In light of this issue's theme on success, we asked veteran news reporter Tom Minnery to take an assignment Visit three widely-diverse churches considered "successful" by many. "Ask questions," we told Tom. "Listen and evaluate; then give us your impressions."

We selected three congregations thoroughly different in methods, setting, and philosophy, yet all showing unique marks of achievement. Tom's report follows.

The Church of the Saviour in Washington, D.C., reached a crisis about five years ago, the same one many churches face. The congregation was getting too big, and its leaders felt the intimacy of the early days was ebbing away because of it. The church decided to split into smaller bodies to regain that sense of closeness. The Church of the Saviour had 110 members; they split into, not two, or three, but six smaller churches.

This church is not your usual place of worship.,In fact, it looks more like a restaurant than a church. The Potter's House, where much of the church life goes ...