A megachurch is a large church, frequently defined as having more than 2,000 worshippers for a typical weekly service. Globally, these large congregations are a significant development in Protestant Christianity, challenging the roles of denominations as the primary sources of ministry resources and ministerial training. Most megachurches tend to be evangelical or pentecostal. Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea (with 780,000 members in 2003) is the largest church in the world. Other examples are Hillsong Chur ...

Including:

• Megachurch - History
• Megachurch - Denominational links
• Megachurch - Adjustments to cater for size
• Megachurch - Demographics
• Megachurch - Controversy

Read more here: » Megachurch: Encyclopedia - Megachurch

See also:

Megachurch, Megachurch - History, Megachurch - Denominational links, Megachurch - Adjustments to cater for size, Megachurch - Demographics, Megachurch - Controversy

Read more here: » Megachurch: Encyclopedia II - Megachurch - Controversy

Megachurches appeal to baby boomers and others who enjoy the polished showmanship of the worship services, and who find the size of the organisation and the upbeat style of these churches appealing. Some worshippers like the size because it allows them to retain more anonymity if they choose, than would be possible in a smaller church. The large numbers of worshippers is not for these believers a problem of scale; it is a demonstration of the dynamism of the institution. Also some worshipers feel that in a bigger church the Holy Sp ...

See also:

Megachurch, Megachurch - History, Megachurch - Denominational links, Megachurch - Adjustments to cater for size, Megachurch - Demographics, Megachurch - Controversy

Read more here: » Megachurch: Encyclopedia II - Megachurch - Demographics

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, commonly C.H. Spurgeon, (June 19, 1834 – January 31, 1892) was a British Baptist preacher. Born in Kelvedon, Essex, Spurgeon's conversion to Christianity came in January 1850 at the age of fifteen. On his way to a scheduled appointment, a snow storm forced him to cut short his intended journey and turn in to a Primitive Methodist chapel in Colchester where, in his own words: "God opened his heart to the salvation message." He preached his first sermon in 1851 and, from the beginning of his ministry, his sty ...

Including:

• Charles Spurgeon - Some of Spurgeon's written works

Read more here: » Charles Spurgeon: Encyclopedia - Charles Spurgeon

Yoido Full Gospel Church is a Pentecostal Christian church in Seoul, South Korea. Numbering over 800 000 members in 2006, it is the largest known congregation of Christian adherents in the world. Founded and led by Dr David Yonggi Cho since 1958, it is one of the most internationally visible manifestations of Korean Christianity. Yoido Full Gospel Church - History. Yoido Full Gospel Church - Early years: 1958-1961. The Yoido Full Gospel Church was founded by Dr David Yonggi Cho ...

Including:

• Yoido Full Gospel Church - History
• Yoido Full Gospel Church - Early years: 1958-1961
• Yoido Full Gospel Church - The Seodaemun Church: 1961-1973
• Yoido Full Gospel Church - The Yoido Church: 1973-present
• Yoido Full Gospel Church - Ministries of the church
• Yoido Full Gospel Church - Recent activities
• Yoido Full Gospel Church - Theology

Read more here: » Yoido Full Gospel Church: Encyclopedia - Yoido Full Gospel Church

Adrian Rogers,Th.D (September 12, 1931 – November 15, 2005), was an American pastor, author, and a three term president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Supporters have described him as the apostle Paul of Southern Baptists. Rogers was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and decided to go into Christian ministry at the age of nineteen. Rogers was ordained by Northwood Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. In 1972, Rogers became the senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained until March, 2005. During this period, the church's membership grew from 9,000 to 27,000, a ...

Including:

• Adrian Rogers - Southern Baptist Convention Presidency
• Adrian Rogers - Theology
• Adrian Rogers - On Politics and Social Issues
• Adrian Rogers - Selected works
• Adrian Rogers - Sources
• Adrian Rogers - Footnotes

Read more here: » Adrian Rogers: Encyclopedia - Adrian Rogers

Bill Hybels is the founding and Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Willow Creek's innovative ministries have made it one of the most attended churches in North America, with an average attendance of 17,115 as of 2003 (Dr. John N. Vaughn, Church Growth Today). He is also an author of several Christian books, especially on the subject of Christian leadership. His charismatic personality, coupled with his sincere style, has made Hybels one of the most ...

Including:

• Bill Hybels - Criticisms of Bill Hybels Willow Creek/Seeker Sensitive/Church Growth

Read more here: » Bill Hybels: Encyclopedia - Bill Hybels

History of Christianity Jesus of Nazareth The Apostles Ecumenical councils Great Schism The Crusades Reformation The Trinity God the Father Christ the Son The Holy Spirit The Bible Old Testament New Testament Apocrypha The Gospels Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount Christian theology Salvation · Grace Christian worship Christian Church Catholicism Orthodox Christianity Protestantism Christian denominations Chris ...

Including:

• Baptist - Beliefs
• Baptist - Baptist distinctives acrostic
• Baptist - Biblical authority
• Baptist - Autonomy of the local church Congregationalism
• Baptist - Priesthood of all believers
• Baptist - Two ordinances Baptism and Communion
• Baptist - Individual soul liberty
• Baptist - Separation of church and state
• Baptist - Two offices Pastor and Deacon
• Baptist - Justification by faith
• Baptist - Beliefs that vary among Baptists
• Baptist - Comparisons with other denominations
• Baptist - Worship style
• Baptist - Origins
• Baptist - Landmarkist
• Baptist - Anabaptist
• Baptist - Separatist
• Baptist - The name Baptist
• Baptist - Questions of labeling
• Baptist - Other resources

Read more here: » Baptist: Encyclopedia - Baptist

History of Christianity Jesus of Nazareth The Apostles Ecumenical councils Great Schism The Crusades Reformation The Trinity God the Father Christ the Son The Holy Spirit The Bible Old Testament New Testament Apocrypha The Gospels Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount Christian theology Salvation · Grace Christian worship Christian Church Catholicism Orthodox Christianity Protestantism Christian denominations C ...

Including:

• Lutheranism - History of Lutheranism
• Lutheranism - Early history
• Lutheranism - Religious war
• Lutheranism - Results of the Lutheran Reformation
• Lutheranism - Lutheran doctrine
• Lutheranism - The Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions
• Lutheranism - Central doctrines
• Lutheranism - Lutheran religious practices
• Lutheranism - Lutheran ecumenism
• Lutheranism - Lutheranism in North America
• Lutheranism - Denominational organization
• Lutheranism - Inter-denomination relations
• Lutheranism - Lutheran publishers
• Lutheranism - Modern Lutheranism in Europe
• Lutheranism - Lutherans in Australia
• Lutheranism - International bodies

Read more here: » Lutheranism: Encyclopedia - Lutheranism

Over its twenty year history Hillsong has come under scrutiny and a number of controversies have arisen. Prosperity Teaching, as outlined in Houston's book You Need More Money, is allegedly one of the hallmarks of the church's teaching. Essentially the theology teaches that God wants his people to be wealthy and prosperous, so they have more money to help others, and has given them the ability to "unleash" this power from within. Many Christians, including Tim Costello (the brother of Hillsong conference addressee and Fe ...

See also:

Hillsong Church, Hillsong Church - History, Hillsong Church - Current operations, Hillsong Church - Political influence, Hillsong Church - Music, Hillsong Church - Controversies

Read more here: » Hillsong Church: Encyclopedia II - Hillsong Church - Controversies

Brian and Bobbie Houston moved from New Zealand in 1978 and joined the Sydney Christian Life Centre at Darlinghurst, pastored by Frank Houston, Brian's father. They started Hillsong Church, which was then known as Hills Christian Life Centre, in August 1983 with an initial congregation of 45. Within four years this had grown to 900 people. As the music ministry of the church developed, an annual conference called The Hillsong Conference was crea ...

See also:

Hillsong Church, Hillsong Church - History, Hillsong Church - Current operations, Hillsong Church - Political influence, Hillsong Church - Music, Hillsong Church - Controversies

Read more here: » Hillsong Church: Encyclopedia II - Hillsong Church - History

The Hillsong Church has spearheaded the growth of the Pentecostal churches in Australia, which are the fastest growing group of Christian denominations in Australia. The Hillsong Church has a number of associated operations including: the annual Hillsong Conference, which 28,000 people attended at the Sydney Superdome on 4-8 July in 2005; the Colour Your World Women's Conference; the Hillsong Men's Conference; the Hillsong International Leadership College which trains aspiring Assembly of God m ...

See also:

Hillsong Church, Hillsong Church - History, Hillsong Church - Current operations, Hillsong Church - Political influence, Hillsong Church - Music, Hillsong Church - Controversies

Read more here: » Hillsong Church: Encyclopedia II - Hillsong Church - Current operations

The Hillsong Church has attracted support from high profile politicians especially in the Liberal Party of Australia. Prime Minister John Howard opened its Baulkham Hills campus and Treasurer Peter Costello spoke at its annual conference in July 2004 and 2005. Opposition Leader Mark Latham declined Hillsong's invitation to the annual 2004 conference,[1] although Bob Carr, the Premier of New South Wales, (from the A ...

See also:

Hillsong Church, Hillsong Church - History, Hillsong Church - Current operations, Hillsong Church - Political influence, Hillsong Church - Music, Hillsong Church - Controversies

Read more here: » Hillsong Church: Encyclopedia II - Hillsong Church - Political influence

See main articles: Hillsong Music and List of Hillsong songs. Hillsong's music has become well-known internationally. Songs such as "Power of Your Love" by Geoff Bullock and "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech have become popular and are sung throughout churches world-wide. Hillsong have released over 40 successful albums since 1992, many of them achieving gold status in Australia. Although the music is not well known amongst the mainstream, their 2004 live praise and worship album For All You've Done reached #1 in the mainstream Australian album charts (ARIA) when many copies were s ...

See also:

Hillsong Church, Hillsong Church - History, Hillsong Church - Current operations, Hillsong Church - Political influence, Hillsong Church - Music, Hillsong Church - Controversies

Read more here: » Hillsong Church: Encyclopedia II - Hillsong Church - Music

As a charismatic/Pentecostal church, Lakewood is subject to regular criticism regarding its views on faith healing and the prosperity gospel. In addition, other criticisms of Lakewood and Joel Osteen have included: 1) a style of preaching that avoids theology or controversial topics (referred to in some circles as "Christianity light" or "cotton candy Christianity"); 2) a board of directors consisting completely of Osteen family members (this disqualifies Lakewood from becoming a member of the ECFA); and 3) the Osteen's lifestyle (Joel and h ...

See also:

Lakewood Church, Lakewood Church - The Beginning, Lakewood Church - Television Ministry, Lakewood Church - Passing of the Torch, Lakewood Church - The Lakewood Confession, Lakewood Church - Criticisms

Read more here: » Lakewood Church: Encyclopedia II - Lakewood Church - Criticisms

Like many influential conservative pastors (for example, Jerry Falwell and Billy Graham), Dr. Rogers had been somewhat active in advancing a conservative political agenda in the United States. Dr. Rogers had stated that Christians have a duty to be involved in government, stating that it is a sin for a Christian to abstain from voting in an election. Familial dynamics was a recurrent issue for Dr. Rogers. He focused most closely on fathers that he labeled "drop-out dads." According to Dr. Rogers, since the bible emphasizes the paterna ...

See also:

Adrian Rogers, Adrian Rogers - Southern Baptist Convention Presidency, Adrian Rogers - Theology, Adrian Rogers - On Politics and Social Issues, Adrian Rogers - Selected works, Adrian Rogers - Sources, Adrian Rogers - Footnotes

Read more here: » Adrian Rogers: Encyclopedia II - Adrian Rogers - On Politics and Social Issues

Baptist churches do not have a central governing authority, resulting in a wide range of beliefs from one Baptist church to another. (In fact, many Baptists believe that it is wrong to have a central governing authority - see below). Baptist distinctives are beliefs that are common among Baptist churches, some of which are also shared with many other post-reformational denominations. Some historically significant Baptist doctrinal documents include the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, the 1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Fait ...

See also:

Baptist, Baptist - Beliefs, Baptist - Baptist distinctives acrostic, Baptist - Biblical authority, Baptist - Autonomy of the local church Congregationalism, Baptist - Priesthood of all believers, Baptist - Two ordinances Baptism and Communion, Baptist - Individual soul liberty, Baptist - Separation of church and state, Baptist - Two offices Pastor and Deacon, Baptist - Justification by faith, Baptist - Beliefs that vary among Baptists, Baptist - Comparisons with other denominations, Baptist - Worship style, Baptist - Origins, Baptist - Landmarkist, Baptist - Anabaptist, Baptist - Separatist, Baptist - The name Baptist, Baptist - Questions of labeling, Baptist - Other resources

Read more here: » Baptist: Encyclopedia II - Baptist - Beliefs

Baptist churches do not have a central governing authority, resulting in a wide range of beliefs from one Baptist church to another. Baptist distinctives are beliefs that are common among Baptist churches, some of which are also shared with many other post-reformational denominations. Some historically significant Baptist doctrinal documents include the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, the 1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith, and the Southern Baptist Convention's Baptist Faith and Message, which are often used as the "official" doctrinal statements of individual local Baptist churches or the starti ...

See also:

Baptist, Baptist - Beliefs, Baptist - Baptist distinctives acrostic, Baptist - Biblical authority, Baptist - Autonomy of the local church Congregationalism, Baptist - Priesthood of all believers, Baptist - Two ordinances Baptism and Communion, Baptist - Individual soul liberty, Baptist - Separation of church and state, Baptist - Two offices Pastor and Deacon, Baptist - Justification by faith, Baptist - Beliefs that vary among Baptists, Baptist - Comparisons with other denominations, Baptist - Worship style, Baptist - Origins, Baptist - Landmarkist, Baptist - Anabaptist, Baptist - Separatist, Baptist - The name Baptist, Baptist - Questions of labeling, Baptist - Other resources

Read more here: » Baptist: Encyclopedia II - Baptist - Beliefs

Yoido Full Gospel Church - Early years: 1958-1961. The Yoido Full Gospel Church was founded by Dr David Yonggi Cho and Mrs Choi Ja-shil (최자실), both Assemblies of God pastors. On May 15, 1958, a worship service was held in the home of Choi Ja-shil. Apart from the two pastors, only Choi Ja-shil's three daughters (one of whom later married David Yonggi Cho) and one elderly woman, who had come in to escape from the rain, attended the first service. The two pastors began a vigorous campaign of knocking on doors, ...

See also:

Yoido Full Gospel Church, Yoido Full Gospel Church - History, Yoido Full Gospel Church - Early years: 1958-1961, Yoido Full Gospel Church - The Seodaemun Church: 1961-1973, Yoido Full Gospel Church - The Yoido Church: 1973-present, Yoido Full Gospel Church - Ministries of the church, Yoido Full Gospel Church - Recent activities, Yoido Full Gospel Church - Theology

Read more here: » Yoido Full Gospel Church: Encyclopedia II - Yoido Full Gospel Church - History

In the U.S., congregations are grouped into over 20 different denominations. By far the largest is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The next largest is the more conservative Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS). More conservative than the LCMS are two synods that are in communion with each other: the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod(ELS). These denominations provide seminaries, pastoral care, and Sunday School and liturgical materials. Local congregations contri ...

See also:

Lutheranism, Lutheranism - History of Lutheranism, Lutheranism - Early history, Lutheranism - Religious war, Lutheranism - Results of the Lutheran Reformation, Lutheranism - Lutheran doctrine, Lutheranism - The Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, Lutheranism - Central doctrines, Lutheranism - Lutheran religious practices, Lutheranism - Lutheran ecumenism, Lutheranism - Lutheranism in North America, Lutheranism - Denominational organization, Lutheranism - Inter-denomination relations, Lutheranism - Lutheran publishers, Lutheranism - Modern Lutheranism in Europe, Lutheranism - Lutherans in Australia, Lutheranism - International bodies, Lutheranism - External link

Read more here: » Lutheranism: Encyclopedia II - Lutheranism - Lutheranism in North America