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Discipleship Principles to Transform the Church

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Discipleship Principles to Transform the Church LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BY THIS THEY WILL KNOW: DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES TO TRANSFORM THE CHURCH A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty University: Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY By Mark Richard Brown Lynchburg, Virginia June 19, 2012 Copyright © 2012 by Mark R Brown All Rights Reserved LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET ___________________________________ GRADE ____________________________________ MENTOR ____________________________________ READER ABSTRACT BY THIS THEY WILL KNOW: DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES TO TRANSFORM THE CHURCH Mark Richard Brown Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2012 Mentor: Dr. Charles N. Davidson Current research indicates that ninety-five million individuals in America do not attend church. Nearly forty percent, of this group, have a negative impression of Christianity.1 The purpose of this project is to study the forces that that are transforming the American culture, and the dynamics that are perpetuating a bad image of Christianity. The author will evaluate the current state of spiritual formation in the Christian community, and make recommendations for developing an effective discipleship strategy for the church. The impetus for this paper is the Great commission issued by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 28:19. The paper will incorporate historical data, current research, surveys, and evaluations of churches that have developed successful discipleship programs. Abstract length: 115 words. 1. David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007), 24. This thesis is dedicated to: Steve, my pastor and friend – you taught me that fidelity for the gospel is evidenced by a heart for people. Scott, my big brother – you taught me to love every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Mom and Dad, you demonstrated strength in humility, and grace in adversity- You are my heroes! Maria: Babe, this arduous journey was made possible because of your encouragement; it has always been our project – You remain my inspiration and love! CONTENTS FIGURES ......................................................................................................................... viii INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 Statement of Problem ................................................................................................3 Statement of Limitations ...........................................................................................7 Theoretical Basis .......................................................................................................8 Statement of Methodology ......................................................................................14 Literature Review ....................................................................................................17 CHAPTER ONE: The Challenge Facing the Church .......................................................23 From Mayberry to the Jersey Shores ..............................................................23 Postmodernism ...............................................................................................28 Generational Transition ..................................................................................30 Immigration ....................................................................................................33 Image ..............................................................................................................36 Spiritual Shallow and De-churched ................................................................38 CHAPTER TWO: An Insider’s Look ............................................................................45 The State of Discipleship ...............................................................................45 Responding to the Culture ..............................................................................55 Case Study ......................................................................................................60 CHAPTER THREE: Developing Discipleship Principles .............................................66 At the Feet of the Master ....................................................................................67 The Heart of Paul ................................................................................................73 Coalescing a Strategy ..........................................................................................75 vi Corporate Ministries ...........................................................................................83 Personal Discipleship ..........................................................................................89 CHAPTER FOUR: Conclusion .....................................................................................94 A Recommended Model .....................................................................................97 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................102 APPENDIX A: Pastoral Survey.......................................................................................108 APPENDIX B: Christian Survey .....................................................................................110 APPENDIX C: Small Group Training Manual ..............................................................113 VITA ................................................................................................................................142 vii FIGURES 1. The Outsiders .................................................................................................................25 2. Modernism vs. Postmodernism. .....................................................................................30 3. Overview of Generations ...............................................................................................31 4. Lifestyle Gap ..................................................................................................................37 5. America’s Commitment to Christianity .........................................................................40 6. Spiritual Assessment of the De-churched ......................................................................41 7. Spiritual Formation Scores ............................................................................................46 8. How Protestants view the Exclusive Claims of Christianity .........................................48 9. Do Churchgoers agree with Christian Doctrine .............................................................53 10. Spiritual Success ..........................................................................................................80 11. Church Programs and Discipleship ..............................................................................81 12. Balanced Discipleship ..................................................................................................83 viii 1 INTRODUCTION Why the Topic is Relevant to Ministry In 2010, nearly 133 million people attended church every Sunday in America.1 To put that number in perspective, if the total attendance for the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) for the entire 2010 season was added together, it would be approximately one hundred and thirty-three million.2 In other words, the total number of people that attended a major professional sporting event in an entire year was approximately the same as the number of congregants that attended church on an average Sunday morning. With such a large segment of the population participating in the religious spectrum, on a regular basis, one would think that the American church was highly successful in developing ardent followers of Christ, influencing the culture and attracting new members. Yet the data proves otherwise. Despite the modest growth in church attendance during the past few years, the image of Christianity has diminished precipitously.3 The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamics affecting the perspective of Christianity, and to propose a biblical solution to strengthen the church. 1. Gallup, http://www.gallup.com/poll/141044/Americans-Church-Attendance-Inches-2010.aspx, (accessed January, 2012). 2. ESPN.com under reference tabs, (accessed February, 2012). 3. According to Gallup, in 2010, 43.1% of Americans reported that they attended church weekly. This was a modest gain from 42.1% in 2008 (http://www.gallup.com/poll/141044/Americans-Church-Attendance-Inches- 2010.aspx). However, Gallup also reported that the number of Americans that identify themselves as Christians has dropped from 91% in 1948 to 77% in 2009 (http://www.gallup.com/video/117394/Christianity-Slow-Decline.aspx). 2 Background Leading to an Awareness of the Problem The author of this thesis does not work in fulltime vocational ministry; rather in the secular market place. In this arena, the author consistently rubs shoulders with Christians and non-Christians. Over the past twenty years, two critical observations have been noted. First, away from the church, Christians are often indistinguishable from non-Christians.4 Secondly, Christians are frequently more concerned about altering the political landscape
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