Handbook of Denominations in the United States

Handbook of Denominations in the United States 14th Edition
(Abingdon Press, 2018)

WHO: Roger Olson, the Foy Valentine Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics at Baylor University.

HE SAYS: “In this allegedly post-denominational age, denominations, by whatever name, are proliferating and many are flourishing.”

THE BIG IDEA: This guidebook to U.S. denominations includes descriptions, overviews, current statistics and recent trends.

THE PROGRESSION:
Listed alphabetically, this resource book breaks down denominations into different sections, ranging from “Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox” to “Mennonite and Anabaptist” to “Pentacostal.”
Within each section are listings for different denominations that feature founding date, membership estimates, number of churches and a brief history. Contact information for the denomination is also provided.

“If this book helps readers to get to know their neighbors, join a worshipping community and better appreciate the intricate social fabric of America, then it has fulfilled its purpose.”

Ohio Church Makeover

This move would not only give them room to grow, but also would enable them to do a lot more to fulfill their mission of being a church focused on “building the kingdom, one life at a time.”

How Much Tech Do You Actually Need?

Because you cannot do this alone, you are going to have to trust the right individuals who know more about tech than you do. Your calling is to shepherd. Do that.

Gene Appel: Do Less Ministry; Reach More People

None of the programs at our church were bad in and of themselves. The volume of it just prevented us from being focused on building relationships with those who are far from God. So, we had to do less ministry to reach more people. It sounds funny, but people had to be trained in how to do life with nonbelievers or people spiritually disinterested.