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Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons™
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Articles 151 - 180 of 458
Full-Text Articles in Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Innovations In A Nursing Home Ministry, H. L. Ward Jr.
Innovations In A Nursing Home Ministry, H. L. Ward Jr.
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Microchurches: A Smaller Way By Brian Sanders, Jason L. Lalonde
Book Review: Microchurches: A Smaller Way By Brian Sanders, Jason L. Lalonde
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Culture Map By Erin Meyer, Kenneth Nehrbass
Book Review: The Culture Map By Erin Meyer, Kenneth Nehrbass
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Announcements, David R. Dunaetz
Announcements, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Complete Issue Fall 2021: Innovation In Churches, David R. Dunaetz
Complete Issue Fall 2021: Innovation In Churches, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Importance Of Hypotheses In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz Editor
The Importance Of Hypotheses In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz Editor
Great Commission Research Journal
The role of hypotheses is central both in church-related research and in Christian ministry. Hypotheses guide the collection of data to determine what is true in research and provide tentative guidelines for action in ministry, even when they are not yet confirmed. Well-constructed hypotheses are based on previous research and provide clear potential solutions to research problems. They succinctly posit a testable relationship between two or more variables. Such hypotheses can be tested through appropriately designed research. Statistical techniques can indicate to what degree the evidence collected supports the hypotheses. In church-based research, hypotheses to be examined can come from …
Complete Issue, David R. Dunaetz Editor
Complete Issue, David R. Dunaetz Editor
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
China’S Belt And Road Initiative: Mission Opportunities And Challenges, Paul Lee
China’S Belt And Road Initiative: Mission Opportunities And Challenges, Paul Lee
Great Commission Research Journal
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an infrastructure project proposed by China to improve transportation in Eurasia. This will bring both mission opportunities and challenges in the regions affected. God is perhaps giving Christians a unique opportunity for evangelism through this project which facilitates the movement of not just humans and products, but also the gospel.
How Research On Young Adults Informs Evangelism, Gary Comer
How Research On Young Adults Informs Evangelism, Gary Comer
Great Commission Research Journal
In a time when the church is missing members of the younger generations, it is important to look to generational research and listen to compelling voices regarding currents in the culture, with the aim of informing evangelism among these generations. This treatise provides an analysis of two missiological-relevant aspects of these generations: profile and receptivity. Based on this analysis, the author proposes correctives to increase the effectiveness of evangelistic efforts.
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Charles Arn
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Charles Arn
Great Commission Research Journal
As a key leader in the church growth movement, Chip Arn was invited by the journal to share his story.
Book Review: A Testimony To All Peoples: Kingdom Movements Around The World Edited By Dave Coles And Stan Parks, Gene Wilson
Book Review: A Testimony To All Peoples: Kingdom Movements Around The World Edited By Dave Coles And Stan Parks, Gene Wilson
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Undivided Witness: Followers Of Jesus, Community Development, And Least Reached Communities Edited By David Greenlee, Mark Galpin, And Paul Bendor-Samuel, David Bahena
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Misreading Scripture With Individualist Eyes: Patronage, Honor, And Shame In The Biblical World By E. Randolph Richards And Richard James, Brent H. Burdick
Book Review: Misreading Scripture With Individualist Eyes: Patronage, Honor, And Shame In The Biblical World By E. Randolph Richards And Richard James, Brent H. Burdick
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Honor, Shame, And Gospel: Reframing Our Message And Ministry Edited By Flanders, C., And Mischke, W., Cameron D. Armstrong
Book Review: Honor, Shame, And Gospel: Reframing Our Message And Ministry Edited By Flanders, C., And Mischke, W., Cameron D. Armstrong
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Learning Cycle: Insights For Faithful Teaching From Neuroscience And The Social Sciences, Nathaniel Veltman
Book Review: The Learning Cycle: Insights For Faithful Teaching From Neuroscience And The Social Sciences, Nathaniel Veltman
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Power Of Faithfulness In Relational Evangelism, Lance C. Hahn
The Power Of Faithfulness In Relational Evangelism, Lance C. Hahn
Great Commission Research Journal
Many evangelistic efforts bear little fruit. It may be due to our inability to convey the right information, but it may also be due to an inappropriate environment for the information to be interpreted correctly. This article describes a process that God may use to engage a person whose heart has been prepared, so that the seed sown is received, not only as truth, but with joy. Relational evangelism carried out faithfully allows consistent sowing until chaotic moments open the heart.
Church-Based Research: Challenges And Opportunities, David R. Dunaetz
Church-Based Research: Challenges And Opportunities, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
Because the church is the body of Christ, research focused on the Great Commission and Jesus’ concern for evangelism and disciple-making needs to be church-based. The goal of such research is to better share God’s love to a world who does not know him by building up a collection of knowledge that will enable us to do so. This research may be both theological (focusing on what the Bible and other theologians have said) and scientific (focusing on collecting new data and interpreting it, especially in light of theology). Church-based scientific research may be either qualitative (exploring broad ideas and …
Alternative Financial Models For Churches And Church Plants: When Tithes And Offerings Are Not Enough, W. Jay Moon
Alternative Financial Models For Churches And Church Plants: When Tithes And Offerings Are Not Enough, W. Jay Moon
Great Commission Research Journal
Many churches face financial strains, forcing some to close every year. Similarly, potential church plants may be delayed or disbanded due to a lack of finances. Instead of relying solely on tithes and offerings, this article provides six nontraditional financial approaches that churches can implement to promote financial viability and missional impact. The interaction of the church’s financial liquidity (low or high) and relational networks (closed or open) provides a starting point to determine which approach may be best in the church’s context. Practical applications are provided through examples of contemporary churches using these approaches.
A Missional Outreach Model In The Czech Republic: A Postchristian, Secular Culture, Petr Činčala
A Missional Outreach Model In The Czech Republic: A Postchristian, Secular Culture, Petr Činčala
Great Commission Research Journal
The Czech Republic is one of the most secular countries in the world. Moreover, the church has not been growing over the last few decades. This case study presents the church planting efforts in the city of Liberec, focusing on an outreach center started by a small number of Christians with the goal of sharing Christ’s love in culturally relevant ways. The initial efforts led to a family-centered activity center with many programs that helped develop personal relationships, trust, and open doors to share the gospel. An English class and gospel choir have been at the center of the outreach, …
Narcissistic Pastors And The Making Of Narcissistic Churches, Darrell Puls
Narcissistic Pastors And The Making Of Narcissistic Churches, Darrell Puls
Great Commission Research Journal
Can churches take on the pathological behaviors associated with narcissism through the influence of a narcissistic pastor? While there is a large body of literature on narcissistic individuals, and a smaller body of research into narcissistic organizations, there is little research on the prevalence of toxic narcissism in clergy and little to none on narcissistic churches. This paper is written from the perspective of currently available research and the author’s experience in working with churches suffering from severe internal conflicts in which both the pastor and church evidenced toxic levels of narcissism. The intent is to increase awareness, open a …
Something Old, Something New: How New Churches Are Embracing Liturgy, Winfield Bevins
Something Old, Something New: How New Churches Are Embracing Liturgy, Winfield Bevins
Great Commission Research Journal
The movement toward ancient church tradition has been well documented; however, there has also been a steady rise of new churches that are embracing church tradition and liturgy. The first part of this article will examine the history behind this movement and the factors that have contributed to its development. Next, it will look at four case studies of new churches that are embracing liturgy, which I refer to as neo-liturgical churches. It will end with an exploration of the promise that this may hold for reaching young adults.
Musical Worship: The New Sacrament?, Elsen Portugal
Musical Worship: The New Sacrament?, Elsen Portugal
Great Commission Research Journal
Music has been present in the worship practices of Christian communities as far back as the early days of the Church. Its presence has not been merely tolerated but intentionally integrated into liturgical practices, sometimes reflecting practices under the old covenant, and at other times adopting other shapes. Music’s meaning and power have also been variously evaluated by theologians and laypeople through the centuries. In certain segments of Christianity, music has even developed a theological relationship to concepts of sacrament. Such a relationship has penetrated the “worship event” in the latter part of the twentieth century and has frequently become …
That All May Hear: How Indigenous Church Music Encourages Church Growth In Africa, Trevor Yoakum
That All May Hear: How Indigenous Church Music Encourages Church Growth In Africa, Trevor Yoakum
Great Commission Research Journal
This article demonstrates how indigenous church music can be an effective tool in promoting healthy church growth. After defining indigenous church music through the insights of ethnodoxology, the author explains how it engages local hearers through their own conceptual categories. This cognitive interaction is relevant in that it augments comprehension of biblical themes and content. But it also impacts hearers through the various levels of their worldview. The article ends with a case study of how a consortium of African theological institutions and IMB missionaries are developing orality-based indigenous music to teach, refute heresy, and evangelize the continent.
“Lift Up Your Eyes”: Case Study Of Journey Church, Tucson, Jim Roden
“Lift Up Your Eyes”: Case Study Of Journey Church, Tucson, Jim Roden
Great Commission Research Journal
The receptivity principle of church growth discerns who in the local population is generally responsive to the gospel. The biblical warrant for this principle is seen in Jesus’ instructions to his disciples (Mark 5:11) and in Paul’s ministry (Acts 14:19-20). Donald McGavran emphasized, “Evangelism can be and ought to be directed to responsive persons, groups, and segments of society…. Correct policy is to occupy fields of low receptivity lightly.” The experience of anxiety typifies gospel-receptive groups; when their anxiety dissipates, their gospel receptivity diminishes. The special-needs population and those who are close to them experience unrelieved chronic anxiety that predisposes …
The Acts Way: Returning To The Original Plan A Of Church Planting, Joshua D. Sorrows
The Acts Way: Returning To The Original Plan A Of Church Planting, Joshua D. Sorrows
Great Commission Research Journal
This article examines the question: Is there a way to plant gospel-centered churches faster? Building off of Donald McGavran’s homogeneous unit theory, this article explores the biblical basis, the varied methodologies, and the successful implementation of a micro-church planting strategy in the Colorado Rockies. It evaluates the validity of micro-church planting alongside our current methods of church planting. The article calls for consideration to return to the Acts model of church planting through disciple-making that will help the Church go deep and reach wide.
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Leaving A Legacy, Gary L. Mcintosh
The Life Of Donald Mcgavran: Leaving A Legacy, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
As the Church Growth Movement continued to develop, it gained strength and respect. The establishing of the McGavran Chair of Church Growth was a red-letter day, which established the CGM as an academic discipline. Donald and Mary McGavran slowly backed away from direct ministry, but continued to follow the movement’s impact. This except reports the final years of McGavran’s life and ministry
Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed An Unlikely Generation And How He Can Do It Again Today. By Greg Laurie And Ellen Vaughn, H. L. Ward Jr.
Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed An Unlikely Generation And How He Can Do It Again Today. By Greg Laurie And Ellen Vaughn, H. L. Ward Jr.
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook: Giving Away The Greatest Gift. By Marshall Windsor, Sanejo Leonard
L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook: Giving Away The Greatest Gift. By Marshall Windsor, Sanejo Leonard
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Something Old, Something New: How New Churches Are Embracing Liturgy, Winfield Bevins
Something Old, Something New: How New Churches Are Embracing Liturgy, Winfield Bevins
Great Commission Research Journal
The movement toward ancient church tradition has been well documented; however, there has also been a steady rise of new churches that are embracing church tradition and liturgy. The first part of this article will examine the history behind this movement and the factors that have contributed to its development. Next, it will look at four case studies of new churches that are embracing liturgy, which I refer to as neo-liturgical churches. It will end with an exploration of the promise that this may hold for reaching young adults.
Book Review: L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook: Giving Away The Greatest Gift By Marshall Windsor, Sanejo Leonard
Book Review: L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook: Giving Away The Greatest Gift By Marshall Windsor, Sanejo Leonard
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.