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Articles 241 - 270 of 470
Full-Text Articles in Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Book Review: Leading Church Multiplication: Locally, Regionally, Nationally By Tom Nebel And Steve Pike, David Yetter
Book Review: Leading Church Multiplication: Locally, Regionally, Nationally By Tom Nebel And Steve Pike, David Yetter
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Lego Principle: The Power Of Connecting To God And One Another By Joey Bonifacio, Jamie Booth
Book Review: The Lego Principle: The Power Of Connecting To God And One Another By Joey Bonifacio, Jamie Booth
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Understanding Diversification In The Church Growth Movement, Christopher Divietro
Understanding Diversification In The Church Growth Movement, Christopher Divietro
Great Commission Research Journal
Donald McGavran observed isolationist tendencies in the church and proposed both methodological consistency and sociological analysis as factors critical to evangelistic success. Later, church growth thinkers devolved into a syncretistic pragmatism that, over time, rendered the church as irrelevant as the church McGavran sought to combat. I synthesize various strands running through the history of the Church Growth Movement and isolate contributing factors to diversification through critical interaction with a contemporary of Donald McGavran—Lesslie Newbigin. Newbigin’s understanding of the relationships among gospel, church, and culture serves as the foundation for understanding how a church can slip into a position of …
Donald Mcgavran: An Evangelistic Missionary, Gary L. Mcintosh
Donald Mcgavran: An Evangelistic Missionary, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
During the second half of Donald McGavran’s time in India from 1937 until the early 1950s, he worked as an evangelistic missionary among a low caste tribe of people. This article follows his story of planting fifteen churches, seeing new believers come to faith in Christ, and the further developing of his principles of church growth.
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Bill Easum
My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Bill Easum
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
The Case For Prioritism: Part 2, Christopher R. Little
The Case For Prioritism: Part 2, Christopher R. Little
Great Commission Research Journal
Debate is no stranger to evangelicalism. Rigorous dialogue among evangelicals ought to be welcomed as it clarifies issues, forms convictions, and sets agendas. The missiological disagreement between prioritists and holists is a case in point. Prioritists feel constrained to redress holistic reconfigurations of such fundamental concepts as gospel, kingdom, and mission. For the sake of the nations, this article seeks to compare and contrast prioritism with holism, trace the historical emergence of evangelical holism, offer reasons why prioritism more accurately represents a biblically informed approach to mission, and concludes with means by which readers can determine which viewpoint to affirm …
Technology-Based Oral Ministry Strategies: The Bridge Between Western Literate And Majority World Oral Contexts, Christina Toy
Technology-Based Oral Ministry Strategies: The Bridge Between Western Literate And Majority World Oral Contexts, Christina Toy
Great Commission Research Journal
Modern technology has ushered in a third era of communication—secondary orality. The literate West and oral Majority World represent two polarized societies. As awareness of orality grows, technology must be part of the developing approaches to ensure continued effective ministry. Technology-based oral ministry strategies are the best way to bridge the gap between the Western literate and Majority World oral contexts. This paper will discuss characteristics of the third communication era, including inadequacies of current ministry approaches, the biblical basis for technology-based oral strategies, and implications of secondary orality in alternative ministry strategies’ development and implementation.
The Practical Effects Of Clerical Clothing On Evangelism: A Quantitative Study, Eugene A. Curry
The Practical Effects Of Clerical Clothing On Evangelism: A Quantitative Study, Eugene A. Curry
Great Commission Research Journal
Clothing has been shown to have a quantifiable effect on the perceptions of research subjects in a variety of contexts. This study seeks to establish whether this general principle applies to Christian evangelism. While subtle, the study finds that the wearing of a clerical collar leads to measurable differences in the rate at which specific sorts of people approach an evangelist to discuss religion. Wearing a collar increases the rate of engagements with men and nonChristians, relative to wearing business casual clothing. Conversely, wearing a collar leads to fewer engagements with women and Christians. Possible explanations and applications of this …
Book Review: Growing God’S Church: How People Are Actually Coming To Faith Today By Gary L. Mcintosh, William J. Ingram
Book Review: Growing God’S Church: How People Are Actually Coming To Faith Today By Gary L. Mcintosh, William J. Ingram
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: The Prodigal Church: A Gentile Manifesto Against The Status Quo By Jared C. Wilson, Joey Chen
Book Review: The Prodigal Church: A Gentile Manifesto Against The Status Quo By Jared C. Wilson, Joey Chen
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Book Review: Sunday School That Really Works: A Strategy For Connecting Congregations And Communities By Steve R. Parr, David Russell Bryan
Book Review: Sunday School That Really Works: A Strategy For Connecting Congregations And Communities By Steve R. Parr, David Russell Bryan
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
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.
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.
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, …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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
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: 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.
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.
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 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.
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 …
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 …