is God’s holy daughter entrusted to you in like manner as the church has been entrusted to Christ. Don’t exegete the text and forget to study your wife.” As a wife, I don’t believe anything is more important than being loved and understood, especially when it comes through the intentionality of investigation.

C o - i n v e s t i g at e

A Caseload of One: Cracking the Case By Osharye Hagood

Merriam-Webster defines investigation as “a systematic search for the truth or facts about something.” Have you ever heard someone say, “He gets me,” “He accepts me for me,” or “He lets me be me”? These are the words of a wife who has been and is being investigated . . . that is, loved. It is in this intentional consideration where we as wives experience the majesty of “be considerate [kata gnōsin] as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect” (1 Peter 3:7). When Rudy had this “aha" moment regarding investigating (kata gnōsin) his wife, one of the first things he said to me was, “Hey, this is what you have always done to me.” “Yes,” I said, “it’s because I love learning more and everything about you.” He replied, “You have always watched my movements and tendencies, to the point that just by my gestures, you know what I’m thinking.” He was exactly right. I think wives tend to naturally investigate our husbands. The desire of my heart is that we be co-investigators. Once we are both on the case, not only does he keep getting to know her (as we communicated in January/February), but as a couple, we keep getting to know us. Through investigation, I learned that Rudy’s original ideal wife looked more like an executive personal assistant. Conversely, he learned that my original perfect husband was more like a massage therapist. This caused many misperceptions that we will discuss in future articles.

Readjust Husbands should ponder these questions: • Who are you that God would entrust you with such a great and beautiful work? • Who are you that God would allow you to partner with his daughter?

Gentlemen, when you’re on the case investigating “the apple of your eye,” you will learn so much about her. When our “he” is in pursuit of the internal “me,” we as wives feel truly loved. Yes, we know we are rather intricate image-bearers whom God divinely designs to exist in holy complexity. As a result, women are misunderstood more often than our husbands can imagine. The intellectual impact of being misunderstood translates into us not feeling accepted emotionally.

The not-so-secret secret is that every woman wants to be the apple of someone’s eye, and if she married you, it’s your eye. A woman can have no better feeling than to know her husband is thinking about her, concerned about her, wants to bless her, wants to highlight her, wants to know her . . . wants to crack this case.

Gentlemen, it’s your God-given privilege to be on the case. I’ll get a little more personal. When Rudy began his investigation of me, I think it took some readjusting when he learned I was not the precious little executive personal assistant for which he hoped. Don’t get me wrong, I love assisting him. I am his helper. I’m just more than he had initially considered. He just hadn’t considered how fearfully and wonderfully made I was! So, I’m certain that when Rudy dusted the prints and saw the forensic evidence, he was floored when the clues revealed I was more of a warrior than an assistant. So, now he knows how to love me as the helper he always dreamed of, but also the warrior he never knew he needed. We write these articles with the heart that spouses will live on purpose together intentionally. We want your marriage to not just survive, but thrive. At weddings the preacher sometimes says, “for what God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” I think we focus too often on “let no man put asunder” and not enough on “what God has joined together.” Marriage is more than not breaking up.

Some men may respond, “If I give her what she wants, she will run all over me.” But think about it—this isn’t about giving her what she wants; this is about knowing her. The more she feels understood, the more she will honor and respect you. And if she gets what she wants, that’s OK too. Remember, don’t exegete the text and forget to study your wife.

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Instead of seeking to learn about the blessing God has placed before us, I think we too often get stuck on how this person isn’t what I originally envisioned and expected. The beauty in a loving exploration and investigation is the provision and opportunity to know God better. When we study our spouse, it grants us access into how God loves us and into how God has made each one of us in his image.

Respect Here are some practical explanations of what this may look like. The reason a woman “nags” about something not being clean, closed, picked up, or purchased is that she knows you’re considering her when she walks into a clean house. If you close the cabinets, she knows you understand her. If you pick up exactly what she asked you to buy at the store, she knows you’ve listened to her. Many husbands have told me they feel they just can’t get it right in her eyes. These husbands should think less about getting it right and more about getting her right, and then

Rudy and Osharye Hagood have seven children and nine grandchildren so far. Osharye is a women’s minister who is also certified as both a life coach and a health coach. Rudy is a lead pastor with a background in social work. They love being married and love to bless both married and engaged couples. @rudy.hagood @rudy_hagood_

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everything will fall into place. Again, “Be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect.”

• Who are you that you were drawn to such divine help?

preach

ne of the “Core Four” strategies for living out the vision and mission of Mount Pleasant Christian Church, where I’ve been the senior pastor for the past 20 years, is “Serving others across the street and around the world.” A few years ago, that strategy gave birth to a unique multisite model focused on underserved and underresourced neighborhoods in and around Indianapolis. The Message paraphrase of John 1:14 says about Jesus, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” We have followed that example by expanding the ministry and influence of our church by acquiring two declining churches that were about to shut their doors, and by planting a third church. All three have become satellites of MPCC through what we call our IMPACT Ministry.

Preaching the Gospel By Chris Philbeck

We don’t use video sermons in these campuses because I believe the people in these neighborhoods need an “incarnational” presence in the pulpit. They don’t need someone they see once a week on a screen, they need someone they can know and interact with personally. Each week, I share the sermon manuscript with the campus pastors, along with guidelines about what they can and cannot change. In addition, I meet with the campus pastors each Monday, and preaching is one of the things we talk about most often. Recently we talked about the importance of making the “gospel” a part of our weekly message. The gospel’s primary context in the New Testament is the good news that Jesus came into the world to offer all people the opportunity for a new and better life because of who he is and what he accomplished in dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin and then rising from the dead. When we preach the gospel, we strive to talk about who Jesus is, what Jesus did, and how you can experience that new and better life through him.

Z e r o f o r T h i r t y-S i x The conversation was prompted by an article I read by a man who wrote about listening to four sermons each from the nation’s nine largest evangelical churches (accessible at www.9marks.org). Colton Corter wrote, “Let me begin with the most important observation: In 36 sermons, the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection was unclear 36 times.” A little later he wrote, “I don’t mean to say various elements of the gospel weren’t occasionally mentioned; they were. . . . But none of those elements are articulated or explained.” I want to say very clearly that I’m not quoting this article as a judgment or condemnation of any of the churches listed. That’s not something I would do. I’m not familiar

What most caught my attention was the final paragraph of Corter’s article: “My main take away, I believe, is to soberly reflect on the sermons we give and the sermons we listen to week in and week out. May God grant us and our churches mercy to clearly proclaim the gospel, edify the saints, and invite unbelievers into the greatest joy imaginable—life with God in Christ.”

Let’s make the most of our opportunities and influence by making the gospel a consistent part of our preaching.

How to Include the Gospel After reading the article, I went back and reviewed several of my own recent sermons. And while many of them had a reference to the gospel (“who Jesus is, what Jesus did, and how you can experience that new and better life . . .”), many did not. How do we include the gospel in the messages we preach? Here are four suggestions. First, and most obvious, preach a gospel text. Sometimes in our effort to be relevant with our messages, we forget there’s nothing more relevant than the need all people have for the new and better life Jesus offers. We need to routinely preach about the separation of sin, the substitutionary death of Jesus, and the free gift of salvation that’s available through God’s grace. That provides us with opportunities to reach non-Christians who are listening while also teaching Christians how to share the gospel with others. Second, strive to connect what might be considered a non-gospel text to the gospel. Every text of Scripture we preach fits into the overall narrative that points to Jesus. Preach the text and make the application, not just to people who are followers of Christ, but also to people who have not made that decision. Do this in a creative and compassionate way, but above all else, do it in a way that shows urgency and concern. Third, incorporate personal testimonies into your preaching. Few things are more powerful than a story of how Christ changed someone’s life. In my early days at Mount Pleasant, in a “Membership Inquiry” class, I met a couple who told me that after trying several different things to bring healing to their marriage, they had reached the point where divorce was their only option. At the last minute they decided to try one more thing and visited our church. That visit exposed them to the gospel and a brand-new life in Christ which brought healing to their marriage. They were at the class that night to commit to being members and discover how they could continue to grow in their faith. Sharing a testimony of that sort in a message on marriage would be incredibly powerful for couples who are about to give up.

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Chris Philbeck serves as senior pastor of Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Indiana. He has been in ministry since 1980 and has had the privilege of planting a new church, leading a turn-around church, and now leading a megachurch. Chris is passionate about biblical preaching, effective leadership, and developing new and better ways for the local church to make an impact in the community and the world. /PastorCPhilbeck @cphilbeck @pastorphilbeck

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Fourth, close your message with a short, simple gospel presentation that calls for a response. That might sound a little dated, but some things never go out of style. When we preach, we need to trust the Holy Spirit to do what Jesus said he would do in John 16:8—convict the world of sin, of God’s righteousness, and of coming judgment.

with all the churches, but there are churches and pastors on the list that I admire and respect.

2021 church report LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED AS YOU REVIEW OUR ANNUAL C H U R C H S U R V E Y R E P O R T. Yo u r c o n g r e g a t i o n m a y n o t b e i n t h e c h u r c h - s i z e c a t e g o r y w h e r e y o u e x p e c t i t . F o r s o m e c h u r c h e s , i t m a y a p p e a r, a t f i r s t g l a n c e, a s i f y o u r a t t e n d a n c e h a s d e c l i n e d o v e r t h e l a s t c o u p l e y e a r s , e v e n i f i t h a s n ’ t . I t m a y l o o k l i ke s o m e m e g a c h u r c h e s and emerging megachurches have suddenly vanished or that many of their regular at tenders have dropped out. W h a t ’s g o i n g o n? While Christian Standard repor ted combined in - person and online at tendance numbers t h e p r e v i o u s s e v e r a l y e a r s (w h i c h w a s e s p e c i a l l y s i g n i f i c a n t d u r i n g t h e p a n d e m i c ), o u r 2 0 2 1 c h a r t s s h o w i n - p e r s o n a t t e n d a n c e o n l y. (O u r s u r v e y d i d a s k f o r o n l i n e a t t e n d a n c e f i g u r e s , w h i c h w e a r e u s i n g f o r s t a t i s t i c a l p u r p o s e s , b u t n o t o n o u r c h a r t s .) Megachurches and emerging megachurches were af fec ted mos t by these changes. B e c a u s e o f t h e m a n y d i f f e r e n c e s i n h o w c h u r c h e s c o u n t o n l i n e a t t e n d a n c e, w e b e l i e v e t h a t r e p o r t i n g t h o s e n u m b e r s m a y b e m e a n i n g l e s s o r e v e n m i s l e a d i n g . We w o u l d l i ke to i n c l u d e o n l i n e a t t e n d a n c e a s a s e p a r a t e c o l u m n i n o u r a n n u a l r e p o r t i n t h e f u t u r e, o n c e w e h a v e a s t a n d a r d w a y o f c o u n t i n g i t . ( P l e a s e s e e K e n t F i l l i n g e r ’s M a r c h /A p r i l M e t r i c s c o l u m n , “A u t h e n t i c O n l i n e C h u r c h ,” f o r h i s s u g g e s t i o n s f o r h o w t o c o u n t o n l i n e a t t e n d a n c e . S e a r c h f o r t h a t t i t l e a t c h r i s t i a n s t a n d a r d .c o m .) A l s o, w e b e l i e v e t h a t a s t h e N e w Te s t a m e n t c h u r c h , w e m u s t d e v o t e o u r s e l v e s t o “ t h e f e l l o w s h i p,” w h i c h i s a r e g u l a r i n - p e r s o n g a t h e r i n g o f b e l i e v e r s a n d t h e f u l l e x p r e s s i o n o f c h u r c h c o m m u n i t y. We w a n t t o c o u n t t h a t ! S e e t h e L e t t e r f r o m t h e E d i t o r o n p a g e s 6 -7 f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d e x p l a n a t i o n s .

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the key

M E G AC H U R C H E S 2 , 0 0 0 + I N AV E R A G E W E E K LY W O R S H I P AT T E N D A N C E

E M E R G I N G M E G AC H U R C H E S 1 , 0 0 0 – 1 , 9 9 9 I N AV E R AG E W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E

L ARGE 5 0 0 – 9 9 9 I N AV E R AG E W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E

MEDIUM 2 5 0 – 4 9 9 I N AV E R AG E W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E

SMALL 1 0 0 – 2 4 9 I N AV E R AG E W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E

V E RY S M A L L U P T O 9 9 I N AV E R AG E W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E

2 02 1 C H U R C H R E P O R T MINIS TRY IN A (P OS T) COVID WO RLD

FA S T FAC TS

MEGACHURCHES

EMERGING MEGACHURCHES

LARGE CHURCHES

MEDIUM CHURCHES

SMALL CHURCHES

VE RY S MALL CH U RCHES

MINIS I N A ( P O S T ) C OV I D WO R L D

B y Ke nt E . F illing e r

STRY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE TRENDS After a roller-coaster year in 2020 with churches closing and reopening for in-person worship—sometimes multiple times—2021 provided a respite from that wild ride. The average Christian church in our survey held in-person worship services on 37 weekends in 2020 but increased that to 51 weekends last year. Two-thirds of churches held in-person services every weekend in 2021. National surveys across various denominations found that 73 percent of prepandemic, in-person worship attendees returned by the fall of 2021. Likewise, our survey of more than 400 Christian churches and churches of Christ found that the average congregation was at approximately 72 percent of their pre-COVID-19, in-person worship attendance average last year. Small and very small churches had the best rebounds; they recovered three-fourths of their pre-COVID-19 inperson attendance in 2021. Megachurches, at 61 percent, have been the slowest to recover in-person attendance. Thirty-seven churches (9 percent of those surveyed) reported their 2021 in-person attendance had recovered entirely or that they had grown during the pandemic.

The 2020 Faith Communities Today survey of 15,278 religious congregations across the United States found a median decline in attendance of 7 percent between 2015 and 2020. The survey, completed just before the coronavirus outbreak, found that half of the country’s estimated 350,000 religious congregations averaged 65 or fewer people on any given weekend. That’s a precipitous drop from a median church attendance of 137 people in 2000, the first year data was gathered. Over the past three years in Christian churches and churches of Christ, worship attendance trends have remained mostly stable despite a global pandemic. The chart shows the annual worship attendance for each church size category. The attendance figures listed for both 2020 and 2021 include only in-person worship attendance. Our 2019 survey asked churches to report a combined in-person and online attendance figure, which is what is listed on the chart (next page). That survey also asked churches what percentage of their total attendance was comprised from online viewers; we found the overall online attendance average was 8 percent of the total attendance.

2019

# OF CHURCHES

2020

(PRE-COVID)

# OF CHURCHES

COMBINED IN-PERSON AND ONLINE ATTENDANCE

2020

(AFTER REGATHERING)

# OF CHURCHES

2021

# OF CHURCHES

IN-PERSON-ONLY ATTENDANCE

MEGA

5,765

5,123

6,957

5,694

EMERGING MEGA

1,349

1,353

1,288

1,350

LARGE

734

710

719

MEDIUM

354

348

344

352

SMALL

164

163

119

161

VERY SMALL

147

132

IN-PERSON OR ONLINE WORSHIP? Valley Real Life (Greenacres, Washington) told us they asked their congregation, “What is it that you can’t or don’t experience well online that you get onsite?” The top response was children’s ministry, followed by worship and then relationships. The church said they’re excited that if they do those three things really well, God will use those things to draw people to himself. In that same spirit, Christian Standard decided to focus on in-person worship attendance for our 2021 special report. (See articles on pp. 6 and 24 for more information.) Our survey did gather online attendance data, however; I will dissect emerging trends for online worship attendance in my Metrics column in our next issue.

This shift in focus to in-person attendance directly impacts how churches are classified based on our standard churchsize categories. For example, only 17 churches last year reported average in-person worship attendance of 2,000 or more, so the number of megachurches we are listing decreased considerably. If online attendance were added to the in-person numbers, 45 churches would be in the megachurch category. Therefore, the positioning of the 414 churches listed in the accompanying attendance charts will look different than in previous years, even though most of the same churches participated in our survey again this year. The shifts were not as dramatic in the very small to large churches because online attendance is less of a factor in those churches’ total reported attendance.

m ay/j une 20 22 29

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK While 69 percent of the churches surveyed reported fiscal year 2020 giving met or exceeded 2019 giving, financial results were even better last year, with 77 percent of churches saying 2021 giving met or exceeded 2020. For the 23 percent of churches that saw giving decrease in 2021, most of those churches reported only 1 to 9 percent declines. BAPTISMS The total number of baptisms in 2021 increased by 51 percent compared with 2020 (20,387 vs. 13,502). Of course, in 2020 churches were closed for in-person worship much of the year. Now the bad news; total baptisms in 2021 were still far fewer than in the two years leading up to the pandemic. Surveyed churches reported 32,139 baptisms in 2019 and 31,269 in 2018 (in all three of these years, a similar number of churches reported). Ten percent of churches reported no baptisms in 2021. A better metric for evaluating baptisms is the “baptism ratio,” which reflects the number of baptisms per 100 people in average attendance. When calculating baptism ratios based only on in-person worship attendance, megachurches, emerging megachurches, large, and very small churches had record years. Megachurches had the highest baptism ratio, with 9.1 baptisms per 100 in average in-person attendance. Second highest were emerging megachurches, at 8.5. Small churches had the lowest baptism ratio, 5.8. Of course, when calculating baptism ratios using combined in-person and online attendance figures, the ratios plummeted. For example, the megachurch baptism ratio dropped from 9.1 to only 4.6 with online attendance included.

Additionally, 78 percent of the churches surveyed said overall giving met or exceeded their ministry budgets in 2021. It was the best budget performance for every church size category over the past 11 years (except for megachurches, which saw a slightly better budget performance—by 2 percentage points—in fiscal year 2018). Ministry spending increased for almost half (46 percent) of the churches last year. Megachurches were the most likely to report increased ministry spending (63 percent), while very small churches were the least likely (33 percent). Ministry spending remained the same in 30 percent of the churches surveyed, while 24 percent decreased their spending. In another sign of financial health, churches continued to increase their cash reserves last year. In 2018, we first asked churches to report the number of weeks of operating expenses they had on hand; it averaged 9.8 weeks of operational reserves that year. Since then, the number has increased steadily each year. In 2021, churches averaged 14 weeks of cash reserves, and one-third of the churches reported having 21 weeks or more of operational reserves. An overwhelming majority of churches (86 percent) reported having an “optimistic” financial outlook, 13 percent were “uncertain,” and only 1 percent were “pessimistic.”

c hristia n sta nda rd 30

TOP MINISTRY CONCERNS We asked churches, “What are your top two concerns about the future of your local church ministry?” Among the hundreds of responses, these were the top concerns: • Discipleship—making disciples who make disciples • Evangelism—reaching the lost and sharing our faith • Leadership Development—the need for new, more, and younger leaders • Financial Concerns—giving, debt, and inflation • Ongoing Impact of COVID-19—adapting to a new ministry model post-COVID • Staffing—finding and keeping good staff • Community Outreach—impacting the local community by meeting needs • Congregational Aging—church members aging and dying • People Not Returning In-Person—members missing in action or watching online • Commitment Issues—the lack of commitment from church members to worship, serve, lead, and give • Young Families—attracting and keeping young families • Succession Planning—senior ministers transitioning and preparing to retire in the next few years

m ay/j une 20 22 31

CAUSES FOR CELEBRATION We also asked churches to identify two aspects of ministry for which they are most proud or excited. Among the responses—which we classified into 90 categories— these were the top 10: • Community Outreach Ministries—serving local needs through various partnerships and programs (More than 100 churches listed this as a cause for celebration, which was more than double the number of responses for all but “generosity.”) • Generosity—the faithful giving of the church • Missions—involvement and giving to mission initiatives • Children’s/Family Ministry • Youth/Student Ministry • Discipleship Initiatives—creating discipleship pathways to encourage disciple-making • Growth/New Families Attending Church • Ministry Staff and Culture • Weekend Worship Services • Preaching/Teaching—solid biblical approach Tied for the 11th position (each missing the top 10 by single votes) were “Evangelism/Reaching the Lost” and “Online Ministry.”

Kent E. Fillinger serves as president of 3:STRANDS Consulting, Indianapolis, Indiana, and regional vice president (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan) with Christian Financial Resources.

// G R OW T H

// V E R Y S M A L L

AV E R AG E I N - P E R S O N AT T E N DA N C E AV E R A G E W E E K LY I N - P E R S O N O N LY W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E

AV E R AG E CO M B I N E D AT T E N DA N C E IN-PERSON AND ONLINE COMBINED AV E R A G E W E E K LY W O R S H I P AT T E N D A N C E

// F I N A N C E S

// B A P T I S M

P E R C E N TAG E O F P R E - COV I D -19 W O R S H I P AT T E N DA N C E T H AT H A S R E T U R N E D T O I N - P E R S O N G AT H E R I N G S

BAPTISMS

161

132 CHURCHES

91 CHURCHES

16 3

109 CHURCHES

93 CHURCHES

75%

75.7%

443 PEOPLE

928 PEOPLE

AV E R AG E 3 P E R C H U R C H

AV E R AG E 10 P E R C H U R C H

B A S E D O N I N - P E R S O N AT T E N D A N C E O N LY

6.0

5.8

BASED ON IN-PERSON & ONLINE AT T E N DA N C E CO M B I N E D

4 .9

4.8

BASED ON IN-PERSON AT T E N D A N C E O N LY

$ 5 3 .15

$46.00

BASED ON IN-PERSON & ONLINE AT T E N DA N C E CO M B I N E D

$ 51. 25

$45.43

15 . 8 %

15 . 6%

4 6 .1%

4 6 .9 %

P E R C E N TAG E O F DEBT- FREE CHURCHES

83%

57%

AV E R AG E S TA R T DAT E OF CHURCH

19 3 2

B A S E D O N I N - P E R S O N O N LY AT T E N DA N C E F I G U R E S

B A P T I S M R AT I O S

GIVING

OUTREACH PE R C E N TAG E O F T O TA L B U D G E T S PE N T ON MINISTRY “OUTSIDE THE WALL S”

S TA F F B U D G E T PE R C E N TAG E O F T O TA L B U D G E T I N V E S T E D O N M I N I S T R Y S TA F F

// FUN FAC T S

// S M A L L

// M E D I U M

// L A R G E

// E M E R G I N G M E G A

// M E G A

352

719

1, 3 5 0

5,694

69 CHURCHES

65 CHURCHES

40 CHURCHES

17 CH U R CH E S

3 61

735

1, 412

6,356

58 CHURCHES

51 CHURCHES

45 CHURCHES

7 0 .1%

6 9.9 %

66.6%

61. 4%

1, 4 0 6 P E O P L E

3 , 412 P E O P L E

4,480 PEOPLE

9, 718 P E O P L E

AV E R AG E 2 0 P E R C H U R C H

AV E R AG E 5 2 P E R C H U R C H

AV E R AG E 112 P E R C H U R C H

AV E R AG E 57 2 P E R C H U R C H

6.0

7. 0

8.5

9. 4

4 .1

4.4

5.0

4.6

$53.42

$53.39

$ 5 7. 4 2

$55.80

$52.09

$52.23

$ 5 4 .9 0

$ 49.9 9

14 . 3 %

14 . 2 %

13 . 3 %

11. 5 %

48.2%

48.6%

51%

29%

22%

18 %

27%

194 5

1949

19 5 7

19 5 0

// M E G A // E M E R G I N G M E G A

CHURCH

AT T E N DA N C E

BAPTISMS

L O C AT I O N

Christ's Church of the Valley

26,833

3,284

Peoria

Southeast Christian Church

14,227

1,340

Louisville

Shepherd Church

5,700

564

Porter Ranch

The Crossing Church

5,045

542

Quincy

Traders Point Christian Church

5,000

400

Whitestown

Compassion Christian Church

4,888

378

Savannah

Real Life Ministries

4,635

310

Post Falls

Eastside Christian Church

4,184

425

Anaheim

2|42 Community Church

3,818

424

Brighton

Crossroads Christian Church

3,541

385

Corona

Eagle Christian Church

3,453

208

Eagle

Eastview Christian Church

2,782

210

Normal

One&All Church

2,768

104

San Dimas

The Crossing, a Christian Church

2,638

392

Las Vegas

Compass Christian Church

2,594

293

Colleyville

Northside Christian Church

2,480

237

New Albany

Mountain Christian Church

2,206

222

Joppa

Valley Real Life

1,987

144

Greenacres

Compass Christian Church

1,974

189

Chandler

Pathway Church

1,931

149

Wichita

Mount Pleasant Christian Church

1,928

Tomoka Christian Church

1,844

180

West Side Christian Church

1,801

181

Harvester Christian Church

1,634

100

RiverTree Christian Church

1,605

Southeast Christian Church

1,600

120

Sherwood Oaks Christian Church

1,501

Bloomington

New City Church

1,500

Phoenix

Legacy Christian Church

1,415

122

Overland Park

Owensboro Christian Church

1,408

Owensboro

Maryland Community Church

1,382

Terre Haute

Rocky Mountain Christian Church

1,373

182

Niwot

Redemption Christian Church

1,352

115

Jasper

First Church of Christ

1,346

Burlington

New Day Christian Church

1,343

212

Port Charlotte

1,331

Greenwood

Ormond Beach

FL IL

St. Charles

Massillon

Parker

Hope City Church

1,321

Community Christian Church

1,288

254

Ft. Lauderdale

Eastside Christian Church

1,277

105

Jeffersonville

Christ's Church

1,235

Greenford Christian Church

1,227

Greenford

Salty Church

1,192

182

Ormond Beach

Westbrook Christian Church

1,181

Antioch Christian Church

1,161

Generations Christian Church

Ekklesia Christian Church

30 31

Joplin

Bolingbrook

125

Marion

1,160

158

Trinity

1,137

Conway

Pantano Christian Church

1,124

179

Tucson

White Flag Church

1,105

141

St. Louis

Ten Mile Christian Church

1,100

135

Meridian

Crossroads Christian Church

1,095

Newburgh

Third City Christian Church

1,045

113

Grand Island

First Christian Church

1,028

102

Jacksonville

QuadCity Christian Church

1,028

Prescott

Summit Christian Church

1,027

100

Sparks

Central Christian Church

1,009

LifeBridge Christian Church

1,000

Riverglen Christian Church

1,000

Beloit

116

Longmont

Waukesha

YEAR S TA R T E D

LEAD MINISTER

WEBSITE

Ashley Wooldridge

ccv.church

1982

Kyle Idleman

secc.org

1962

Dudley Rutherford

shepherdchurch.com

1902

Clayton Hentzel

thecrossing.net

1959

Aaron Brockett

tpcc.org

1834

T. Cam Huxford

compassionchristian.com

1964

Jim Putman

reallifeministries.com

1998

Gene Appel

eastside.com

1962

Tony Johnson

242community.com

2005

Chuck Booher

crossroadschurch.com

1892

Steve Crane

eaglechristianchurch.com

1995

Michael Baker

eastview.church

1955

Jeff Vines

oneandall.church

1972

Shane Philip

thecrossinglv.com

2000

Drew Sherman

compass.church

1966

Nate Ross

mynorthside.com

1970

Ben Cachiaras

mountaincc.org

1824

Dan Shields

vrl.church

2003

Brian Jobe

compassaz.church

1925

Todd Carter

pathwaychurch.com

1959

Chris Philbeck

mpcc.info

1884

Joe Putting

tomoka.cc

1974

Eddie Lowen

wschurch.org

1901

Nikomas Perez

harvester.cc

1981

Jason Lantz

rivertreechristian.com

1964

Aaron Couch

southeastcc.org

1972

Shawn Green

socc.org

1962

Brian Kruckenberg

newcityphx.com

2011

Reggie Epps

lcc.org

1969

Scott Kenworthy

owensboro.cc

1953

Scot Longyear

mccth.org

1925

Shan Moyers

rocky.church

1984

Darrel Land

redemptionin.com

2000

Darin Mirante Rusty Russell

1964 ndcchurch.com

Luke Proctor

1959 1829

Cody Walker

hopeforjoplin.city

2014

Scott Eynon

communitycc.com

1957

Dave Hastings

discovereastside.com

1962

Jeff Michael

christschurch.com

1984

Sean Kelly

greenfordchristian.org

1832

Robbie O'Brien

salty.org

2006

Mont Mitchell

westbrook.church

1996

Greg Johnson

lifeisforliving.org

1974

Johnny Scott

generationscc.com

1974

Matthew Wilson

ekkchurch.com

2014

Glen Elliott

pantano.church

1963

Steve Moore

tenmilecc.com

1906

Phil Heller

cccgo.com

1968

Scott Jones

thirdcityc.org

1967

Shane Allen

1c.church

1967

Jason Price

quadcity.church

1922

Bryan Smith

summitnv.org

1999

David Clark

centralwired.com

1907

Matt Hessel

lbcc.org

1891

Ben Davis

riverglen.cc

1997

1969

// L A R G E

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

CHURCH

AT T E N DA N C E

BAPTISMS

Shelby Christian Church Riverlawn Christian Church East 91st Street Christian Church Whitewater Crossing Christian Church Calvary Christian Church Active Church First Christian Church Park Chapel Christian Church Northside Christian Church Forum Christian Church River Christian Church University Christian Church Cornerstone Christian Church Kingsway Christian Church The Church at Mt. Gilead Eastpoint Christian Church First Church Pikes Peak Christian Church Lifepointe Church NorthEast Christian Church Second Church of Christ Boones Creek Christian Church First Christian Church

954 944 942 932 925 922 916 912 910 897 885 881 862 860 856 852 848 845 843 821 797 773 766 762 757 750 744 742 741 738 735 728 715 713 700 693 685 683 677 659 655 653 653 650 630 629 625 615 610 593 588 579 572 557 555 552 535 532 529 526 502 501 500 500 500

54 38 26 156 220 111 148 27 73 63 101 121 34 62 31 109 69 112 36 18 38 48 25 67 18 30 36 41 39 46 34 177 66 66 25 58 48 54 38 10 58 32 38 18 40 44 19 41 46 34 34 35 49 40 24 24 39 22 25 28 21 62 18 3 45

Vail Christian Church Pinedale Christian Church Academy Christian Church Christ's Church of Flagstaff Madison Park Christian Church Racine Christian Church Gateway Christian Church First Capital Christian Church Current—A Christian Church First Christian Church Northside Christian Church Worthington Christian Church Suncrest Christian Church Central Christian Church Greenwood Christian Church Broadway Christian Church Kissimmee Christian Church College Heights Christian Church Northside Christian Church First Christian Church Crosspoint Christian Church The Carpenter's Christian Church First Christian Church Cross The Line Church Wentzville Christian Church Fern Creek Christian Church White Oak Christian Church Oakwood Christian Church New Life Christian Church The Village Christian Church Chapel Rock Christian Church Mount Carmel Christian Church Victory Christian Church First Christian Church Corinth Christian Church First Christian Church LifeSpring Community Christian Church Mosaic Christian Church Pomona Christian Church Richwoods Christian Church Mission Viejo Christian Church

L O C AT I O N

Shelbyville Wichita Indianapolis Cleves Bellevue Yucaipa Canton

Columbia Fleming Island Manhattan Shiloh Avon Mooresville South Portland Owasso Fountain Raleigh Lexington Danville Johnson City Fort Myers Goodyear Vail Winston-Salem Colorado Springs Flagstaff Quincy Racine Saint Albans Corydon Katy Decatur Wadsworth Columbus Saint John Lancaster Greenwood Mesa Kissimmee Joplin Warrensburg Johnson City Cape Coral Harrodsburg Champaign Lincoln Wentzville Louisville Cincinnati Enid Chantilly Minooka Indianapolis Cincinnati Franklin Malvern Loganville Norfolk Harrison Elkridge Pomona Peoria Mission Viejo

KY KS IN OH NE CA OH IN MO MO FL KS IL IN IN ME OK CO NC KY IL TN FL AZ AZ NC CO AZ IL MO WV IN TX IL OH OH IN CA IN AZ FL MO MO TN FL KY IL NE MO KY OH OK VA IL IN OH IN OH GA NE OH MD MO IL CA

Dave Hamlin Jeff Isaacs Rick Grover Jonathan Tisevich Scott Beckenhauer Mike Frisch

shelbychristian.org riverlawn.org e91church.com ifoundhope,com calvary.ch activechurches.com

David Barnett Wayne Bushnell Bradley Williams Nathan Freeman Barry Park Chris VandeLinde Matt Nickoson Jeff Faull Scott Taube Chad Broaddus Darrin Ronde Donnie Williams Monte Wilkinson Greg Taylor David Clark Gary Cox Chad Goucher Ben Pitney Matthew Sink Bryan Myers Chris Reed Tyler Myers John St. Clair Dave Stauffer Randy Kirk Darren Walter Wayne Kent Robin Hart Jay Scott Greg Lee Matt Dumas Matt Giebler John Enabnit Jim Book Sy Huffer Sid Tiller Ethan Magness Jeff Swearingen Greg Warren Eric Friedmann Austin Bazil Keith Comp Craig Grammer Nathan Hinkle Eric Keller Brett Andrews Nate Ferguson Casey Scott Didi Bacon Josh Cadwell Kenny Thomas Adam Turner Tim DeFor Jeff Duerler Carl Kuhl Marcus Allen Chad Manbeck Mike Maiolo

parkchapel.org northsidechristianchurch.net forumchristian.org riverchristian.church university.church onecornerstone.org kingswaychurch.org mgchurch.org eastpoint.church yes2god.org lifepointechurch.com ncclex.org secondchurch.com boonescreekcc.org fccfm.org vailchristian.com pinedale.church academychristian.org ccof.church madisonparkchurch.com racinechristian.org gatewaychurch.net currentchristian.org northsideweb.org worthingtoncc.org suncrest.org centralchristian.org greenwoodchristian.com bccmesa.com kissimmeechristianchurch.org chjoplin.org nccburg.com fcc-jc.org crosspointcape.com carpenterschristian.church fcc-online.org crossthelinechurch.com wentzvillecc.org ferncreekcc.org thewocc.com oakwood.church newlife.church thevillagechristianchurch.com chapelrock.org mountcarmel.cc victorycc.life fccmonline.org corinthchristian.org fcnorfolk.org lscommunity.org mosaicchristian.org pomonachristian.com richwoods.org mvcchome.org

YEAR S TA R T E D

1968 1956 1924 1916 1970 1960 1855 1986 1970 1954 2015 1969 2006 1973 1835 2004 1907 1956 2004 2000 1899 1825 1923 2008 2005 1913 1973 1984 1896 1921 1956 1990 1985 1834 1977 1975 1994 1957 1860 1979 1915 1967 1959 1871 2006 1999 1958 2013 1961 1967 1830 1978 1993 2004 1964 1968 1928 1870 1861 1894 2016 2008 1898 1970

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2

WEBSITE

LEAD MINISTER

// M E D I U M

CHURCH

AT T E N DA N C E

BAPTISMS

L O C AT I O N

Westerville Christian Church

484

Venture Christian Church

483

Libby Christian Church

475

Highland Church of Christ

475

Robinson

Belmont Christian Church

473

Christiansburg

Orrville Christian Church

468

Orrville

Harpeth Christian Church

460

Franklin

Restoration Life Christian Church

459

Lawndale

North Terrace Church of Christ

452

Zanesville

Tri-Village Christian Church

442

Pataskala

Leesburg Christian Church

437

Cynthiana

Crossroads Christian Church

433

Macon

Crestview Christian Church

433

Manhattan

Lincoln Christian Church

428

Lincoln

Miamisburg Christian Church

420

Miamisburg

Northshore Christian Church

406

Everett

Madison Christian Church

403

Groveport

First Christian Church

401

Columbus

Rainier View Christian Church

400

Tacoma

The Journey Church

400

Outlook Christian Church

398

First Christian Church

375

Journey’s Crossing

375

Verde Valley Christian Church

372

Sunbury Christian Church

26 27

Westerville

Carmel

Libby

IN WA VA

McCordsville

Greeneville

Germantown

Cottonwood

370

Sunbury

Discovery Church

366

Bristol

Valley View Christian Church

360

Littleton

Connect Christian Church

356

Concord

Creekside Christian Fellowship

350

Needville

Timber Lake Christian Church

350

Moberly

Crossroads Christian Church

350

Washington Court House OH

Bridges Christian Church

346

Russell

First Christian Church

345

Scottsburg

Northside Christian Church

343

Broken Arrow

Spencer Christian Church

341

Fisherville

Knott Avenue Christian Church

332

Anaheim

Impact Christian Church

332

Woodland Park

Indian Hills Christian Church

331

Danville

Norwin Christian Church

330

North Huntingdon

Greencastle Christian Church

325

Greencastle

New Hope Christian Church

323

Roanoke

Grandview Christian Church

319

Johnson City

First Christian Church

314

Miami

West Valley Christian Church

312

West Hills

Canvas Christian Church

308

Cumming

Cicero Christian Church

306

Cicero

Franklin Christian Church

305

Franklin

Cornerstone Church

304

Deltona

Georgetown Church of Christ

300

Georgetown

Franklin Christian Church

294

Franklin

Kaimuki Christian Church

291

Honolulu

Delaware Christian Church

287

Delaware

Towne South Church of Christ

284

Elizabeth City

First Christian Church

280

Morris

Woodland Heights Christian Church

276

Crawfordsville

Milford Christian Church

275

Lamar

New Life Christian Church

274

Winchester

Lakeside Christian Church

271

Greg Bondurant

wcchurch.life

1968

Stan Killebrew

venturechristian.church

1968

Phil Alspaw

libbychristianchurch.com

Shane Bopp

hccrobinson.com

1959

James "Beaver" Terry

belmontchristian.org

1946

John Mulpas

orrvillechristian.org

1902

Bobby Harrington

harpethcc.com

1999

Eddie Vargas

restoration-life.com

1920

Chris Steele

ntcoc.org

1920

Paul Snoddy

tri-village.org

1961

Sammy Harris

leesburg.cc

1826

Matt Stieger

maconcrossroads.com

1973

Devin Wendt

crestviewchristian.org

1958

Ron Otto

lincolnchristianchurch.org

1853

Mike Tuttle

exploremcc.org

1954

Scott Harris

northshorechristian.org

1991

Paul Barnes

madisonchristian.org

1975

Steve Yeaton

fccoc.org

1855

Rusty Carlson

rainierview.org

1955

Chad Simpkins

thejourneynova.org

1974

Rob McCord

outlookchurch.org

1866

fccgreene.org

1919

Mark Wilkinson

ilovethischurch.com

2001

Jim Hammond

vvcc.online

1967

David Cahoon

sunburychristian.com

1956

Matthew Korell

discoverybristol.com

2011

Phillip Holland

valleyviewcc.com

1957

James Kuhl

connectchristianchurch.org

1984

Greg Garcia

creeksidefellowship.org

2004

Daniel Goehringer

tlcc.church

1947

Adam Lynch

crossroadswch.org

1894

Tom Lawson

bridgeschristianchurch.org

1921

Matthew Craig

scottsburg.church

1874

Justin Carpenter

northsideonline.com

1956

Doug Martin

spencerchristian.org

1997

Joe Slunaker (interim)

kacc.church

1956

Scott Park

impactcc.net

1998

Jim Cooper

ihccdanville.org

1962

Jeff Terpstra

norwinchristianchurch.com

1961

John Tischer

greencastlecc.org

1966

Seth Bryant

newhoperoanoke.com

1953

Aaron Wymer

grandviewchristian.org

1927

Brian Brubaker

fccmiamiok.com

1897

Rob Denton

wvcch.org

1976

Stan Percival

canvaschristian.org

1977

Adam Colter

cicerochristianchurch.org

1885

David Welsh

franklinchristianchurch.com

1985

Kevin Key

cornerstonedeltona.com

1998

Jason Galley

gtown.cc

1892

David Welsh

fcctn.org

1986

Bryan Sands

kaimukichristian.org

1923

Sam Rosa

dccwired.org

1979

tscoc.com

1988

Scott Zorn

fccmorris.org

1966

Tim Lueking

whcc.us

1964

Clifford Hazard

1881

Kraig Bishop

newlife-christian.org

1997

Jon Morrissette

lakesidechristian.com

1961

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2

WEBSITE

YEAR S TA R T E D

LEAD MINISTER

M E D I U M // C O N ' T // S M A L L

CHURCH

AT T E N DA N C E

BAPTISMS

L O C AT I O N

First Christian Church

269

Warsaw

Christ’s Church

269

Fort Wayne

Discover Christian Church

267

Dublin

Central Christian Church

265

Mount Vernon

Northeast Christian Church

265

Grand Junction

Sherman Church of Christ

265

Dry Ridge

Southwest Church

263

Springboro

Novesta Church of Christ

260

Cass City

Kalkaska Church of Christ

256

Kalkaska

First Christian Church

250

Monticello

Bailey Christian Church

249

Bailey

Jessamine Christian Church

248

Nicholasville

South Fork Christian Church

245

Verona

Valley Mills Christian Church

242

Indianapolis

Fortville Christian Church

240

Fortville

Mount Tabor Christian Church

240

230

7 8

Crosspoint Christian Church

230

Hill City Church

228

Huron Christian Church

225

Milford Christian Church

225 225

Salem

IN OH

Conyers

Boise

Huron

Milford

Fort Dodge

IA KS

Tonganoxie Christian Church

221

Tonganoxie

Taylorville Christian Church

218

Taylorville

Hilliard Church of Christ

211

Hilliard

Lanier Christian Church

209

Gainesville

Avalon Church of Christ

207

Virginia Beach

Lake Ridge Christian church

206

Paris

South Lansing Christian Church

203

Lansing

Central Christian Church

200

Brownsville

Adrian Christian Church

200

Adrian

Union Christian Church

200

Terre Haute

Anthony Christian Church

194

Anthony

Millwood Church of Christ

193

Howard

Brady Lane Church

191

Lafayette

Chester Christian Church

190

Chester

Bridgetown Church of Christ

190

Cincinnati

WestWay Christian Church

189

Scottsbluff

First Christian Church

181

Huber Heights

Sutherland Church of Christ

180

Sutherland

First Christian Church

177

Barnesville

North Point Christian Church

175

First Christian Church

175

Grove

Cherokee Hills Christian Church

174

Oklahoma City

University Christian Church

172

Muncie

Reclaim Christian Church

170

Ansonia

Campbellsville Christian Church

170

Campbellsville

Thrive Christian Church

167

LeRoy Christian Church

163

LeRoy

Saltair Church of Christ

160

Bethel

Ridgeview Christian Church

159

Rolla

Cayuga Christian Church

157

Cayuga

Westport Christian Church

157

Westport

Southside Christian Church

155

Elizabethton

Holley Christian Church

154

Sweet Home

Nelson Christian Church

152

Bardstown

Nashville Church of Christ

152

Big Prairie

YEAR S TA R T E D

LEAD MINISTER

WEBSITE

Matthew Rogers

fccwarsaw.com

1851

Jason Kemerly

fwcc.cc

1969

Steve Murphy

discovercc.org

1961

Andrew Beatt

cccmv.com

1950

Seth Thomas

northeastchristian.org

1956

Tim Seevers

shermancoc.org

1961

Roger Hendricks

southwestchurch.org

1997

Brad Speirs

novestachurch.org

1871

Andy Bratton

kccwired.com

1888

Joseph Tipton

1831

Daren Penwell

baileychristianchurch.com

1879

Lee Faust

jcc.church

1994

Bob Hightchew

southforkchristianchurch.org

1844

Bob Beltz

valleymillscc.org

1969

Rob Rigsbee

fortvillechristian.com

1871

Tony Mendizabal

mtcchurch.org

1840

Brian Schreiber

werfcc.com

1963

Curt Zehner

xpt.cc

1963

Josh Branham

hillcityboise.org

2018

Al Wager

huronchristianchurch.com

1900

Todd Jefferson

milfordchurch.org

1932

Dale Harlow

1987

Ross Frisbie

tongiecc.org

1872

James C. Jones

taylorvillechristian.com

1964

Jeremy Klein

hcchrist.org

1956

David Simpson

lanierchristianchurch.com

1974

Chris McCarthy

avalonchurch.com

1966

Nate Alexander

lakeridgechurch.org

1977

Frank Weller

seekstudyserve.org

1952

Lance Hostetter

cccbrownsville.org

1910

Matthew Harris

adriancc.org

1890

Todd Payton

unionchristianchurch.org

1887

Ron Eden

anthonychristianchurch.com

1885

Dave Jones

millwood.church

1859

Jeff Keller

bradylanechurch.org

1967

Aaron Hoback

chesterchristian.org

Nathan Hardesty

bridgetownchurch.com

1933

John Mulholland

westwaychurch.com

1951

Rob Sweeney

fcchh.org

1972

John Erickson

sutherlandchurch.org

1883

Edward Eberhart

fccbarnesville.org

1842

Matt Branum

northpointcc.net

2004

Casey Kleeman

fccgrove.org

1903

Charles Curran

cherokeehillscc.com

1963

Steve Huddleston

universitychristianchurch.com

1929

Breandan McTighe

reclaimcc.com

Rodney Booe

cvillechristian.org

1884

Graham Richards

atthrive.com

2017

leroychristianchurch.org

1888

Bob Wickline

1948

Adam Bloch

ridgecc.com

1950

Ashton Stewart

cayugachristian.org

1888

Mike Bartlett

westportchristianchurch.com

1850

Michael Koruschak

1938

Kevin Hill

holleychuch.org

1871

Mark Jones

nelsonchristianchurch.com

1983

Brad Dodson

ncoc.church

S M A L L // C O N ' T

CHURCH

BAPTISMS

L O C AT I O N

Glendale Christian Church

152

Glendale

Oak Park Christian Church

151

Grover Beach

Woodstock Christian Church

150

Woodstock

Central Christian Church of Bristol

150

Bristol

Linn Community Christian Church

150

Linn

Duplain Church of Christ

149

St. Johns

CenterPointe Christian Church

146

Lexington

Madison Hills Christian Church

145

Richmond

Willisburg Christian Church

142

Willisburg

Claypool Hill Church of Christ

140

Cedar Bluff

Boulevard Christian Church

140

Sylvania

Western Hills Church of Christ

137

Cincinnati

First Church of Christ

133

Atlantic

Ontario Christian Church

131

Ontario

Itawamba Christian Church

130

Fulton

First Christian Church

130

Inverness

Tollesboro Christian Church

127

Tollesboro

Fort Des Moines Church of Christ

125

Des Moines

North Industry Christian Church

120

Canton

Cambridge City Christian Church

120

Cambridge City

Warren Church of Christ

120

Warren

Southeast Christian Church

120

Murray

Croton Church of Christ

119

Croton

Santa Clara Church

119

Eugene

Cross Bridge Christian Church

118

Dalzell

Castle Rock Christian Church

115

Castle Rock

// V E R Y S M A L L

AT T E N DA N C E

113

Five Rivers Church

112

Kettering

Bridge Christian Community

110

Dubuque

Jarvisburg Church of Christ

110

Jarvisburg

Pathway Church

110

Oak Grove Christian Church

110

Shasta Way Christian Church

110

Cornerstone Christian Church

106

Jackson

Catawissa Christian Church

105

Catawissa

Lane Christian Church

105

Lane

Erie Christian Church

105

Erie

Northside Christian Church

105

Kansas City

Allensburg Church of Christ

105

Lynchburg

Garden Way Church

102

Eugene

First Christian Church

100

Maryville

Bethel Christian Church

100

Bethel

Catalyst Church

100

Greensboro

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

First Christian Church Bluff Creek Christian Church Rousculp Church of Christ First Christian Church Adventure Christian Church Myrtle Point First Christian Church West Waynesboro Church of Christ Living Creek Christian Church Bloomington Christian Church Kenwood Heights Christian Church Cross Point Christian Church Lakeshore Christian Church New Hope Christian Church Corner House Christian Church Ocala Christian Church

Murfreesboro Greenwood Cridersville Medicine Lodge Bourbonnais Myrtle Point Waynesboro Monee Byrdstown Louisville New Albany St. Joseph Nokomis Hubbard Ocala

AR IN OH KS IL OR VA IL TN KY OH MI FL OH FL

99 96 96 95 94 93 90 90 90 89 89 89 86 86 86

5 4 2 13 0 6 2 3 8 2 9 10 3 10 32

Johnston

Beckley

Klamath Falls

Adam Hale

glendalecc.org

1879

Mike Gunderson

oakparkchristian.org

1986

Kirby Lloyd

woodstockchristian.org

1977

Mark Overton

cccbristol.com

1903

Tim Mitchell

linnccc.org

1974

Andy Goodrich

duplainchurch.org

1871

Brian Bolton

mycpointe.com

2004

Ben Stroup

partypeople.church

1985

Lance Ladd

willisburgchristian.org

1856

Bob Smith

thelordsway.com/claypoolhillchurchofchrist

1981

Scot Gorsuch

boulevardchurch.com

1941

Dan Lang

thewhcc.com

Colt Doherty

fccatlantic.com

1970

Steve Broughton

ontariochristian.org

1994

Tony Thornton

itawambachristianchurch.org

1989

Tom Thomas

fccinv.com

1974

Rex McKinniss

tollesborochristian.org

1860

Michael Demastus

godsfort.org

1964

Ed Barnes

nicconline.com

1880

Danny Berry

4c.church

1841

Ethan Stivers

warrenchurchofchrist.org

1899

Mike Packer

southeast.cc

1962

Terry Erwin

crotonchurch.com

1850

Wes Wright

santaclarachurch.com

1896

Tim Brown

crossbridgechristian.church

1998

cr-cc.org

1853

Michael Hasselbring

1958

Tracy Wright

2017

Travis Roehm

bridgeontheweb.org

2001

Ron Lawrence

jarvisburgchurchofchrist.com

1893

Dan Hudson

thepathonline.org

2002

John Wittmann

ogcc.org

L. Cory Lemke

shastawaychristianchurch.com

1962

Devin Robertson

jacksoncornerstone.org

1919

Mike Spagnuolo

catawissachristianchurch.com

2011

Jim Kilson

lanechurch.org

1850

Nathan Bright

eriechristianchurch.com

1870

Jeremy Eubanks

northsidechristian.org

1969

Bob Stevens

acc.com

1932

Rob Carney

gardenway.net

1952

Gary Henline

fccmaryville.com

1912

Michael Brands

1907

Scott Haulter

catalystchurch.org

2001

Brian Doyle Jeremy Towne Kenny Rader Tom Walters Andrew Hamilton Lloyd Pounds Chad Grondin Randy Roberts Stevan McClure Randy Beard Cody Clark Jim Matthews Guthrie Veech David T. Coxson Roger Wright

fccmboro.org bluffcreek.org rousculpchurch.org

1908 1827 1897 1887 2003 1904 1955 1969 1912 1969 1968 1956 1997 1928 2007

theadventurechurch.com mpfcc.org westwaynesboro.com livingcreek.org bloomingtonchristianchurch.org kenwoodheights.com mycrosspointchurch.org lakeshorechristian.org nhccnokomis.com cornerhousecc.org ocalachristianchurch.com

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2

WEBSITE

YEAR S TA R T E D

LEAD MINISTER

V E R Y S M A L L // C O N ' T

CHURCH

AT T E N DA N C E

BAPTISMS

L O C AT I O N

Christian Church of Hebron

Hebron

Oakland Church of Christ

Oakland

Bainbridge Church of Christ

Bainbridge

New Testament Christian Church

Reeds Spring

Sebastapol Christian Church

Sebastapol

First Christian Church

National City

Crossroads Christian Church

West Lafayette

Jamesville Christian Church

Jamesville

Northview Christian Church

Coldwater

Crabtree Christian Church

Crabtree

Pleasant Grove Church of Christ

Mt. Gilead

First Christian Church

Winchester

The Foundry: A Christian Church

Burke

Thurston Christian Church

Creekside Community Church

Hot Springs

Kingman Christian Church

Kingman

Atlanta Christian Church

Atlanta

Portsmouth

VA OR AR

Central Church of Christ

McElroy Road Church of Christ

1st Church of Christ

Caldwell

Countryside Church of Christ

Seaman

Barberton First Church of Christ

Barberton

Dayton Christian Church

New Brighton Christian Church

Discovery Community Church

Fayetteville Christian Church

Dayton

New Brighton

St. Paul Park

Fayetteville

Risen Church

Santa Monica

Central Christian Church

Granite City

Homeville Christian Church

Howard Christian Church

First Church of Christ

Niles

Real Life Christian Church of Bend

Bend

Delta Church of Christ

Delta

Ripley Church of Christ

Ripley

The Christian Church

West Union

Laurel Avenue Church of Christ

Chesapeake

VA KY

IL PA

Howard

Elevate Christian Church

Lexington

LaPrairie Church

Sparland

Whitewater Christian Church

Richmond

The Indianola Church

Columbus

Licking Christian Church

Licking

First Church of Christ

Cherokee

Redwood Christian Church

Grants Pass

Chapel of Hope Christian Church

Marsing

Cornerstone Christian Church

Lincoln

DeWitt Christian Church

DeWitt

Violet Ridge Church of Christ

Crittenden

Clarksburg Christian Church

Clarksburg

First Christian Church

Clovis

NM GA

MC3 Church

Lilburn

Cumberland Christian Church

Cumberland

Adena Road Church of Christ

Chillicothe

Community Christian Church

Galion

Cozad Church of Christ

Cozad

Heppner Christian Church

Heppner

OR CA

Westside Christian Church

Long Beach

Dora Christian Church

Lagro

Ben Hill Christian Church

Atlanta

WEBSITE

Chris Shrum

ccoh.org

1877

Mike Andrews

oaklandcc.net

1888

Dennis J. Wheeler ntccrs.com

2017

Jim Swaney

sebchristian.com

1965

Tim Captain

nationalcitychurch.com

1955

Michael Duff

crossroadschristianchurch.net

1995

John A. Hilts

jamesvillechristianchurch.org

1888

Jeffrey Bream

northviewchristian.net

1969

David P. Nolte

crabtreechurch.com

1909

Jack Kegley

pgchurchofchrist.org

1858

Mike Moulden

1920

Andrew Keeney

thefoundrychurch.com

2018

Scott Lerwick

thurston.church

1890

Mark Maybrey

cometocreekside.org

2016

Brian Van Dyke

kcc.life

1975

Derek Sweatman

atlantachristianchurch.org

2004

Thayer Wallace

central-church.life

1921

Dean Jackson

1961

Brent DeWees

1892

Hannum Taylor

countrysidechurchofchrist.com

Dave Fuller

barbertonfcoc.org

Joshua Vie

daytonchristianchurch.com

1893

Ron Hanson

nbcc.cc

1958

Wayne Allen

trydiscovery.org

1960

Andrew Higle

fayettevillechristian.org

1971

Trevor Debenning

risenchurch.com

2016

Derrell Brame III

ccc-gc.org

1901

David Shively

homevillechristian.org

1935

Donald Crane

howardchristianchurc.org

1894

Bernard (Gordie) Fox

1814

1929

Jacob Burke

reallifebend.org

2000

Dave Underwood

deltachurchofchrist.org

1840

Keenan Goosman

ripleychurchofchrist.com

1968

Brian Swope

wucc.us

1890

Kirk Dice

lacconline.com

1933

Rob Harlamert

elevatelex.church

2021

Jamie Kent

1844

Randy Nash

whitewaterchristianchurch.com

1868

Mike Richardson

theindianolachurch.com

1913

Rick Mosher

lickingchristian.org

1981

David Hall

cherokeefcc.com

Brian Garland

redwoodchristian.org

Keith W. Croft

1979 1992

Steven Stolle

corstonech.org

1988

Richard Stacy

dewittcc.org

1969

Chris Hopper

vrcoc.org

1972

Jerran Jackson

1831

Jon Forrest

fccclovis.com

1954

Art Stansberry

mc3.life

1904

Tom Scott

cumberlandchristianchurch.us

1956

Jason Thomas

adena.church

1964

Daniel Turner

1897

David B. Haynes

cozadchurchofchrist.com

1886

Quentin Byers

heppnerchristianchurch.org

1898

Victor Esposo

wcclb.com

1922

Mark Wisniewski

1871 benhillcc.org

1954

1945

Ron Rasmussen

Walter Poole

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2

YEAR S TA R T E D

LEAD MINISTER

V E R Y S M A L L // C O N ' T

CHURCH

AT T E N DA N C E

BAPTISMS

L O C AT I O N

Bethany Church of Christ

Kettering

Palmer Christian church

Palmer

Moscow Christian Church

Milroy

Impact Christian Church

Merrillville

Neapolis Church of Christ

Neapolis

Riverside Christian Church

Big Rapids

Alvadore Christian Church

Alvadore

New Hope Christian

Belton

Milford Church of Christ

Centerburg

Ubly Christian Church

Ubly

First Christian Church

Cassville

Geneva Church of Christ

Geneva

LifeSpring Christian Church of Akron

Akron

Molalla Christian Church

Molalla

First Christian Church

Waynesburg

PA WV

Hamersville Church of Christ

Hamersville

Hiseville Christian Church

Hiseville

First Christian Church

Crown Point

First Christian Church

La Marque

TX OH

Blachleyville Church of Christ

Wooster

Keystone Christian Church

Export

Triad Church of Christ

Kernersville

Midlands Christian Church

Lexington

Christ Covenant Church

Beaumont

Blockton Christian Church

Blockton

100

First Christian Church

Big Run

101

Church of Christ

Truman

102

Lockland Christian Church

Cincinnati

103

Beech Street Christian Church

Ashland

104

North Baltimore Church of Christ

North Baltimore

105

West Salem Christian Church

Salem

106

Louisville Christian Church

Louisville

107

Bridgeport First Christian Church

Bridgeport

108

Belvue Christian Church

Kingsport

109

Parksville Christian Church

Parksville

110

Edwardsville Christian Church

Edwardsville

111

Jefferson Christian Church

Rural Hall

112

Early Chapel Christian Church

Earlham

113

Hazelwood Christian Church

Pittsburgh

PA GA

114

5th Street Church of Christ

Moultrie

115

First Christian Church

Manning

116

The Christian Church of Riverton

Riverton

WY NE

117

Pilgrim Christian Church

Omaha

118

Orion Christian Church

Orion

119

First Christian Church

Beebe

120

121

Lighthouse Christian Church

Orrville

122

Greenwood Christian Church

Greenwood

123

Promise Land Ministries

Warrensburg

124

Corunna Church of Christ

Corunna

125

Central Christian

Toledo

126

Parkeville Community Christian Church

Rockville

127

New Hope Christian Church

Creston

128

Mountain Life Ministries

Idaho City

129

Grace Christian Church

Le Roy

130

Germantown Christian Church

Germantown

131

First Christian Church

Cheneyville

Damon F. Reid

bcckettering.com

Jon Miller

YEAR S TA R T E D

1953 1940

Bruce Pierce

moscowchristianchurch.com

1895

Robert Szoke

impactchristian.org

2007

Jeff Kimberly

neapolischurch.com

1874

Dave Watkins

riversidebr.org

2018

Marcus Omdahl

alvadorechristian.com

1868

Bill Mieir

newhopechristianbelton,com

1990

Larry Hiles

milfordchurchofchrist.org

1890

Austin Keller

ublychristianchurch.org

2018

Chuck Terrill

fcccassville.com

1886

Keith R. Winn

genevachurchofchrist.org

1974

Terrence D. Baker

lifespringchurchlive.com

1892

Bob Laver

molallachristian.com

1906

Scott Chambers

wbgchristian.com

1890

Jonathan Leininger David Hennig

1952 hamersvillechurchofchrist.com

Jim Seabolt

1900

Dave Maddack Rex Teter

1860 1915

fcclm.org

Dan Kirtlan

1935 1860

Jason Carnley

keystonechristian.net

2003

David Miller

triadcc.org

2015

Timothy Brokaw

midlandschristian.org

1995

Corey Miller

ccovenant.org

2005

Scott Marcum

1898

Joe Case

1895

Merrill Davis

1901

Don A. Stowell

locklandchristian.org

1933

Rob O’Lynn

beechstreetchristianchurch.org

1909

Bill Cook Seth Morley

1897 westsalem.church

Bob Kastens

1977

Marvin Leighty John Owston

1861 belvuechristianchurch.org

Frank Preston

1947 1800

Mike Vernon Steve Cook

1947

1867 jeffersonchurch.org

Gale Juhl

1865

Ed Gratton

1897

Darius Barkley

1996

Matt Thompson

2020

Scott Muller

ccriverton.com

1948

Dan Wittstruck

pilgrimchristianchurchomaha.org

1991

Kyle Harris

orionchristianchurch.org

1968

Phillip Sterling

fccofbeebe.org

1872

Lee Schroerlucke

1870

Adam Granger R. Wayne Lowry

1998 greenwoodchristianchurch.org

1869

Todd Frick

1970

Brian Wilcox

1872

Dennis Nagy

1896

John Cornell C. Ermal Allen

1870 newhopecreston.faith

Brent Adamson Brian Thiel Brian Brumley

2005 2003

gracechristianleroy.org

2005 1832 1843

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2

WEBSITE

LEAD MINISTER

SOLVIN THE LEADER CRISIS

A NEW COLLABORATION WITH

NATIONSUNIVERSITY TO DEVELOP LEADERS WHERE THEY ARE ALREADY PLANTED AND WORKING

SHIP

BY JERRY HARRIS

INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN CHURCHES ACROSS AMERICA ARE FACING A CRISIS. I realize crisis is a

strong word, so I will attempt to carefully explain the situation. The crisis comes from a gap between the growing numbers of people attending these churches over a relatively short period of time and the shrinking number of leaders being produced by our institutions of higher education to minister to them. The January/February 2022 issue of Christian Standard included the article “Invisible Renaissance” that showed the amazing growth in attendance of our largest churches over a 20-year period. The result of that study was breathtaking. Between 1998 and 2018, the number of churches averaging more than 2,000 in weekend worship attendance nearly tripled. Overall attendance of 46 churches listed in both surveys increased nearly 2.5 times. While not all churches in our fellowship are growing, many of them are, and that creates an incredible need for more well-trained leaders. That same magazine issue also shared an investigative report into the numbers of ministry graduates our Christian colleges are producing for our churches. In short, the total number of graduates at these schools has increased over the past 20 years, but the number of ministry graduates has declined. Churches have endeavored to fill this gap by hiring internally, moving people from volunteer positions to paid part-time and full-time roles. While these people may have great relational and communication gifts, have secular college degrees, already live in the area, and share a common church chemistry, they probably don’t have the specific education necessary for ministry. Many churches have looked to professional hiring or placement organizations that forego our Restoration distinctives and open the minister hiring process to a wider evangelical or even denominational community; this can lead to a dilution of biblical truth and sound doctrine in our churches.

While our colleges continue to offer traditional opportunities for training up Christian ministers, the mechanisms we rely on have their own baked-in challenges: College is expensive. The per credit-hour cost is often over $500. While financial aid is available, this can trigger debt that takes our college graduates years to repay. Young, college-educated, married couples can be hit doubly hard. Debt is debilitating in ministry when churches can’t pay enough to cover those costs. Online degree programs are also expensive; their per credithour cost is sometimes higher than in-person training. College requires uprooting. Colleges require students to live on or near campus unless an online substitute is available. This can limit the opportunities for nontraditional students and potentially damage their ministries. College campuses are expensive to run. Administrators of colleges with physical campuses must address housing, meals, extracurricular activities, transportation, infrastructure, management, and discipline. All these elements, which are baked into this model of education, come with a cost. For students who have the time, money, flexibility, and desire for a traditional college experience, this model remains a good option, but for students who see these as daunting obstacles, a traditional education may seem out of reach. This situation has spurred me to look for alternatives or to create something new to address the compelling need required by our present reality.

m ay/j une 20 22 51

AN UNANTICIPATED ANSWER Enter John Baxter and NationsUniversity. You may be asking, “What is NationsUniversity?” That was my first reaction. When I met John Baxter, president of NationsU, at ICOM, I had no idea whom I was talking to . . . or what God had planned. NationsU is an accredited, online Christian university associated with the Restoration Movement. However, because it has its roots in the noninstrumental Churches of Christ and has focused primarily on students outside the United States, it has gone unnoticed by our fellowship. Yet, in God’s timing, that veil has been removed. As I’ve read about our wider movement, I’ve written several articles about some important discoveries I’ve made about people in other branches. I wrote about Marshall Keeble, an evangelist who baptized more than 40,000 people and started over 400 churches. I wrote about Fred Gray, a pivotal lawyer who championed the Civil Rights Movement with desegregation. I didn’t know either of these men, because they were Church of Christ and Black. I didn’t know John, either, but I had heard of his father, Batsell Barrett Baxter, Church of Christ preacher, professor, author, and radio and television personality for Herald of Truth. What I didn’t know was that what I was seeking to create had been created 26 years earlier . . . even predating the internet! John and I visited at different times during the conference to discuss the need for more ministers in our Restoration Movement churches. We both recognized there are already many men and women serving who long for theological and ministry training. Unfortunately, uprooting family and quitting jobs that support their bivocational ministries are not viable options. Like many who are already serving the Lord in ministry, these ministers need relevant, effective, affordable, and local theological training, but that has felt like a pipe dream.

Q&A MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

NationsUniversity, I learned, was initially created to provide top-quality biblical education for people on the mission field in the developing world. It then expanded into prisons and provided that education without cost. Before long, I was asking John a barrage of questions about how we might work together.

WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION IS OFFERED?

Certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees.

ARE YOU AN ACCREDITED UNIVERSITY?

Yes . . . accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as having the same weight as regional accreditation common to most colleges and universities.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

$450 per quarter for the 33 top developed countries, including the United States. No tuition is charged to students (including missionaries) in developing countries.

ARE YOU ADAMANT ABOUT NONINSTRUMENTAL CHURCH OF CHRIST DISTINCTIVES?

No. They are not taught rigidly, though we strongly endorse Restoration principles.

ARE YOU WILLING TO HAVE INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH PROFESSORS TEACH?

We would love that! We welcome academically qualified volunteer professors from the Independent Christian Churches.

IF WE WANTED TO BE A PART OF WHAT NATIONSU IS DOING, HOW WOULD THAT BE RECEIVED?

We would embrace that!

IS THERE A WAY TO COLLABORATE WITH EXISTING CHRISTIAN COLLEGES?

Absolutely! We already have numerous relationships with Christian colleges around the world.

c hristia n sta nda rd 54

After those initial conversations, I asked some of our scholars to look over the course catalog and syllabi of NationsU. I and others have been impressed by what is offered, the structure of their delivery system, the quality of their teachers, and the sound biblical doctrine of their content. I asked how NationsU could help meet the needs of our individual churches. We discussed how NationsU students might be incorporated into a residency where they would receive an asynchronous education without leaving their existing ministry location; the idea is to develop leaders where they are already planted and working.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT With that in mind, Christian Standard is excited to announce a joint effort with NationsUniversity to provide “REAL Residency” to ministers and churches associated with the Restoration Movement. We believe this will help solve the problem of not enough trained ministers to fill the many positions throughout the fellowship. Our churches can provide mentoring and coaching on the practical aspects of ministry in their present ministry setting and NationsUniversity can provide the other key component to ministerial development: sound education in the Bible and basic theology.

m ay/j une 20 22 55

CHRISTIAN STANDARD IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A JOINT EFFORT WITH NATIONSUNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE

‘REAL RESIDENCY’ TO MINISTERS AND CHURCHES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT.

c hristia n sta nda rd 56

So what do we mean by “REAL Residency”? REAL is an acronym formed from the following words and the fundamental principles behind them:

emain where you are. Bloom where God has called you to minister and where you are already planting seeds and growing the church. Don’t uproot yourself to go to a Christian school; let the school come to you.

Many of our larger churches have developed models to help new ministers grow into their roles. Christian Standard has been gathering ideas related to mentoring and equipping new ministers for service in our churches. We are launching our sharing of those ideas in the form of a Toolbox that new ministers and others can access for free. We welcome ideas from any of our churches on how to develop ministers locally and, over time, we will include the best of these ideas in our Toolbox.

We know more ministers are needed to serve in our churches. It is our prayer that the REAL Residency concept is helpful. Let’s create the best residency at each of our Christian churches to support new ministers. For those who do not already have an undergraduate degree from a Christian school, new ministers can build a strong foundation in Bible and basic theology by studying at NationsU.

Engage in practical ministry with excellent mentors

and coaches already in place at your local church or throughout our fellowship. Also, engage God’s Word in meaningful ways by studying with an accredited, online Christian university.

fford your schooling. NationsU provides economical education to help prepare ministers so they won’t go into debt. The first quarter of study is free for students so they can decide whether this approach to learning is suitable for them. After that, tuition is $450 per quarter for as many courses as a student wishes to take; books are free through NationU’s online library. Churches may also choose to help by covering the cost of this education. ead with confidence. You might never have imagined God could call you to service and equip and educate you this way. He can take you to places you can’t imagine. Residency means all of this education happens where you call home! You will take courses at home on a schedule that works for you. The courses are self-paced and self-guided, so you study what you want to study, when you want to study, and where you want to study. You then can apply what you are learning at your home congregation. You learn locally, serve locally, and lead locally.

To new ministers, we encourage you to say yes to every opportunity for development. God will join you as you Increase Your Influence. See www.nationsu.edu for more information.

Jerry Harris is publisher of Christian Standard Media and teaching pastor at The Crossing, a multisite church located in three states across the Midwest.

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h o J A Passion for John 17: The Legacy of Don DeWelt By Chris DeWelt

hn 17

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Sometimes a cataclysmic event can sharpen one’s focus. Sometimes a difficult trial can give new meaning to all the pieces in one’s life. Sometimes suffering is the key in finding clarity of vision.

he had left off was John 17:21. Yes, when everything was interrupted by a lifesaving trip to the emergency room, his text was our Lord’s own prayer for us. The Lord’s prayer for unity.

My father, Don DeWelt, possessed a passion for the body of Christ to live out the prayer of Jesus for his followers:

As he considered the meaning of this, many pieces of his life seemed to fall into place. Those three things were personal worship, evangelism, and the unity of the body of Christ. He had a very definable commitment to evangelism. He had preached many revivals and countless powerful sermons calling lost sinners to come to the feet of Jesus. He had written books and handbooks about personal evangelism and had taught seminars and Bible college courses on the need for the followers of Jesus to boldly share their faith with their unsaved friends and neighbors.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me (John 17:20-21, English Standard Version). Like most Christians, Dad believed in the ideal of unity. He dreamed of the day when believers would come together at the common ground of the cross. But how? Dad also wondered, would he have any role in answering our Lord’s prayer for the oneness of his body? The answer to those questions would come to my father by way of personal trials. Thousands of students and tens of thousands of readers of Don DeWelt’s writings know well that one of the immovable elements of his life was his daily time with the Lord. He called this his “personal worship.” Early each morning he met Jesus in the Word and in prayer. He never missed. Well, almost never. On the morning of April 16, 1982, in the 63rd year of life, his day-to-day devotional routine was interrupted by two life-threatening heart attacks. The first resulted in an early morning rush to the hospital, but it was followed by a second one where, as he put it, “‘code blue’ rang out through the corridors as they hurried my wife into the chapel to prepare her for my death.” After being revived, Dad’s thoughts almost immediately centered on the “why” of what had just taken place. Why was he back among the living when he had stood at the very portal of going into the Lord’s presence? Several days later, when he returned home and resumed his regular time of personal worship, Dad came to a stunning realization. The place in Scripture where

Dad had also long recognized the sad lack of unity among those who followed the Prince of Peace. Specifically, he had a great warmth and love for our fellow believers in the sister movement of the noninstrumental Churches of Christ. Many of his writings had been used by members of those churches. Indeed, he longed for the day when the divided movement would again be “One Body.” These three streams of his life—evangelism, unity, and personal worship—suddenly converged in the context of physical trauma and near-death. The stream of personal worship became the place where he found the answer to his questions, “What can I do about the unity of the body of Christ? How can I answer Jesus’ prayer of John 17?” The result was a final chapter of his life that was filled with a passion for unity which was more than simple sentiment. After the two heart attacks in April 1982 and undergoing coronary bypass surgery, Dad recovered and resumed teaching, speaking, and writing as before. In fact, the Lord graciously granted him another nine years of life. (The details of this life-altering event and other fascinating details of his life are found in the autobiography, Happy on My Way to Heaven, published in 1989 by College Press.) During those final years, his life took on a new focus. Don DeWelt’s vision for unity had three significant results: The Restoration Forums, One Body magazine and Peace On Earth Ministries, and The College Press commentaries—a “bilateral” set of commentaries.

17 “ After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son

may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.’

JOHN 17:1-5

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THE RESTORATION FORUMS A significant effort in the direction of unity, particularly with respect to the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ (instrumental) and the Churches of Christ (a cappella), began in the summer of 1984. My father met with two Christian leaders from the a cappella churches to plan what was then called a “Restoration Summit.” This landmark gathering took place on August 7, 1984, on the campus of Ozark Christian College in Joplin. A hundred leaders, 50 from each fellowship, attended, and the pace was set for many gatherings that would follow. Well-known evangelists and ministers such as Reuel Lemmons, Sam Stone, Rubel Shelly, Victor Knowles, and many others spent several days listening to one another with a clear desire to find threads of a common faith. Those assembled made it clear they did not officially represent anyone other than themselves, but the significance of their presence and interest in a unity of heart and spirit was especially noteworthy. After that first meeting, the name was changed to Restoration Forum. Between 1984 and 2007, the Restoration Forum met on 25 occasions. These gatherings were historic for several reasons. The Forums alternated locations between sites associated with Christian Churches/Churches of Christ and a cappella Churches of Christ. They covered a large geographic area and sometimes were held on college campuses and other times took place in the facilities of a local church. The Forum programs were planned by an unpaid, open, ad hoc committee: Victor Knowles, Doug Foster, Tom Burgess, Monroe Hawley, Dennis Randall, me, and my father (until his death in 1991). This team led in organizing and promoting the Forums to both church fellowships. All participants in the Restoration Forums, including speakers, came voluntarily, paying their own expenses.

During the early meetings, worship, including the use of instrumental music in worship, was a commonly addressed subject. In time, this dialogue turned to a broader discussion of the nature of the church and an active appeal to unity. More than 200 addresses were given during the Forums. The format frequently allowed an opportunity for two people (one from each fellowship) to address the same topic. Bilateral discussion groups were also a common feature. Despite some early criticism and unfounded fears, the Restoration Forum persisted in providing a platform for recognizing brotherhood. The spirit of the meetings, much like the spirit of Don DeWelt, was always irenic and respectful.

ONE BODY MAGAZINE Simultaneous to the Forums, a new quarterly magazine called One Body was begun. The pages of this journal serve as an open forum for men and women of the Restoration Movement who are concerned about answering the prayer of Jesus for Christian unity and world evangelism. Under the capable leadership of Victor Knowles, One Body has seen hundreds of writers from both sides of the keyboard publish their thoughts and, more importantly, their hearts for the fractured body of Christ. In its early days, One Body was published in a tabloid newspaper format. It is interesting to note that the first editions were printed by a Church of Christ brother, a friend of my father, who owned and operated a newspaper business in a city not far from Joplin. Later the journal moved to a magazine style and has continued in that form for many years. Knowles has served as editor of One Body since its inception 39 years ago. My father originally was interested in publishing two new magazines called Intercession (devoted to personal worship and prayer) and

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Preaching Today (to be edited by Knowles). After some reflection, Dad opted to focus on unity. In the Summer/Fall 1991 issue of One Body, Knowles described this transition and, in quoting some of their correspondence, helped shed light on my father’s incredible creative energy. In a note to Knowles from 1984, Dad wrote, “We want to unite the religious world into ONE BODY as per the prayer of our Lord in John 17. So, I have come up with the new title and emphasis of ‘There is ONE BODY. . . .’ Enclosed is a layout of the size and general appearance.” Knowles went on to say that “not only did he send me a ‘dummy’ of the proposed paper, he also included six oversize sheets of paper with 196 original article ideas to assign to our future writers!” In 1992, Knowles founded Peace On Earth Ministries, also known as POEM. That ministry has continued to publish One Body along with other resources that promote the cause of unity within the body of Christ (see www.poemministries.org).

after dad’s death, but he provided much of the thought and planning for the series. Authorship of these books has typically alternated between writers of these two church fellowships.

LEGACY The impact of Don DeWelt’s life and work is difficult to measure. We can say with great confidence that hundreds of thousands of people have been touched by his work. He has had enormous influence through his preaching, work as a professor, writing, and especially his publishing. When you add to the above his work with Literature And Teaching Ministries (www.latm. info)—an outgrowth of College Press, this ministry places Christian resources in the hands of Christian leaders around the world in their heart languages—we could say his work has touched millions of lives. It is significant to see how his passion for the Lord led him to seek what was on the Lord’s heart. May this be the case for each one of us.

THE COLLEGE PRESS NIV COMMENTARY SERIES College Press Publishing Company has been printing books of interest to all in the Restoration Movement since its founding by my father in 1959. The Bible Study Textbook Series has been widely used in college classrooms and for personal study by leaders in Christian Churches and Churches of Christ as well as in many a cappella “schools of preaching” and churches. Not long before his death, my father and I discussed the idea of a new commentary series that would draw on scholars from both church backgrounds to provide a body of work that could be used by all. This led to the creation of The College Press NIV Commentary Series, which eventually included 41 titles produced for study of both the Old and New Testaments. The first commentary did not appear until 1993, two years

Chris DeWelt served as director of intercultural studies at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri, from 1999 to 2021. He has traveled in over 90 countries representing various mission ministries. He currently serves as president of College Press Publishing Company and helped found the associate ministry, Literature And Teaching Ministries. In recent years he has worked with Global Research Team and Mustard Seed Network. /Chris.DeWelt @cdewelt

DON’T FIGHT THE HA THAT NEEDS YOU! Can We Restore the Unity of the Restoration Movement? By Victor Knowles

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UNITY

Our shared American Restoration Movement was born from this prayer. Thomas Campbell (1763–1854) traveled from Ireland to America in search of more fertile spiritual soil for this prayer to be answered. He earnestly sought to “restore unity, peace, and purity” in “the whole Church of God” by “taking the divine word alone for our rule; the Holy Spirit for our teacher and guide, to lead us into all truth; and Christ alone as exhibited in the word for our salvation . . .” (Declaration and Address, written 1809). Campbell understood that the purpose of Christian unity was world evangelism. He asked the Lord “to put an end to our lamentable divisions, to heal and unite His people . . . that the Jews may be speedily converted, and the fullness of the Gentiles [be] brought in.” Bob Chambers, a retired minister living in Joplin, Missouri, said, “A unity which helps to ‘make disciples of all the nations’ has Heaven’s approval.” Other concerned men such as Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, Walter Scott, and “Raccoon” John Smith also believed the unity of all believers was necessary for the express purpose of helping win souls—“that they all may be one . . . that the world may believe” (John 17:21, King James Version; also quoted in the Declaration and Address). About 20 years after the writing of Declaration and Address, some concerned people put this prayer into practice at a New Year’s meeting in 1832 at the High Street Meeting House in Lexington, Kentucky.

THE UNITY of all believers was on the heart of Jesus when he fervently prayed to his Father, “I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21, New American Standard Bible). Kenny Boles, who studied Greek at Abilene Christian College and was a professor at Ozark Christian College for many years, said, “Unity is imperative, and it’s what Jesus prayed for. . . . It was the night before he died— this was his final wish! Even now my mother is dying of cancer. What kind of son would ignore her wishes? What kind of a person would ignore Christ’s dying wish?”

Joel Solliday, minister with the Church of Christ in Lewiston, Idaho, and a graduate of Pepperdine University, posted on January 1, 2022, “We look forward to the future with hope because 190 years ago, ‘the great handshake’ took place when Barton W. Stone gave the right hand of fellowship to ‘Raccoon’ John Smith, bringing two strains of the Restoration Movement together.” Stone had organized the famous Cane Ridge Revival of 1801, while Smith represented the Disciples who were rapidly growing under the teaching and influence of Alexander Campbell. Some have called it “the handshake that shook the frontier.” In his post, Solliday testified, “This impacted my life because as part of the Churches of Christ, I continue to claim the legacy of this unifying act of brotherly love.”

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DIVISION

RAPPROCHEMENT EFFORTS

But, alas, brotherly love did not continue for long. Issues like missionary societies, paid ministers, instrumental music—and on a much greater scale, the Civil War—soon occurred, thus dividing a unity movement. On August 18, 1889, at an annual meeting held at Sand Creek, Illinois, Peter Warren and Daniel Sommer drew up the illadvised Address and Declaration asserting that if those favoring innovations like church choirs and missionary societies did not give up their beliefs and practices, “we cannot and will not regard you any longer as brethren.” In 1906 J.W. Shepherd and David Libscomb, editor of the Gospel Advocate, acting unilaterally for Churches of Christ, compiled the first religious census on the numerical strength of the Churches of Christ; they asked for and received a separate listing from the Disciples of Christ in the 1906 U.S. Census of Religious Bodies.

An early effort at rapprochement (a restoration of cordial relations) between separated members of the Restoration Movement were the Beam-Jessup “Unity Rallies” (1933–1957). The rallies were put together by Ernest Beam, a California judge and member of the Churches of Christ, and William Jessup, president of San Jose Bible College. The first meeting, held in the city auditorium at Visalia, California, drew about 1,000 people from both sides of the keyboard. The Murch-Witty “National Unity Meetings” (1937–1944) were directed by Ernest Beam and James DeForest Murch. The Ketcherside-Garrett “Wynnewood Chapel Unity Meetings” (1955–1960s) were directed by Leroy Garrett and W. Carl Ketcherside, both editors with the Churches of Christ. The “Hartford Forum” (1957–1972) was attended by folks from all three streams of the movement in Hartford, Illinois. The “Annual Unity Forum” (1966–1975) was a 10-year series of unity meetings put together by Leroy Garrett and Perry Gresham, president of Bethany College. Thomas Langford said this series “plowed the ground out of which, after an interval of 10 years, the Restoration Forums could grow in 1984.” I presented a 15-page paper reviewing these rapprochement efforts at the Pepperdine University Bible Lectures May 6-7, 2004.

Twenty years later, at a 1926 “rump convention” of the International Convention of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ), a conservative group that would eventually become known as the Independent (or Conservative) Christian Churches/Churches of Christ was formed by conservative leaders W. E. Sweeney, P.H. Welshimer, and others to “defend, revive and further the restoration and extension of New Testament Christianity.” The conservatives announced they would become “independent” of the Disciple’s convention. Thus, in 1927, the first North American Christian Convention was held in Indianapolis. Russ Blowers once listed 14 major differences between the conservative Christian Churches and the liberal Disciples of Christ in The Lookout (July 19, 1994).

Of all the “righteous efforts” toward unity, “none have had the longevity and widespread results” of the Restoration Forums (1984–2007), according to historian Douglas A. Foster. Of the first one, held at Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri, then-president Ken Idleman said, “The closing prayer time on our knees was the closest I have been to the spirit of Pentecost.” Rubel Shelly said, “A beautiful spirit of love for God and one another as estranged brothers pervaded the discussion.” Attitudes were changed. Issues were discussed. Sin was confessed. Forgiveness was sought. (Read more about the Restoration Forums in Chris DeWelt’s article in this issue.) At one of my 14 addresses at the Pepperdine Bible Lectures, I listed 101 things we are now doing together! At the 2003 North American Christian Convention, Rick Atchley declared, “For a hundred years we have served God apart . . . only God knows what we can do the next hundred years serving him together.” Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice.” Those who have left their comfort zone and reached across the aisles have found this to be true.

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PRACTICING WHAT WE PREACH In 2007, after the final Restoration Forum—attended by more than 1,000 people at Ozark Christian College— my wife, Evelyn, and I determined to practice what we had been preaching ever since we were married in 1967. We transferred our membership from the Villa Heights Christian Church in Joplin to the Mt. Hope Church of Christ in nearby Webb City, Missouri. Our first Sunday there we were greeted with a standing ovation from the then 450-member congregation. For many years they had been blessed with strong and courageous leadership—especially the minister Gary Morrison—in reaching out and working together in unity with instrumental churches and institutions in Joplin. Dr. Karl Wendt, Mt. Hope’s counseling minister, teaches at Ozark Christian College. A good number of OCC students attend or are members at Mt. Hope. The church has hired several graduates from OCC to be youth ministers. One of them, Curtis Prunty, has also taught adjunct classes at the college. Several OCC professors, including president Matt Proctor, have taught classes or preached sermons at Mt. Hope. Dr. Garland Bare, longtime missionary with Christian Churches, asked that his funeral be held at Mt. Hope because of his love for Christian unity and the wonderful way he was received when he preached a series of sermons there. I was privileged to preside at his funeral. I serve on the four-man preaching team as a “teaching minister.” Mt. Hope generously supports our ministry, Peace on Earth Ministries, as well as Good News Productions, International. The Mt. Hope church gives us all hope that Christian unity efforts between churches, ministries, and colleges is eminently doable and spiritually profitable.

UNITY IMPERAT AND IT’S WHAT JESUS PRAYED FOR

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IS IVE

“Quaker Avenue Church of Christ, The Hills Church of Christ, Mt. Hope Church of Christ, and Holmes Road Church of Christ are just some a cappella congregations working in synergy with GNPI and other independent Christian Churches. Over the years, these two branches of the Restoration Movement have completed GNPI projects in Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Philippines.” Livingstone International University in Mbale, Uganda, is another example of a valuable partnership, he said. “LIU opened in 2012 and has graduated hundreds of students in the past decade. GNPI staff participate as adjunct professors, offer internships, and even hire some graduates.” GNPI founder Ziden Nutt summarized: “Around the world, cooperative efforts are taking place in joint campgrounds, Christian schools, sharing of baptisteries, conferences, youth gatherings, retreats, lectureships, unity meetings, speaking, teaching, preaching among all groups, . . . relief work, Bible translation, . . . church growth studies, sharing of government registrations, and many others.”

A DUTY OF EVERY CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN UNITY FOR THE SAKE OF WORLD EVANGELISM Mike Schrage, executive director of Good News Productions, International, says, “Over the past 45 years, GNPI has collaborated with a good number of a cappella congregations, locally and internationally, as it serves the Restoration Movement.” “GNPI founder Ziden Nutt labored alongside several a cappella missionary families to construct church buildings as a young missionary in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe),” Schrage continued. “Therefore, since the very beginning, several board members and staff from the a cappella fellowship have worked with GNPI.” As examples, he said, both fellowships have combined human and financial resources for collaborative efforts in the United States, Kenya, and Uganda.

We must not ignore our heritage and history. “The great handshake” must not be shaken off. To refuse the right hand of fellowship with fellow Christians is to deny a lost world the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ and be saved. Don’t fight the hand that needs you! It is, as Thomas Campbell said, “a duty equally belonging to every citizen of Zion. . . . What! Shall we pray for a thing, and not strive to obtain it! Not use the necessary means to have it accomplished!” I think not. How about you? What will you do to help be the answer to Jesus’ prayer in our generation? “We can’t do everything, but we can do something,” said the late Don DeWelt. “We can reach out to take at least one hand and say, ‘Brother, do you suppose we could do this work for the Lord . . . together?’”

Victor Knowles is founder and president of Peace on Earth Ministries in Joplin, Missouri. He has edited One Body magazine since 1984.

M I L I TA RY CHAPLAINCY (IT MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK) By Lt. Jamin M. Bailey

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“What the [blank] is this?” The sergeant exploded into the barracks room, crossed it with long strides, and cornered two Marines against a wall. The young Marines, their thin frames fresh from the Crucible of boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, snapped to attention, fear in their eyes. The angry sergeant unleashed a steady stream of loud profanity as two terrified female Marines came out of the “head” (restroom) and the four young people were hustled outside. On the concrete outside the barracks, three more sergeants joined the fray and the tension skyrocketed. Knife hands (a boot camp intimidation tactic), screaming, and other tools of Marine Corps’ discipline came down on the two Marines (the female Marines had disappeared) in an eruption of anger witnessed by scores of future infantry Marines and by one Johnson Bible College student [me] visiting his brother. As I stood there watching intently and wanting to help, the atmosphere suddenly changed. A person in uniform walked up. I was told, “The chaplain is here.” This chaplain engaged in conversation with the Marines . . . all of them. The chaplain—speaking with firm grace— introduced a new element into the chaos: peace. The offending Marines probably deserved a dressing down from their sergeants. They also needed grace, and that came from the chaplain. Standing aside in a grassy field with the two Marines, the chaplain listened to their story and provided them with care, advice, and a confidential place to share. This event unfolded on a Saturday night at a training base surrounded by guarded gates and high fences. No civilian pastor had access to what I witnessed, but that chaplain was present and made a difference in the lives of those Marines. The course of my life changed in that moment. My eyes were opened to a form of ministry I had never considered. I realized that I was meant to be a chaplain.

A Mid-Course Correction

Flawed Perspectives and Facts

I discovered my call to full-time ministry while in high school, three years before that night at Camp Geiger. At the time, I was leading Bible studies and occasionally preaching; these things led my father, youth pastor, and other mentors to encourage me to pray about serving a church as a pastor. I was excited when I showed up at Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University) in the fall of 2002 and started on a path I anticipated would lead to pulpit ministry.

“What’s it like to have to do church for every religion?” Even Christians who are generally unfamiliar with theology and church practice ask me that question.

After my second year at Johnson, I traveled to Camp Geiger (part of Camp Lejeune) to visit my younger brother during his Marine training and witnessed the impact of the life-on-life ministry a chaplain provides. That crisis moment opened my eyes to a more specific giftedness and calling in my life. I wanted to be “the chaplain” bringing peace and hope to those Marines.

This widespread idea is false.

I spoke with military veterans about chaplaincy, and they encouraged me to join up and serve as a Marine before becoming a chaplain. In their opinion, a “prior service” chaplain had an advantage in understanding and empathizing with Marines because of the intimate knowledge of military life and culture they gained. So, I earned the title “Marine” through the rigors of Officer Candidates School and the Basic School at Quantico, Virginia. I served as a Marine Corps combat engineer officer for six years, during which I was deployed several times across the South Pacific and Middle East. I built schools on humanitarian missions in the mountains of the Philippines and supported the 2010 “surge” in Afghanistan. During those busy years and operations in 15 countries, I experienced care from the various unit chaplains where I was assigned. It was the perfect medium for me to gain experience and observe best practices for chaplain ministry. After six years in the Marines, I attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and then I served in corporate chaplaincy for six years. In 2020, I finally came full circle and joined the Navy as a chaplain. For more than a year, I have been the command chaplain for the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), a guided missile cruiser based in Norfolk, Virginia.

Many reasons exist for this perspective of chaplaincy, and most stem from the wrong idea that chaplains serve as one-size-fits-all “spiritual advisers” charged with performing services for all religions and that chaplains are muzzled from sharing the truth of the gospel.

Military chaplains are, in fact, protected and enabled to freely exercise their religion. Some commanders have tried to silence or penalize good chaplains for faithfully teaching according to their faith, and those chaplains have been exonerated every time. [*See my note at the end of this article.] Many evangelical Christians also have the misguided notion that chaplaincy is a “less than” ministry. It’s less than a church pastorate, less than church planting, less than inner-city outreach, and far less than foreign missions work. The truth is, some of the most powerful presentations of the gospel and most effective evangelistic outreach to the unchurched I have seen come in the context of military and corporate chaplaincy. Chaplains work alongside people from all over the country and world. Through genuine relationships built over time, they have the opportunity to bring the light of Jesus to those who would never darken the door of a church. Military chaplains gain permission to explicitly and lovingly share the hope of life offered in the gospel with servicemembers through their long periods together in otherwise out-of-reach places. They become a bridge from the unchurched to the church. Military chaplains must provide ministry according to their religious organization (RO), and that organization only. When we preach, teach the Bible, pray, and disciple our servicemembers, we must do so as a representative of our endorsing RO. If I stray from that faith and practice, I will lose my endorsement. A military chaplain who loses their endorsement either must quickly find a new group who will endorse them or be discharged from the military.

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I have a file folder packed with official policies and instructions about chaplaincy. Far from restraining what I can do, these policies focus and protect my ministry by specifically protecting the free exercise of my faith as a representative of the Christian church. The Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission serves as the endorser for the Christian churches and churches of Christ. They vet and sponsor chaplains for all forms of chaplaincy and then actively engage with policy makers to protect our free exercise of religion. (For more information about the CEC, see www.cec-chap.org or the article by Tom Ellsworth in this issue.) Chaplains are called by God to take the gospel to unchurched and unsaved people where they live and work. We are missionaries and pastors, teachers and

intercessors, counselors and advisers. We are a friend in good times and a shoulder to lean on in the valleys. We encourage and disciple fellow believers and provide opportunities to grow deeper in faith. We do all of this in a secular environment while resting in and sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the imagery Chaplain Allan T. Baker provides in his book The Foundations of Chaplaincy: While local-church models typically reinforce a wagon-wheel approach, where the pastor remains at the center and the outside community follows the spokes inward, chaplains invert the wagon-wheel model by providing their presence where people live and work along the outer wheel rim.

GOD USES THE CHAPLAINS’ PRESENCE IN POWERFUL WAY S T O P R O V I D E P E A C E IN THE DARKNESS AND ETERNAL LIFE IN JESUS.

”

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I wake up before 5 a.m. every day, arrive at Naval Station Norfolk by 6 a.m., and spend the day serving the sailors onboard USS Gettysburg. I regularly roam the ship’s 10 decks and engage in spontaneous conversations as I check in on the crew during the workday. My office is located next to the ship’s store and the command master chief’s office, so sailors going for a candy bar or just walking by often come in, shut the door, and say, “Hey, Chaps, can we talk?” Once Gettysburg deploys, the relationships built now will bear more fruit. The chaplain serves the crew when no one else can. And should full-scale war occur, the Navy’s chaplains will provide the spiritual fortitude needed as sailors and Marines face the prospect of death and eternity. We care for the anxious, the wounded and dying, and the traumatized. God uses the chaplains’ presence in powerful ways to provide peace in the darkness and eternal life in Jesus.

An ‘Ordinary’ Day in the Life of a Military Chaplain

An Incredible Opportunity We need more men and women from Christian churches and churches of Christ to rise to the opportunity afforded by military chaplaincy (and other forms of chaplaincy). The “free exercise of religion” applies to all chaplains, so we have an incredible opportunity to saturate the military with chaplains who understand the purity and centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we do not, then chaplains with other beliefs will. What makes a good chaplain? Loving Jesus and loving people are essential. Operating as a military officer can be complex, but all the technical aspects of chaplaincy can be surmounted if you genuinely care about people, engage well with them, and operate in and through the Holy Spirit to bring Jesus to those lost in darkness. This opportunity for kingdom work is accompanied by great pay, benefits, and an opportunity for military retirement. Deployments and the real possibility of combat make military chaplaincy a calling for those who feel the Lord has given them the passion and tools to walk into the valley of the shadow of death alongside those who need the hope and peace of Jesus Christ. If this call to chaplain ministry resonates with your heart, I would be honored to help you better understand the calling and journey. I invite you to contact me at jaminbailey06@gmail.com. For everyone else, I ask you to pray for the Lord to raise up workers for this harvest and I encourage you to support our sending organization, the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission.

Jamin Bailey lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, Crystal, and their four children. He graduated from Johnson University (BA, preaching) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, Christian ministry). A Marine Corps officer for six years, Jamin also served for six years as a chaplain and regional director for Corporate Chaplains of America before joining the Navy. Until recently, he was assigned as command chaplain for the USS Gettysburg (CG 64) based in Norfolk, Virginia, but shortly before this was published, he was deployed with USS Forrest Sherman in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. *A handful of chaplains over the last two decades have claimed discrimination and even persecution for trying to teach their faith. I do not have the space in this format to specifically address each case, but feel free to reach out to me at jaminbailey06@gmail.com to discuss.

‘HOW WILL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A CHAPLAIN?’

The Life-Changing Ministry of the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ By Tom Ellsworth

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Gen. George Washington wanted chaplains to serve with the Continental Army during the American War for Independence. Due to a lack of funds, however, Congress would not authorize such commissions. Nevertheless, John Hurt, an Anglican minister, joined the fight and became a chaplain to the brigade under the command of Gen. George Weedon. Known as “bravest of the brave,” Hurt served alongside his fellow Virginia soldiers in historic battles at Trenton, Brandywine Creek, Monmouth, and more. He endured the winter encampment at Valley Forge and was even captured by the British. So, when Congress finally authorized the role of chaplain in 1791, it is no surprise that John Hurt became the first to serve officially in that capacity. Throughout history, the U.S. military has required a chaplain be endorsed by a religious organization to qualify for active-duty service. For denominations, that was not an issue, but how does a nondenominational entity like the Christian churches and churches of Christ meet that requirement?

A SERENDIPITOUS START The need for chaplains was so desperate during World War II that the Army relaxed its affiliation prerequisite to help meet the demand. Many ministers from the independent Christian churches stepped into that role and served faithfully. However, following the war, the military returned to the original requirements. One former chaplain, Guy Mayfield, joined forces with Charles Gresham, James D. Murch, Chaplain Charles Trinkle, and other recognized leaders to create the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. In 1969, the commission officially came together and has been serving the churches of the Stone-Campbell Movement ever since. Retired Col. Charles Trinkle became the first executive director. The original 12 commissioners came from former chaplains, institutions of higher education, ministers of local congregations, and mission agencies. Today, the CEC strives to maintain a similar diverse balance. While I did not serve in the military, it has been my great honor to serve on this commission and in some small way help provide outstanding chaplains to lead and serve in our nation’s armed services. Kal McAlexander, the current executive director, served 28 years as a Navy chaplain and retired with the rank of captain. Kal and his wife, Cindy, accepted this new challenge January 1, 2016. Kal has accomplished much over the last six years. Those who served before him left big shoes to fill, but Kal has filled them well.

SPIRITUAL VICTORIES WITHOUT INVITATIONS Kal McAlexander, the CEC director, began his Navy chaplaincy by serving with the 3rd Battalion on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. (If you have seen the movie Full Metal Jacket, it begins with the experience in the 3rd Battalion).

MANY MINISTRY CONTEXTS The Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission originally endorsed only military chaplains, but during its lifetime it has expanded its scope to endorse chaplains serving with the Veterans Administration, in hospitals, hospice, police departments, fire departments, prison, jails, the Secret Service, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, and more. Privacy regulations prevent us from sharing many of their wonderful stories, but rest assured during the COVID-19 pandemic the hospital and hospice chaplains have provided crucial ministry to patients and staff that has been over and above the normal ministry provided. Police department chaplains have stepped up to meet the challenges of providing ministry during periods of civil unrest and the “defund the police” movements. Fire department chaplains have also ministered effectively through the pandemic and the hardships of civil unrest. At the time of this writing, the CEC has 250 endorsed chaplains—109 serve in the military and 141 in other ministry areas. Having been ordained 45 years ago, I’m familiar with ministry in the local church, but I had little understanding of a military chaplain’s role. Through my time as a commissioner for more than a decade, I have come to truly appreciate the chaplain’s unique ministry role.

The command chaplain there asked Kal not to offer an invitation to accept Christ at the end of his sermons. His superior felt recruits could be influenced or manipulated too easily and did not want any of them to make emotional decisions that might not last. While disappointed at the demand, Kal looked for other ways to make that opportunity available. He noticed at orientation that the Catholic chaplain referenced a box on the Marine religious data card and encouraged the recruits to check the box if they needed baptism, confirmation, a sacrament, or had other questions pertaining to Catholicism. Kal pointed out to his command chaplain that the card needed to include a Protestant box. At subsequent orientations, he too would invite the recruits to check that box if they wanted to accept Christ and be baptized or had any other spiritual questions for him. In his time at Parris Island, Kal baptized 326 Marines without offering an invitation. Additionally, he helped develop 16 weeks of discipleship training for the Marine recruits before they were turned over to the care of fleet chaplains. That program continues to be used today. Wherever Kal served, lives were changed. He participated in life-changing decisions and had baptisms on Guam, in Thailand, in the Philippines, and in Japan. One never knows how gospel seed planted will take root and produce a harvest. During his Desert Storm deployment on the Aegis Cruiser, Mobile Bay, Kal’s executive officer had little use for chaplains. Despite that, the “XO” enjoyed stimulating conversations with Kal. A few years later, after his XO left the ship, Kal received a note from him that read something like this: “Chaplain, you may not believe this, but I just couldn’t forget our conversations and I have now become a Christian.” Six years later, Kal received another note stating that his former XO had become an elder, and still later, that he had become chairman of the elders (it’s a role he still holds). Victories come, all in God’s timing! Navy Chaplain Adam Boggess is currently stationed on Okinawa and is leading well. After a baptism at the beginning of the new year, he commented, “The good thing about living on an island [is that there is] water all around—‘Look, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’” I like his optimistic style!

ONE NEVER KNOWS HOW GOSPEL SEED PLANTED WILL TAKE ROOT AND PRODUCE A HARVEST.

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MINISTRY TO THE PSYCHOLOGICALLY WOUNDED Of course, the chaplain’s role includes more than just evangelism. In my civilian ministry, I didn’t see the woundedness that is unique to soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Air Force Lt. Col. Rolf Holmquist shares about programs designed to help in crisis moments. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Religious Support Teams (RSTs), which are comprised of a chaplain and a Religious Affairs airman, are committed to caring for airmen and their families. These teams have been instrumental in providing 10,000 hours of counseling for 8,700 personnel. Through their efforts, nearly 800 crises were avoided and 37 potential suicides were stopped, all while caring for airmen amid the COVID pandemic this past year. Additionally, AFSOC RSTs heroically responded to the COVID-driven isolation by investing 11,000 hours of visitation with families and 2,800 hours of counseling. Worship services, programs, and unit visitation succeeded in the virtual world until it was safe to meet face-to-face again. Suicide is a major problem in the military. In his first tour as chaplain at Camp Lejeune, Navy Lt. j.g. Jesse McAlexander (Kal and Cindy’s son) faced six suicide ideations/attempts in his first month of duty! A few years ago, the Army hired the Rand Corporation to do a study on the rising numbers of suicide in their ranks. After two years of research and $2 million in expenditures, researchers could not find a common denominator

except for the overwhelming sense of guilt and shame experienced among military personnel. Rand recommended that the Army hire more chaplains. Think of the lives saved and transformed by those of our tribe who serve as chaplains. A few years back, the Navy estimated it costs U.S. taxpayers $400,000 to recruit, train, educate, and get a sailor to the level of petty officer 1st class. (Academy graduates cost about $1 million!) Aside from a saved and transformed life, if a chaplain helps rescue a sailor or soldier from attempted suicide, or from making an outrageous decision that might result in a dishonorable discharge, he has saved the government thousands of dollars. Moral injury (MI) is another area where chaplains are uniquely qualified to make a difference. “MI is a serious struggle for those who feel as though they have ‘transgressed’ or stepped over the line of morality, what is right and wrong,” Lt. Col. Holmquist writes. “Guilt, shame, feeling betrayed, and condemning oneself are just some of the feelings airmen have when they come back from the battlefield. . . . Our focus is for them to have time to lament, repent, confess, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ.” Only Jesus Christ can remove that guilt and shame and restore an individual’s worth. And how will they hear without a chaplain?

HOW TO SUPPORT OUR CHAPLAINS Our men and women who serve as chaplains, while being good at caring for others, may not always get the opportunity to care for themselves. Ministry seldom provides a respite for those who serve. You can help in several ways. The first is through prayer. Pray for those who serve in various chaplaincy roles and for their families. Pray they will find support and encouragement amid their ministry. Pray for their families while they are deployed. Pray for their protection when they are in harm’s way with the troops. And pray that God will advance and multiply their ministry efforts. Perhaps you or your congregation could “adopt” a chaplain by writing encouraging notes, sending care packages to the chaplain’s family, and by keeping your congregation informed on a regular basis about the chaplain’s ministry. Individual Christians and congregations might also consider providing financial support to the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission. Commissioners volunteer their time, but still they have many expenses. The commission needs to support and encourage both the civilian and military chaplains in as many ways as possible. These men and women are quality individuals who serve the Lord in civilian and military chaplaincy roles on our behalf. One of our Army chaplains recently went through the rigorous training to be an Army Ranger. While he was attending ICOM, he was called back because his commanding officer didn’t want his Rangers to deploy without their chaplain. This chaplain has earned the highest respect not only from his fellow Rangers but also from his commanding officer. That is true for most of our chaplains. They are highly regarded and well respected. They are being promoted quickly and serving in key places like the Chief of Chaplains Office, Walter Reed Hospital, the chaplains schools, recruiting commands, and more. These folks are worthy of our support, prayers, and encouragement. If someday one of my grandchildren chooses to enlist, I pray he or she will be shepherded by one of our outstanding chaplains!

Tom Ellsworth served as senior minister with Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Bloomington, Ind., for nearly 40 years before retiring last year. His website is TomEllsworthMinistries.org.

'Th a n k y ou f o r s a v i n g my l i f e'

A Son Tells the Extraordinary Story of His Father, Dale Storms By Roger Storms

As a member of the “greatest generation,” my father, Dale Storms, was a man of grace and peace. He was also a dedicated follower of Christ, model husband and father, faithful church leader, successful businessman, and American patriot. I’m honored to say I have known no other man who better modeled Christ than my father.

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Military Service

Peace, Release, Closure

In 1943, during World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was offered an exemption from service by his employer, a steel company—an “essential industry”—but he felt it his patriotic duty to serve. After training, he served as a B-25 Mitchell bomber pilot in the South Pacific with the 7th Air Force, 41st Squadron, 41st Bomb Group. He served with distinction, flying 50 missions in the Marshall and Gilbert Island campaigns, earning two Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He retired as a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Many years later, in 1982, my father and mother planned a trip to Hawaii, the Pacific atolls and islands where he was stationed in 1944, as well as some of the enemy bases located on some of those atolls and islands.

Through the years we heard his stories of military service, camaraderie with fellow service members, and bombing sorties. He never glorified himself in the retelling, and he only shared if we asked questions. My father, being a man of peace, recognized that his efforts were needed to combat evil, protect his country, ensure freedom, and protect himself as well as other warriors in battle. However, the necessary violence of war resulted in an ambivalence in his heart. World War II was necessary, but costly. One story of his military service that few know had a profound impact on his life.

The island of Pohnpei (formerly known as Ponape), on the western end of the Carolina Islands, was of particular interest to him. He told us his group of B-25 bombers were the first to attack a particular enemy airbase on the island. He wrote, “Eighteen of my 50 missions were flown against this target.” They approached the island from the west at wave-top level when, in his own words, “at a point we ‘broke up’ the squadron formation into flights of three planes, scrambling over the mountain in a line to attack and destroy that enemy airfield.” After attacking and bombing that enemy air base, the planes strafed the fortifications of an enemy naval base, before finally flying back to their U.S. forward air base on Engebi Island, a part of the Eniwetok Atoll. On their inbound flight to Pohnpei, flying low through the mountain ravines—which were emerald green when compared to the blue Pacific—they flew by a pristine white French plantation home perched on the green mountainside. In relating the story, my father said he was struck by the plantation home’s peaceful beauty in contrast to what they were about to do in war.

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On the 1982 trip, my parents took a boat ride that included a visit to an ancient historic site called Nan Madol. This ancient temple was comprised of huge basalt blocks set on a reef connected by channels and waterways. My father remembered it provided a pivot point to line up their air attacks. Many visit the site today to snorkel or scuba dive and view the amazing tropical fish. My parents remained on the boat while the other tourists jumped into the water to explore. They began to talk to the 20-something guide and boat operator, a Pohnpeian man named Alter Alfred. My father asked him if he knew of an old Japanese wartime airfield up that valley in the middle of the island. The astonished guide said, “Very few people, even on the island, know that old airfield is up there. It’s in ruins and overgrown!” My father told him, “Well, 38 years ago I was in the first group of U.S. planes that attacked and bombed it.” The young Mr. Alfred smiled but had tears in his eyes; he then told my parents his story. “My grandfather told me about that time. The Japanese soldiers forced them to build many fortifications. Then, they took a group of our people over here [indicating an area of the island] and shot them. Then they took another

group over there [indicating a different area] and shot them.” He continued, “Soon, all of the men were to be shot! But that is when the Americans came in their planes and began bombing the Japanese airfields and fortifications.” At that point, the guide said the Japanese soldiers stopped shooting the Pohnpeian men and returned to their bases because they expected a U.S. Marine amphibious attack was imminent. He added, tearfully, “I want to thank you for saving my life—without you, I wouldn’t be here, today.” My father, in retelling the story, said, “None of us— our guide, or my wife or I—were able to speak for a few minutes.” On their return to the United States, my parents stopped to visit with us for a few days. My wife, Nancy, and I were living in the San Francisco Bay area at the time. As my father began to relate this emotional story to me, I saw something in his eyes I had not witnessed before—a sense of peace, a sense of release. After nearly 40 years, he had closure and the realization that his participation in that great and gruesome conflict had a purpose. Yes, there was the satisfaction of victory over evil aggression, but to receive a personal, emotional, and tearful, “Thank you for saving my life” brought welcomed, intimate, peaceful resolution to these events and years.

But for my father, Dale Storms, a man of peace, the dramatic “God-moment” occurred when that young man offered a heartfelt “th a n k y ou f o r s a v i n g my l i f e” in a boat in Pohnpei. The look in my father’s eyes as he related the story attested to that.

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The ‘Second Half’ I am very thankful God orchestrated the connection of the Pohnpeian boat guide with my father. That meeting completed the circle of both of their stories. In the intervening years between his early life, military service, and the story I just related, my father retired at age 52 as an officer of a steel corporation in Indiana. He determined to spend the “second half” of his working life in Christian ministry service. He did so primarily as the vice president of administration at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. He also volunteered his wisdom as well as his accounting and tax expertise as a consultant with Mission Services, IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service), College Press Publishing, Good News Productions, International, and several of our Bible colleges and churches. His life-leadership ministry impact was amazing but not well-known, because in humility, he desired no recognition. Instead, he was content to occupy the “second chair” as a servant of Christ. Before and after my father’s memorial service in 2017 (he died at age 99), I heard countless stories of his contributions, friendships, and character. He never sought accolades, but many people expressed admiration and appreciation for his outstanding life of quiet service and leadership. But for my father, Dale Storms, a man of peace, the dramatic “God-moment” occurred when that young man offered a heartfelt “thank you for saving my life” in a boat in Pohnpei. The look in my father’s eyes as he related the story attested to that.

After 29 years as lead pastor of Compass Christian Church in Chandler, Arizona, Roger Storms now serves as pastor emeritus at the church. He currently serves as a trustee of Ozark Christian College and the Christian Churches Pension Plan. He does church consulting and guest speaking through Roger Storms Ministries. He also works as a development associate at Pioneer Bible Translators.

HIGHER FASTER STRONGER SMARTER Compiled by Renee Little Four church leaders who have worked with or are working with The Solomon Foundation on building projects offered to share their experiences. Here’s what they had to say.

HIGHER Chad Goucher, The Refinery in Phoenix, Arizona Many times in my life I’ve felt as if, from a leadership perspective, I was hitting my head on the ceiling. I knew there was something “higher,” something more, something I couldn’t tap into on my own. As a pastor leading a church charged with helping people find and know Jesus, being able to break through that ceiling and finding something higher is critical. I did not want my own pride—my desire to be the guy with all the answers—to keep our church from growing, expanding, and reaching lost people. So, I knew I needed some experienced and trustworthy people in my life to walk alongside me. Our church was at a critical point. We needed to expand. But being a young church in a rented facility, we didn’t have much money in the bank. At the time, I think the most valuable thing we owned was a projector, and it wasn’t even that good! Then God began to answer my prayers for those experienced and trustworthy people to come into the life of our church. I heard about a new church extension fund called The Solomon Foundation, and I reached out to them. A couple weeks later, Doug Crozier was sitting in my little makeshift office telling me about all the opportunities waiting for us just on the other side of my personal “ceiling.” If I was willing to step out in faith, TSF was willing to step out with us. The only question was, Did I want to break through that ceiling and go higher than ever before? I try not to allow money to be the sole driver in my decisionmaking. I believe if it is God’s plan, it is God’s problem to finance it. TSF provided money for us to purchase 25 acres of amazing property and a new building. However, the finances were only a portion of what TSF has done for our church, our staff, and my wife and me. They have provided support, a friendship network, and confidence in me that I never expected. Breaking through the ceiling and going higher has been the best decision I’ve ever made for our church and my own spiritual journey.

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