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Articles 121 - 150 of 275
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Book Review: Crossroads Of The Nations: Diaspora, Globalization, And Evangelism By Jared Looney, David B. Srygley
Book Review: Crossroads Of The Nations: Diaspora, Globalization, And Evangelism By Jared Looney, David B. Srygley
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Church Planter: The Man, The Message, The Mission By Darrin Patrick, Jamie Booth
Book Review: Church Planter: The Man, The Message, The Mission By Darrin Patrick, Jamie Booth
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Great Commission Research Journal Vol 8 Iss 2, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal Vol 8 Iss 2, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
How Donald Mcgavran Has Impacted One Urban Church Plant And Indirectly Influenced Thousands Of Other Churches: An Analysis Of The Journey Church Of The City, Nelson Searcy, Matthew C. Easter
How Donald Mcgavran Has Impacted One Urban Church Plant And Indirectly Influenced Thousands Of Other Churches: An Analysis Of The Journey Church Of The City, Nelson Searcy, Matthew C. Easter
Great Commission Research Journal
This essay offers five specific principles from Donald McGavran that have directly influenced The Journey Church in New York City, San Francisco, and Boca Raton, Florida, and indirectly thousands of other churches (through the writing and coaching ministry of Nelson Searcy with Church Leader Insights). McGavran’s principles of missionary eyes, goal setting, assimilation, homogeneity, and a Great Commission focus have proven invaluable in this church plant and offer a similar value to other churches seeking to make a difference in their communities.
Book Review: Leading Church Multiplication: Locally, Regionally, Nationally By Tom Nebel And Steve Pike, David Yetter
Book Review: Leading Church Multiplication: Locally, Regionally, Nationally By Tom Nebel And Steve Pike, David Yetter
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Complete Issue, Alan Mcmahan
Introduction To Volume 8 Issue 1, Alan Mcmahan
Introduction To Volume 8 Issue 1, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Case For Prioritism: Part 2, Christopher R. Little
The Case For Prioritism: Part 2, Christopher R. Little
Great Commission Research Journal
Debate is no stranger to evangelicalism. Rigorous dialogue among evangelicals ought to be welcomed as it clarifies issues, forms convictions, and sets agendas. The missiological disagreement between prioritists and holists is a case in point. Prioritists feel constrained to redress holistic reconfigurations of such fundamental concepts as gospel, kingdom, and mission. For the sake of the nations, this article seeks to compare and contrast prioritism with holism, trace the historical emergence of evangelical holism, offer reasons why prioritism more accurately represents a biblically informed approach to mission, and concludes with means by which readers can determine which viewpoint to affirm …
Donald Mcgavran: An Evangelistic Missionary, Gary L. Mcintosh
Donald Mcgavran: An Evangelistic Missionary, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
During the second half of Donald McGavran’s time in India from 1937 until the early 1950s, he worked as an evangelistic missionary among a low caste tribe of people. This article follows his story of planting fifteen churches, seeing new believers come to faith in Christ, and the further developing of his principles of church growth.
The Case For Prioritism: Part 1, Christopher R. Little
The Case For Prioritism: Part 1, Christopher R. Little
Great Commission Research Journal
The global evangelical missions movement has embraced holism or integral mission as a framework for engaging the nations. Many astute observers maintain that this development indicates that present-day evangelicals are following in the footsteps of ecumenicals and repeating the mistakes of the past. The matter of the relationship between proclamation and social action in the mission of the church must therefore be revisited for the sake of the world. The first installment of this article seeks to highlight why the debate is still necessary, clarify the fundamental differences between prioritism and holism, recount the road to evangelical holism, and address …
Church Growth And Outreach Lessons From The Oil Boom In North Dakota, Mark R. Teasdale, Steve Trefz
Church Growth And Outreach Lessons From The Oil Boom In North Dakota, Mark R. Teasdale, Steve Trefz
Great Commission Research Journal
Using primary data collected from four churches situated in the North Dakota towns of Williston and Watford City, this study considers how the outreach ministries of these churches have been affected by the massive population growth brought about by the oil boom in the Bakken region. Drawing from the survey responses provided by the leaders of these congregations, the study concludes that people engaged in new outreach ministries can apply several lessons, including the definition of evangelism, the importance of relationship building, the need for multifaceted teams and resources, and issues with denominational support.
Introduction, Alan Mcmahan
A Historical Analysis Of Hinderances Related To The Slow Growth Of Christianity In Thailand, Kelly Michael Hilderbrand
A Historical Analysis Of Hinderances Related To The Slow Growth Of Christianity In Thailand, Kelly Michael Hilderbrand
Great Commission Research Journal
From the very beginning, Christianity has experienced slow growth in Thailand. This article examines the historical hindrances to growth in Thailand. What are they, and why have they hindered church growth? Early hindrances have included climate and disease, ministry approaches, and a lack of persecution. Historical and present hindrances are also examined, including the foreignness of Christianity, confrontational evangelism, and the Thai patron-client social structure. Once identified, missions organizations and missionaries can make adjustments to be more effective in impacting the kingdom of Thailand for the gospel.
Whose Story To Join? The Problem Of Social Plausibility, Social Missions Stations, And Their Relationship To Church Planting Movements, J. S. Williams
Whose Story To Join? The Problem Of Social Plausibility, Social Missions Stations, And Their Relationship To Church Planting Movements, J. S. Williams
Great Commission Research Journal
Donald McGavran challenged the missions community sixty years ago to use the natural social bridges of a community, rather than create new ones, to see the gospel spread. This paper builds on this concept by applying social plausibility theory, as articulated by Peter Berger and Thomas Tuckman, to three case studies of church planting efforts among Muslims. The paper indicates, in keeping with McGavran, that missionaries may still construct “sociological mission stations” if they do not intentionally present the gospel to families and social networks instead of individuals.
William Carey’S Vision For Missionary Partnerships, Andrew D. Mcfarland
William Carey’S Vision For Missionary Partnerships, Andrew D. Mcfarland
Great Commission Research Journal
When the English Baptist missionary William Carey left England bound for India in 1793, he did not attempt the effort alone. Instead, he thought a brotherhood of serious Christians residing in England as essential for the undertaking. However, he expected them to provide more than funding. He trusted them to supply the love, encouragement, and support that would make missionary service possible. As a result, the partnership of William Carey with the BMS was founded on interdependence, and Carey’s devotion to this fueled his perseverance through seasons of painful challenges. This was Carey’s vision for missionary partnerships.
Book Review: Our Global Families: Christians Embracing Common Identity In A Changing World By Todd M. Johnson And Cindy M. Wu, Beau K. Brewer
Book Review: Our Global Families: Christians Embracing Common Identity In A Changing World By Todd M. Johnson And Cindy M. Wu, Beau K. Brewer
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
After Postmodernism, Thomas W. Sieberhagen
After Postmodernism, Thomas W. Sieberhagen
Great Commission Research Journal
For the past 30 years, Christians have written about and discussed postmodernism. The topic is a favorite among scholars and students, who have enjoyed endless debates on the impact of postmodernism and who have speculated what the Church’s proper response should be to the West’s dominant worldview. This article urges the reader to recognize postmodernism’s demise, and to start thinking about the Church’s response to the next dominant worldview: Neo-realism. Could it be that God has brought the greater culture through the emptiness of postmodernism so that they will be ready to hear the truth of the Gospel as they …
My Pilgrimage In The Church Growth Movement: Empowerment To Lead People To Jesus, Kent R. Hunter
My Pilgrimage In The Church Growth Movement: Empowerment To Lead People To Jesus, Kent R. Hunter
Great Commission Research Journal
As a child, Kent Hunter was a nominal Christian with faithful parents. During surgery for a football injury, God changed Kent from mediocrity to missionary. Kent’s journey through college and seminary provided theology, but little strategy. In search of mission training, he earned a Ph.D. in Theology. It would become the biblical foundation for his future. Kent’s first ministry was to pastor a dying, inner-city, Anglo church surrounded by unchurched African Americans. Humbled and discouraged by failure to effectively reach out, he enrolled in Fuller Seminary. God used that experience to transform his life, his church, and many others on …
Book Reviews: There’S Hope For Your Church By Gary L. Mcintosh And A Place Of Grace By William O. Webster, James R. Farrer
Book Reviews: There’S Hope For Your Church By Gary L. Mcintosh And A Place Of Grace By William O. Webster, James R. Farrer
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Rise Of The "Nones", Dave Page
Rise Of The "Nones", Dave Page
Great Commission Research Journal
The number of Americans (“nones”) who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace with Millennials leading the way. Is this growing trend a cause for concern? This article argues that it is cause for great concern and that churches cannot keep doing what they’ve always done if they expect to reach this unique cultural group. Nones are spiritual but not religious and are very different than seekers. In order to reach nones for Christ, churches must 1) Become mission minded; 2) Focus on conversion growth; 3) Educate themselves on this new group 4) Utilize …
The Strategic Nature Of Urban Ministry, Alan Mcmahan
The Strategic Nature Of Urban Ministry, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
The explosive growth of cities around the world provides an unprecedented and strategic opportunity for the advancement of the gospel and the expansion of the church. Ten overlapping realities found in urban contexts are explored in this article to show how the world is dramatically changing the context in which most people live. The enormous advantages offered by urban ministry are then examined to show how the church can extend its reach, identify and reach receptive people and influence the culture of a region or a nation.
Cubans In The United States, Antonio J. Lopez
Cubans In The United States, Antonio J. Lopez
Great Commission Research Journal
The term “Hispanic” is used in the United States for a large and diverse group of people. Cubans are among those that fall under this category, though they differ from other Hispanics. To understand some of the characteristic of Cubans, and to effectively reach them it is important to understand their history and culture. Mainly in Florida, Cubans are diffused throughout the United States, which requires flexibility and intentionality in reaching them. This article seeks to familiarize the reader with some of the historical, and cultural aspects of Cubans in order to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Book Review: Re:Vision: The Key To Transforming Your Church By Aubrey Malphurs And Gordon E. Penfold, Lavern E. Brown, Gary J. Westra
Book Review: Re:Vision: The Key To Transforming Your Church By Aubrey Malphurs And Gordon E. Penfold, Lavern E. Brown, Gary J. Westra
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Unchurched Next Door By Thom Rainer, Amy Nicholson Jones
Book Review: The Unchurched Next Door By Thom Rainer, Amy Nicholson Jones
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Urban Apologetics: Why The Gospel Is Good News For The City By Christopher W. Brooks, Paul M. Gould
Book Review: Urban Apologetics: Why The Gospel Is Good News For The City By Christopher W. Brooks, Paul M. Gould
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Wheel Model: Catalyzing Sustainable Church Multiplication Movements By Frank Schattner, Ariel Lee
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Church Growth Before Mcgavran: The Methodological Parallels Of John Wesley, Bob Whitesel
Church Growth Before Mcgavran: The Methodological Parallels Of John Wesley, Bob Whitesel
Great Commission Research Journal
This article will look at methodological parallels between John B. Wesley and Donald A. McGavran. The influence of both men arose during similar social shifts that were accompanied by a perception of ecclesial apathy. Parallels will be demonstrated in McGavran’s principles of 1) conversion as a priority, 2) effective evangelism as a process model, 3) the danger of redemption and lift, 4) the importance of multiplication, and 5) pragmatism in methodology. A final section will look at the legacy of these two men and will suggest how identification can help retain focus on principles rather than on contextually-bound tactics.
A Biblical And Relevant Way To Reach Young Adults, Matthew Costner
A Biblical And Relevant Way To Reach Young Adults, Matthew Costner
Great Commission Research Journal
The church’s influence in America and the world is decreasing, yet America and the world’s population is on the rise. What is the church to do? Church planting is not fixing the problem, and neither are the currently existing model churches. The only way to turn around America’s church is the only method the Bible recommends—discipleship. In this article, you will see that the best way to reach young adults is not by flashy programs, the best worship, or by dropping a denomination’s name from the church title. The best way to reach young adults is by using the younger …
Prayer: A Key Component To Planting Or Revitalizing A Church, William J. Ingram
Prayer: A Key Component To Planting Or Revitalizing A Church, William J. Ingram
Great Commission Research Journal
This article examines prayer from a biblical and theological perspective as it relates to turning around or revitalizing declining or plateaued churches and offers practical insights into starting an intercessory prayer ministry at the local church.
Five Types Of Multicultural Churches: A New Paradigm Evaluated And Differentiated, Bob Whitesel
Five Types Of Multicultural Churches: A New Paradigm Evaluated And Differentiated, Bob Whitesel
Great Commission Research Journal
This article puts forth a comprehensive and reconciliation-based paradigm through which to view multicultural congregations as one of five models or types. It updates the historical categories of Sanchez, adds contemporary models, and then evaluates each through a ten-point grid of nomenclature, mode of growth, relationships, pluses, minuses, degree of difficulty, creator complex, redistribution, relocation, and reconciliation. The five models are 1) the asset sharing Multicultural Alliance, 2) the collaborative Multicultural Partnership, 3) the asymmetrical Mother-Daughter model, 4) the popular Blended approach, and 5) the Cultural Assimilation model. The result is a comprehensive five-model paradigm that includes an assessment of …