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Full-Text Articles in Practical Theology

Book Review: Communication In Mission: Global Opportunities And Challenges Edited By Marcus Dean, Scott Moreau, Sue Russell, And Rochelle Scheuermann, I. Francis Kile Iii Oct 2024

Book Review: Communication In Mission: Global Opportunities And Challenges Edited By Marcus Dean, Scott Moreau, Sue Russell, And Rochelle Scheuermann, I. Francis Kile Iii

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Mission In The Way Of Daniel: Empowering Believers To Live Into God’S Plan By Edward Smither, H. L. "Scooter" Ward Jr. Oct 2024

Book Review: Mission In The Way Of Daniel: Empowering Believers To Live Into God’S Plan By Edward Smither, H. L. "Scooter" Ward Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Using Statistics In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz Oct 2024

Using Statistics In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

Although the proper use of statistics is challenging for most people, including researchers, aggregated numeric data is often the strongest evidence that a researcher can present to support an idea. This is because statistics is such a powerful tool for detecting trends that can be observed in complex contexts such as churches. Church researchers need to understand two classes of statistics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics describe the different variables that are measured in a study and include the mean, the standard deviation, and confidence intervals. They also include correlations showing how these variables are related to each …


Innovations In Engaging The Next Generation Towards Discipleship And Mission, Billy Mcmahan Oct 2024

Innovations In Engaging The Next Generation Towards Discipleship And Mission, Billy Mcmahan

Great Commission Research Journal

This research addresses the central question: How can the church adapt to reach and disciple Generation Z in a way that speaks to their distinctive experiences and needs? To answer this question, the paper will first explore Gen Z’s defining characteristics and then examine how various organizations, particularly for-profit organizations, engage this emerging generation. Finally, the study will highlight innovative ministries gaining significant traction with Gen Z, offering insights and models for broader church applications.


Will They Stay Or Will They Go? Assessing Connections Between Professions Of Faith And Church Integration At A Church In Central California, David C. Thiessen Oct 2024

Will They Stay Or Will They Go? Assessing Connections Between Professions Of Faith And Church Integration At A Church In Central California, David C. Thiessen

Great Commission Research Journal

This case study examines the connection between professions of faith and individual retention at Mountain View Church in Fresno, California, identifying potential spiritual, contextual, and institutional factors that influence retention. The research methodology included a statistical analysis of 658 recorded commitment cards and responses from an online survey (N = 23) and a follow-up phone interview (N = 16). Those retained tended to make a profession of faith after two or more visits, in contrast to the average profession, which occurred on the first visit. One-third of those responding to the survey indicated that they had been invited to church …


Book Review: Social Research Methods: For Students And Scholars Of Theology And Religious Studies By Joshua Iyadurai, Regina Manley Oct 2024

Book Review: Social Research Methods: For Students And Scholars Of Theology And Religious Studies By Joshua Iyadurai, Regina Manley

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Calling Out The Called: Discipling Those Called To Ministry Leadership By Scott Pace And Shane Pruitt, Desmond W. Wallace Oct 2024

Book Review: Calling Out The Called: Discipling Those Called To Ministry Leadership By Scott Pace And Shane Pruitt, Desmond W. Wallace

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Disciple Making: From Doubter To Disciple, Brad Ransom Oct 2024

Disciple Making: From Doubter To Disciple, Brad Ransom

Great Commission Research Journal

The theme of our 2024 Great Commission Research Network conference was “Disciple Making: from Doubter to Disciple.” Disciple making is the mission and call of the Church and therefore must be a priority for church leaders. Every church needs a clearly developed and defined discipleship strategy or pathway that leads every person in its sphere of influence to a relationship with Jesus and growth in their faith. The problem is that many churches do not have such a plan.


Book Review: When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional And Spiritual Abuse By Chuck Degroat, Timothy Clothier Oct 2024

Book Review: When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional And Spiritual Abuse By Chuck Degroat, Timothy Clothier

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Mission In Praise, Word, And Deed: Reflections On The Past And Future Of Global Mission Edited By Edward L. Smither And Jessica A. Udall, Nathaniel (Than) Veltman Oct 2024

Book Review: Mission In Praise, Word, And Deed: Reflections On The Past And Future Of Global Mission Edited By Edward L. Smither And Jessica A. Udall, Nathaniel (Than) Veltman

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Review Of Leadership By The Book: Cultivating Spirit-Led Kingdom Leaders By Galen Wendell Jones, Jeremy Langly Apr 2024

Review Of Leadership By The Book: Cultivating Spirit-Led Kingdom Leaders By Galen Wendell Jones, Jeremy Langly

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Great Commission Research Journal Spring 2024, David R. Dunaetz Apr 2024

Great Commission Research Journal Spring 2024, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Gods Have Names: Addressing The Translation Of “God” In The Thai Language And Culture, Kelly M. Hilderbrand Apr 2024

Gods Have Names: Addressing The Translation Of “God” In The Thai Language And Culture, Kelly M. Hilderbrand

Great Commission Research Journal

This article is a practical missiological examination of the word used to reference God in the Thai language. The problem is that the term used in Thai, Phrajao (พระเจ้า), is a generic term that can be used for any number of different gods or royalty and is easily misunderstood. After an examination of the words used for “God” in Chinese and Hindu contexts, the biblical terms for “God” are examined. Although the Bible uses generic terms for God (Elohim and Theos), God has a name. The name of God, Yahweh, was revealed to Moses and used throughout the Old Testament. …


Review Of Diaspora Missions To International Students By Enoch Wan, I. Francis Kyle Iii Apr 2024

Review Of Diaspora Missions To International Students By Enoch Wan, I. Francis Kyle Iii

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Review Of Interpreting Your World: Five Lenses For Engaging Theology And Culture By Justin Ariel Bailey, John E. Rife Jr. Apr 2024

Review Of Interpreting Your World: Five Lenses For Engaging Theology And Culture By Justin Ariel Bailey, John E. Rife Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Review Of Missionary Motivations: Challenges From The Early Church By Matthew Burden, Ryan Jensen Apr 2024

Review Of Missionary Motivations: Challenges From The Early Church By Matthew Burden, Ryan Jensen

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


About The Great Commission Research Network Spring 2024, David R. Dunaetz Apr 2024

About The Great Commission Research Network Spring 2024, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Review Of Supracultural Gospel: Bridging East And West By Mary Lou Codman-Wilson And Alex Zhou, Mark D. Wood Apr 2024

Review Of Supracultural Gospel: Bridging East And West By Mary Lou Codman-Wilson And Alex Zhou, Mark D. Wood

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Review Of Fanning The Revitalization Flame: Leading Your Church From Smoldering Embers To Revival Fire By Robert Beckett, Robert Shepherd Apr 2024

Review Of Fanning The Revitalization Flame: Leading Your Church From Smoldering Embers To Revival Fire By Robert Beckett, Robert Shepherd

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Review Of Vital Christian Community: 12 Characteristics Of Healthy Congregations By Phil Brochard And Alissa Newton, Renee Jones Apr 2024

Review Of Vital Christian Community: 12 Characteristics Of Healthy Congregations By Phil Brochard And Alissa Newton, Renee Jones

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Sampling Methods And Sample Size In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz Apr 2024

Sampling Methods And Sample Size In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

An underlying assumption of most church-based research is that the sample from which the data is collected is representative of a wider collection of church members, church leaders, small groups, churches, denominations, or whatever is the focus of the study. To increase the likelihood that this assumption is met without making the research an impossible undertaking, various sampling strategies are used ranging from random sampling to convenience sampling, each with advantages and disadvantages. After a sampling strategy is chosen, an appropriate sample size should be pursued, depending on the nature of the study. The sample size of quantitative studies seeking …


The Top Ten Challenges Facing Pastors In 2024, Edward E. Moody Jr. Apr 2024

The Top Ten Challenges Facing Pastors In 2024, Edward E. Moody Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

This article summarizes the results of a study conducted by the Great Commission Research Network seeking to identify the top challenges facing pastors in 2024. The results are similar to a study conducted last year examining concerns of churches (Moody, 2023). While both studies highlighted challenges related to evangelism and young adults, this study revealed additional, pastoral concerns.


Evangelism In The Usa: A Look Back And A Look Ahead, Gary L. Mcintosh Apr 2024

Evangelism In The Usa: A Look Back And A Look Ahead, Gary L. Mcintosh

Great Commission Research Journal

Innovations in approaches, methods, and techniques for fruitful evangelism are a hallmark of the church in the United States. This article explores eleven evangelistic innovations observed in the last half of the twentieth century and offers seven insights for the future.


Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon Apr 2024

Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon

Great Commission Research Journal

Asbury Theological Seminary conducted a research project exploring financial models beyond traditional church tithes and offerings. This qualitative study focused on financial viability and missional vibrancy. It involved surveys, interviews, a focus group, and site visits to churches using alternate financial models. Major findings revealed that six alternate financial models are presently used that increase missional impact, allowing churches to serve communities and engage in meaningful interactions. These models also provide churches financial viability and surprising missional benefits that include goodwill, partnerships, real estate development, job creation, and enhanced community engagement. Some precautions are also noted based on the experiences …


Church-Supported Esl Ministry In Canada: A Look At The Church’S Mission In Action, Gordon Moulden Apr 2024

Church-Supported Esl Ministry In Canada: A Look At The Church’S Mission In Action, Gordon Moulden

Great Commission Research Journal

English is a dominant business, academic, and communicative language throughout the world. Immigrants and refugees coming to the West have a great need to learn the language but often do not have the funds or time to pursue studies full-time. Churches often offer English classes to minister to not only their language needs but also to their relational and spiritual needs. This mixed-methods survey and interview research investigates the state of church-supported English as a Second Language (ESL) programs across Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 50 teachers and program coordinators completed the survey, which revealed needs relating to training …


Review Of Organic Disciples: Seven Ways To Grow Spiritually And Naturally Share Jesus By Kevin And Sherry Harney, Jesse Ruby Apr 2024

Review Of Organic Disciples: Seven Ways To Grow Spiritually And Naturally Share Jesus By Kevin And Sherry Harney, Jesse Ruby

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Church Plantology: The Art And Science Of Planting By Peyton Jones, David Thiessen Oct 2023

Book Review: Church Plantology: The Art And Science Of Planting By Peyton Jones, David Thiessen

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Survey And Questionnaire Design For Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz Oct 2023

Survey And Questionnaire Design For Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

To better understand behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes in churches, survey research can be very useful, especially to test a hypothesis that we believe to be true. Before creating a survey or questionnaire, the phenomena being examined need to be well understood and appropriate measures chosen. The items included in the survey need to measure the concepts desired and should be clear and unambiguous. The survey should be laid out to motivate maximum participation and minimize biased responses. This article provides many principles for how to accomplish these goals and to ensure that the research undertaken is credible.


Need-Oriented Evangelism: Encountering, Embracing, And Experiencing God, Petr Činčala, Allison Sauceda Oct 2023

Need-Oriented Evangelism: Encountering, Embracing, And Experiencing God, Petr Činčala, Allison Sauceda

Great Commission Research Journal

This article provides a fresh perspective on evangelism by reflecting a belief in the Triune God--the source of saving truth and loving community. Mission is part of God’s nature; he is the ultimate Missionary. Mission happens naturally whenever children of God intentionally invite and facilitate God’s presence. Over time, the word “evangelism" has become contaminated by myths, a false understanding of God, and unpleasant religious experiences and practices. Genuine evangelism addresses the most burning issues of people’s lives and should be treated as such. True evangelism involves caring about, praying for, and sharing with people. The practical part of this …


Book Review: Smart Church Finances: A Pastor’S Guide To Budgets, Spreadsheets, And Other Things You Didn’T Learn In Seminary By George Hillman, Jr., And John Reece, Walter Castro Oct 2023

Book Review: Smart Church Finances: A Pastor’S Guide To Budgets, Spreadsheets, And Other Things You Didn’T Learn In Seminary By George Hillman, Jr., And John Reece, Walter Castro

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.