The Church Report lists their top 50 most influencial churches. (HT: JT) Here are the ones I think are worth mentioning in categories of my own design. Meant to be funny guys. I'd love to hear some of your own categories.
The sarcastic "Oh really? They make the list?" goes to..
1. Saddleback - Rick Warren
2. Willow Creek - Bill Hybels
The "Aren't these guys the same church in different locations?" goes to...
3. Northpointe - Andy Stanley
4. Fellowship - Ed Young, Jr.
The "That's not a "real" church!" goes to...
8. Potter's House - T.D. Jakes
14. Crystal Cathedral - Robert Schuller
The "We'd be better off if their number was a lot higher." goes to...
19. Bethlehem - John Piper
23. Mars Hill - Mark Driscoll
26. Redeemer - Timothy Keller
The "He doesn't look like a pastor." goes to...
5. Joel Osteen - "The new Expedition would look great in your driveway. Want to take it for a test drive?"
Most likely to confuse your pastor for Donald Sutherland:
21. Cincinnati Vineyard. Dave Workman.
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Really into celebrity pastors it looks like (not to mention megachurches). The format: Photo of pastor, his name, church name. Just found that interesting.
Posted by: Alex | 07/15/2005 at 10:58 PM
A celebrity look-alike list would be fun. Thanks Alex.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 07/15/2005 at 11:03 PM
And the real question is where is the list that shows the real influence like number of people who are giving their lives to Christ. That would be an influence list that makes a difference.
Anyone know a list like that? If you do please post and email me.
Emerge
Coffee For One
Posted by: Scott Michael Ringo | 07/16/2005 at 06:45 AM
Person I thought would have been on the list who has/will preach(ed) sermons/written books condemning the theology and methodology of most everyone on this list: John MacArthur Jr. Grace Community Church
Posted by: John Mark | 07/16/2005 at 12:24 PM
I agree JM. I also thought of Tony Evans.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 07/16/2005 at 12:33 PM
On the #3 and #4, I think Andy got higher because his books sell much better than Ed's (his don't sell much at all), and therefore he's more influential.
Posted by: Justin Tapp | 07/18/2005 at 07:22 PM