Why Denomination Matters to Church Growth

A recent study suggests orthodoxy doesn’t draw church crowds on its own.

Why Denomination Matters to Church Growth

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This article appeared in the June, 2012 issue of Christianity Today as "Mainline Conservatives' Dilemma".

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

June

Christianity Today June, 2012

Cover Story

When Are We Going to Grow Up? The Juvenilization of American Christianity

Thomas E. Bergler

Cover Story

By Grace You Are Mature

David Zahl

Childlike Faith: Are Kids Born with Belief?

Interview by Holly Catterton Allen

The Resurrection: A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Alister McGrath

Review

Holy Ground: Why This Land Is God's Land

Jake Meador

Review

Grace Amid Genocide

Tim Stafford

My Top 5 Books On Patriotism

David Gushee, director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University

News

Nonprofits, the Bible, and Jesus

Compiled by Ted Olsen

In on the Joke of the Bible

Timothy George on the Reformers' Postmodern Moment

Interview by David Neff

Editorial

Why Catholics and Evangelicals Can Be United Against Nihilism

A Christianity Today Editorial

The Art of Loving Your Neighbor

Matt Branaugh

News

Pro-Life Democrats Dwindle in Congress

Tobin Grant

Should Churches Abandon Travel-Intensive Short-Term Missions in Favor of Local Projects?

Brian M. Howell, David Livermore, and Robert J. Priest

News

Should Denominations Be Organized Geographically?

Compiled by Ruth Moon

Excerpt

Learning from My Father: Lessons on Life and Faith

David Lawther Johnson

When Dad Is in Prison

G. Jeffrey MacDonald in New Orleans

Ponce de León on Steroids

The Social Network Gospel

Robert C. Crosby

Apps to the Future: The New Social Network Engagers

Robert C. Crosby

The Rise of Digital Urban Tribes

David Kinnaman

News

Book Buyer Beware? It's Christian Fiction.

Ken Walker

Charles Colson & Timothy George: Churchless Jesus

Chuck Colson & Timothy George

News

Fury Over Mission School Fees

Sunday Oguntola in Lagos

Review

Kin: Songs by Mary Karr & Rodney Crowell

Josh Hurst

News

Liberia: Getting Back to the Founding Faith

George Stewart in Monrovia

Review

For Greater Glory

Steven D. Greydanus

News

The Fight for Egypt's Future

Jeremy Weber in Cairo

Letters to the Editor

Evangelicalism's Youthful Romance

News

Passages

Tobin Grant

Review

The Trinity and the Cross, and Why It Matters

Jeff Haanen

Review

God on the Streets of Gotham

Steven Greydanus

Review

Debating Same-Sex Marriage

Matt Reynolds

Wilson's Bookmarks

John Wilson

News

Quotation Marks

Compiled by Ted Olsen

News

Christians Face Forced Exodus, Missionary Wins 'Rare' Settlement, Churches Want Fewer Cash Offerings, and More

Remembering Charles Colson, a Man Transformed

Jonathan Aitken

Our Latest

Member of the Finnish parliament Päivi Räsänen testifies on "Europe's Threat to American Speech and Innovation" at the U.S. Capitol on February 04, 2026.

News

Finland’s Top Court Split on Christian Politician’s Hate Speech Charges

The court convicted Päivi Räsänen for publishing a brochure on sexual ethics but acquitted her for a social media post quoting Romans.

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What’s the Point of Education in an Age of AI?

American teenagers are getting a crash course in nihilism, and we need answers more compelling than the hope of universal basic income.

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News

Pro-Life Ministries Find New Ways to Connect Clients and Donors

Social media and giving apps expedite the process of helping women with unplanned pregnancies.

The Bulletin

ICE at Airports, School Shooting Convictions, and Ruling Against Meta

Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

DHS shutdown and expanded ICE presence, murder charges of school shooter’s parent, and jury rules social media causes harm.

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Review

When ‘Nothing’ Happens

Justin Ariel Bailey

Three books to read on church life and ministry this month.

A memorial for victims of anti-semitism.

News

As Antisemitism Rises, Members of Abrahamic Religions Fight Back

Jill Nelson in St. Julian’s, Malta

Christians, Muslims, and Jews lead tours, direct films, and speak to youth about the concerning trend.

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The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Anquan Boldin: From the Muck to the Movement

What it means to move from the field to the fight and to pursue justice when it becomes personal.

Jonathan McReynolds performs during 2025 Praise In The Park on October 4, 2025 in South Fulton, Georgia.

Jonathan McReynolds Fuses Gospel Music with ’80s Pop in ‘Closer’

Interview by Kelsey Kramer McGinnis

A conversation with the Grammy-winning artist about fame, intimacy with God, and the music of the neon decade.