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Asbury Theological Seminary

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Articles 451 - 480 of 2169

Full-Text Articles in Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

A Framework For Developing Global Leadership According To The Apostle Paul, Peter Rios Jan 2016

A Framework For Developing Global Leadership According To The Apostle Paul, Peter Rios

Great Commission Research Journal

Globalization is inevitable. There is no longer any need to debate whether an organization or a leader should consider becoming global. Such a discussion is as dead as universities debating whether they should have online studies. Being a global leader or organization is imperative today, especially if the goal of the organization is to extend the reach of its markets. The apostle Paul personified global leadership during the course of his ministry. The skills he displayed as a leader were (1) having a global mentality, (2) becoming all things, (3) displaying cultural agility, (4) overcoming adversity, (5) assembling strategic teams, …


Book Review: Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around And Yours Can Too By Ed Stetzer And Mike Dodson, Philips Sunday Akinbobola Jan 2016

Book Review: Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around And Yours Can Too By Ed Stetzer And Mike Dodson, Philips Sunday Akinbobola

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


A Historical Analysis Of Hinderances Related To The Slow Growth Of Christianity In Thailand, Kelly Michael Hilderbrand Jan 2016

A Historical Analysis Of Hinderances Related To The Slow Growth Of Christianity In Thailand, Kelly Michael Hilderbrand

Great Commission Research Journal

From the very beginning, Christianity has experienced slow growth in Thailand. This article examines the historical hindrances to growth in Thailand. What are they, and why have they hindered church growth? Early hindrances have included climate and disease, ministry approaches, and a lack of persecution. Historical and present hindrances are also examined, including the foreignness of Christianity, confrontational evangelism, and the Thai patron-client social structure. Once identified, missions organizations and missionaries can make adjustments to be more eff­ective in impacting the kingdom of Thailand for the gospel.


The Lost Balance In Missions Today, Mike Morris Jan 2016

The Lost Balance In Missions Today, Mike Morris

Great Commission Research Journal

Many evangelical Christian missiologists emphasize search-only theology (i.e., search theology that is not balanced by harvest theology). When the Great Commission is reexamined, search-only theology deficiencies are revealed. When search-only proponents attempt to sow seed speedily in all UPGs at the same time without regard for receptivity, poor stewardship of gospel seed is evident. A lack of thorough discipleship results in UdPGs. Such speedy search-only theology is not the pattern set by Jesus or Paul. ƒe dangers of search-only theology’s emphasis on speed include placing unqualified people in leadership positions and getting involved in the deceptive insider movement.


Book Review: Donald A. Mcgavran: A Biography Of The Twentieth Century’S Premier Missiologist By Gary Mcintosh, Mike Morris Jan 2016

Book Review: Donald A. Mcgavran: A Biography Of The Twentieth Century’S Premier Missiologist By Gary Mcintosh, Mike Morris

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Whose Story To Join? The Problem Of Social Plausibility, Social Missions Stations, And Their Relationship To Church Planting Movements, J. S. Williams Jan 2016

Whose Story To Join? The Problem Of Social Plausibility, Social Missions Stations, And Their Relationship To Church Planting Movements, J. S. Williams

Great Commission Research Journal

Donald McGavran challenged the missions community sixty years ago to use the natural social bridges of a community, rather than create new ones, to see the gospel spread. This paper builds on this concept by applying social plausibility theory, as articulated by Peter Berger and Thomas Tuckman, to three case studies of church planting efforts among Muslims. The paper indicates, in keeping with McGavran, that missionaries may still construct “sociological mission stations” if they do not intentionally present the gospel to families and social networks instead of individuals.


William Carey’S Vision For Missionary Partnerships, Andrew D. Mcfarland Jan 2016

William Carey’S Vision For Missionary Partnerships, Andrew D. Mcfarland

Great Commission Research Journal

When the English Baptist missionary William Carey left England bound for India in 1793, he did not attempt the effort alone. Instead, he thought a brotherhood of serious Christians residing in England as essential for the undertaking. However, he expected them to provide more than funding. He trusted them to supply the love, encouragement, and support that would make missionary service possible. As a result, the partnership of William Carey with the BMS was founded on interdependence, and Carey’s devotion to this fueled his perseverance through seasons of painful challenges. This was Carey’s vision for missionary partnerships.


If I Were Young Again, Amos R. Wells Litt.D.,Ll.D. Jan 2016

If I Were Young Again, Amos R. Wells Litt.D.,Ll.D.

Books

No abstract provided.


The Case For Prioritism: Part 1, Christopher R. Little Jan 2016

The Case For Prioritism: Part 1, Christopher R. Little

Great Commission Research Journal

The global evangelical missions movement has embraced holism or integral mission as a framework for engaging the nations. Many astute observers maintain that this development indicates that present-day evangelicals are following in the footsteps of ecumenicals and repeating the mistakes of the past. The matter of the relationship between proclamation and social action in the mission of the church must therefore be revisited for the sake of the world. The first installment of this article seeks to highlight why the debate is still necessary, clarify the fundamental differences between prioritism and holism, recount the road to evangelical holism, and address …


The Big News On Small Churches: Re-Evaluating The Contribution Of Small Churches To The Fulfillment Of The Great Commission ., Ian Hussey Jan 2016

The Big News On Small Churches: Re-Evaluating The Contribution Of Small Churches To The Fulfillment Of The Great Commission ., Ian Hussey

Great Commission Research Journal

Although many small churches are declining, research presented in this article suggests that on almost every measure of vitality or effectiveness (including newcomers), smaller churches are doing as well, if not better, than larger churches. Of particular note is that people in smaller congregations tend to find it easier to make friends in the congregation and are more likely to seek to make new arrivals welcome. Indeed, small churches may have a number of strategic advantages that are discussed and identified as ways smaller churches can make a significant contribution to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.


Book Review: Can These Bones Live? A Practical Guide To Church Revitalization By Bill Henard, Nicholas Clark Jan 2016

Book Review: Can These Bones Live? A Practical Guide To Church Revitalization By Bill Henard, Nicholas Clark

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Pastoral Sketches, Beverly Carradine Jan 2016

Pastoral Sketches, Beverly Carradine

Heritage Material

No abstract provided.


Shortening The Leap: From Honest Doubt To Enduring Faith, Robert G. Tuttle Jr. Jan 2016

Shortening The Leap: From Honest Doubt To Enduring Faith, Robert G. Tuttle Jr.

Heritage Material

No abstract provided.


Prophetic Conflict And Yahwistic Tradition : A Synthetic Study Of True And False Prophecy (Jeremiah 26-29), M. Sashi Jamir Dec 2015

Prophetic Conflict And Yahwistic Tradition : A Synthetic Study Of True And False Prophecy (Jeremiah 26-29), M. Sashi Jamir

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Luke's Legato Historiography : Remembering The Continuity Of Salvation History Through Rhetorical Transitions, David Brack Nov 2015

Luke's Legato Historiography : Remembering The Continuity Of Salvation History Through Rhetorical Transitions, David Brack

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Our Stories, His Story : Unveiling The Sociolcultural Barriers Of Singapore Chinese Elderly When They Follow Jesus, Nam Seng Koh Sep 2015

Our Stories, His Story : Unveiling The Sociolcultural Barriers Of Singapore Chinese Elderly When They Follow Jesus, Nam Seng Koh

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Our Global Families: Christians Embracing Common Identity In A Changing World By Todd M. Johnson And Cindy M. Wu, Beau K. Brewer Jul 2015

Book Review: Our Global Families: Christians Embracing Common Identity In A Changing World By Todd M. Johnson And Cindy M. Wu, Beau K. Brewer

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


After Postmodernism, Thomas W. Sieberhagen Jul 2015

After Postmodernism, Thomas W. Sieberhagen

Great Commission Research Journal

For the past 30 years, Christians have written about and discussed postmodernism. The topic is a favorite among scholars and students, who have enjoyed endless debates on the impact of postmodernism and who have speculated what the Church’s proper response should be to the West’s dominant worldview. This article urges the reader to recognize postmodernism’s demise, and to start thinking about the Church’s response to the next dominant worldview: Neo-realism. Could it be that God has brought the greater culture through the emptiness of postmodernism so that they will be ready to hear the truth of the Gospel as they …


The Strategic Nature Of Urban Ministry, Alan Mcmahan Jul 2015

The Strategic Nature Of Urban Ministry, Alan Mcmahan

Great Commission Research Journal

The explosive growth of cities around the world provides an unprecedented and strategic opportunity for the advancement of the gospel and the expansion of the church. Ten overlapping realities found in urban contexts are explored in this article to show how the world is dramatically changing the context in which most people live. The enormous advantages offered by urban ministry are then examined to show how the church can extend its reach, identify and reach receptive people and influence the culture of a region or a nation.


Cubans In The United States, Antonio J. Lopez Jul 2015

Cubans In The United States, Antonio J. Lopez

Great Commission Research Journal

The term “Hispanic” is used in the United States for a large and diverse group of people. Cubans are among those that fall under this category, though they differ from other Hispanics. To understand some of the characteristic of Cubans, and to effectively reach them it is important to understand their history and culture. Mainly in Florida, Cubans are diffused throughout the United States, which requires flexibility and intentionality in reaching them. This article seeks to familiarize the reader with some of the historical, and cultural aspects of Cubans in order to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Book Reviews: There’S Hope For Your Church By Gary L. Mcintosh And A Place Of Grace By William O. Webster, James R. Farrer Jul 2015

Book Reviews: There’S Hope For Your Church By Gary L. Mcintosh And A Place Of Grace By William O. Webster, James R. Farrer

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Rise Of The "Nones", Dave Page Jul 2015

Rise Of The "Nones", Dave Page

Great Commission Research Journal

The number of Americans (“nones”) who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace with Millennials leading the way. Is this growing trend a cause for concern? This article argues that it is cause for great concern and that churches cannot keep doing what they’ve always done if they expect to reach this unique cultural group. Nones are spiritual but not religious and are very different than seekers. In order to reach nones for Christ, churches must 1) Become mission minded; 2) Focus on conversion growth; 3) Educate themselves on this new group 4) Utilize …


My Pilgrimage In The Church Growth Movement: Empowerment To Lead People To Jesus, Kent R. Hunter Jul 2015

My Pilgrimage In The Church Growth Movement: Empowerment To Lead People To Jesus, Kent R. Hunter

Great Commission Research Journal

As a child, Kent Hunter was a nominal Christian with faithful parents. During surgery for a football injury, God changed Kent from mediocrity to missionary. Kent’s journey through college and seminary provided theology, but little strategy. In search of mission training, he earned a Ph.D. in Theology. It would become the biblical foundation for his future. Kent’s first ministry was to pastor a dying, inner-city, Anglo church surrounded by unchurched African Americans. Humbled and discouraged by failure to effectively reach out, he enrolled in Fuller Seminary. God used that experience to transform his life, his church, and many others on …


Global Church Growth Through Multicultural Mission Teams, Parnell M. Lovelace Jr. Jul 2015

Global Church Growth Through Multicultural Mission Teams, Parnell M. Lovelace Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

The globalization of ministry outreach is emerging as the church is expanding its reach beyond the local community. As a result, many congregations have embraced multicultural mission team development. As models of leadership are capturing opportunities to develop strategic liaisons globally with various nations politically, educationally, financially, and socially, there appears to be an opportunity to implement or receive initiatives that mutually benefit both the hosting country and the serving organization. These opportunities are available to the local church or a consortium of local churches. The growth of the church and its impact is readily observed through the implementation and …


Donald Mcgavran: A Missionary To India, Gary L. Mcintosh Jul 2015

Donald Mcgavran: A Missionary To India, Gary L. Mcintosh

Great Commission Research Journal

Donald McGavran served as a director of Christian education and denominational executive in India for the United Christian Missionary Society from 1923 to 1936. During those years he completed a Ph.D. in Education from Columbia University, and met J. Waskom Pickett who helped redirect him into the research on church growth. His interest in evangelism eventually led to his demotion to a field evangelist in 1936; a move that would change his life.


Book Review: Not Safe For Church: Ten Commandments For Reaching New Generations By F. Douglas Powe, Jr. And Jasmine Rose Smothers, Cory L. Siebel Jul 2015

Book Review: Not Safe For Church: Ten Commandments For Reaching New Generations By F. Douglas Powe, Jr. And Jasmine Rose Smothers, Cory L. Siebel

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Book Review: White Unto Harvest: Evangelizing Today’S Senior Adults By Charles Arn, Matthew Costner Jul 2015

Book Review: White Unto Harvest: Evangelizing Today’S Senior Adults By Charles Arn, Matthew Costner

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Book Review: The Unchurched Next Door By Thom Rainer, Amy Nicholson Jones Jul 2015

Book Review: The Unchurched Next Door By Thom Rainer, Amy Nicholson Jones

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


The Spirituality Of Preaching : Exploring The Relationship Between The Spiritual Formation Of The Preacher And The Spiritual Formation Of The Congregation, David Wesley Wells May 2015

The Spirituality Of Preaching : Exploring The Relationship Between The Spiritual Formation Of The Preacher And The Spiritual Formation Of The Congregation, David Wesley Wells

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


How To Read The Book Of Revelation In The Local Church: Overcoming Obstacles And Revealing Messages, Daljin Kim May 2015

How To Read The Book Of Revelation In The Local Church: Overcoming Obstacles And Revealing Messages, Daljin Kim

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.