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Articles 241 - 270 of 458
Full-Text Articles in Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
The Case For Prioritism: Part 1, Christopher R. Little
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 …
A Historical Analysis Of Hinderances Related To The Slow Growth Of Christianity In Thailand, Kelly Michael Hilderbrand
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.
A Framework For Developing Global Leadership According To The Apostle Paul, Peter Rios
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, …
The Lost Balance In Missions Today, Mike Morris
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. e dangers of search-only theology’s emphasis on speed include placing unqualified people in leadership positions and getting involved in the deceptive insider movement.
Church Growth And Outreach Lessons From The Oil Boom In North Dakota, Mark R. Teasdale, Steve Trefz
Church Growth And Outreach Lessons From The Oil Boom In North Dakota, Mark R. Teasdale, Steve Trefz
Great Commission Research Journal
Using primary data collected from four churches situated in the North Dakota towns of Williston and Watford City, this study considers how the outreach ministries of these churches have been affected by the massive population growth brought about by the oil boom in the Bakken region. Drawing from the survey responses provided by the leaders of these congregations, the study concludes that people engaged in new outreach ministries can apply several lessons, including the definition of evangelism, the importance of relationship building, the need for multifaceted teams and resources, and issues with denominational support.
Whose Story To Join? The Problem Of Social Plausibility, Social Missions Stations, And Their Relationship To Church Planting Movements, J. S. Williams
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.
Book Review: Donald A. Mcgavran: A Biography Of The Twentieth Century’S Premier Missiologist By Gary Mcintosh, Mike Morris
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.
Book Review: Can These Bones Live? A Practical Guide To Church Revitalization By Bill Henard, Nicholas Clark
Book Review: Can These Bones Live? A Practical Guide To Church Revitalization By Bill Henard, Nicholas Clark
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around And Yours Can Too By Ed Stetzer And Mike Dodson, Philips Sunday Akinbobola
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.
William Carey’S Vision For Missionary Partnerships, Andrew D. Mcfarland
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.
Book Review: Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st Century Model For Church And Ministry Leaders By Aubrey Malphurs, Chase Weeks
Book Review: Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st Century Model For Church And Ministry Leaders By Aubrey Malphurs, Chase Weeks
Great Commission Research Journal
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
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.
Book Review: White Unto Harvest: Evangelizing Today’S Senior Adults By Charles Arn, Matthew Costner
Book Review: White Unto Harvest: Evangelizing Today’S Senior Adults By Charles Arn, Matthew Costner
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
After Postmodernism, Thomas W. Sieberhagen
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
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.
Donald Mcgavran: A Missionary To India, Gary L. Mcintosh
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.
My Pilgrimage In The Church Growth Movement: Empowerment To Lead People To Jesus, Kent R. Hunter
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.
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 …
Cubans In The United States, Antonio J. Lopez
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 Review: Not Safe For Church: Ten Commandments For Reaching New Generations By F. Douglas Powe, Jr. And Jasmine Rose Smothers, Cory L. Siebel
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 Reviews: There’S Hope For Your Church By Gary L. Mcintosh And A Place Of Grace By William O. Webster, James R. Farrer
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.
Book Review: The Unchurched Next Door By Thom Rainer, Amy Nicholson Jones
Book Review: The Unchurched Next Door By Thom Rainer, Amy Nicholson Jones
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Rise Of The "Nones", Dave Page
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 …
What Is Your Main Business?, George G. Hunter Iii
What Is Your Main Business?, George G. Hunter Iii
Great Commission Research Journal
In chapter one of his forthcoming book, Christianity’s Main Business, George Hunter recalls the question that Peter Drucker advised leaders of all types of organizations (including churches) to ask, repeatedly, “What is our main business?” Hunter distinguishes between what church leaders typically say (and believe) is their main business, and their actual main business as revealed by their data—from budgets, to time expenditure, to interview data. He then unpacks the “top ten” themes he found driving most local churches. Hunter contends that Christianity’s mission to the world was supposed to be Christianity’s main business, and, drawing from N. T. Wright, …
Church Growth Before Mcgavran: The Methodological Parallels Of John Wesley, Bob Whitesel
Church Growth Before Mcgavran: The Methodological Parallels Of John Wesley, Bob Whitesel
Great Commission Research Journal
This article will look at methodological parallels between John B. Wesley and Donald A. McGavran. The influence of both men arose during similar social shifts that were accompanied by a perception of ecclesial apathy. Parallels will be demonstrated in McGavran’s principles of 1) conversion as a priority, 2) effective evangelism as a process model, 3) the danger of redemption and lift, 4) the importance of multiplication, and 5) pragmatism in methodology. A final section will look at the legacy of these two men and will suggest how identification can help retain focus on principles rather than on contextually-bound tactics.
Mcgavran’S Early Years, Gary L. Mcintosh
Mcgavran’S Early Years, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
Donald McGavran was born in 1897. This article covers the years from his birth until 1923 when he and Mary McGavran sailed to India. His early life as the child of missionaries, his secondary education in the United States, service in WWI, college education at Butler University, seminary days at Yale Divinity School, and masters work at the College of Mission are presented.
Prayer: A Key Component To Planting Or Revitalizing A Church, William J. Ingram
Prayer: A Key Component To Planting Or Revitalizing A Church, William J. Ingram
Great Commission Research Journal
This article examines prayer from a biblical and theological perspective as it relates to turning around or revitalizing declining or plateaued churches and offers practical insights into starting an intercessory prayer ministry at the local church.
Book Review: The Ten Most Influential Churches Of The Past Century: How They Impact You Today By Elmer L. Towns, Anthony Svajda
Book Review: The Ten Most Influential Churches Of The Past Century: How They Impact You Today By Elmer L. Towns, Anthony Svajda
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
A Biblical And Relevant Way To Reach Young Adults, Matthew Costner
A Biblical And Relevant Way To Reach Young Adults, Matthew Costner
Great Commission Research Journal
The church’s influence in America and the world is decreasing, yet America and the world’s population is on the rise. What is the church to do? Church planting is not fixing the problem, and neither are the currently existing model churches. The only way to turn around America’s church is the only method the Bible recommends—discipleship. In this article, you will see that the best way to reach young adults is not by flashy programs, the best worship, or by dropping a denomination’s name from the church title. The best way to reach young adults is by using the younger …
Book Review: Organic Mentoring: A Mentor’S Guide To Relationships With Next Generation Women By Sue Edwards And Barbara Neumann, Grace S. Morris
Book Review: Organic Mentoring: A Mentor’S Guide To Relationships With Next Generation Women By Sue Edwards And Barbara Neumann, Grace S. Morris
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.