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

A Network Of Congregations: Congregation Size In The Church Of The Nazarene, Kenneth E. Crow Apr 2005

A Network Of Congregations: Congregation Size In The Church Of The Nazarene, Kenneth E. Crow

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Thinking of Nazarene congregations as an interdependent, mutually supportive network prompts a consideration of the value, contributions, and challenges of congregations in a variety of sizes and settings. This report examines elements of this network of churches, especially the nature and effects of congregation size.


The State Of The North American Church, Joel Comiskey Apr 2005

The State Of The North American Church, Joel Comiskey

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Barna, more than any other person, has diligently uncovered what is happening in the North American church scene through hard, factual research. This article combines Barna’s research, the research of others, and my own personal observations to paint a clearer picture of the North American church.


The Theological Roots, Vision, And Contribution Of The Church Growth Movement, George Hunter Apr 2005

The Theological Roots, Vision, And Contribution Of The Church Growth Movement, George Hunter

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In the 1970’s, Donald McGavran’s Church Growth movement emerged in the service of a powerful theological vision: to fulfill the ancient promise to Abraham—that all of the earth’s peoples would be blessed, and to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission—to reach, and make disciples, among the lost peoples of the earth. Church Growth’s people, however, have never “majored” in Constructive Theology. With most other Christians, we regard Christianity as a revealed (not an imagined) faith; most of us affirm the classical theology of the Church, with deep roots in the Scriptures and normative respect for the several ancient creeds. So Church Growth …


Being Ecumenical And Evangelical, Elmer Towns Apr 2005

Being Ecumenical And Evangelical, Elmer Towns

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This article looks at the nature of the ecumenical movement, specifically attempting to examine the differences between the ecumenical movement as represented in the National Council of Churches, and the evangelical movement as represented by the National Association of Evangelicals. Specifically, we are asking, “Can we be evangelical and ecumenical?” This article will show a difference between the “old ecumenical” movement represented by the National Council of Churches/World Council of Churches and the “new ecumenical” that is seen among evangelicals. It will show why the “old” has failed and is approaching bankruptcy and will demonstrate the growing strength of the …


Moving From Church Growth To Kingdom Growth, Reggie Mcneal Apr 2005

Moving From Church Growth To Kingdom Growth, Reggie Mcneal

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This article examines the shift from church growth to kingdom growth. It includes some theological reflection on the mission of the church and the kingdom of God. We take a look at some demographic challenges of the kingdom era, largely as it relates to globalization and urbanization in a global context. We also note some of the shifts that church leaders must make, from perspectives to behaviors to ministry scorecard redesign.


“The Winnable World”: Session Two Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran Apr 2005

“The Winnable World”: Session Two Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In 1981, Donald McGavran presented a series of lectures at Manhattan Christian College. Over the next few journals, we will publish this series in a continuing effort to honor McGavran and his legacy of Church Growth Missiology. This is the second in the series.


Here’S To Your Health: The Church Or The Kingdom? A Reflection For Emergent Church Leaders, Roger Helland Jan 2005

Here’S To Your Health: The Church Or The Kingdom? A Reflection For Emergent Church Leaders, Roger Helland

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

A pressing question for many pastors is what will help grow their church. But perhaps this question is based on faulty assumptions flowing from faulty theology. In his book, The Present Future, Reggie McNeal discusses the shift from church growth to Kingdom growth. To him the wrong question to ask is, “How do we grow this church?” That is, how do we get them to come to us?” This question, with its set of assumptions, is based on church thinking rather than kingdom thinking. Rather, the tough question is, “How do we transform our community?” He argues that we need …


About The American Society For Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh Jan 2005

About The American Society For Church Growth, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


The Multi-Site Movement, Dave Ferguson Jan 2005

The Multi-Site Movement, Dave Ferguson

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

There are now at least 1500 multi-site churches in the United States. No longer does a church have to only have one branch, one location, or one campus. This article presents and analyzes data collected by Leadership Network in a survey they conducted with over 1000 multi-site churches.


Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh Jan 2005

Introduction, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


The Transition From Church Growth To Church Health, Philip Walker Jan 2005

The Transition From Church Growth To Church Health, Philip Walker

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

When I have taught Church Growth principles I have found it helpful to look at Acts 2:41-47 and the variety of growth types indicated in these verses. You will find: Growing up in verse 42, individuals growing into a mature relationship with God; Growing together in verse 44, in great generosity and spiritual gifts; Growing out in verse 47a, into the community; Growing more in verse 47b, as the numbers increase. The problem has been that Church Growth thinking has been caricatured as relating only to the last of these, although a careful reading of the Church Growth books shows …


“God’S Unswerving Purpose”: Session One Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran Jan 2005

“God’S Unswerving Purpose”: Session One Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In 1981, Donald McGavran presented a series of lectures at Manhattan Christian college. Over the next few journals, we will publish this series in a continuing effort to honor McGavran and his legacy of Church Growth Missiology. —Editor


The Mother Church And Church Planting, J. D. Payne Jan 2005

The Mother Church And Church Planting, J. D. Payne

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In this article, I will address several issues related to a much neglected area of church planting. First, I will discuss three reasons why churches are not involved in church planting. Second, I will address this problem in light of the Scriptures and missiology. Third, I will list and respond to the most common objections to becoming a mother church. Fourth, I will discuss several ways in which established churches can become involved in church planting. Finally, I will address the significance of church leadership in the churches planting churches process.


The Emerging Trend Of Comprehensive Church Consultations, Sam S. Rainer Iii Oct 2004

The Emerging Trend Of Comprehensive Church Consultations, Sam S. Rainer Iii

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Church consultation is a broad discipline that covers many facets of church needs. And the field covers churches of any size, from small, rural churches to large, suburban megachurches. Granted, a larger church typically has more resources that allows for a deeper analysis, but consultants also have much to offer the smaller church as well.


Church Growth Consulting: Focusing On The ‘Main’ Thing Or Boosting The Reproductive Quotient, R. Daniel Reeves Oct 2004

Church Growth Consulting: Focusing On The ‘Main’ Thing Or Boosting The Reproductive Quotient, R. Daniel Reeves

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In this article, I want to challenge the complexity and mechanism of some of the consulting practices we have used and show how important it is to “keep our eye on the ball,” and focus on the “main thing,” – the “reproductive quotient.” What is the reproductive quotient? Very simply it is that evidence or measure that shows a congregation that it is meeting its God given assignment of winning and making disciples of Jesus Christ. As we help a congregation to raise its “reproductive quotient,” we focus attention on four specific areas – reproducing new disciples, new leaders, new …


Introduction, Alan Mcmahan Oct 2004

Introduction, Alan Mcmahan

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


A Historical Overview Of Church Growth Consulting, Carl George Oct 2004

A Historical Overview Of Church Growth Consulting, Carl George

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

My longtime friend and colleague, Alan McMahan, asked for an article that would sum up my observations of Church Growth consulting over the past twenty-five years. He wanted it to be helpful to practitioners.


About The American Society For Church Growth, Alan Mcmahan Oct 2004

About The American Society For Church Growth, Alan Mcmahan

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Making Peace: A Guide To Overcoming Church Conflict By Jim Van Yperen, D. Bruce Seymour Oct 2004

Book Review: Making Peace: A Guide To Overcoming Church Conflict By Jim Van Yperen, D. Bruce Seymour

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Book Review: The Art Of Personal Evangelism By Will Mcraney, Bob Whitesel Oct 2004

Book Review: The Art Of Personal Evangelism By Will Mcraney, Bob Whitesel

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Book Review: The Unauthorized Guide To Choosing A Church By Carmen Renee Berry, Danny R. Van Kanel Oct 2004

Book Review: The Unauthorized Guide To Choosing A Church By Carmen Renee Berry, Danny R. Van Kanel

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Let The Nations Be Glad By John Piper, Ray Ellis Oct 2004

Book Review: Let The Nations Be Glad By John Piper, Ray Ellis

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Making Peace: A Guide To Overcoming Church Conflict By Jim Van Yperen, Leroy Goertzen Oct 2004

Book Review: Making Peace: A Guide To Overcoming Church Conflict By Jim Van Yperen, Leroy Goertzen

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Senior Adult Ministry In The 21st Century By David Gallagher, Charles Arn Oct 2004

Book Review: Senior Adult Ministry In The 21st Century By David Gallagher, Charles Arn

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Church Growth Consulting: Evolution Of An Intervention, Alan Mcmahan Oct 2004

Church Growth Consulting: Evolution Of An Intervention, Alan Mcmahan

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

The rise of the church growth movement in the early 1970’s 1 produced new insights and understanding as to how churches experienced growth and decline. In the years since then an entire industry has emerged to further church growth research and to deliver the resulting insights to pastors and churches. These delivery methods have taken many different forms ranging from formal seminary curriculums, to seminars and workshops, to books and audio or videotapes and computer programs, to expert consultations. As might be predicted, the ability of each delivery system to actually empower lasting, fruitful change among churches and leaders varies.


Reverend David Yonggi Cho’S Leadership As Manifested In The Spirituality Of The Saints Of A Full Gospel Church, Myung-Soo Park Apr 2004

Reverend David Yonggi Cho’S Leadership As Manifested In The Spirituality Of The Saints Of A Full Gospel Church, Myung-Soo Park

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This research has the purpose of organizing and analyzing the spirituality of Korean Pentecostal movement. Up to now, many research on Korean Pentecostal movement have been published. However, many such researches have limited themselves on the analysis of Reverend David Yonggi Cho’s life and sermons. Of course, no one can deny its importance. Aside from Reverend Cho, it is difficult, if not possible, to explain Korean Pentecostal movement. Nevertheless, there is something that we should treat it lightly in understanding Korean Pentecostal movement. That is the spiritual experience of ordinary Pentecostal believers.


Lay Equipping Leadership And Church Growth, Eddie Gibbs Apr 2004

Lay Equipping Leadership And Church Growth, Eddie Gibbs

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

One cannot address the topic of Lay Equipping Leadership and Church Growth without reference to the cell group structure that is so integral to the growth of Yoido Full Gospel Church. In order to do justice to the topic I would need to have spent several months interviewing lay leaders, sharing in their training program, and visiting cell groups. As it is I have only visited three cell groups, and that was during my visit to Yoido cin 1985 celebrating the tenth year of the present sanctuary, when we occupied the enlarged building for the first time.


A Response To David S. Lim, Wonsuk Ma Apr 2004

A Response To David S. Lim, Wonsuk Ma

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


A Response To Chris Sugden, Peter Beyerhaus Apr 2004

A Response To Chris Sugden, Peter Beyerhaus

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.


Mission Leadership And Church Growth, Chris Sugden Apr 2004

Mission Leadership And Church Growth, Chris Sugden

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

My question is what we can learn from Dr. Cho’s experience and writings about the role of leadership of Christian communities in Church growth. It is quite legitimate to do this as there are precedents in Christian history to characterize a movement of God by the writings and activities of a leader – there are Lutheran churches and Wesleyan churches. We are meeting to reflect on what characterizes a Choian church.