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Contemporary Korean Ecclesiastical And Social Conditions Calling For Conversion Church Growth, Paul H. Kim Jan 2006

Contemporary Korean Ecclesiastical And Social Conditions Calling For Conversion Church Growth, Paul H. Kim

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

“‘Why is the Korean church growing so rapidly? Many Christians around the world have asked this question,” say Bong-Rin Ro and Marlin L. Nelson, in the preface of the book Korean Church Growth Explosion published a decade ago. Today, many Christians around the world ask a different question: Why has the Korean church, that grew so rapidly in such a short time, slipped into a stagnation for about two decades?


My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Elmer L. Towns Jan 2006

My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Elmer L. Towns

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

My pilgrimage with Church Growth began with my conversion. It was a deep conversion that affected every part of my life and it was a hard struggle because I didn’t want to give up my self-righteousness.


The Art Of Vision Casting For Church Multiplication, J. D. Payne Oct 2005

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 Oct 2005

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 Oct 2005

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.


The State Of The North American Church, Joel Comiskey Apr 2005

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 Apr 2005

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 Apr 2005

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 …


Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh Jan 2005

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 Jan 2005

“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 Jan 2005

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 Jan 2005

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 Jan 2005

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.


Church Growth Consulting: Focusing On The ‘Main’ Thing Or Boosting The Reproductive Quotient, R. Daniel Reeves Oct 2004

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 Oct 2004

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.


Cho Yonggi’S Charismatic Leadership And Church Growth, David S. Lim Apr 2004

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.


Complete Issue, Gary L. Mcintosh Apr 2004

Complete Issue, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh Jan 2004

Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Tracking The Emerging Church, Eddie Gibbs, Ryan Bolger Fuller Theological Seminary Jan 2004

Tracking The Emerging Church, Eddie Gibbs, Ryan Bolger Fuller Theological Seminary

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

While traditional denominations struggle to maintain their blanket coverage of the nation, there are discernable movements emerging, as part of the decentralization process, in the major population centers around the world – movements that are typically decentralized, spontaneous and grass-roots. They are particularly strong among the under 35s generations, although by no means confined to them. Churches identified with these new movements go by a number of names: “churches in emerging culture, “ “alternative worship,” “postmodern church,” “simple church,” “liquid church,” “organic church,” or simply “the emerging church.” Personally, we prefer the last mentioned, as, in our view, the church …


Do Church Planting Systems Help Church Planters? A Summary And Study Of The System That Southern Baptists Use To Support Their Church Planters, Ed Stetzer Jan 2004

Do Church Planting Systems Help Church Planters? A Summary And Study Of The System That Southern Baptists Use To Support Their Church Planters, Ed Stetzer

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Does the presence of a church planting system assist in the growth of new churches? Anecdotal information has existed for years. It seemed to many that church planters did better when they were screened, had mentors, met with other planters, etc. However, there has been no large-scale study on the subject until now. This paper presents the results of a three-year of study of the Church Planting Process (CPP) used by the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.


8 Passions Needed For Church Planting And Church Renewal Impressions From A Church Planting Tour In Australia, Edgar Machel Oct 2003

8 Passions Needed For Church Planting And Church Renewal Impressions From A Church Planting Tour In Australia, Edgar Machel

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In April 2002 I had the opportunity to be part of a church planting tour in Australia. How are young churches in Australia able to reach secular and a-religious people? How are they different from traditional churches? How much is transferable and how much is culture bound? Those questions accompanied us while we were planning our excursion. The churches we attended and/or studied were Independent, Charismatic, Baptist and Seventh-day Adventist.


What Is Wrong With The Homogeneous Unit Principle?: The Hup In The 21st Century Church, Skip Bell Oct 2003

What Is Wrong With The Homogeneous Unit Principle?: The Hup In The 21st Century Church, Skip Bell

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

If you find the homogeneous unit principle to be controversial, credit Donald McGavran, who launched the church growth movement with his important work, Understanding Church Growth, first published in 1970. McGavran describes this principle: “Men like to become Christians without crossing racial, linguistic, or class barriers.” What exactly did McGavran and other key church growth researchers mean by this principle?


Big Picture Curricula For Multiethnic Ministry, Tom A. Steffen Oct 2003

Big Picture Curricula For Multiethnic Ministry, Tom A. Steffen

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This article will propose a storied, big-picture approach to multiethnic ministry. It will advocate curriculum that builds a cathedral rather than isolated rooms. Before considering story-based, big-picture curricula I will first look at how the multiethnic church, and other types of churches, relates to the dominate theological themes of unity and diversity.


1990-2003 Index Of The Journal Of The American Society For Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh Oct 2003

1990-2003 Index Of The Journal Of The American Society For Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh Oct 2003

Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Old East Side’S Daunting Challenge: The “Cultural Enclave”, George G. Hunter Apr 2003

Old East Side’S Daunting Challenge: The “Cultural Enclave”, George G. Hunter

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

An explanation of how older churches become cultural enclaves, and how they can be renewed as apostolic congregations.


Daughter Church Planting Makes Sense, Mark Williams Apr 2003

Daughter Church Planting Makes Sense, Mark Williams

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Dr, Mark Williams, a specialist in church planting, shares his story of becoming involved in daughter church planting. His article “Daughter Church Planting Makes Sense” will be a very helpful piece for everyone concerned for the expansion of Christ’s Church.


Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh Apr 2003

Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Suggested Shifts In Preparation For The Spontaneous Expansion Of The North American Church, J. D. Payne Jan 2003

Suggested Shifts In Preparation For The Spontaneous Expansion Of The North American Church, J. D. Payne

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In this major article, Payne notes three paradigm shifts—theological, strategical, methodological—that need to be rethought in increase effectiveness in church planting.


Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh Jan 2003

Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.