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Articles 1 - 30 of 37
Full-Text Articles in Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Eight Keys To Overcoming Apathy Towards Church Growth, Danny R. Van Kanel
Eight Keys To Overcoming Apathy Towards Church Growth, Danny R. Van Kanel
Great Commission Research Journal
Nothing zaps ministry efforts towards growth more than apathy among church members. Nothing energizes those efforts more than genuine interest and enthusiasm in growing the church. How can we turn apathy into enthusiasm? The answer is not as difficult as we might think.
Book Review: You Don’T Have To Cross The Ocean To Reach The World:The Power Of Local Cross-Cultural Ministry By David Boyd, Jeff K. Walters
Book Review: You Don’T Have To Cross The Ocean To Reach The World:The Power Of Local Cross-Cultural Ministry By David Boyd, Jeff K. Walters
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Korean Church Planters’ Perception On Church Planting Education, Hansung Kim
Korean Church Planters’ Perception On Church Planting Education, Hansung Kim
Great Commission Research Journal
This studyseeks to understand how Korean church planters perceive the church planting education that they received. This study employs the qualitative approach, which uses words and open-ended questions to explore and understand the meaning that individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. To collect data, I interviewed nine church planters. I analyzed, interpreted, and wrote data as soon as possible. In addition, I collected other data. I also compared different data with each other to generate categories, and it was done consistently. The followings are the findings. While their passion for church planting was great and their …
Book Review: Shaped By God’S Heart: The Passion And Practices Of Missional Churches By Milfred Minatrea, Grant Horner
Book Review: Shaped By God’S Heart: The Passion And Practices Of Missional Churches By Milfred Minatrea, Grant Horner
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Leadership Succession From Matthew’S Gospel: Passing The Baton Of Leadership To The Next Generation, Allen H. Quist
Leadership Succession From Matthew’S Gospel: Passing The Baton Of Leadership To The Next Generation, Allen H. Quist
Great Commission Research Journal
This article examines Matthew’s gospel drawn from social and cultural texture analysis to discover principles of biblical leadership succession. It provides a summary of principles about leadership succession, including that it: (a) starts with honorable leaders, (b) is an ongoing process, (c) is a family affair, (d) focuses on Christ’s authority with leaders as His agents, and (e) is action oriented. From the principles, this article infers five Christian ethical responses for organizational leadership: (a) it begins with a leader’s honor and then reveals itself in the leader’s life, (b) it is a continual process for the best interest of …
Evangelism At The Family Altar (Butsudan), Michael Wilson
Evangelism At The Family Altar (Butsudan), Michael Wilson
Great Commission Research Journal
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, andyou will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31). This is the hope of all Japanese people who come to Christ for salvation. They long to see their loved ones—their household—believe in Christ, too. However, all too often, they are counseled to forsake their families who remain enmeshed in religious rituals to demons.
An Examination Of The Compatibility Of The Church Growth Movement With A Calvinistic Soteriology, Michael Waldrop
An Examination Of The Compatibility Of The Church Growth Movement With A Calvinistic Soteriology, Michael Waldrop
Great Commission Research Journal
The purpose of this article is to establish that the strategic, missiological thinking of the Church Growth Movement is compatible with a Calvinistic soteriology. The method for accomplishing this purpose involves, first, a clarification of terms. Both “Church Growth Movement” and “Calvinism” have been defined in myriad ways, and these are not all equally valid. Thus, specific descriptions are included here. Next is a necessary discussion of the tensions that are perceived to exist between Church Growth and Calvinism. This is followed by a survey of kindred concerns and an exhibition of the common doctrinal ground shown to be held …
Whither Church Planting?, Hutz Hertzberg, Francis Lonsway
Whither Church Planting?, Hutz Hertzberg, Francis Lonsway
Great Commission Research Journal
Church planting is a clear response to the gospel command to spread the good news. While the term “church plant” may not be shared across Christian traditions, its meaning and goal are universally embraced. What is also clear, however, is the fact that the establishment of a new plant does not guarantee its success. Likely the critical factor in denomination, free, or independent church expansion is the nature of the individual or team assigned or commissioned to spread the good news.
Ethical Guidelines For Church Planters: A Suggested Approach For Starting (And Continuing) The Conversation, J. D. Payne
Ethical Guidelines For Church Planters: A Suggested Approach For Starting (And Continuing) The Conversation, J. D. Payne
Great Commission Research Journal
Church planters, regardless of their ministry contexts, need to develop a set of ethical guidelines to direct their ministry practices. This paper presents eleven particular guidelines.
Doubling Down On Jesus, Joshua Rhone
Doubling Down On Jesus, Joshua Rhone
Great Commission Research Journal
How can we go about meeting people's needs in a way that is faithful to the Good News of Jesus Christ?
Book Review: Vintage Church: Timeless Truths And Timely Methods By Mark Driscoll And Gerry Breshears, Aaron James Meraz Sr.
Book Review: Vintage Church: Timeless Truths And Timely Methods By Mark Driscoll And Gerry Breshears, Aaron James Meraz Sr.
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Church Growth By Another Name: Challenges And Opportunities For The Future Of A Movement, Alan Mcmahan
Church Growth By Another Name: Challenges And Opportunities For The Future Of A Movement, Alan Mcmahan
Great Commission Research Journal
A brief review of the church growth movement not only highlights significant accomplishments but also raises questions about its future. While church growth thinkers were compelled by the evangelistic mandate, this article argues that continued obedience to the Great Commission will require new responses to the rapidly changing context of ministry. Charting the path ahead, the author identifies six key challenges that demand new initiatives from the church: 1) the challenge to reinvent the evangelistic paradigm and imagination; 2) the challenge of diasporas, and the worldwide migration of people; 3) the challenge of urbanization, 4) the challenge of the plateaued …
Bridges Of God: The Mission Legacy Of Donald Anderson Mcgavran, Charles Van Engen
Bridges Of God: The Mission Legacy Of Donald Anderson Mcgavran, Charles Van Engen
Great Commission Research Journal
This short essay is about Donald McGavran and his ground-breaking book, Bridges of God, that became the cornerstone of Church Growth theory and the foundation of what is now called the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Missiological thinking and missionary practice was transformed by the energy, vitality, insight, and stubborn tenacity of Donald McGavran. Whether they agreed with McGavran or not, after the publication of The Bridges of God, mission professors, mission executives, and mission practitioners could no longer do business as usual, nor their usual business.
Creating Church Multiplication Through A Denominational Structure, Phil Stevenson
Creating Church Multiplication Through A Denominational Structure, Phil Stevenson
Great Commission Research Journal
A denomination will not survive, much less thrive, if it does not strategically and effectively plant churches. Church planting is the primary means by which new inroads are made. Church planting is the method by which a denomination keeps its vitality, energy, and vigor. The denominations that neglect this emphasis become ingrown, resulting in them “. . . losing the vigor and the high octane faith that caused them to succeed in the first place.”
Book Review: Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60: Being Church For All Generations By Edward H. Hammett With James R. Pearce, Mark Platt
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Totally Devoted: Developing A Holistic Spiritual Formation Course For Western Christian College, Stanley N. Helton
Totally Devoted: Developing A Holistic Spiritual Formation Course For Western Christian College, Stanley N. Helton
Doctor of Ministry Theses
This thesis reports research results from a learning community composed of faculty, support staff, ministry leaders, and students who collaborated in a professor’s development of a new course proposal in Christian spiritual formation at Western Christian College in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The professor used qualitative research methods in the analysis and evaluation of the data produced by the group. The outcome of the project was ethnographic data that informed the creation of the course proposal that included new course application, course syllabus with course schedule, planned activities, bibliography, initial classroom assignments, and initial assessment tools.
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Gordon E. Penfold
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Gordon E. Penfold
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
Calvin Theological Seminary Forum, John W. Cooper, Ronald J. Nydam, John Rottman, Mary Hulst
Calvin Theological Seminary Forum, John W. Cooper, Ronald J. Nydam, John Rottman, Mary Hulst
Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )
Reflections on Prayer
3 - Can Prayer Really Change Things? by John W. Cooper
5 - God Hears the Prayers of Many by Ron Nydam
6 - A School of Love and Prayer by John Rottman
8 - “Amen!” by Mary Hulst
10 - Praying Around the World Roundtable Discussion
Departments
14 - Making Connections
15 - Continuing Education
Evangelism And Social Action—Revisiting An Old Debate: Good News For Immigrants And Evangelicals Too, Norman G. Wilson
Evangelism And Social Action—Revisiting An Old Debate: Good News For Immigrants And Evangelicals Too, Norman G. Wilson
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
How did evangelicals come to debate whether or not there is a connection between evangelism and social action in the first place? And why is this question so crucial regarding the ministry of evangelicals among immigrants? In this essay, I will address the character of this debate, call attention to the inadequacies of modernist theological responses, suggest ways in which postmodern evangelicals can provide a more adequate and biblically faithful approach, and explore its implications for ministry among immigrants.
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Bob Wenz
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Bob Wenz
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, J. D. Payne
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, J. D. Payne
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
Evangelizing Pre-Christian People: A Thematic Perspective, George C. Hunter Iii
Evangelizing Pre-Christian People: A Thematic Perspective, George C. Hunter Iii
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
To reach pre-Christian people today, a church must create a culture of authentic conversation. This article represents a chapter of George C. Hunter's forthcoming book, The Apostolic Congregation: Church Growth Reconcetved for a New Generation (Abingdon, August 2009).
Insights From Communication Theories That Inform Ministry With Pre-Christian Hispanics In The Usa, Dan W. Dunn
Insights From Communication Theories That Inform Ministry With Pre-Christian Hispanics In The Usa, Dan W. Dunn
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
This article discerns insights from three communication theories to inform ministry with pre-Christian Hispanics in the USA. Pearce’sCoordinated Management of Meaning theory speaks of the coconstruction of social realities in diverse circumstances. Christians have experienced what it is to be diverse and yet through Jesus’ love be able to co-construct an identity that focuses on our shared commitmentto Him and His purposes. Combining our experience with insights from Pearce would equip us to contribute to the process of identity construction that Hispanics engage in. Baxter and Montgomery's Relational Dialectics Theory could guide congregations in helping families plot a course through …
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Darren Cronshaw
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Darren Cronshaw
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Kenneth E. Bickel
Book Review Of The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating The Missional Church By Alan Hirsch, Kenneth E. Bickel
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
No abstract provided.
Evangelism Lessons Learned Abroad That Have Implications At Home, Tom Steffen
Evangelism Lessons Learned Abroad That Have Implications At Home, Tom Steffen
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
This article will address my journey in evangelism among the Ifugao of the Philippines and years of consulting and teaching on the topic at home and abroad. It will seek to take the things I've learned in cross-cultural settings and demonstrate possible implications and applications for a postmodern, post- Christian, post-literate, post-denominational, post-commitment generation in the USA.
The Impact Of Size On The Growth And Development Of A Church, Gary L. Mcintosh
The Impact Of Size On The Growth And Development Of A Church, Gary L. Mcintosh
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
Churches operate differently depending on the size of the congregation. "Right sizing" the various ministries and processes of communicating, welcoming, training, involving, and a host of other activities is crucial for smooth operation, as well as increased growth of a church. As a church grows, it connot simply employ business as usual practices. Larger churches are not simply bigger versions of smaller churches. In reality, they are an entirely different structure that requires different operational procedures.
The Evolution Of Missional Church Characteristics, Derrick Lemons
The Evolution Of Missional Church Characteristics, Derrick Lemons
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
The missional church movement pivots on the statement that a church in mission is being sent out and called beyond to interact with the outside culture, share Christ, and serve the community (Barrett et al. x, Bevans and Schroeder 8-9). The history of the missional church movement provides an informative starting point for understanding how existing cultures should change to embrace these ideals.
Fit Churches Missionally Engaged, Phil Stevenson
Fit Churches Missionally Engaged, Phil Stevenson
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
This concept of church health and fitness has intrigued me. Is there a difference between a healthy church and a fit church? Might a church move from unhealthy to healthy, but fall short of fitness? If a church can be healthy, but not fit, what does that mean? How does a healthy church move toward fitness? Does a healthy church need to be fit in order to be effective? My short conclusion is that a church can be healthy but not fit. And just as in our physical being, fitness can enhance health. Therefore, healthy churches should move to fitness. …
Introduction Winter 2009, Alan Mcmahan
Introduction Winter 2009, Alan Mcmahan
Journal of the American Society for Church Growth
With this issue, I have assumed the General Editorship of the Journal under the new and vigorous sponsorship of the School of Intercultural Studies at Biola University. In the spirit of the Journal’s founding, the School of Intercultural Studies, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has long been in the business of preparing men and women to cross the barriers that prevent people from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ. Biola’s commitment to this task insures the continuation of the Journal into the future, a future that will bring many new opportunities for expansion and impact. This edition …