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Articles 391 - 420 of 476
Full-Text Articles in Practical Theology
Rethinking Urban Theology: A Critique For Moving Forward, Cory Wilson
Rethinking Urban Theology: A Critique For Moving Forward, Cory Wilson
Great Commission Research Journal
The last 300 years have witnessed the worldwide urban population jump from just two percent in 1700 to fifty percent at the turn of the twenty-first century. The Christian community has sought to adapt and respond to this current trend in the form of developing an urban theology. This article seeks to provide what is intended to be a helpful critique of some aspects of urban theology. Specific attention will be given to three aspects of urban theology that are in need of critique: urbanization, the gospel and social justice, and biblical theology. Following an analysis of these three areas, …
Saving The Church From The Sinner’S Prayer, Christopher R. Little
Saving The Church From The Sinner’S Prayer, Christopher R. Little
Great Commission Research Journal
The Sinner’s Prayer has become part and parcel of Western evangelistic methodology. Its historical derivation can be traced to American revivalist techniques. The prayer’s application in twenty-first century popular culture has added further obstacles to the process of making genuine disciples as Jesus is presented as a commodity to be consumed in order to achieve self-actualization. In this setting, the calls to count the cost of discipleship have been neglected, which has adversely affected the church. To reverse course, baptism should replace the prayer’s usage as an indication of one’s commitment to Christ, and disciple formation should incorporate the biblical …
The Mother Of All Challenges: Constant Change, Enormous Needs, But-For-God Impossible Difficulties, John Thompson
The Mother Of All Challenges: Constant Change, Enormous Needs, But-For-God Impossible Difficulties, John Thompson
Great Commission Research Journal
Half of the population of the world lives in cities of one million or more. If we don’t reach and disciple from these masses, our future missionary and pastoral force will be diminished. The book Urban Impact is a trumpet call to muster our forces but also deals with the philosophy and practical principles that make any ministry in the city successful. Brandishing a practical writing style coupled with real life experiences, the author helps the reader understand the problems, burdens, joys, and powerful impact cities have on the rest of society.
How Should We Then Witness? A Plea For Reexamining Evangelical Evangelistic Practice In Light Of The Concept Of Worldview, Adam W. Greenway
How Should We Then Witness? A Plea For Reexamining Evangelical Evangelistic Practice In Light Of The Concept Of Worldview, Adam W. Greenway
Great Commission Research Journal
This article’s purpose is to explore the issue of evangelistic renewal within evangelicalism. Discussions concerning the decline of evangelism are ubiquitous, and many evangelicals have called for greater attention to discipleship and follow up as the prescription to this acknowledged malady. This essay argues that the more critical need is to intentionally factor the concept of worldview into the development of contemporary evangelistic strategies and methods to more effectively reach postmodern persons. The article commences with an exploration and definition of the concept of worldview itself. Of particular focus here is how worldview interplays with theology and praxis. A brief …
Book Review: Right Here, Right Now: Everyday Mission For Everyday People By Alan Hirsch And Lance Ford, Kevin Book-Satterlee
Book Review: Right Here, Right Now: Everyday Mission For Everyday People By Alan Hirsch And Lance Ford, Kevin Book-Satterlee
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Judicatory Leadership And The Urban Challenge: A Wesleyan District Makes The Move, Richard E. Meeks
Judicatory Leadership And The Urban Challenge: A Wesleyan District Makes The Move, Richard E. Meeks
Great Commission Research Journal
Detroit, Michigan, finds itself listed in the “top ten” of our nation’s dead or dying cities. After a forty year absence, God is calling the Wesleyan Church back into this great city. This denomination’s East Michigan District is leading the way. The thrust of urban ministry is gaining momentum as church leaders commit to reaching the cities. Judicatory leaders must understand the challenges that come with the opportunities. Richard chronicles the East Michigan District’s journey and shares their experience and learning to assist others in making the move into church planting in a major city’s urban environment.
Book Review: Worship And Mission After Christendom By Alan And Eleanor Kreider, Karl Dahlfred
Book Review: Worship And Mission After Christendom By Alan And Eleanor Kreider, Karl Dahlfred
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Pauline Spiritual Warfare: How A Warfare Mentality Shaped Paul’S Approach To Missions, Will Brooks
Pauline Spiritual Warfare: How A Warfare Mentality Shaped Paul’S Approach To Missions, Will Brooks
Great Commission Research Journal
Paul’s understanding of the condition of nonbelievers and his understanding of how Satan attacks believers is explained in this article. In support of this effort the biblical data is examined and lessons arising from the Pauline corpus in relation to these two issues are noted. Paul’s perspective on these two issues is explored as it relates to his missiological practice. The article, then, concludes with some contemporary applications of this study as they affect current missiological practices.
Church Planting: Looking Back, Looking Forward, Looking Up, Looking Out, David Stein
Church Planting: Looking Back, Looking Forward, Looking Up, Looking Out, David Stein
Great Commission Research Journal
Church planting is one of the most exciting endeavors one can be blessed with the opportunity in which to participate. C. Peter Wagner once called church planting the single most effective evangelistic strategy under heaven. After one studies, prepares, and gets out into the real world, however, one can find that not everything always goes as planned or as desired. This article will reflect on church planting from an experiential and biographical perspective as well as through interaction with other experts in the field via literature. The writer hopes the reader will find insight, value, and encouragement to apply to …
Book Review: A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories That Stretch And Stir By Collin Hansen And John Woodbridge, Daryl C. Cornett
Book Review: A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories That Stretch And Stir By Collin Hansen And John Woodbridge, Daryl C. Cornett
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
About The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Mcmahan
About The Great Commission Research Network, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Graceful Evangelism: Christian Witness In A Complex World By Frances S. Adeney, Laurie Fortunak Nichols
Book Review: Graceful Evangelism: Christian Witness In A Complex World By Frances S. Adeney, Laurie Fortunak Nichols
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Leading The Multiethnic Church: Help From New Metaphors And The Leadership Challenge, Elizabeth Childs Drury
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, …
A Theology Of Church Planting, Phil Stevenson
A Theology Of Church Planting, Phil Stevenson
Great Commission Research Journal
Does church planting need a theology of its own? Or is it enough for it to be informed by theological themes? This paper will attempt to address this conversation. It will show that, even though, church planting may fall outside the realm of traditional theology it is still a branch off the theological trunk. Church planting is an implementation of theological teaching. There are four theological foundations that inform the practice of church planting. They are critical for church planting reflection and framing. These are: Missio Dei, Incarnation, Kingdom of God, and Ecclesiology. Each of this will be explored and …
History Revisited: Learning From Charles H. Spurgeon’S Commitment To Conversion Growth, Michael O'Neal
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.
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.
Building Healthy Relationships In A Multi-Ethnic Congregation With No Ethnic Majority: A Case Study Of Sunrise Church, Arturo Lucero, Robert Weaver
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: 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.
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.
Book Review: The Heart Of Mentoring: Ten Proven Principles For Developing People To Their Fullest Potential By David A. Stoddard, Jeff Ritchley
Book Review: The Heart Of Mentoring: Ten Proven Principles For Developing People To Their Fullest Potential By David A. Stoddard, Jeff Ritchley
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Equipping Nationals To Train Church Planters In Their Culture, Mark Alan Williams
Equipping Nationals To Train Church Planters In Their Culture, Mark Alan Williams
Great Commission Research Journal
Training in a cross-cultural environment has it challenges, but these challenges can be overcome through cultural sensitivity and emphasizing biblical principles over North American bias. A key element of cross-cultural training is equipping nationals to multiply the training throughout their cultural setting. Nationals make the best trainers for one primary reason: they understand their people best. This article provides practical methods for enhanced cross-cultural training effectiveness. Jesus’ training process is outlined as a model for such training. Common mistakes are shared so they might be avoided in equipping nationals to train.
Book Review: The Color Of Church: A Biblical And Practical Paradigm For Multiracial Churches By Rodney Woo, Todd Robertson
Book Review: The Color Of Church: A Biblical And Practical Paradigm For Multiracial Churches By Rodney Woo, Todd Robertson
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Dissertations And Theses Notices, Gary L. Mcintosh
Dissertations And Theses Notices, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Urban Ministry And Social Media: Moving From Billboards To Cafés, Troy Bush
Urban Ministry And Social Media: Moving From Billboards To Cafés, Troy Bush
Great Commission Research Journal
A social revolution has occurred in the last ten years. Social media has forever changed the way we communicate and develop community. At the same time, the urban age has dawned, and the convergence of these two global events creates unprecedented opportunities for urban ministry. This article examines the rise of cell phone texting, Facebook, and Twitter, including city rankings based on the use of social media. It concludes with recommendations for ways urban churches, ministries, and missions can maximize their use of social media.
Book Review: Formational Children’S Ministry: Shaping Children Using Story, Ritual, And Relationship By Ivey Beckwith, Brian Honett
Book Review: Formational Children’S Ministry: Shaping Children Using Story, Ritual, And Relationship By Ivey Beckwith, Brian Honett
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Multicultural And Racial Reconciliation Efforts Fail To Attract Many In The Black Church, Dirke D. Johnson
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
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
“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
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: 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.