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2006 - 89th Annual Lectureship, "Messages From The Gospel Of John 9-21", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christian University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

This is the brochure for the 2006 89thh Annual Bible Lectureship held at Abilene Christian University.

The Art Of Vision Casting For Church Multiplication, J. D. Payne

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

“A plan in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out.” Proverbs 20:5 (NASB). The writer of the above verse reminds us of the importance of having knowledge in regard to moving one’s plans out of the deep recesses of the heart to the surface to where those plans can be carried out. This proverb has much to say about casting a vision for multiplication. Casting, or drawing out that vision from the heart so that others will take ownership of that vision and work to carry it out, requires a discerning …

Multiplying Churches In Every Ethos: Session Three Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In 1981, Donald McGavran presented a series of lectures at Manhattan Christian College. Over the next few journals, we will publish this series in a continuing effort to honor McGavran and his legacy of Church Growth Missiology. This is the second in the series. —Editor

A Short History Of Winfield C. Arn And The Institute For American Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Flowing out of the first Church Growth class for pastors and denominational leaders in the USA at the School of World Mission of Fuller Theological seminary , three organizations became the primary pipelines for communicating Church Growth theory to pastors and church leaders until the late 1990s—the Institute for American Church Growth, the Fuller Evangelistic Association, and the Fuller Seminary Doctor of Ministry program. Of the three, the Institute for American Church Growth presented the most consistent or pure form of McGavran’s church growth missiology.

Incarnational Ministry : A Program For Spiritual Formation And Renewal, John Charles Dendiu

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Video Venue Preaching On Christian Life Transformation, Richard Blackburn Gifford

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Www.Church: Consulting With 19th And 20th Century Congregations In A 21st Century World, Earl James Price

Doctor of Ministry

A new pastor is called and excitement is high. Both the pastor and the congregation begin this journey with high hopes and expectations. Yet too often things get off track quickly and people are left wondering what happened and why aren't things going in the direction we hoped? The problem comes from a failure to understand the unique nature of a faith community. Understanding the nature includes an understanding of the roles of and the relationship between values, vision and mission in charting a course to the future of their ministry together. This failure in understanding also presents itself when …

The State Of The North American Church, Joel Comiskey

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Barna, more than any other person, has diligently uncovered what is happening in the North American church scene through hard, factual research. This article combines Barna’s research, the research of others, and my own personal observations to paint a clearer picture of the North American church.

The Theological Roots, Vision, And Contribution Of The Church Growth Movement, George Hunter

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In the 1970’s, Donald McGavran’s Church Growth movement emerged in the service of a powerful theological vision: to fulfill the ancient promise to Abraham—that all of the earth’s peoples would be blessed, and to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission—to reach, and make disciples, among the lost peoples of the earth. Church Growth’s people, however, have never “majored” in Constructive Theology. With most other Christians, we regard Christianity as a revealed (not an imagined) faith; most of us affirm the classical theology of the Church, with deep roots in the Scriptures and normative respect for the several ancient creeds. So Church Growth …

Being Ecumenical And Evangelical, Elmer Towns

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This article looks at the nature of the ecumenical movement, specifically attempting to examine the differences between the ecumenical movement as represented in the National Council of Churches, and the evangelical movement as represented by the National Association of Evangelicals. Specifically, we are asking, “Can we be evangelical and ecumenical?” This article will show a difference between the “old ecumenical” movement represented by the National Council of Churches/World Council of Churches and the “new ecumenical” that is seen among evangelicals. It will show why the “old” has failed and is approaching bankruptcy and will demonstrate the growing strength of the …

Psalms Lecture, Calvin Seerveld

Symposium on Worship Archive

A recording of and handout to accompany the morning plenary service hosted by Calvin Seerveld, based off of the Psalms and Seerveld's book "Voicing God's Psalms."

The Psalms are for all of us! Whether we love classical organ music or jazz, contemporary praise music or global songs, the Psalms provide a deep well of instruction and inspiration. In our work at the Worship Institute over the past year, we have been deeply encouraged regarding the use of biblical Psalms in new churches, traditional churches, contemporary churches, urban churches, military bases, nursing homes, and hospitals.

Program Book - 2005 Calvin Symposium On Worship: Word, Image, Music, Action, Calvin Institute Of Christian Worship

Symposium on Worship Archive

Program book for the 2005 Calvin Symposium on Worship, including a schedule, presenter bios, and practical information.

62nd Annual Pepperdine Bible Lectureship -- Lifted Up: Great Themes From John 18-21 (2005), Jerry Rushford

Pepperdine Bible Lectures: Programs

Program booklet for the 62nd Annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures, held at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, May 3-6, 2005. The Pepperdine Bible Lectures is an annual event hosted by Pepperdine University featuring a wide variety of lectures and classes on topics and themes in the Bible and Christianity.

Jerry Rushford, Lectureship Director

Bill Henegar, Rick Gibson, Kym Dildine, and Patty Atkisson, Lectures Team

Rivers Of Revival Volume 1 And Volume 2 (Chinese), Elmer Towns, Neil T. Anderson

Towns Foreign Language Book Collection

No abstract provided.

Www.Church: Consulting With 19th And 20th Century Congregations In A 21st Century World, Earl J. Pierce

Doctor of Ministry

A new pastor is called and excitement is high. Both the pastor and the congregation begin this joumey with high hopes and expectations. Yet too often things get off track quickly and people are left wondering what happened and why aren't things going in the direction we hoped?

The problem comes from a failure to understand the unique nature of a faith community. Understanding the nature includes an understanding of the roles of and the relationship between values, vision and mission in charting a course to the future of their ministry together. This failure in understanding also presents itself when …

Metanoic Adaptation: The Necessary Experience That Precedes Church Revitalization, Wayne Evans

Doctor of Ministry

A look at the church landscape shows that once vibrant and influential churches sometimes have stagnated or died. Without a remedy, some of the EFC-ER churches I superintend have already faced this. My contention is that such churches can be revitalized. When, how, and with what tools can they be transformed? I answer these questions in this document. Revitalization is not a formula to guarantee success; it is an experience that spiritually and strategically remakes the church from the inside out. I call the experience Metanoic Adaptation. By research and experience, I frame the conditions, components, and course for …

Simple Church Ecclesiology In Relationship To The Evangelical Church Denomination, Leroy V. Robinson

Doctor of Ministry

The issue addressed in this paper regards the validity of a more organic ecclesiology in the context of The Evangelical Church. The validation for this paradigm is its ability to embody authentic Christian community and in the process develop disciples who are able to administrate the mandates of the Great Commission. The result will be three-fold: leadership development, church planting, and engagement of the emerging culture.

The purpose of this paper is to offer an ecclesiological paradigm advantageous to the entire Church community. This model is one of several the Holy Spirit has chosen to use in blessing and emboldening …

Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.

“God’S Unswerving Purpose”: Session One Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In 1981, Donald McGavran presented a series of lectures at Manhattan Christian college. Over the next few journals, we will publish this series in a continuing effort to honor McGavran and his legacy of Church Growth Missiology. —Editor

The Transition From Church Growth To Church Health, Philip Walker

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

When I have taught Church Growth principles I have found it helpful to look at Acts 2:41-47 and the variety of growth types indicated in these verses. You will find: Growing up in verse 42, individuals growing into a mature relationship with God; Growing together in verse 44, in great generosity and spiritual gifts; Growing out in verse 47a, into the community; Growing more in verse 47b, as the numbers increase. The problem has been that Church Growth thinking has been caricatured as relating only to the last of these, although a careful reading of the Church Growth books shows …

The Mother Church And Church Planting, J. D. Payne

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In this article, I will address several issues related to a much neglected area of church planting. First, I will discuss three reasons why churches are not involved in church planting. Second, I will address this problem in light of the Scriptures and missiology. Third, I will list and respond to the most common objections to becoming a mother church. Fourth, I will discuss several ways in which established churches can become involved in church planting. Finally, I will address the significance of church leadership in the churches planting churches process.

The Multi-Site Movement, Dave Ferguson

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

There are now at least 1500 multi-site churches in the United States. No longer does a church have to only have one branch, one location, or one campus. This article presents and analyzes data collected by Leadership Network in a survey they conducted with over 1000 multi-site churches.

2005 - 87th Annual Bible Lectureship, "Since You Have Been Risen With Christ", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christianity University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

No abstract provided.

Reformed Worship (Rw) 74 - Lent / Easter (December 2004), Reformed Worship Editors

Reformed Worship Magazine

Features

Travels with Paul by Robert J. Keeley, Laura Keeley, and Marvin J. Hofman....3

Vigil of the Final Hours by Tracy Sybesma....6

Filthy Rags of Deadly Sings by Karen Van Bemden....14

Christ Has Died, Christ Is Risen, Christ Will Come Again by James Abbington and Emily R. Brink....16

God's Reply to Cries of the Heart by Len Kuyvenhoven....22

Traveling on Easter Sunday by Jane Vogel....24

If You Ask for Sunshine, Remember to Bring Sunscreen by Lisa A. Stracks....30

This Little Child from Far Away by Philip de Haan....33

Dear Rebecca Lee by …

Church Growth Consulting: Focusing On The ‘Main’ Thing Or Boosting The Reproductive Quotient, R. Daniel Reeves

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In this article, I want to challenge the complexity and mechanism of some of the consulting practices we have used and show how important it is to “keep our eye on the ball,” and focus on the “main thing,” – the “reproductive quotient.” What is the reproductive quotient? Very simply it is that evidence or measure that shows a congregation that it is meeting its God given assignment of winning and making disciples of Jesus Christ. As we help a congregation to raise its “reproductive quotient,” we focus attention on four specific areas – reproducing new disciples, new leaders, new …

A Historical Overview Of Church Growth Consulting, Carl George

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

My longtime friend and colleague, Alan McMahan, asked for an article that would sum up my observations of Church Growth consulting over the past twenty-five years. He wanted it to be helpful to practitioners.

Reformed Worship (Rw) 73 - Advent / Christmas (September 2004), Reformed Worship Editors

Reformed Worship Magazine

Features

"What? I Have to Preach the Christmas Story Again?" by David Vroege....3

Through the Narrow Gate by Kurt Selles....6

And Mary Pondered All These Things by Dorothy Nienhuis....13

When Hearts Are Troubled by Joan Baker....16

Children's Messiah by Cheri Ter Haar and Jane Hilbrands....18

Arise, Shine!....21

For All the Saints by John C. Bush....25

Come, All You People by Mary Winters....28

Treasure Hunt by Trevor Rubingh....36

Articulating a Reformed Identity by Bill Van Groningen....40

Departments

Editorial: Permission to Pray by Emily R. Brink....2

Series for the Season: What to …

The Mentoring Of First-Time Leaders In The Church, Sterling Neville Gosman

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2004, John D. Witvliet, Ronald J. Nydam, Gary Teja

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Ministry in Cultural Context
3 - The Holy Restlessness of Contextual Ministry by John D. Witvliet
6 - Faculty Interview: Preparing Students for Ministry in Cultural Context
9 - Relating “Cross-Culturally” to Generation Y by Ron Nydam
11 - Cross-Cultural Issues in Church Planting by Gary Teja Venture by Lyle Bierma
9 - Grace and Truth by Dean Deppe
10 - Ministry at the Boundaries: An Interview with Chaplain Carl Kammeraad
11 - East, West, North and South Meet at CTS by Richard Sytsma

Departments
13 - Preaching
14 - Continuing Education
15 - News

Cho Yonggi’S Charismatic Leadership And Church Growth, David S. Lim

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

As the founding and senior pastor of the largest megachurch in the world so far, it is quite obvious that Rev. Dr. Cho Yonggi (hereafter, Cho) has been an effective leader of church growth (CG) in Korea and the world. How was he able to lead the Yoido Full Gospel Church (YFGC) to achieve such phenomenal growth? I am greatly honored to have been invited to present this paper that will focus on his personal charisma as one of the key factors that brought about such a development in church history.