The 2009 Outreach 100

The 2009 Outreach 100 annual report is packed with practical ideas and encouraging words for any church, any size.

How do America’s Fastest-Growing Churches keep people coming and get them involved? What are the trends shaping church growth today? What are the common barriers to growth and what can we do about them? When does the leader’s personality become too great a part of the equation? And what have Outreach 100 pastors learned about one-on-one evangelism that they now want to pass on to you?


In This Issue


The Outreach 100

The Annual Special Report with LifeWay Research on the Largest and Fastest-Growing Churches in America


100 Largest Churches


100 Fastest-Growing Churches


Largest and Fastest-Growing Churches by State, by Region and by Denomination


Profiles of Growth: Inside 5 of the Fastest-Growing Churches


Outreach 100 Q & A: Research Ed Stetzer on 4 Crucial Questions


Evangelism Gets Personal: Outreach 100 Pastors Talk About Building One-on-One Relationships


The Personality Factor: How to Recognize When It Becomes More About You Than the Church


The Stupid Things We Do That Hinder Growth—And What to Do About Them


The Outreach Conversation: Rick Bezet (2009 Fastest-Growing Church) and Chris Hodges (2008 Fastest-Growing Church)

James P. Long
James P. Longhttp://JamesPLong.com

James P. Long is the editor of Outreach magazine and is the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

Why the Ideal Church Size Debate Is Unhelpful

Church size alone is not an indication of health or unhealth.

Leading With Kindness

Kindness isn’t weakness, it’s the expression of strength from someone who has something to offer. Kindness is not automatic, it’s a gift that you must choose to give.

Evangelism and the Privatization of Faith

Make friends, in your own way, and avoid isolating yourself—be open to show and share the love of God.