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 When a Situation Seems Impossible - Your Daily Prayer - April 24
My wife has recently painted these words on a wall in our house as a reminder to us both: “Mightier than the waves of the sea, is His love for us!” (Inspired by Psalm 93:4). Please remember this. Mightier than the tempest you are facing is His love for you!