Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Revitalization 18:2, Center For The Study Of World Christian Revitalization Movements

Revitalization

No abstract provided.

Revitalization 18:1, Center For The Study Of World Christian Revitalization Movements

Revitalization

No abstract provided.

A Brief Look At Methodology And Grace In Wesleyan Theology, Kyle Blanchette

The Asbury Journal

In a recent piece for the Asbury Theological Journal, Nathan Crawford has attempted to put current understandings of emergent phenomena within the neurosciences in conversation with Christian soteriology; in particular, Crawford has sought to link up themes found in emergence with distinctively Wesleyan perspectives on sanctification. In this article, I offer some reflections on theological methodology in light of Crawford's analysis, and I identify some needed clarifications of Kenneth J. Collins's model of John Wesley's soteriology. In the latter half of the piece, I present a critical analysis of the issue of monergism and synergism in Wesley's understanding of grace.

Inhabiting The Garden: Bible, Theology And Mission, Lawson G. Stone

The Asbury Journal

This essay explores the role of biblical exegesis in the task of Christian theology and in the contemporary global mission of the church from the perspective of an Old Testament scholar. It poses the question what a biblical exegesis would look like that was consistently Christian in its assumptions while, at the same time, honest and competent in dealing with the phenomena of the biblical text. Using the exegesis of the early centuries of the church as a case study, the essay develops insights into the role of serious biblical study in empowering the early church's vibrant expansion through the …

A Review Essay: The Church And Postmodern Culture Series, Aaron Perry

The Asbury Journal

The Politics of Discipleship: Becoming Postmaterial Citizens
Graham Ward
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic
2009, 317 pp. softcover, $24.99

Whose Community? Which Interpretation?: Philosophical Hermeneutics for the Church
Merold Westphal
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic
2009, 160 pp. softcover, $19.99

Editorial: Bible, Theology, And Mission, Terry C. Muck

The Asbury Journal

No abstract provided.

Conversion, Justification, And The Experience Of Grace In The Post-Aldergate Wesley: Towards An Understanding Of Who Is "A Child Of God.", Marlon D. De Blasio

The Asbury Journal

Aldersgate is highlighted from the angle of its significance on Wesley's theological thinking and subsequent ministry, rather than from an emphasis on his point of conversion. The Post-Aldersgate Wesley developed a soteriological understanding that identified a "child of God" with distinct qualifications, namely justification by faith, the experience of grace, and the indwelling Spirit. A theology of conversion also emerges with definitive markers that constitute a new standing from non-Christian to Christian. Shifts in Wesley's theological understanding of Christian faith are evaluated. Justification by faith remained a strict soteriological principle in the mind of the mature Wesley. As well, the …

From Saul To Paul: The Apostle's Name Change And Narrative Identity In Acts 13:9, David Wenkel

The Asbury Journal

It has long been accepted as a safe conclusion that the difference between the names Saul and Paul in the Book of Acts merely reflects cultural accommodation in a Hellenistic milieu. This study challenges this conclusion by examining the literary pattern and narrative usage of names. This study concludes that the name change reflects the true identity of Paul amidst conflict with Bar-Jesus/Elymas. The name 'Paul' is significant because of its etymology and the information provided by the narrative.

Leading A Polytheistic Faith To The Monotheistic God: A Study In Identifying Barriers To The Gospel In A Chinese Buddhist Community And Ways To Overcome Those Barriers, Agnes Wood

The Asbury Journal

This article is written for the purpose of exploring a way to lead a polytheistic faith, prevalent in the local Chinese Buddhist community (LCBC) in Brunei, to the reality of a monotheistic God as revealed in the Bible (1 Corinthians 8:6). It serves as a guide for the local Chinese church (CC) to lead the LCBC to see that God as a Creator is sufficient to be their God.

This article identifies the need of a missiological package in order to lead the LCBC to Christ. The CC needs to assist the LCBC to become receptive before the core of …

Book Reviews, Desiree Segura-April, Meesaeng Lee Choi, Joseph R. Dongell, Michael D. Matlock, Jason R. Jackson, Stephen Seamands, Wm. Andrew Schwartz, Ben Witherington, Laurence W. Wood

The Asbury Journal

Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May
Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey: Guidance for Those Who Teach and Nurture
2010. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic
Reviewed by Desiree Segura-April

Dyron B. Daughrity
The Changing World of Christianity: The Global History of a Borderless Religion
2010. New York: Peter Lang
Reviewed by Meesaeng Lee Choi

Derek Tidball
The Message of Holiness: Restoring God's Masterpiece
2010. Downers Grove, IL Inter-Varsity, Press
Reviewed by Joseph R. Dongell

Accordance. Scholars Collection
DVD-ROM and CD-ROM, version 8
2008. OakTree Software, Inc.
Reviewed by Michael D. Matlock and Jason R. Jackson

Paul L. Gavrilyuk, Douglas M. …

Green Eggs And Shawarma: Reinterpreting The Bible, Reforming Mission, With Leviticus' "Non-Indigenous Resident" As A Test Case, Mark A. Awabdy

The Asbury Journal

This article encourages Christians to revisit and reinterpret the Bible in order to more faithfully align with God's mission in the world. As a test case, the article reinterprets the socio-religious status of the "non-indigenous resident" in Leviticus and concludes with some possibilities for reforming mission theology and praxis. The first section of the article reviews the conventional interpretation of Leviticus' as one granted absolute religious freedom. Against this view, the body of the article contends that the in Leviticus was bound in covenant to Yahweh, yet free to practice some foreign customs and practices. To argue for this, the …

The Pannenbergzan Retroactive Significance Of Resurrection, Brian M. Ebel

The Asbury Journal

According to Wolfhart Pannenberg the Scriptures are born out of the historical acts of God in salvation history. It is this focus upon history, most importantly from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that sets Pannenberg apart from his contemporaries. Previous attempts to hurdle these historical issues such as theological positivism have given way in the postmodern era to the recognition that there are few uninterpretable facts as modernity claimed. As such, hermeneutics are key to the manner in which the Scriptures are interpreted. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to consider how Wolfhart Pannenberg, an important theologian of …

United We Sing: Union Hymnals, Holiness Hymnody, And The Formation Of Korean Revivalism (1905-2007), William T. Purinton

The Asbury Journal

The history of Christianity long has recognized the transatlantic revival connections in both the First and Second Awakenings, with preaching being noted as the primary means of communicating the revival message. During the past century, transpacific revivalism has become a significant part of the world history of Christianity. In Korean Protestantism, revivalism has been rooted within the majority religious experience, with hymns and gospel songs as an important medium. "While North American denominations have used separate hymnals and have tended to exclude revival hymns from their selections, Korean Protestants have used the same hymnal from the beginning and have retained …

Multicultural And Racial Reconciliation Efforts Fail To Attract Many In The Black Church, Dirke D. Johnson

Great Commission Research Journal

The Racial Reconciliation (RR) movement of today fails to attract the Black church. Pastors express the need to value Black monocultural churches. The push by RR adherents to suggest churches “should be” multiracial may be more harmful than helpful. Distinguishing race and culture exposes the reality that most multiracial churches are monocultural. Research of Black college students reveals the desire for monocultural settings. Historical research of the first century church gives biblical validity to monocultural fellowships. Unity will not occur if motivation is reduced to color. Monocultural and multicultural fellowships are needed to reflect an infinite-faceted God.

The Book Of Acts And Evangelism In Argentina, Steven L. Estes

Great Commission Research Journal

This article looks at platforms for the Gospel in the book of Acts and how they apply to evangelism in Argentina. A general overview of evangelism in Acts is discussed, and then specific platforms are presented. Those include the market place in Athens, the place of prayer in Philippi, and the many locations where the Gospel was presented in synagogues. An exposition of Acts 13 is included that helps explain why synagogues were natural platforms. The applications to Argentina include visiting those with a connection to a church. One example is visiting the parents of adolescents who attend church activities.

“The Word Became Flesh,” An Example Of Incarnational Ministry: The Norwegian Settlers Church, Port Shepstone, South Africa, John Easterling

Great Commission Research Journal

The Norwegian Settlers Church in Port Shepstone, South Africa, is a remarkable testimony of God’s faithfulness to His body. Starting as an ethnic immigrant’s church, this fellowship faced many struggles and hardships, including lacking a resident pastor for much of its history. In 1986, God brought Pastor Ernest Hack, whose solid Biblical teaching helped to rebuild the base. In 1995, God led Trevor Downham to reach out to the area’s many young people and to refocus outreach towards community transformation. John Easterling spent time in 2009 and 2010 interviewing and fellowshipping with members of this body as well as researching …

The Numbers To Know For Church Health, Danny R. Von Kanel

Great Commission Research Journal

The church growth movement has long been criticized as being only interested in numbers. However, this article goes beyond simplistic attention to worship attendance to quantify a series of indicators of church health and suggest proper ratios that are consistent with growing churches. The study concludes with a description of the stages of maturity and provides a self-administered diagnostic tool for gauging spiritual maturity in the life of the believer.

Book Review: Planting Churches In The 21st Century: A Guide For Those Who Want Fresh Perspectives And New Ideas For Creating Congregations By Stuart Murray, Steven L. Allen

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Spanish Language Christian Academic Publishing, Robert A. Danielson

The Asbury Journal

No abstract provided.

Missional Holiness In A Post-Christendom World, Timothy C. Tennent

The Asbury Journal

The following address was given by Dr. Timothy Tennent, president of Asbury Theological Seminary as the Fall 2010 Convocation Address, first on the Florida-Dunnam Campus (September 7, 2010) and then on the Wilmore (Kentucky) Campus of Asbury Theological Seminary (September 9, 2010). It has been left in its oral form of address.

Journal In Entirety

The Asbury Journal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editorial
Terry C. Muck

Colloquium Essays:

Inhabiting the Garden: Bible, Theology and Mission
Lawson G. Stone

Green Eggs and Shawarma: Reinterpreting the Bible, Reforming Mission, with Leviticus' as a Test Case
Mark A. Awabdy

The Pannenbergian Retroactive Significance of Resurrection
Brian M. Ebel

Exegetical and Extispicic Readings of the Bible in Turkana, Kenya and North America
Kevin P Lines

Essays:

Missional Holiness in a Post-Christendom World
Timothy C. Tennent

Methodology and Grace in Wesleyan Theology
Kyle Blancbette

Features:

Review Essay
Aaron Perry

Book Reviews
Desiree Segura-April
Meesetlg Lee Choi
Joseph R. Dongell
Michael D. Matlock and Jason …

Book Reviews, Anthony J. Headley, Nathan Crawford

The Asbury Journal

No abstract provided.

A Review Essay: Four Views On Church And Politics, Brian Edgar

The Asbury Journal

Good and Bad Ways to Think about Religion and Politics

Robert Benne

2010. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans

Politics According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture

Wayne Grudem

2010. Grand Rapids: Zondervan

Christianity and Politics: A Brief Guide to the History

C.C. Pecknold

2010. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books

The Challenge of Pluralism: Church and State in Five Democracies, 2nd ed.

Stephen Monsma and J. Christopher Soper

2009. Lallham, Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers

History Revisited: Learning From Charles H. Spurgeon’S Commitment To Conversion Growth, Michael O'Neal

Great Commission Research Journal

Donald McGavran and Peter Wagner, the early leaders of the Church Growth Movement (CGM), longed to see conversion growth as the primary source of church growth. Yet one of the common criticisms of church growth today is its lack of emphasis on conversion growth. This article discusses this criticism and argues that the church can learn from Charles H. Spurgeon’s commitment to conversion growth, calling church growth back to its theological and missiological roots.

Book Review: The Steward Leader: Transforming People, Organizations, And Communities By R. Scott Rodin, Alan Karr

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

The Stew Versus Melting Pot Ministry: Multicultural/Ethic Urban Apostolic Partnership, Parnell M. Lovelace Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

The church today has an opportunity to explore opportunities of culturally and ethnically diverse apostolic missional partnerships. Is it possible that vanguard and strategic concepts of multicultural/ethnic church planting models are contextualized and expanded within the urban setting? Is it possible that such modalities may serve not only towards the unification of believers, but also provide a means of connectivity to empower the community as a whole? The assertion is there are connecting points of evangelism and church growth opportunities found within such strategic and intentional multi-ethic/cultural models of apostolic partnerships.

Leading The Multiethnic Church: Help From New Metaphors And The Leadership Challenge, Elizabeth Childs Drury

Great Commission Research Journal

Success in leading the multiethnic church (MEC) eludes assessment because of the variety of congregational configurations and the unique intercultural environment. This article describes how leadership in one MEC harmonizes with and differs from basic cultural standards as expressed in James Kouzes and Barry Posner’s The Leadership Challenge. It follows an earlier case study (published in the Summer 2010 issue) about weaknesses that emerged at a DC-area MEC when Dan, the beloved pastor, resigned. Three new categories describe designs: the mall, the cinema, and the blend. Six new metaphors describe relationships among different cultural groups: renters, investors, neighbors, coworkers, siblings, …

Building Healthy Relationships In A Multi-Ethnic Congregation With No Ethnic Majority: A Case Study Of Sunrise Church, Arturo Lucero, Robert Weaver

Great Commission Research Journal

Friendship development is the key to the integration of members in multiethnic churches. Research has shown that in small congregations with an ethnic majority, those belonging to minorities experience high personal costs, thereby increasing the rate of turnover of fringe minorities. Our study focuses on the friendship development between ethnic groups in a mega-church with no ethnic majority. The conclusion is that the same social dynamics that produce homogeneity in non-religious volunteer organizations occur in a local church with no ethnic majority. In other words, people demonstrated a tendency of being with their own kind.

Book Review: Encountering Theology Of Mission: Biblical Foundations, Historical Developments, And Contemporary Issues By Craig Ott And Stephen J. Strauss With Timothy Tennent, R. Bruce Carlton

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Your Church Is Too Small: Why Unity In Christ’S Mission Is Vital To The Future Of The Church By John H. Armstrong, Robert I. Garrett Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.