Speciality: global and U.S. megachurches (2000+ attendance) and rapid growing churches of all attendance sizes...since 1980. AUTHOR: Annual lists since 1985 - America's 100 largest and 100 fastest growing churches; the world's 50 largest churches (nonCatholic). BOOKS: America's Most Influential Churches - Vol 1 (2007), Megachurches and America's Cities (1993), The Large Church (1985), The World's 20 Largest Churches (1984), The Complete Book of Church Growth (1981) with Elmer Towns & David Seifert - 1st book to list the 100 largest U.S. churches (non-Catholic). Almanac of the Christian World (1990,1993) contributed the first published lists of the world's 50 largest Christian churches (non-Catholic). TRAVEL: Since 1982 has visited global megachurches in the U.S., Istanbul (Turkey- Hagia Sophia), South Korea (14 trips), China (Shanghai), Rome, Paris, London, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Germany. '05-07 visited 300 of the largest U.S. and Canadian churches in 60 cities and 25 states and provinces. EDUCATION: Fuller Theological Seminary, D.Min; Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, MDiv; University of Memphis, BA (sociology & history). CONTACT: jv@churchgrowthtoday.org
A Prayer for a Courageous Soul - Your Daily Prayer - April 26
We have been given a remarkable gift through God and His redemption story. Not only have we received eternal life with our Creator, but we have received courage in Christ that will change the trajectory of our lives and the lives of those around us forever.