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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh
Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
The Art Of Vision Casting For Church Multiplication, J. D. Payne
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 …
A Theology Of Methodology, Elmer L. Towns
A Theology Of Methodology, Elmer L. Towns
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
This article presents an overview of the various schools of thought concerning Church Growth methods and programs.
Multiplying Churches In Every Ethos: Session Three Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran
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
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.
Envisioning The Multi-Ethnic Church: A Biblical Mandate From The Book Of Ephesians, J. Mark Deymaz
Envisioning The Multi-Ethnic Church: A Biblical Mandate From The Book Of Ephesians, J. Mark Deymaz
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
Increasingly, the next generation of church planters and reformers throughout America are envisioning local churches where men and women of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds can, indeed, worship God together as one. Yet for dreams to become reality, it is essential that growing interest in the multi-ethnic church be informed by sound theological, ecclesiological and soteriological reflection. The purpose of this article is to provide biblical justification and personal motivation for the growing number of innovators devoted to the establishment of multi-ethnic local churches throughout America and beyond. In addition, a fresh look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians may …
The Theological Roots, Vision, And Contribution Of The Church Growth Movement, George Hunter
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
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 …
The State Of The North American Church, Joel Comiskey
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.
A Network Of Congregations: Congregation Size In The Church Of The Nazarene, Kenneth E. Crow
A Network Of Congregations: Congregation Size In The Church Of The Nazarene, Kenneth E. Crow
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
Thinking of Nazarene congregations as an interdependent, mutually supportive network prompts a consideration of the value, contributions, and challenges of congregations in a variety of sizes and settings. This report examines elements of this network of churches, especially the nature and effects of congregation size.
Moving From Church Growth To Kingdom Growth, Reggie Mcneal
Moving From Church Growth To Kingdom Growth, Reggie Mcneal
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
This article examines the shift from church growth to kingdom growth. It includes some theological reflection on the mission of the church and the kingdom of God. We take a look at some demographic challenges of the kingdom era, largely as it relates to globalization and urbanization in a global context. We also note some of the shifts that church leaders must make, from perspectives to behaviors to ministry scorecard redesign.
“The Winnable World”: Session Two Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran
“The Winnable World”: Session Two 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.
Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh
Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
The Transition From Church Growth To Church Health, Philip Walker
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 …
About The American Society For Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh
About The American Society For Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
Here’S To Your Health: The Church Or The Kingdom? A Reflection For Emergent Church Leaders, Roger Helland
Here’S To Your Health: The Church Or The Kingdom? A Reflection For Emergent Church Leaders, Roger Helland
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
A pressing question for many pastors is what will help grow their church. But perhaps this question is based on faulty assumptions flowing from faulty theology. In his book, The Present Future, Reggie McNeal discusses the shift from church growth to Kingdom growth. To him the wrong question to ask is, “How do we grow this church?” That is, how do we get them to come to us?” This question, with its set of assumptions, is based on church thinking rather than kingdom thinking. Rather, the tough question is, “How do we transform our community?” He argues that we need …
The Multi-Site Movement, Dave Ferguson
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.
The Mother Church And Church Planting, J. D. Payne
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.
“God’S Unswerving Purpose”: Session One Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran
“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