“Whatever it takes”: My Summer at Minnesota’s Gigachurch

Larry Nelson

Yes, Minnesota has a gigachurch. The baffled reaction of most hearers notwithstanding, it’s true.

For the unconversant, a “gigachurch” is one with average weekly attendance of at least 10,000. The United States has about fifty in total; about half of the states have none. Churches that reach this size frequently have wide-ranging reputations, with many people near and far at least cognizant of the church’s existence. In contrast, mentioning Minnesota’s gigachurch often triggers perplexed looks even from long-time Minnesotans. Yet this church is perhaps America’s 12th largest, with average weekly attendance currently twice the gigachurch threshold.

Over this past summer I became drawn to discover who this inconspicuous colossus is. And so a fascinating journey began.

Discussion

Why Churches are Leaving Money on the Table - The Health Care Tax Credit

Dan C

Could a local church put an extra $5,000 - $40,000 to good use? In my experience, the answer to this question is always “yes.” You will then be surprised to learn that the majority of churches have no knowledge of their opportunity to receive significant tax refunds and are effectively leaving money on the table.

Discussion

Making your own study Bible

Anne Sokol

I was online shopping for a journaling Bible yesterday (and thanks to Jay, I’m going with the ESV after 20+ years of NASV), and I found links to this man’s website where he explains steps for creating one’s own Bible with blank pages in it— apparently Jonathan Edwards did something similar?

Here is the first post in his series, if anyone is interested in making such a Bible study tool (I’m considering, but not ready to take the plunge, so I’m starting with a boughten journaling Bible):

Discussion

Question about the Pastor/Elder-Deacon (throw in Trustees) relationship

Brian Dempsey

Here’s an issue that I would like to get some thoughts about at a very practical level. I pastor a smaller single-elder/deacon type church (175 years old, independent Baptist). We are making some significant strides (in my opinion) in moving towards a more biblically centered position in a variety of areas (music, Bible versions, depth of discipleship, small group discipleship, etc). One of the areas we are working through is the relationship between the Pastor, deacons, and trustees on a practical “whose head is on the chopping block in that situation” type level.

Discussion

Does your church's main service feature an organ?

Ed Vasicek

We are blessed to have a faithful organist who has been serving our church since before my time (I have been here 31 years). But when she is no longer able to play, I suspect our organ will be rarely played. What is your church’s “organ situation?” Will the organ become a novelty instrument, much like the accordion is in disuse in the popular genre?

Poll Results

Does your church’s main service feature an organ?

Discussion

How I Enjoy Liberty in My Music Choices

Ron Bean

I grew up in churches that used predominately Gospel songs and choruses (Jesus Saves, Washed in the Blood, Love Lifted Me, Climb up Sunshine Mountain, etc.). I then found myself in a more traditional hymn oriented environment (O For a Thousand Tongues, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, etc.) and the Psalter with a side jaunt in “nit-picking hymnody” that corrected lines like “emptied Himself of all but love” and “thou hast for all atonement made” and considered “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” ludicrous.

Discussion