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Articles 1 - 30 of 275
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Church-Based Qualitative Research, David R. Dunaetz
Church-Based Qualitative Research, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
Qualitative research is collecting, analyzing, and interpreting subjective data to answer an important research question. It can be contrasted with quantitative research, which focuses on collecting numerical (relatively objective) data to test specific hypotheses. It is an attractive form of research in church contexts because it does not require training in statistics and can be conducted in almost all ministry settings. It is especially appropriate for topics that are under-researched, poorly understood, or involve concepts that are difficult to measure. Common problems associated with church-based qualitative research include overly broad research questions, weak descriptions of what has been observed, shallow …
My Pilgrimage In The Growth Of The Church, Charles Van Engen
My Pilgrimage In The Growth Of The Church, Charles Van Engen
Great Commission Research Journal
I have lived a life invested in the growth of the church and forming leaders who would mobilize the church toward growth. I have sought to pay forward what others did for me. Born of missionary parents, I was raised in the state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. From 1973 to 1985, my wife, Jean, and I served the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico in Chiapas, Mexico, in leadership formation, training evangelists, pastors, and teachers of rapidly growing churches. In 1981, I received a Ph.D. in missiology under Johannes Verkuyl at the Free University of Amsterdam. I taught Mission Theology …
How Did We Get Here? Examining 70 Years Of The Church Growth Movement By Todd Wilson, Mike Morris
How Did We Get Here? Examining 70 Years Of The Church Growth Movement By Todd Wilson, Mike Morris
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
About The Great Commission Research Network Fall 2026, David R. Dunaetz
About The Great Commission Research Network Fall 2026, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Outside The Church Walls: An Empirical Exploration Of Organizational Culture And Pastoral Leadership In Two Urban Churches, Althea P. Gordon-Scott, Joshua D. Henson, Bethany D. Peters, Katrina Hutchins
Outside The Church Walls: An Empirical Exploration Of Organizational Culture And Pastoral Leadership In Two Urban Churches, Althea P. Gordon-Scott, Joshua D. Henson, Bethany D. Peters, Katrina Hutchins
Great Commission Research Journal
A mini-ethnographic case study explored the interconnections of organizational culture and pastoral leadership with sustainable outreach in two very different churches that focus on ministry to people with life-controlling issues and economic need: a small, primarily Black church in the Great Lakes region and a large, primarily White and Hispanic church in the western United States. Despite their differences, the churches shared similar espoused values and leadership characteristics that facilitated their outreach initiatives. Themes derived from the data include altruistic foundations, the value of relationships, exemplary pastoral leadership, organizational challenges, agile organizational systems, and the centrality of God.
Complete Issue, David R. Dunaetz
Complete Issue, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
About The Great Commission Research Network Spring 2026, David R. Dunaetz
About The Great Commission Research Network Spring 2026, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Unwavering Pastor: Leading The Church With Grace In Divisive Times By Jonathan Dodson, Jordan Ickes
Book Review: The Unwavering Pastor: Leading The Church With Grace In Divisive Times By Jonathan Dodson, Jordan Ickes
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Receptivity Principle For Effective Evangelism: Its Biblical Basis, Mike Morris
The Receptivity Principle For Effective Evangelism: Its Biblical Basis, Mike Morris
Great Commission Research Journal
Donald McGavran’s receptivity principle remains relevant today as Christian mission agencies and individuals make decisions about prioritizing evangelistic efforts. This article examines the scriptural basis of the principle. The author analyzes various passages that confirm the logical progression of the following statements: The preliminary work of God is necessary for evangelistic effectiveness. God works unevenly around the world as he works in the evangelistic process. Because of God’s uneven work, some individuals and groups are more receptive to the gospel than are other individuals and groups. Christians can and should discern where God is causing increased receptivity, and they should …
A Brief History Of The American Society For Church Growth And Great Commission Research Network, Gary Mcintosh
A Brief History Of The American Society For Church Growth And Great Commission Research Network, Gary Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
This article surveys the 40‑year history of the Great Commission Research Network, originally founded in 1985 as the American Society for Church Growth. It traces the Society’s origins in the vision of C. Peter Wagner, its early development alongside emerging academic and consulting roles in the Church Growth Movement, and its subsequent evolution through changing leadership, themes, and institutional partnerships. The narrative outlines major milestones, including organizational restructuring, name changes, expanding conference formats, and increasing collaboration with seminaries, denominations, and the Society for Church Consulting. Across four decades, the Society has produced significant research, cultivated key leaders, supported academic scholarship, …
About The Great Commission Research Network Fall 2025, David R. Dunaetz
About The Great Commission Research Network Fall 2025, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Missiological Triage: A Framework For Integrating Theology And Social Sciences In Missiological Methods By Sarah Lunsford, L. Lynn Thigpen
Book Review: Missiological Triage: A Framework For Integrating Theology And Social Sciences In Missiological Methods By Sarah Lunsford, L. Lynn Thigpen
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Church Doors And Hospital Doors: The Interrelationship, Azubuike Chukwubumnobi Okeke, Samuel Obiajulu Ike
Church Doors And Hospital Doors: The Interrelationship, Azubuike Chukwubumnobi Okeke, Samuel Obiajulu Ike
Great Commission Research Journal
This study examines the place of medical evangelism as a means of church expansion in modern Nigeria. It is a retrospective cross-sectional investigative study involving data collection from the Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital’s anonymized patient records. The Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital is in Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria. Over 100,000 patients sought medical care in the hospital during a period of 19 years. Seventy-four percent had spiritual care provided by a person of the same faith. Most of the respondents came from within the Enugu metropolitan area. Using the church planting ministry of the Chapel of His Resurrection within the …
2025 Vol 17(1) About The Great Commission Research Network, David R. Dunaetz
2025 Vol 17(1) About The Great Commission Research Network, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Pastors Of Smaller And Larger Churches Face Different Challenges: Empirical Evidence, William Ingersoll, David R. Dunaetz
Pastors Of Smaller And Larger Churches Face Different Challenges: Empirical Evidence, William Ingersoll, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
This study seeks to expand our understanding of the differences between the challenges faced by pastors of smaller churches and the challenges faced by pastors of larger churches. Pastors of North American churches (N = 347), generally with a theologically conservative orientation, responded to an online survey indicating how difficult they perceived each of 79 challenges to be. In general, evangelism and retaining youth were the most difficult challenges. However, clear distinctions were found between pastors of smaller churches and pastors of larger churches for over one-third of the challenges. For example, pastors of larger churches found that adequately addressing …
Book Review: Stronger Together: Seven Partnership Virtues And The Vices That Subvert Them By Dave Harvey, Rex Ng
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
2025 Vol 17(1) Complete Issue.Pdf, David R. Dunaetz
2025 Vol 17(1) Complete Issue.Pdf, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional And Spiritual Abuse By Chuck Degroat, Timothy Clothier
Book Review: When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional And Spiritual Abuse By Chuck Degroat, Timothy Clothier
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Disciple Making: From Doubter To Disciple, Brad Ransom
Disciple Making: From Doubter To Disciple, Brad Ransom
Great Commission Research Journal
The theme of our 2024 Great Commission Research Network conference was “Disciple Making: from Doubter to Disciple.” Disciple making is the mission and call of the Church and therefore must be a priority for church leaders. Every church needs a clearly developed and defined discipleship strategy or pathway that leads every person in its sphere of influence to a relationship with Jesus and growth in their faith. The problem is that many churches do not have such a plan.
About The Great Commission Research Network Fall 2024, David R. Dunaetz
About The Great Commission Research Network Fall 2024, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Using Statistics In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz
Using Statistics In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
Although the proper use of statistics is challenging for most people, including researchers, aggregated numeric data is often the strongest evidence that a researcher can present to support an idea. This is because statistics is such a powerful tool for detecting trends that can be observed in complex contexts such as churches. Church researchers need to understand two classes of statistics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics describe the different variables that are measured in a study and include the mean, the standard deviation, and confidence intervals. They also include correlations showing how these variables are related to each …
Book Review: Mission In Praise, Word, And Deed: Reflections On The Past And Future Of Global Mission Edited By Edward L. Smither And Jessica A. Udall, Nathaniel (Than) Veltman
Book Review: Mission In Praise, Word, And Deed: Reflections On The Past And Future Of Global Mission Edited By Edward L. Smither And Jessica A. Udall, Nathaniel (Than) Veltman
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Fall 2024 Complete Issue Of The Great Commission Research Journal, David R. Dunaetz
Fall 2024 Complete Issue Of The Great Commission Research Journal, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Church-Supported Esl Ministry In Canada: A Look At The Church’S Mission In Action, Gordon Moulden
Church-Supported Esl Ministry In Canada: A Look At The Church’S Mission In Action, Gordon Moulden
Great Commission Research Journal
English is a dominant business, academic, and communicative language throughout the world. Immigrants and refugees coming to the West have a great need to learn the language but often do not have the funds or time to pursue studies full-time. Churches often offer English classes to minister to not only their language needs but also to their relational and spiritual needs. This mixed-methods survey and interview research investigates the state of church-supported English as a Second Language (ESL) programs across Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 50 teachers and program coordinators completed the survey, which revealed needs relating to training …
Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon
Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon
Great Commission Research Journal
Asbury Theological Seminary conducted a research project exploring financial models beyond traditional church tithes and offerings. This qualitative study focused on financial viability and missional vibrancy. It involved surveys, interviews, a focus group, and site visits to churches using alternate financial models. Major findings revealed that six alternate financial models are presently used that increase missional impact, allowing churches to serve communities and engage in meaningful interactions. These models also provide churches financial viability and surprising missional benefits that include goodwill, partnerships, real estate development, job creation, and enhanced community engagement. Some precautions are also noted based on the experiences …
Gods Have Names: Addressing The Translation Of “God” In The Thai Language And Culture, Kelly M. Hilderbrand
Gods Have Names: Addressing The Translation Of “God” In The Thai Language And Culture, Kelly M. Hilderbrand
Great Commission Research Journal
This article is a practical missiological examination of the word used to reference God in the Thai language. The problem is that the term used in Thai, Phrajao (พระเจ้า), is a generic term that can be used for any number of different gods or royalty and is easily misunderstood. After an examination of the words used for “God” in Chinese and Hindu contexts, the biblical terms for “God” are examined. Although the Bible uses generic terms for God (Elohim and Theos), God has a name. The name of God, Yahweh, was revealed to Moses and used throughout the Old Testament. …
Review Of Diaspora Missions To International Students By Enoch Wan, I. Francis Kyle Iii
Review Of Diaspora Missions To International Students By Enoch Wan, I. Francis Kyle Iii
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
About The Great Commission Research Network Spring 2024, David R. Dunaetz
About The Great Commission Research Network Spring 2024, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
How A Novel Research Framework Resulted In Fruitful Evangelism And Discovery: Introducing Ethnoscopy And Spiritual Patronage, L. Lynn Thigpen
How A Novel Research Framework Resulted In Fruitful Evangelism And Discovery: Introducing Ethnoscopy And Spiritual Patronage, L. Lynn Thigpen
Great Commission Research Journal
Faced with an unusual question from a Cambodian friend who had heard stories from God’s Word, I embarked on a quest for an answer. He worshipped an unusual and unfamiliar object and wondered whether he must abandon it to serve Christ. I knew he did, but I needed to explore the meanings ascribed to that object of worship to communicate the gospel more clearly, just as Paul did in Acts 17 while in Athens. According to Jesus’ parable of the soils in Matthew 13, fruitful evangelism involves understanding. How might individual missionaries and evangelists aid in that crucial need? With …
Book Review: Church Plantology: The Art And Science Of Planting By Peyton Jones, David Thiessen
Book Review: Church Plantology: The Art And Science Of Planting By Peyton Jones, David Thiessen
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.