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By Jeremy | July 12, 2006
Church Report lists the nation's "
50 Most Influential Churches," based on 2,000 surveys conducted with leaders of the largest non-Catholic congregations. Congratulations to the honorees. The top-ten:
1) Willowcreek, Pastor Bill Hybels
2) Saddleback, Pastor Rick Warren
3) North Point, Pastor Andy Stanley
4) Fellowship Church, Pastor Ed Young
5) Lakewood, Pastor Joel Osteen
6) Southeast Christian, Pastor Bob Russell
7) Life Church, Pastor Craig Groeschel
8) Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes
9) Brooklyn Tabernacle, Pastor Jim Cymbala
10) North Coast, Pastor Larry Osborne
Complete list here.
Interestingly, seven of the top 50 come from Texas; 18 are not affiliated with a denomination; 4 have black pastors; one has a woman; and *drum roll* three are from *gasp* New York City.
These kinds of lists are fascinating as much for what they say about our culture as what they actually say. Why do we feel the need to rank everything, even pastors? How exactly does one determine "most influential"? Are there objective criteria like books sales, annual revenues, and political appointments, or are the surveys entirely subjective? Why were only pastors of large churches surveyed? If you have any thoughts, please share them.
I can't help but wonder if Jesus would have made a top anything list during his ministry career.
Related: CNN American Morning
profile of Mosaic (#13).
Topics: culture, evangelical | No Comments »
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