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Articles 331 - 360 of 476
Full-Text Articles in Practical Theology
Book Review: The Recovery Of A Contagious Methodist Movement By George G. Hunter, Iii, Randy Willis
Book Review: The Recovery Of A Contagious Methodist Movement By George G. Hunter, Iii, Randy Willis
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Shaping Of Things To Come: Innovation And Mission For The 21st Century Church By Michael Frost And Alan Hirsch, Jihoon Lee
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Being The Church In A Multi-Ethnic Community: Why It Matters And How It Works By Gary L. Mcintosh And Alan Mcmahan, Jeffrey Medina
Book Review: Being The Church In A Multi-Ethnic Community: Why It Matters And How It Works By Gary L. Mcintosh And Alan Mcmahan, Jeffrey Medina
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Reaching Secular Peoples: A Review Of The Books Of George G. Hunter, Iii, Gary L. Mcintosh
Reaching Secular Peoples: A Review Of The Books Of George G. Hunter, Iii, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
“Reaching Secular Peoples: A Review of the Books of George G. Hunter III” traces the development of the author’s thought through his eighteen books (as of June 2011). The review demonstrates that Hunter is the primary interpreter of classic church growth thought to those in the Wesleyan tradition, but he also ably speaks to members of the larger Christian family across all theological spectrums with a spirit of grace, cooperation, and collegiality. While his early books, written between 1971 and 1980, communicated insights from the emerging Church Growth movement to Wesleyans (particularly the people called Methodists), his later books demonstrate …
The North American Church Journey: Lessons We Are Learning, Daryl K. Thompson
The North American Church Journey: Lessons We Are Learning, Daryl K. Thompson
Great Commission Research Journal
The North American church is on a journey. It is a journey compelled by the church’s decline in the past half century. The primary lesson that is being learned on this journey is that mission catalyzes Christianity in a way that nothing else does. Western European Christendom has significantly influenced the North American church. This expression of Christianity drifted radically from the early churches missional clarity. The result was an anemic Christianity that saw little personal and societal transformation. Missionally-minded and outwardly-focused pastors are essential to helping the North American church recover its missional orientation.
A Holistic Good News: Missional, Effective Evangelism And Lessons Learned While Traveling In The Hoof Prints Of Wesley, Bob Whitesel
A Holistic Good News: Missional, Effective Evangelism And Lessons Learned While Traveling In The Hoof Prints Of Wesley, Bob Whitesel
Great Commission Research Journal
The Good News can be understood as the message of the missio Dei to which varying methods can be attached. Churches, however, often specialize in a specific part or method of that mission, e.g., helping the needy, emphasizing conversion, or promoting discipleship. This article suggests the Good News has yielded significant historical impact when churches embrace a comprehensive or holistic understanding of the Good News that includes three methodological components: establishing legitimacy by meeting the needs of non-believers, effectively facilitating conversion, and spiritual formation in small communal groups. Missional and effective evangelism nomenclature will be discussed in relation to this …
The Profile Of Asian-American Pastors, Jonathan H. Kim
The Profile Of Asian-American Pastors, Jonathan H. Kim
Great Commission Research Journal
This case study surveyed 277 and interviewed 47 Asian-American pastors to gather information regarding their demographic characteristics, ministry context, sense of call, spiritual formation, employment status, length of tenure, conflict in ministry, and reasons for ministry or career changes. The purpose of this study was to understand personal and institutional issues affecting Asian-American pastors’ ministry tenure.
Behaving Beyond Your Barriers, Melissa Pratt
Behaving Beyond Your Barriers, Melissa Pratt
Great Commission Research Journal
Pastoral leaders must embrace the attitude that God expects His church to grow. Effective pastors must be future-focused rather than problem-focused. They must see and personally live beyond where a church is, beyond where the barriers to growth are, and into the place God wants to take His people. Pastors must identify the behaviors of “next-level” churches to evaluate what kinds of behaviors current church leaders and members should adopt. After casting a “next-level” vision, Pastors should equip their members to behave not as they are, but as they desire to become in order to push through barriers to growth.
Book Review: The Celtic Way Of Evangelism: How Christianity Won The West Again By George G. Hunter, Iii, Allan Karr
Book Review: The Celtic Way Of Evangelism: How Christianity Won The West Again By George G. Hunter, Iii, Allan Karr
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Unchristian: What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity . . . And Why It Matters By David Kinnaman, Matthew Costner
Book Review: Unchristian: What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity . . . And Why It Matters By David Kinnaman, Matthew Costner
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Resurrecting The Celtic Model Of Evangelism For The 21st Century: George G. Hunter, Iii, James R. Farrer
Resurrecting The Celtic Model Of Evangelism For The 21st Century: George G. Hunter, Iii, James R. Farrer
Great Commission Research Journal
Dr. George G. Hunter III has been the premier author in alerting Christians in our current era to the ancient Celtic Christian style of evangelism and mission. This model, pioneered by St. Patrick, became the “greatest sustained Christian mission in Christianity’s history.” The contagious power of these Christians and their communities ushered in almost 1,000 years of Christian culture to Europe. Hunter identifies the Celtic Christians’ main strategies which can be fruitful in reaching today’s prodigals, “nones,” and modern “barbarians.” This model is urgently needed today since the United States has become the third largest mission field of non-Christians in …
The Twenty-First Century Relevance Of Donald Mcgavran, Gary Mcintosh
The Twenty-First Century Relevance Of Donald Mcgavran, Gary Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
Donald A. McGavran is widely considered to be the greatest missiologist of the twentieth century. However, recent articles and books often ignore his contributions to mission theory. This lecture presents ten major influences of McGavran on the church in North America, and suggests five ways he challenges missional thinking in the twenty first century
Converge International Missionaries And Their Churches In Thailand: Different Strategies Reaching Different People Groups In The Bangkapi District Of Bangkok, Thailand, John F. Easterling
Converge International Missionaries And Their Churches In Thailand: Different Strategies Reaching Different People Groups In The Bangkapi District Of Bangkok, Thailand, John F. Easterling
Great Commission Research Journal
In 1990, two missionary families moved to Thailand under the supervision of the Baptist General Conference to study the Thai language, intern under a Thai pastor, and eventually plant churches. Their coming to Thailand was following many years of Buddhism that is firmly established in the land. Christianity has not had an easy reception, but slowly the Christian church has been planted by men and women with faith, a call, determination, vision, and hard work. As these two missionary families began to work together, they started to realize that they each had a distinct calling. After twelve years, their one …
Book Review: Cure For The Common Church: God’S Plan To Restore Church Health By Bob Whitesel, Joshua L. Henry
Book Review: Cure For The Common Church: God’S Plan To Restore Church Health By Bob Whitesel, Joshua L. Henry
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Rise And Decline Of The Church Growth Movement, Elmer Towns
The Rise And Decline Of The Church Growth Movement, Elmer Towns
Great Commission Research Journal
Dr. Towns surveys the movements and personalities that brought the Church Growth Movement into being and gave it a focus in the American church scene. Then he discusses the several accomplishments in its golden age of influence. After 20 years of ministry in various areas, the Church Growth Movement began to decline as evidenced by nine trends surveyed by Dr. Towns. Then he noted seven continuing influences of the Church Growth Movement on today’s church culture. Finally he reminds the reader of what God can do through the church and that God is still using churches today.
Book Review: Understanding World Christianity: The Vision And Work Of Andrew F. Walls By William R. Burrows, Mark R. Gornik, And Janice A. Mclean, Eds., Dwight P. Baker
Book Review: Understanding World Christianity: The Vision And Work Of Andrew F. Walls By William R. Burrows, Mark R. Gornik, And Janice A. Mclean, Eds., Dwight P. Baker
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Finding Still Waters And Green Pastures: Understanding And Reducing Stress In Urban Church Planting, David R. Dunaetz
Finding Still Waters And Green Pastures: Understanding And Reducing Stress In Urban Church Planting, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
The work of urban church planters is often hindered by high levels of stress. Stress may be viewed as a process that involves stressors and an individual’s perceptions of both the level of threat and his or her ability to deal with the threat. The long-term and the short-term consequences of stress can be attenuated through appropriate coping strategies such as problem solving, prayer, and seeking social support. Recent empirical evidence indicates that exposure to nature is also very effective, a strategy that might be especially beneficial to urban church planters and their ministries. Several practical applications are suggested.
Book Review: Christian, Evangelical & . . . Democrat? By George G. Hunter Iii, Willam Ingram
Book Review: Christian, Evangelical & . . . Democrat? By George G. Hunter Iii, Willam Ingram
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Donald Mcgavran’S Understanding Of Conversion, Gustavo V. Suarez
Donald Mcgavran’S Understanding Of Conversion, Gustavo V. Suarez
Great Commission Research Journal
This paper seeks to explore Donald McGavran’s understanding of conversion. First, we will look at the people and events that shaped his theology and methodology. Second, we will explore McGavran’s understanding of conversion. He clearly emphasized in his writings that Church Growth was conversion growth. He also was very clear that salvation is only through Jesus Christ. However, Donald McGavran’s understanding of conversion was clouded with the conflicting theological and sociological views that consequently influenced his methodology. Donald McGavran’s view of conversion lacked a clear theological explanation as to how man becomes a Christian. Most of McGavran’s explanation of conversion …
Donald Mcgavran And The City, Jeff K. Walters
Donald Mcgavran And The City, Jeff K. Walters
Great Commission Research Journal
As the “father of the Church Growth Movement,” Donald A. McGavran’s impact on twentieth century missiology is undisputed. His teaching on missions in urban contexts holds great value for our rapidly urbanizing world, but those contributions have been studied very little. The purpose of this article is to survey McGavran’s urban missiology, especially as presented in his seminal work, Understanding Church Growth.
Blow Ups Or Grow Ups: Strategic Issues For Turnaround Churches, Kent R. Hunter
Blow Ups Or Grow Ups: Strategic Issues For Turnaround Churches, Kent R. Hunter
Great Commission Research Journal
This article addresses the theological and strategic issues affecting current turnaround churches in North America. In at least two scenarios, pastors can either “blow up” or “grow up” their church. The difference lies in the way change is introduced. Dr. Hunter explains that the biblical model of repentance, or metanoia, is always focused on turning towards God. To refocus the church’s mission on discipleship and away from the cultural drift, an understanding of the three most common church change strategies is essential. This discussion includes an analysis of the transition, extension, and organic models, along with an illustration of what …
Hermeneutics And The Methods Of Oral Bible Storytelling For The Evangelization And Discipleship Of Oral Learners, Jennifer Jagerson
Hermeneutics And The Methods Of Oral Bible Storytelling For The Evangelization And Discipleship Of Oral Learners, Jennifer Jagerson
Great Commission Research Journal
The methods of oral Bible storytelling are expanding in influence for proclamation of the Gospel, discipleship, and church planting on the mission field. Such strategies are essential to reach those from primarily oral cultures where few have strong skills in literacy. As these methods are implemented, it is of critical importance to insure that they equip nationals with the fundamental skills of biblical interpretation. The author will demonstrate that at the level of proclamation and early discipleship, oral methods are able to effectively empower non- and semi-literates in the practices of robust inductive Bible study of the narrative texts of …
Book Review: Wisdom From Lyle E. Schaller: The Elder Statesman Of Church Leadership By Warren Bird, Ed., James R. Farrer
Book Review: Wisdom From Lyle E. Schaller: The Elder Statesman Of Church Leadership By Warren Bird, Ed., James R. Farrer
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Impact Of Church Age And Size On Turnaround, Gary Mcintosh
The Impact Of Church Age And Size On Turnaround, Gary Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
Other than a congregation’s beliefs and values, the two key aspects most helpful in understanding a local church are its age and size. While other studies have compared the growth and decline of a church to its life cycle and size barriers, this article examines the primary intervention strategies found most helpful by church consultants for different size and age categories.
Book Review: Here Today, There Tomorrow: Unleashing Your Church’S Potential By Gary L. Mcintosh, Robert Vajko
Book Review: Here Today, There Tomorrow: Unleashing Your Church’S Potential By Gary L. Mcintosh, Robert Vajko
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
In Search Of The Healthy Church: A Meta-Ethnographic Study, Russell L. Huizing
In Search Of The Healthy Church: A Meta-Ethnographic Study, Russell L. Huizing
Great Commission Research Journal
After a brief literature review, eight of the primary contemporary church health resources are subjected to a meta-ethnographic study. The resources’ combined twenty-six health indicators are translated through the meta-themes of organizational structure, developing community, church characteristics, and personal characteristics. A discussion and visual synthesis of the translations point to the church literature developing community through organizational structure which in turn cultivates church and personal characteristics. Future research recommendations include expanding the study of church metaphors beyond “body” and identifying metaphor-specific characteristics through exegetical study
Identifying And Reaching Ethnic Groups In The City, Anthony Casey
Identifying And Reaching Ethnic Groups In The City, Anthony Casey
Great Commission Research Journal
Immigrants are arriving in the United States in large numbers. We know the statistics, but what we do not know is who these people are, where they are living, and how we reach them with the Gospel. This article presents a strategy for identifying and reaching ethnic groups in the city. The first section provides information for locating internationals through research at the national, state, and local level. The second section examines issues related to urban ethnic church planting such as meeting felt needs, understanding worldview issues, dealing with preliterates, and training and partnering with other churches.
What Makes A Multi-Site Church One Church?, John S. Hammett
What Makes A Multi-Site Church One Church?, John S. Hammett
Great Commission Research Journal
This article examines the phenomenon of the multi-site church movement in light of the historic belief in the oneness of the church. It discusses historic understandings of oneness, the definition of oneness used by multi-site advocates, and the single most commonly raised objection to multi-site churches—that they fail to assemble. It evaluates the validity of that objection and multi-site churches as a whole and finds that the oneness of a local church in the New Testament requires relational and geographical closeness that most multi-site churches lack.
Sideways Leadership: Perceptions Of The Senior Pastor’S Transformational Leadership Style And Its Relationship To Church Effectiveness, Donald D. Rumley
Sideways Leadership: Perceptions Of The Senior Pastor’S Transformational Leadership Style And Its Relationship To Church Effectiveness, Donald D. Rumley
Great Commission Research Journal
What if research could demonstrate how a more collaborative or transformational approach to church leadership had a positive impact on the overall effectiveness of the church? Would pastors adjust their leadership style, and would seminaries expand their pastoral training curriculum? Research continues to affirm the importance of leadership in the health and effectiveness of organizations from multiple contexts. Everything from schools to politics shows the need for leadership. Yet, little quantitative research has been done to see the impact of leadership within the church arena. Is it possible that leadership style correlates to the effectiveness of corporate America but has …
Closing Our Doors: Ten Reasons To Consider Why Your Church May Be In Trouble . . . And What To Do, Danny R. Von Kanel
Closing Our Doors: Ten Reasons To Consider Why Your Church May Be In Trouble . . . And What To Do, Danny R. Von Kanel
Great Commission Research Journal
1) Motivation/problem statement: Churches across America are in decline. This article points out ten possible reasons a person’s church may be soon closing its doors and offers possible solutions. 2) Methods/procedure/approach: I used my experience and several recent research surveys by Barna Research, Faith Communities Today 2005 Survey, and the Leavell Church Growth Center to present a variety of church door slammers. 3) Results/Findings/product: If churches will take note of these door slammers and use the suggested solutions listed, they can address each and turn their church around. 4) Conclusion/implications: If churches want to be healthy in the truest sense …