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Articles 91 - 120 of 275
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
A Case Study Of Growth And Decline: The Churches Of Christ, 2006-2016, Stanley E. Granberg
A Case Study Of Growth And Decline: The Churches Of Christ, 2006-2016, Stanley E. Granberg
Great Commission Research Journal
The group known as the Churches of Christ is one of America’s largest religious bodies with over 1.5 million adherents and congregations in all fifty states. Like many U.S. Christian bodies, the Churches of Christ have entered a time of decline. This article is a case study of the Churches of Christ and describes the group’s growth and decline, with a specific focus on the years 2006 to 2016. The movement’s current state of health is assessed, and the impact of new church planting as the engine for movement growth is described. The article ends by addressing three hard challenges …
Book Review: Reclaiming Glory: Revitalizing Dying Churches By Mark Clifton, Chris Messerer
Book Review: Reclaiming Glory: Revitalizing Dying Churches By Mark Clifton, Chris Messerer
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Future Growth Of Global Christianity And Yoido Full Gospel Church: Its Potential Role In The New Context, Wonsuk Ma
Great Commission Research Journal
Christians have long recognized the amazing growth of Yoido Full Gospel Church. It has been a pioneer in the Church Growth Movement and has set an example in its dependence on prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. The church faces challenges/opportunities in the future as it relates to the church growth in the Global South, the changing culture in South Korea, and the Pentecostal/charismatic movements around the world.
The Global Missionary: The Emerging Roles Of North American Missionaries In The Twenty-First Century, Blayne C. Waltrip
The Global Missionary: The Emerging Roles Of North American Missionaries In The Twenty-First Century, Blayne C. Waltrip
Great Commission Research Journal
This article explores the emerging roles of the North American missionary in light of the changing face of global missions. Missionary sending has become a phenomenon of reciprocity. Because the Global South has become a missionary sending force, missionaries are going from everywhere to everywhere. This shift has created a need for North American missionaries to reevaluate their roles in missions. They are increasingly becoming “Global Missionaries” that serve in more than one context. The author defines and describes a Global Missionary, evaluates the factors for the shift, and advocates a greater global partnership to fulfill the Great Commission.
Introduction, Mike Morris
Do Larger Churches Tolerate Pastoral Narcissism More Than Smaller Churches?, David R. Dunaetz, Hannah L. Jung, Stephen L. Lambert
Do Larger Churches Tolerate Pastoral Narcissism More Than Smaller Churches?, David R. Dunaetz, Hannah L. Jung, Stephen L. Lambert
Great Commission Research Journal
Pastoral narcissism in churches is a problem, from both a theological and practical perspective. In this study, we explore the question of whether church size is related to tolerance for narcissism. In the popular press, pastors of megachurches are often portrayed as narcissistic. The Dominance Complementarity Model of narcissistic leaders (Grijalva & Harms, 2004) predicts that churches which have less dominant followers, as may be the case in larger churches, would be more tolerant of narcissistic pastors than smaller churches. Yet larger churches also have the resources to hire the most qualified staff, which would presumably exclude candidates high in …
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Turning To North America, Gary L. Mcintosh
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Turning To North America, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
The event that put Church Growth on the worldwide map was the Lausanne Congress on Evangelism held on July 14-28, 1974. Then, as the Church Growth Movement took hold around the world, the focus of some faculty at Fuller’s School of World Mission gradually turned toward North America. This article describes the actions and processes that propelled the movement into world prominence.
A Holistic Framework For Measurement Of Entrepreneurial Church Planting, Samuel Lee
A Holistic Framework For Measurement Of Entrepreneurial Church Planting, Samuel Lee
Great Commission Research Journal
For too long in missions, financial stewardship (Business as Mission) or conversions (Tentmaking) has sufficed as a measuring tool for mission endeavors. However, Fresh Expressions of Church (FXC), such as a “café church,” have enlightened us to the need not only to be governed by the quantifiable elements of reconciliation or financial flourishing, but also to evaluate outcomes of transformation, i.e., to be accountable. The purpose of this article is to provide specific historical examples as a basis for Entrepreneurial Church Planting (ECP) and develop a systematic way to evaluate ECP through the creation of a holistic framework for metrics …
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Building A Faculty, Gary Mcintosh
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Building A Faculty, Gary Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
Following the founding of the Fuller School of World Mission and Institute of Church Growth in 1965, Donald McGavran began to enlarge the faculty. To the initial members—McGavran and Alan Tippett—he added Ralph Winter, J. Edwin Orr, Charles Kraft, C. Peter Wagner, and Arthur Glasser. This excerpt tells the story of these hires and the early development of the Church Growth curriculum.
The Benefit Of The Diversification Of The Church Growth Movement And A Way Forward, Russell Bryan
The Benefit Of The Diversification Of The Church Growth Movement And A Way Forward, Russell Bryan
Great Commission Research Journal
Although the diversification of the Church Growth Movement has created an environment in which people balk at its definitions and its principles, many fail to realize the benefit of the diversification. The diversification of the Church Growth Movement allows theologians and missiologists to evaluate the impact church growth thought has had on both the culture within the church and the church’s ability to reach its surrounding culture. As a result, theologians and missiologists not only can assess and address the current state of churches, but they also can offer a biblical way forward. In doing so, churches can realign with …
Information On The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Mcmahan
Information On The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Great Commission Research Journal Vol. 9 Iss. 2, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal Vol. 9 Iss. 2, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Introduction: A Brief History Of The Great Commission Research Journal, Alan Mcmahan
Introduction: A Brief History Of The Great Commission Research Journal, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Case To Redress Evangelism In North America, Gary Comer
The Case To Redress Evangelism In North America, Gary Comer
Great Commission Research Journal
This article is a response to a warning made by George Hunter regarding the church’s adherence to its own “folk wisdom.” It explores the question of how the church could change, particularly in how it currently views evangelism, and how church leaders and members are unprepared to face the mission complexity unique to our time. It offers an alternative perspective with methodology that is theologically formed on the pattern of Christ, and built around the notion of spiritual influence. To that end, the kind of research that is most needed is discussed along with ideas on examining existing presuppositions.
Orthodox Background Believers: Listening And Learning, Cameron D. Armstrong
Orthodox Background Believers: Listening And Learning, Cameron D. Armstrong
Great Commission Research Journal
Evangelical church and organizational leaders in majority-Orthodox Romania often find themselves at a loss in understanding how to conduct outreach to Orthodox people. Often the cultural differences between Orthodox and evangelical Romanian Christians seem impassable. One approach is that of listening and learning from the transformational narratives of evangelical Christians converted out of Orthodoxy. The following article moves in this direction through qualitative analysis of conversion stories by four Romanian Orthodox background believers. Five common themes that arise from the data are discussed. The article concludes by offering an initial “evangelism rubric” to better posture evangelical groups to begin outreach …
Book Review: The Benedict Option: A Strategy For Christians In A Post-Christian Nation By Rod Dreher, April Berg
Book Review: The Benedict Option: A Strategy For Christians In A Post-Christian Nation By Rod Dreher, April Berg
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Great Commission Research Journal, Volume 9, Issue 1, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal, Volume 9, Issue 1, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Introduction, Alan Mcmahan
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Founding A School, Gary L. Mcintosh
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Founding A School, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
With the Institute of Church Growth in Eugene, Oregon, set to close in June 1965, McGavran was thinking of retiring to his small farm in Oregon. However, his plans changed when he was chosen to become the founding dean of Fuller Theological Seminary’s new School of World Mission and Institute of Church Growth in September of that same year. The story of McGavran’s selection, as well as that of getting Alan Tippett back into the USA, demonstrates God’s miraculous work in bringing about the establishment of the new school.
Information On The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Alan
Information On The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Alan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Entrepreneurial Church Planting, Jay Moon
Entrepreneurial Church Planting, Jay Moon
Great Commission Research Journal
Entrepreneurial church planting (ECP) explores innovative approaches for church planting in the marketplace. This article describes how entrepreneurial church plants leverage the networking and value creation provided by business in order to form communities of Christ followers among unchurched people. Biblical, theological, historical, and missiological support is provided to guide ECP planters. Four contemporary examples provide a paradigm of church planters that are typically suited for this approach to include the artist, social scientist, evangelist, and builder. These examples demonstrate the potential of ECP to break out of limited contexts and plant churches in larger networks of relationships in the …
Book Review: Church Planting In The Secular West: Learning From The European Experience By Stefan Paas, John P. Thompson
Book Review: Church Planting In The Secular West: Learning From The European Experience By Stefan Paas, John P. Thompson
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Mission Of The Church: Five Views In Conversation By Craig Ott, Ed., Dustin Slaton
Book Review: The Mission Of The Church: Five Views In Conversation By Craig Ott, Ed., Dustin Slaton
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Dissertations And Theses Notices, Gary Mcintosh
Dissertations And Theses Notices, Gary Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Information On The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Mcmahan
Information On The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Introduction, Alan Mcmahan
Book Review: By Signs And Wonders: How The Holy Spirit Grows The Church By Stephen D. Elliot, Aaron Perry
Book Review: By Signs And Wonders: How The Holy Spirit Grows The Church By Stephen D. Elliot, Aaron Perry
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Conflict In The Small- And Medium-Sized Church, William D. Henard
Conflict In The Small- And Medium-Sized Church, William D. Henard
Great Commission Research Journal
One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with any church is conflict. Because of humanity’s fallen nature and because of the difficulty of initiating and accepting change, conflict is almost always inevitable. Conflict becomes detrimental when it is not handled correctly or when it remains unchecked and finds its source deep within the sinful nature and motives of people. Conflict in the church, though, does not necessarily have to be destructive. Many of those within the church reconciliatory ministry say that conflict is essentially neutral. When handled properly, it can actually result in some positive benefits for the church.
Book Review: Apostolic Church Planting: Birthing New Churches From New Believers By J.D. Payne, Joey Chen
Book Review: Apostolic Church Planting: Birthing New Churches From New Believers By J.D. Payne, Joey Chen
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Preparing To Multiply: Four Steps For Established Churches, Joey Chen
Preparing To Multiply: Four Steps For Established Churches, Joey Chen
Great Commission Research Journal
How should a leader of an established church lead the church to multiply? With the increased attention to church planting, there are more resources available, but little attention is given to the established church. This article seeks to help the leader of an established church prepare to engage in multiplication. While strategy, best practices, and finances are vital components to church multiplication, the crucial starting point for an established church leader is to prepare. There are four places to look while in the preparation stage: inward, upward, outward, and around.