Gateway Church, Dallas, Texas — While only 15 years old, Gateway Church has made its way into the top five most-attended churches in America. Its trademark band, Hillsong United, fills up the same stadiums as rock stars U2, and now it has opened shop in America’s two largest cities, New York and Los Angeles. The 50 most influential religious figures in American history are: 1.Ann Lee – founder of the Shakers (Update: Lee was actually born in Manchester, England.) VOTE NOW: Is Christ Returning? The Church Report Magazine is out with their annual list of the 50 most influential churches in America. The "service" is entertaining. Phoenix First Assembly and Angelus Temple, Phoenix and Los Angeles —Tommy, Luke, and Matthew Barnett are an evangelical dynasty in this country. Floyd is easily one of the most influential Christian leaders in America, and any Republican worth his salt better be calling. Stanley is the senior pastor of an Atlanta suburban megachurch with six locations. The Cranks, who also serve as the church’s senior pastors, are sought-after motivational speakers who helped grow their member base by breaking down the sometimes complex teachings of the Bible into relatable, easy-to-digest services that are accessible to everyone. First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga. — This church is led by one of America’s most loved and most well-known Bible teachers, Dr. Charles Stanley. Here is the list of the top 10 most influential churches in America, according to the Church Report poll: 1. It is an interesting list (as usual). Get a bi-weekly summary of Anglican news from around the world. 2. He leads the largest church in Orlando. But that’s how they like it. If you guessed Dr. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forrest, CA, you were right. McLean Bible Church, McLean, Va. — While rarely, if ever, public about its politics, McLean Bible Church counts within its congregation some of the most influential leaders in Washington, D.C. Links will not be permitted. Today a stunning 50,000 are members of the Southern Baptist Church. Some 35,000 events are held on the property annually. 25 Most Popular Churches in America. Known as one of the most influential civil rights' … Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York, N.Y. — This church is led by the best-selling author and public intellectual Dr. Tim Keller, who is often cited as the C.S. In honor of Black History month, the spiritual Web site Beliefnet.com compiled the top ten most influential black religious leaders in America. Hybels created the first "seeker friendly" church which made the traditional worship hour inviting to non-believers. 32. Willow Creek is the opposite of a typical church. Blake Little for TIME. Yet, if you pin any of them down, they almost always embrace traditional values. The African-American community has contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of the United States. Its smart leaders run the place like a company, and yet it’s every bit as exuberant — or “spirit-filled” — as any church in the world. Dr. Jack Graham has a radio and television ministry, and he is a highly respected leader who most recently served as chairman of the National Day of Prayer. Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, Texas — Led by Dr. Tony Evans, this church boasts a widely listened-to radio broadcast, multiple ministries across the city, and the honor of being known as one of the most popular “urban” ministries in the country. 49. In compiling this list, Newsmax has elected to organize these churches based upon their overall influence rather than by their size (others do that regularly). Louie Giglio — Pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, speaker, author, and founder of the Passion … Free Chapel, Gainesville, Ga., and Irvine, Calif. — Jentezen Franklin leads this congregation. Gateway booked the Cowboys Stadium for a nationwide event next year. 4.Benjamin Warfield – defender of Biblical inerrancy 44. The Baptists have that now and … America's New People's Pastor These are heady times for Rick Warren. Elevation Church, Charlotte, N.C. — Led by the hip Steven Furtick, who is also a best-selling author, Elevation is often noted among the fastest-growing churches in America. National Community Church, Washington, D.C. — Mark Batterson is a rising evangelical star whose best-selling books and cool teachings have quickly made his church one of the most attended by young professionals in Washington, D.C. North Point has opted for exponential influence and, while you might not know it is behind it, the religious community nationwide would look radically different without this church. His cool, white hair gives him a distinguished presence, but it’s really his impeccable reputation that has made him one of America’s singlemost respected Christians. Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren speaks at the second annual Global Summit on AIDS and The Church, at Saddleback Church December 1, 2006 in Lake Forest, California. © Virtueonline 2014 all rights reserved.570 Twin Lakes Rd.,P.O. 34. Led by husband and wife Bill … Hybels planted the congregation in1975 with 125 people who met at the Willow Creek Theater in Palantine, IL The church grew so fast that it bought 90 acres of farmland in South Barrington, IL, and hit 2,000 members by year three. 37. During the ’80s, he served as one of the founders of the Moral Majority along with Jerry Falwell. The "Top 50 Most Influential Churches" were selected in a survey of 2,000 church leaders conducted by "The Church Report," a magazine for church administrators. 16. Many Southern Baptist churches in the 60s lost members when they wanted to include blacks at their services.