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Articles 1 - 28 of 28
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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 …
Clergy Prayer Life And Vocational Satisfaction, Zoraida C. Kelly
Clergy Prayer Life And Vocational Satisfaction, Zoraida C. Kelly
Great Commission Research Journal
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experience of clergy concerning their prayer life as part of their spiritual renewal and vocational satisfaction. The central research question is “How do clergy describe the relationship between their prayer life, vocational satisfaction, and spiritual renewal?” This study used Michael Gemignani’s (2002) Spiritual Renewal Theory and Super’s (1953) Theory of Vocational Development as lenses. The research design consisted of semi-formal interviews with open-ended questions. The investigation shed light on the lived experience of prayer as part of spiritual renewal and its potential positive effect on vocational satisfaction. This study included five participants who …
The State Of Youth Ministry In Asian American Churches Today, Eunice Hong, Jinna Si Lo Jin
The State Of Youth Ministry In Asian American Churches Today, Eunice Hong, Jinna Si Lo Jin
Great Commission Research Journal
Despite growing concern about youth disengagement from Christianity and the Christian church (Pew Research Center, 2025), strategies specifically tailored to engage Asian American youth remain under-researched. Drawing from interviews with 16 senior pastors and youth leaders across North America, this paper presents key findings on current ministry practices, with implications of emerging approaches to foster deeper youth engagement in Asian American church contexts.
2026 Vol 18(1) Complete Issue, David R. Dunaetz
2026 Vol 18(1) Complete Issue, 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 …
Innovations In Engaging The Next Generation Towards Discipleship And Mission, Billy Mcmahan
Innovations In Engaging The Next Generation Towards Discipleship And Mission, Billy Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
This research addresses the central question: How can the church adapt to reach and disciple Generation Z in a way that speaks to their distinctive experiences and needs? To answer this question, the paper will first explore Gen Z’s defining characteristics and then examine how various organizations, particularly for-profit organizations, engage this emerging generation. Finally, the study will highlight innovative ministries gaining significant traction with Gen Z, offering insights and models for broader church applications.
Growing And Declining Churches Face Different Challenges: A Statistical Analysis Of The Top Ten Challenges Facing Churches Study, David R. Dunaetz
Growing And Declining Churches Face Different Challenges: A Statistical Analysis Of The Top Ten Challenges Facing Churches Study, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
The data behind the study The Top Ten Challenges Facing Churches (Moody, 2023) is presented and analyzed with a focus on differences between growing churches and non-growing churches. Church leaders (N = 129) indicated how difficult they believed it would be for North American churches to overcome 50 potential challenges. For most challenges, no significant difference between the church leaders from growing and non-growing churches was detected. However, church leaders from non-growing churches viewed 1) attractiveness of programs, 2) retaining young adults, 3) youth programs, 4) small group participation, and 5) effective strategy as more difficult challenges to overcome than …
Finding Them, Keeping Them – Strategies For Evangelism And Assimilation: A Review Of The Books Written By Gary L. Mcintosh, Gordon E. Penfold
Finding Them, Keeping Them – Strategies For Evangelism And Assimilation: A Review Of The Books Written By Gary L. Mcintosh, Gordon E. Penfold
Great Commission Research Journal
A short review of each of the twenty-seven books by Gary L. McIntosh traces the development of the author’s thought up to his latest release in January 2023. This review demonstrates that McIntosh’s passion is to see churches and Christian leaders apply classical biblical church growth principles in their ministry contexts. His passion for reaching and assimilating new people, and for developing Christian leaders to carry out Christ’s Great Commission with a Great Commandment passion permeates each book. The breadth and depth of his knowledge are demonstrated in his many volumes with little overlap in their subject matter. His works …
Great Commission Research Journal Spring 2023, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal Spring 2023, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
A short autobiography by Gary McIntosh focusing on his role in the Church Growth Movement
Applying Paul’S Areopagus Model To Generation Z, Tanita Maddox
Applying Paul’S Areopagus Model To Generation Z, Tanita Maddox
Great Commission Research Journal
The members of Generation Z are today’s adolescents and young professionals, bringing with them their own culture. This culture requires other generations to use a cross-cultural approach to evangelism, as modeled by Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16-34). Paul observed the Athenian culture, built rapport, used common language with his audience, found common ground as a cultural doorway for his message, and redefined the audience’s understanding of the relationship between God and humans. The same steps can be applied to gospel proclamation to Generation Z for effective and relevant evangelism.
Book Review: When Everything Is Mission By Denny Spitters And Matthew Ellison, Kenneth Nehrbass
Book Review: When Everything Is Mission By Denny Spitters And Matthew Ellison, Kenneth Nehrbass
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Innovativeness And Church Commitment: What Innovations Were Most Important During The Pandemic?, Anna Covarrubias, David R. Dunaetz, Wendi Dykes Mcgehee
Innovativeness And Church Commitment: What Innovations Were Most Important During The Pandemic?, Anna Covarrubias, David R. Dunaetz, Wendi Dykes Mcgehee
Great Commission Research Journal
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented need for innovations in churches around the world. Organizational innovativeness, a precursor of successful innovations in organizational contexts, is rarely studied in churches. This study of American church attenders (N = 244) found that perceived innovativeness of churches (conceived of as the elements of a church’s culture which promote innovation, specifically, creativity, organizational openness, future orientation, risk-taking, and proactiveness) was a very strong predictor of church commitment (conceived of as intentions to stay in the church, r = .60, p < .001). Of the moderators examined in this study (membership tenure, age of participant, church size, and gender), only gender moderated this relationship; the relationship between perceived innovativeness and church commitment was stronger for females than for males. This suggests that innovations that facilitated relationship development and relationship maintenance had the greatest impact on church commitment during the pandemic.
Making Online Children’S Ministry Interactive In Wheaton, Illinois, Eric Norregaard, Ping Ng
Making Online Children’S Ministry Interactive In Wheaton, Illinois, Eric Norregaard, Ping Ng
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Charles Arn
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Charles Arn
Great Commission Research Journal
As a key leader in the church growth movement, Chip Arn was invited by the journal to share his story.
Igniting Hope Among Gen Z, Billy Mcmahan
Igniting Hope Among Gen Z, Billy Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
Generation Z is the future of the Church. We need to begin equipping followers of Jesus to welcome them home. This article explores the seven common characteristics of Generation Z. It will also dive into research done among current youth workers from around the country and then provide some strategies on how to engage Generation Z based on that research. About 90 million young Americans fit into the age bracket of Generation Z. As the Church, we need to understand their worldview. As they emerge into adulthood, it will be vital to the health of the Church overall to equip …
Mission In The Midst Of A Global Pornography Epidemic: A Three-Dimensional Gospel For Addicts, David Parks
Mission In The Midst Of A Global Pornography Epidemic: A Three-Dimensional Gospel For Addicts, David Parks
Great Commission Research Journal
This article discusses the problem of pornography from a missiological perspective, especially concerning the contexts of Guilt/Innocence, Shame/ Honor, and Fear/Power. The scope of the global problem is explained as well as specific issues related to the problem in the United States and Nigeria. Possible solutions to the problem in specific contexts are presented.
Perceived Strengths And Weaknesses Of American Churches: A Quadrant Analysis Of Church-Based Ministries, David R. Dunaetz, Joshua Mcgowan
Perceived Strengths And Weaknesses Of American Churches: A Quadrant Analysis Of Church-Based Ministries, David R. Dunaetz, Joshua Mcgowan
Great Commission Research Journal
The needs and expectations of both Christians and non-Christians concerning churches vary according to the cultural context. Similarly, a church’s ability to respond to these needs depends on its ability to fine-tune ministries so that they are appropriate to the cultural context. This study uncovers various elements of American church ministries (especially those that can be supported by technology) which church members consider important but which are poorly executed. A sample of 325 members of American churches indicated which ministries they considered most important and to what degree they believed that they were carried out well in their church. A …
Reach, Assimilate And Develop: Essential Keys For The Resurgence Of The Church In America, Gordon E. Penfold
Reach, Assimilate And Develop: Essential Keys For The Resurgence Of The Church In America, Gordon E. Penfold
Great Commission Research Journal
This article presents a way to understand church growth from the perspective of reaching, assimilating, and developing people in the church. In Re:Vision: The Key to Transforming Your Church, Aubrey Malphurs and Penfold researched the characteristics discovered in re-envisioning (turnaround) pastors. The two researchers gathered a great deal of information about the ministry and practices of effective pastors including statistics on worship attendance, conversions, and baptisms. The statistics on conversion and baptism did not find their way into the book. This article examines worship attendance, conversion, baptism, and assimilation rates of reporting pastors. These rates reveal a great deal about …
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.
Emotional Relevance In Outreach Ministry, George Hunter
Emotional Relevance In Outreach Ministry, George Hunter
Great Commission Research Journal
In Western history, the Enlightenment sold the idea that humans are essentially rational creatures who need to graduate from their primal emotions. Leaders like Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley knew better, commending Christianity as a faith of “the heart” and leading a Great Awakening. Nineteenth century evangelical leaders, however, drank too much of the Enlightenment Kool-Aid and took an excessively left-brained approach to pre-Christian people. The religious tracts of the time expose this turn. This article invites church leaders to rediscover a more biblical (and Reformation) understanding of human nature and to pioneer in “emotionally relevant ministry” once again.
Book Review: Growing God’S Church: How People Are Actually Coming To Faith Today By Gary L. Mcintosh, Garrett R. Eaglin
Book Review: Growing God’S Church: How People Are Actually Coming To Faith Today By Gary L. Mcintosh, Garrett R. Eaglin
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Race And Theology By Elaine A. Robinson, Aaron Perry
Book Review: Race And Theology By Elaine A. Robinson, Aaron Perry
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
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.
Why Is There A Silent Exodus Of English-Speaking Adults From Western Canadian Chinese Churches?, Matthew Todd
Why Is There A Silent Exodus Of English-Speaking Adults From Western Canadian Chinese Churches?, Matthew Todd
Great Commission Research Journal
This study recommends solutions towards the retention through empowerment of Canadian Born Chinese (CBC) adults in Chinese bicultural churches. To address retention, the key risk factors and common dynamics that contribute to a “silent exodus” of CBC adults were established through qualitative research, including a survey of participants from diverse church affiliations. Based on an analysis of the literature review and survey results, this study advocates working toward the retention of English-speaking adults from Chinese Canadian churches through associated parallel independent English congregational models; this recognizes a link between the process of acculturation and the imperative to leverage mission.
Book Review: Making Your Vision A Reality: Proven Steps To Develop And Implement Your Church Vision Plan By Paul Cannings, Kenneth Lewis
Book Review: Making Your Vision A Reality: Proven Steps To Develop And Implement Your Church Vision Plan By Paul Cannings, Kenneth Lewis
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Church Turnaround: Perspectives, Principles, And Practices, Kenneth E. Priddy
Church Turnaround: Perspectives, Principles, And Practices, Kenneth E. Priddy
Great Commission Research Journal
Prominent church analysts agree that over 80% of American Protestant churches are in plateau and decline and that the growth of the church is not keeping pace with the growth of the population. Sacrifice on the part of church leaders and congregants is sorely needed but strongly resisted, as congregations tend to prefer stability and familiarity above risk and change. This paper presents insights into the origin of plateau and decline and offers perspectives, principles, and practices that when properly and faithfully applied, generate health, growth, and multiplication in churches that commit to sustainable church turnaround.
Eight Keys To Overcoming Apathy Towards Church Growth, Danny R. Van Kanel
Eight Keys To Overcoming Apathy Towards Church Growth, Danny R. Van Kanel
Great Commission Research Journal
Nothing zaps ministry efforts towards growth more than apathy among church members. Nothing energizes those efforts more than genuine interest and enthusiasm in growing the church. How can we turn apathy into enthusiasm? The answer is not as difficult as we might think.