Church Profiles

Fight Church: A Fighting Chance

“Here was a people group that wasn’t being served by any form of chaplaincy like many major sports have,” says Pastor Joshua Boyd, of the local MMA community. “And they needed care just like anyone else.”

Trinity Baptist Church: Follow the Clues

The children’s ministry at Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville, Texas, created a gospel-centered escape room that was a big hit.

Morningside Bible Church: Biker Sunday

“We’re trying to establish relationships. We think that if [bikers returning to our church] didn’t happen this year, then maybe they’ll come back next year, feel more comfortable, and then come out for something else.” —Motorcycle enthusiast Duane Kraayenbrink

North Jersey Vineyard Church: The Edge of Ministry

The congregation is about 25% white, 40% Latino, 20% Asian and 15% to 20% African American and African. Eighty different nationalities are represented in the church, and 475 people made first-time commitments to Jesus during services in 2024.

Oak Park Church: Outreach in the City

Rather than solely coming alongside communities following major natural disasters, the church decided to use the ministry’s life-saving—and life-giving—equipment year-round.

First Baptist Leesburg: More Than Sunday Morning

“We minister to the broken people in our community through many ministries, and we attract a lot of people who want to join our church because of our ministries,” says Art Ayris, executive pastor of administration at First Baptist.

Evangel Church: Never Stop Serving

Last year, Evangel started a church two hours away inside the largest women’s prison in New York. A pastor and a team go every Thursday to share a message, preach and lead worship for the prisoners.

Hills Church: New Name, Same Mission

Hills Church has grown, in part, due to Marksman—a strategy for men focused on reaching and discipling other men that includes a 6-week Bible study boot camp.

Bethlehem Church: What You Celebrate, You Replicate

The power of storytelling is used throughout the year to proclaim God’s goodness to the congregation, and it seems to be affecting church growth positively.

FBC Simpsonville: Raising the Sails

Pastor Wayne Bray maintains that God has organically been building and evolving their church year after year.

Elevate Life Church CT: Leave the Key Under the Mat

“When you walk into the church, I want you to feel life, I want you to feel joy, I want you to feel enthusiasm, I want you to feel passion...." -Pastor Jeremy Baker