Church Growth

[BBAS 64]

Good Day,

I am looking for a good piece on church growth. Last week at Sunday school a decon taught on this it seemed to me that he was too caught up on us "doing" it right. When I asked based on Matt, Christ will build his church and how that related to the issue of growth, lots of people looked at me like I had 3 heads.

Peace to u,

Bill

 

[JJB]

Good Day,

I am looking for a good piece on church growth. Last week at Sunday school a decon taught on this it seemed to me that he was too caught up on us "doing" it right. When I asked based on Matt, Christ will build his church and how that related to the issue of growth, lots of people looked at me like I had 3 heads.

Peace to u,

Bill

Oh dear! Did anyone mention PDL or Rick Warren, yet?

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/archives/church_growth/

Redefining Christianity, by Bob DeWaay is a book countering PDL

http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/.id.2.sid.8

Those two blogs may have helpful articles.....

 

[Iosias]

Rick Warren

Now go and wash you mouth out with soap young lady!

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

You've probably already thought of monergism.com, but,
http://monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/seeker.html

Paul Proctor writes a lot of columns about the CGM as well:
http://www.newswithviews.com/PaulProctor/proctorA.htm

 

[Erinwilcox]

I'd definitely check this out!
http://www.sacredsandwich.com/advertisement7.htm

As for the church growth thing. . .

 

[edie19]

my pastor and I have talked a couple of times on the church growth movement - I know he's read some stuff. I also know that he doesn't think about it too much - he believes strongly that God will grow His church in His time. Anyhow, let me check with him and get back with you.

edie

 

[JimfromOhio]

Church growth is good HOWEVER, our focus is on spiritual growth (maturity) in order for a local church to GROW. We belong to a local Church because God told us through the Word (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Tim. 3:14-15). The primary reason to become a participating member is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with the characteristics of biblical maturity and commitment to the mission and future of a local church. The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. If we serve effectively, a local church can and WILL grow. We are to grow spiritually and allow the Holy Spirit do the rest including church growth.

 

[JimfromOhio]

my pastor and I have talked a couple of times on the church growth movement - I know he's read some stuff. I also know that he doesn't think about it too much - he believes strongly that God will grow His church in His time. Anyhow, let me check with him and get back with you.

edie

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to edb19 again.

I think I know what your pastor is coming from. I have read similar reading materials regarding church growth.

 

[edie19]

ok - here's my answer from David

Hi Edie,

For what it is worth, most of the folks that know
Church history, see the recent "Church growth"
movement as a natural outgrowth of Charles
Finney's Arminian theology.

The end of all this is now in sight. In essence,
liberalism has won the day in American churches.

Here is a good article that may be of some
help: http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue89.htm

See ya in the AM!

dc

 

[edie19]

from my pastor, part 2

One more: http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/05/eros_spirituality_vs_agape_fai.php

 

[erin74]

A great book to read for both clergy and laity.

"Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome" Kent and Barbara Hughes. I believe Kent is at Wheaton.

They were sent off as a church plant years ago, into an area that should have had growth, with a good support team, etc. It should have 'succeeded' but didn't, and caused them to rethink the concept of success completely.

It is a really helpful book - he examines biblical success, which is very interesting.

 

[CCWoody]

Marking thread. Maybe one of these days when I get to post for fun again, I'll read some of these linked articles....

Recognize that all true Christians will be Calvinists in glory....

Your friendly neighborhood Cordial Calvinist
Woody.​

 

[JJB]

Now go and wash you mouth out with soap young lady!

ROTFL! Will mouthwash suffice?

 

[Iosias]

ROTFL! Will mouthwash suffice?

As long as you learn your lesson

 

[Erinwilcox]

Marking thread. Maybe one of these days when I get to post for fun again, I'll read some of these linked articles....

Recognize that all true Christians will be Calvinists in glory....

Your friendly neighborhood Cordial Calvinist

Woody.​

That's why I'm so happy that I got on the congregational team and got the three forums with seemingly the least "action." I still get to browse around and post!

ROTFL! Will mouthwash suffice?

Better use Listerene! That's the only really "painful" mouthwash I know of!

 

[xapis]

from my pastor, part 2

One more: http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/05/eros_spirituality_vs_agape_fai.php

GREAT article! Thanks for sharing that.

 

[Iosias]

Better use Listerene! That's the only really "painful" mouthwash I know of!

 

[BBAS 64]

Good Day,

Thanks for your information, seems the deacon does not wish to discuss this any further.

Peace to u,

Bill

 

[edie19]

Good Day,

Thanks for your information, seems the deacon does not wish to discuss this any further.

Peace to u,

Bill

Now that may well be true, but look at the bright side - you'll be very well read on the subject - there were some great resources shared here.

edie