Steve Stroope (and Josh Howerton): Stoke the Fires of Evangelism

We asked pastors of some of the nation’s largest churches to share their thoughts on church growth, discipleship, outreach and faithful ministry.

Steve Stroope, Co-Lead Pastor (with Josh Howerton)
Lake Pointe Church
Rockwall, Texas

Keep heating up the fires of relational evangelism. Keep asking, “Who are you praying for daily? With whom are you intentionally building relationships in order to share the love of Christ? With whom are you sharing your story, and did you bring someone with you today?”

I have come to value trust as an indispensable component of leadership. I wish I had understood the importance of small groups and of a strong elder board made up mostly of lay leaders when I first was getting started.

Stop asking lost people to act like Christians, and be willing to meet needs even if it doesn’t lead to conversions.

Read more candid conversations with Outreach 100 pastors »

Twitter: @StroopeSteve @HowertonJosh
Website: LakePointe.org
Founded: 1979
Denomination: Southern Baptist
Locations: 9
Attendance: 12,377
Fastest-Growing: 84
Largest: 19

Lora Schrock
Lora Schrock

Lora Schrock is co-editor of Outreach magazine. She has 30 years of publishing experience and is the author of numerous articles and books.

How Can We Avoid ‘Believing’ the Bible While Denying What It Actually Says?

We need to learn, and teach other people, not just to read the Bible but also how to interpret it, so they don’t end up being Bible-believing heretics or Jesus-followers who follow a Jesus different than the real Jesus of the Bible and history.

Is Gen Z Coming Back to Church?

When people born between 1997 and 2007 go to church, they attend, on average, about 23 services per year.

What Your Tech Director Needs You to Know

Any tech leader worth their salt knows their church’s gear, budget and team resources inside and out. Furthermore, they have the same goal as you—to share the gospel.