Leading Magazine announces survey to identify top national Christian leaders

Who are the most influential Christians in America? That’s the question The Church Report is asking you to help them find out.
The national business and news magazine for pastors and ministry leaders is gearing up to release its 2006 edition of "The 50 Most Influential Christians in America ."
In preparation the editors are asking you to log on to www.thechurchreport.com and name the ten American Christians you think have most impacted the nation and world over the last year. The Church Report will then tabulate the results and come up with a list of the 50 who received the most votes.
The 2005 list was graced by a wide range of men and women who have made a positive impact in ministry, politics and public service, business, media, and entertainment. The number one spot belonged to the nation’s Chief Executive. "It’s no surprise that President George Bush topped our 2005 list," says Jason Christy, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Church Report. "His openness and honesty about his faith have made him America’s most high-profile believer."
Number two on the list was actor and producer Mel Gibson, whose bold and controversial film The Passion of the Christ rocked the nation – and the world – with the gospel message. Notes Christy, "Mel’s refusal to compromise his Christian convictions has confounded Hollywood’s elite – and given the world a film destined to be a classic for generations to come."
Another obvious choice for 2005 was Dr. Billy Graham (#3), perhaps America’s most loved public figure over the last 50 years. "Even in the twilight of his fruitful ministry, Dr. Graham has continued to exercise a profoundly positive influence on public figures and the nation as a whole," says Christy.
Among the other notable names to appear on this year’s list was Dr. Paul Crouch, whose Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) has grown from little more than a dream in 1973 to the largest Christian broadcast network in the world. "With God’s guidance, Dr. Crouch has accomplished the miraculous," says Susan Zahn, a Christian marketing expert and founder of the public relations firm WDCMedia. "He has made quality inspirational and family programming a daily reality in millions of homes around the world."
Zahn notes that TBN is now broadcast on over 5,000 television stations and carried on 33 satellites, the Internet, and thousands of cable systems around the world. "Dr. Crouch’s vision of filling the airwaves with the message of God’s grace has become a global reality," says Zahn. "Only eternity will reveal the enormity of his influence on this world."
Other influential Christians to appear on this year’s list include: the Rev. Joel Osteen (#5), whose weekly television ministry has been broadcast into over 100 million households worldwide; Anne Graham Lotz (#14), popular Christian speaker, bestselling author, and daughter of Dr. Billy Graham; John Maxwell (#22), Christian leadership expert and founder of the Global Pastors Network; Joni Eareckson Tada (#26), bestselling author, artist, and advocate for the disabled; and the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell (#44), pastor of the nation’s largest United Methodist church and author of the book Entrepreneurial Faith.
To view the Compete 2005 edition of "The 50 Most Influential Christians in America" visit www.thechurchreport.com/content/view/170/32/.
The Church Report’s annual survey offers abundant proof of the positive impact Christians make in society on a daily basis, says Roni Wexler, CEO of the Ten Commandments Commission. "I have met and worked with many of the individuals on this list," said Wexler, whose commission promotes the restoration of Judeo-Christian values in culture and society. "I know from experience that these men and women demonstrate the values and the reverence for God this great nation was founded upon."
Christy emphasizes that individuals should log on soon at www.thechurchreport.com to cast their votes for America’s most influential Christians. "It’s important that we get a broad representation of voting from people from all walks of life," he says. "Pollster George Barna [#31 on the 2005 list] has noted the vast influence the Christian faith has had on all segments of life in America. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to log on and be part of our 2006 report."
Distributed to over 40,000 senior pastors and ministry heads nationwide, The Church Report is the premier journal Christian leaders turn to for news and information in their field. Its in-depth articles, departments, and regular columns from the nation’s most high-profile leaders make The Church Report an indispensable resource for ministry and church leaders.
Media Contact:
Susan Zahn
WDC Media
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