DOCSLIB.ORG

Establishing a Revitalizing Strategy for Church Planters

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ESTABLISHING A REVITALIZING STRATEGY FOR CHURCH PLANTERS: AN ANALYSIS OF CHURCH PLANTING TRENDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY WITHIN THE PUBLISHED WORKS DURING THE PAST THIRTEEN YEARS (2001-2013) IN AMERICA A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY By Ji Woon Choi Lynchburg, Virginia April, 2014 Copyright © 2014 by Ji Woon Choi All Rights Reserved ii LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET A+ GRADE Frank J. Schmitt MENTOR, Dr. Frank J. Schmitt David H. Chung READER, Dr. David H. Chung iii ABSTRACT ESTABLISHING A REVITALIZING STRATEGY FOR CHURCH PLANTERS: AN ANALYSIS OF CHURCH PLANTING TRENDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY WITHIN THE PUBLISHED WORKS DURING THE PAST THIRTEEN YEARS (2001-2013) IN AMERICA Ji Woon Choi Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014 Mentor: Dr. Frank Schmitt Church planting is the most valuable method to spread the Gospel, and God wants to see His churches everywhere. Nevertheless, many church planters have produced strikingly different results; depression or growth. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and research about current church planting trends within the published works during the past thirteen years (2001-2013) in the United States and to suggest a healthy church planting and growth model for local church planters in America and the World. After the analysis of the current trends in the 21st century, the particular statistical evidences and theological views about this study will lead a suitable guidance for church planters who want to build and spread new churches. The surveys from current church planters, members, and scholars will be also reflected in this significant process for reconciling theory and practice of church planting. Abstract length: 141 words iv DEDICATION To my beloved wife Jiyoung, for your dedicated endurance, prayers, and love during the long but priceless theological research process in America; To my two adorable little daughters Yunseo and Yuna, for your lovable smiles and hugs; To my respectful mother and parents-in-law, for your steadfast prayers, love, and supports; To my great mentor Dr. Schmitt, for your delicate guidance and accurate suggestions with warm and cheerful encouragements for this thesis project; To my thoughtful reader Dr. Chung and professors of LBTS, for your insightful teachings; To all church planters and celebrated scholars who participated to this research process, for your self-abnegating church planting processes and researches in Christ and kindeness to me; And most importantly, To my Redeemer Jesus Christ the Lord, for your endless love and grace in my life and in all churches of the world. J.W.C. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT …………………………………………………………………………………..iv DEDICATION ………………………………...………………………………………………. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………………………………vi ILLUSTRATIONS ……………………………………………………………………………xi List of Tables …………..……………….………………………………………………… xi List of Figures …………………………………………………………………………... xiv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS …………….…………………………………………………… xix CHAPTER Ⅰ INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………. 1 Statement of Importance and Purpose of This Research ………………………………… 2 Statement of the Problems ……………………………………………………………… 3 Statement of Limitations ………………………………………………………………….. 8 Theoretical Bases ………………………………………………………………………… 10 Biblical Basis ……………………………………………………………………… 10 Theological Basis ………………………………………………………………….. 16 Historical Basis ……………………………………………………………………. 19 Statement of Methodology ………………………………………………………………. 23 The Research Questions for This Study …………………………………………… 24 The Classification of the Books Selected in the Chapter Two …………………... 27 The Classification of the Groups Surveyed in Chapter Three …………………….. 30 The Ten Trends of the Current Church Planting by the Author’s Pre-analysis ……. 32 vi Review of Literature ……….…………………………………………………………….. 34 Chapter Summary ……………………………………………………………………… 44 CHAPTER Ⅱ THE FIRST RESEARCH AND RESULTS: WHAT THE BOOKS ON CHURCH PLANTING SAY………………………………………….………. 46 The Results from the Investigation of the Books ………………………………………... 46 The Abbreviated List of the One Hundred Books ………………………………… 47 Main Authors of the One Hundred Books ………………………………………… 49 Main Publishers of the One Hundred Books …………………………………….... 50 Publication Dates of the One Hundred Books …………………………………….. 51 The Ten Main Movements or Trends of the Seventy-Six Main Authors ………….. 53 Denominations of the Seventy-Six Authors ……………………………………….. 65 Institutions of the Seventy-Six Authors …………………………………………… 68 Seminaries and Degrees of the Seventy-Six Authors ……………………………… 71 Ages or Generations of the Seventy-Six Authors …………………………………. 76 Ecclesiology of the Seventy-Six Authors …………………………………………. 79 Regions of the Seventy-Six Authors ………………………………………………. 82 Attitudes of Role of Pastors of the Seventy-Six Authors ………………………….. 85 Attitudes of Church Size of the Seventy-Six Authors …………………………….. 88 Chapter Summary ………………………………………………………………………. 93 vii CHAPTER Ⅲ THE SECOND RESEARCH AND RESULTS: WHAT CHURCH PLANTERS SAY ……...……………………………………………………… 96 Results from the Church Planter Survey ………………………………………………… 96 An Overview of the Data Collection and Analysis Process ………………………. 96 Survey Analysis and Findings …………………………………………………… 100 Results from the Author Survey ……………………………………………………….. 121 An Overview of the Data Collection and Analysis Process ……………………... 121 Survey Analysis and Findings …………………………………………………… 124 Results from the Lay-leader Survey ……………………………………………………. 137 An Overview of the Data Collection and Analysis Process ……………………… 137 Survey Analysis and Findings ……………………………………………………. 139 Chapter Summary ………………………………………………………………………. 146 CHAPTER Ⅳ COMBINING THE TWO RESULTS TO ANALYZE THE TREND: BOOKS AND PLANTERS …………………………………………………. 150 Analysis of Theories and Methodologies about the Ten Trends from the Books and the Church Planters ………………………………………………………………………… 152 Analysis of HOC within the Books and the Planters …… ………………………. 153 Analysis of IDC within the Books and the Planters …………………………….. 157 Analysis of IBC within the Books and the Planters ……………………………... 161 Analysis of MDC within the Books and the Planters ……………………….…… 163 Analysis of MGC within the Books and the Planters ……………………………. 167 Analysis of MIC within the Books and the Planters …………………………….. 170 viii Analysis of MSC within the Books and the Planters ……………………………. 174 Analysis of NPC within the Books and the Planters …………………………….. 177 Analysis of OGC within the Books and the Planters …………………………….. 181 Analysis of PTC within the Books and the Planters …………………………... 183 Chapter Summary ………………………………………………………………………. 186 CHAPTER Ⅴ ESTABLISHING A REVITALIZING STRATEGY FOR CHURCH PLANTERS …………………………………………………………………. 189 Prediction of Church Planting Trends from Now On …………………………………... 190 Based On the Ten Movements …………………………………………………… 192 Possibility of Unification of Ecclesiology within Evangelical Protestant Churches …………………………………………………………………………. 202 Actualization of Healthy Church Planting Models Based on the Studied Ten Evangelical Protestant Ecclesiological Trends …………………………………………. 207 The Ten Elements of the New Testament Church Planting with the Ten Movements ……………………………………………………………………….. 207 The Three Models Related to the Current Ecclesiological Positions for Church Planters …………………………………………………………………………… 221 The Ten Success Factors of Church Planting: Give Up Prejudices of Other Trends …………………………………………………………………………………….. 227 Chapter Summary ………………………………………………………………………. 239 ix CHAPTER Ⅵ CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………... 242 Final Summary …………………………………………………………………………. 242 Final Suggestions for Church Planters ……………………………………………….. 248 Proposals for Additional Innovations after This Study ………………………………… 250 APPENDIX A. The Initial Questionnaire Form of the Church Planters ………………………………….. 252 B. The Online Questionnaire Results of the Church Planters ………………………………. 261 C. The Initial Questionnaire Form of the Authors …………………………………………... 318 D. The Online Questionnaire Results of the Authors: Individual Responses ……………….. 323 E. The Initial Questionnaire Form of the Lay-leaders ……………………………………… 351 F. The Online Questionnaire Results of the Lay-leaders …………………………………… 356 G. The Consent Forms for the Three Surveys ………………………………………………. 369 H. The Web Sites of the Seventy-Six Main Authors ………………………………………... 375 I. The Contact Information of the Seventy-Six Main Authors …………………………….. 380 J. The PowerPoint Presentation for the Oral Defense ……………..………………………. 382 BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………………………………….. 426 VITA ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 437 THE IRB APPROVAL/WAIVER PAGE ……………………………………………………... 438 x ILLUSTRATIONS List of Tables Table Page 1. The Summary of the Research Questions for the Process of This Thesis ………………… 26 2. The Bases of the Selecting the One Hundred Books ……………………………………… 28 3. The Classification Entry of the Books by the Researcher ………………………………… 29 4. The Current Church Planting Movements or Trends Classified by the Author …………… 33 5. The Abbreviations of the Ten Main Movements or Trends ……………………………….. 53 6. The Tendency of the Ten Main Movements or Trends of the 76 Lead and Single Authors . 56 7. The Nine Denominations Related to the Seventy-Six Authors ……………………………. 65 8. The Denominational Backgrounds of the Seventy-Six Authors of the 100 Books ……….. 66 9. The Six Types of the Institutions Related to the Church Planting of the Authors ………… 68 10. The Institutions of the Seventy-Six Authors of the 100
Recommended publications
  • {FREE} Living Holiness Ebook

    {FREE} Living Holiness Ebook

    LIVING HOLINESS PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Helen Roseveare | 224 pages | 20 Jul 2008 | Christian Focus Publications Ltd | 9781845503529 | English | Tain, United Kingdom Christian Living: Holiness In a series of messages given at Moody Bible Institute in , Andrew Murray explained how to live a Spirit-filled life. This book, coming from those messages, is wise and timely counsel from a veteran saint and journeyman in the life of faith. In an era when discussion of the deeper life is The Way to Pentecost by Samuel Chadwick. If you enjoy the writings of Leonard Ravenhill and A. Tozer, you will love this little volume on the Holy Spirit by Samuel Chadwick. This book was written with the purpose of helping readers understand what holiness is, why we should be holy, how to remain holy, etc. Holiness and Power by A. This book grew out of a burning desire in the author's soul to tell to others what he himself so longed to know a quarter of a century ago. When the truth dawned upon him in all its preciousness, it seemed to him that he could point out the way to receive the desired blessing of the Holy The Land and Life of Rest by W. Graham Scroggie. This little book of Keswick Bible Readings is the best treatment of the Book of Joshua that we have found. The New Testament teaching of "life more abundant" is ably expounded from this Old Testament book by one who had evidently entered into an experiential knowledge of those things The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn.
  • Albertmohler.Com – Will the Methodists Split Over Homosexuality?

    Albertmohler.Com – Will the Methodists Split Over Homosexuality?

    http://www.albertmohler.com/2004/05/27/will-the-methodists-split-over-homosexuality/ 1/4 AlbertMohler.com Will the Methodists Split Over Homosexuality? When the United Methodist Church met in Pittsburgh earlier this month for its General Conference, the issue of homosexuality was front and center. Controversies related to homosexuality had consumed much of the denomination’s attention for the last three decades, but the action of a church court in its Pacific Northwest Conference created a firestorm as Methodists gathered in Pittsburgh. Thursday, May 27, 2004 When the United Methodist Church met in Pittsburgh earlier this month for its General Conference, the issue of homosexuality was front and center. Controversies related to homosexuality had consumed much of the denomination’s attention for the last three decades, but the action of a church court in its Pacific Northwest Conference created a firestorm as Methodists gathered in Pittsburgh. The most urgent dimension of the controversy erupted when an ecclesiastical trial in Bothell, Washington ended in the acquittal of the Rev. Karen Damman, an acknowledged lesbian who has served as pastor of a United Methodist Church. The church’s Social Principles and Book of Discipline explicitly disallow the ordination and pastoral service of self- acknowledged homosexuals. Nevertheless, the Methodist jury in Washington put the church’s doctrine on trial, rather than the defendant. Conservative outrage fueled debate on and off the floor as the church met in Pittsburgh. Issues related to human sexuality have been on the agenda for United Methodists and other so-called mainline Protestants for decades, but movements inside and outside the churches have forced a moment of decision.
  • Inventory to the Richard Land Papers AR

    Inventory to the Richard Land Papers AR

    1 Inventory to the Richard Land Papers AR 933 Dr. Richard Land commencing his work at the SBC Christian Life Commission, 1988 Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives November, 2014 2 Inventory to the Richard Land Papers AR 933 Summary Main Entry: Richard D. Land Papers Date Span: 1953 – 2014 Abstract: Materials documenting the work and ministry of Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, 1988-2013. Includes administrative files, correspondence, news stories (including blog archives, Commission press releases, Land interviews, and news clippings), photographs, subject files, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) files, writings and addresses, and recordings. Size: 104 linear ft. (208 document boxes) Collection #: AR 933 Biographical Sketch A sixth-generation Texan, Richard Dale Land was born November 6, 1946 in Houston, Texas. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Houston and was baptized in 1953 at South Park Baptist Church and was licensed to preach (1965) and later ordained (1969) at Townwood Baptist Church, both in Houston. Land graduated from Princeton University (A.B., 1969), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1972), and Oxford University (D.Phil., 1980). Upon completing his doctoral studies Land served as vice president for academic affairs at Criswell College in Dallas (1980-1988) and as administrative assistant to Governor Bill Clements of Texas (1987-1988). He served as president of the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission from 1988 to 2013. Dr. Land moved the Commission to more conservative positions on social issues such as sanctity of life and homosexuality.
  • Keynotes, Decisions, Sermons & Directions

    Keynotes, Decisions, Sermons & Directions

    VOLUME 10 NUMBER 6 | DECEMBER 2018 atalyst ASSEMBLYACC OF CONFESSING CONGREGATIONS OF THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA Keynotes, Conference Decisions, Sermons & report 2018 Directions Costly Features of a Musings of a New Discipleship Healthy Church Grandmother FEATURE • 11 FEATURE • 15 BELLA • 38 [email protected] | ACC Catalyst | 1 EDITORIAL e give thanks to God for our 2018 conference. In these difficult times, Wcoming together and sharing our faith is a blessing and something we should not take for granted. ACC members in congregations with liberal ministers often mention they find the conference a breath of fresh air. I am hoping that the contacts people made at the conference will continue to be an encouragement as people support each other by email, phone and mail. Most of the conference presentations are now available on the ACC website and it would be helpful to share these with your church members so they learn and understand more about the confessing movement. Peace and grace, Peter Bentley Cover photo - Supplied ACCatalyst is published by the Assembly of Confessing Congregations Inc. Office: 2 Erskineville Rd, Newtown NSW 02 9550 5358 ABN 73 794 518 715 ARBN 128 001 785. Email for ACCatalyst: Incorporated in NSW. INC 9887628. [email protected] Liability of members is limited. Opinions expressed in ACCatalyst do ACCatalyst is a member of The Australian not necessarily reflect the official views of the assembly. Religious Press Association Executive Editor: Max Champion Design & Layout: Wes Selwood (Selwood Media) Managing Editor: Peter Bentley Printed by Brougham Press, Scoresby Rd, Bayswater Consulting Editor: John Sandeman Vic.
  • Impact of Coaching the Pastors and Churches Through the 2017 Cohort

    Impact of Coaching the Pastors and Churches Through the 2017 Cohort

    ABSTRACT EVALUATING THE RECALIBRATE INITIATIVE OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH: IMPACT OF COACHING THE PASTORS AND CHURCHES THROUGH THE 2017 COHORT by Joseph Shimko The Free Methodist Church, U.S.A. set out in 2017 to intentionally address the lack of growth in 51 percent of its churches as stated by Bishop David Roller at the Keystone Annual Conference in 2016. In 2017, out of 957 churches within the United States, the FMCUSA acknowledged a problem with church health and they were no longer going to ignore the problem. Denominational leadership believed the death spiral of so many churches must stop. Church planting was once considered the answer to dying churches. However, church planting alone cannot keep up with church closures and declining attendance around the United States. As a result, something has to change. The FMCUSA, with the help of Dr. Andrew Haskins and Bishop David Roller’s leadership, has developed the Recalibrate initiative with the 2017 cohort of thirty-five churches. These churches and their pastors received extensive coaching because they had been found to be stagnant or in decline in worship attendance for multiple years. This coaching, which started in January 2017 in Tampa, FL, involved assessing the spiritual life of a church’s leadership; refocusing the local church’s purpose, vision, mission, and values; development of healthy church systems; and finally, inspection of the church facility through the eyes of a first-time guest. In other words, denominational leadership challenged the pastors and their churches to ask, “What needs to change in order for God to openly move in the hearts and lives of their church once again?” As a pastor and assessor, I evaluated the Recalibrate initiative of the Free Methodist Church, U.S.A., and its impact on the 2017 cohort of participating churches.
  • HOW DONALD MCGAVRAN HAS IMPACTED ONE URBAN CHURCH PLANT and INDIRECTLY INFLUENCED THOUSANDS of OTHER CHURCHES: an Analysis of the Journey Church of the City

    HOW DONALD MCGAVRAN HAS IMPACTED ONE URBAN CHURCH PLANT and INDIRECTLY INFLUENCED THOUSANDS of OTHER CHURCHES: an Analysis of the Journey Church of the City

    VOL. 8 • NO. 1 • SUMMER 2016 • 21–31 HOW DONALD MCGAVRAN HAS IMPACTED ONE URBAN CHURCH PLANT AND INDIRECTLY INFLUENCED THOUSANDS OF OTHER CHURCHES: AN Analysis OF THE Journey Church OF THE City Nelson Searcy and Matthew C. Easter Abstract This essay offers five specific principles from Donald McGavran that have directly influenced The Journey Church in New York City, San Francisco, and Boca Raton, Florida, and indi- rectly thousands of other churches (through the writing and coaching ministry of Nelson Searcy with Church Leader Insights). McGavran’s principles of missionary eyes, goal setting, assimilation, homogeneity, and a Great Commission focus have proven invaluable in this church plant and offer a similar value to other churches seeking to make a difference in their communities. INTRODUCTION Although I never met Donald McGavran, he has had an enormous impact on my ministry. McGavran’s wisdom and work have shaped not only my own urban church plant, but also other churches around the world through my extensive writing and coaching. GREAT COMMISSION RESEARCH JOURNAL 21 I started The Journey Church in Manhattan in 2002. Following the method I have since written about inLaunch: Starting a New Church from Scratch, my team and I began with six monthly services before our grand opening on Easter Sunday. We had no money, no members, and no con- sistent place to meet. Given the challenges we were facing in trying to get this young church off the ground, I was ecstatic when one hundred ten people came for our kickoff service. However, the next Sunday I learned my first church growth principle: not everyone who attends church on Easter comes back the following week.
  • Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary A

    Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary A

    LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY A STRATEGY TO PLANT A MISSIONAL, MULTIPLYING CHURCH IN PULASKI COUNTY, KENTUCKY A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY By Daniel R. Basile Lynchburg, Virginia December 1, 2014 Copyright © December 2014 by Daniel R. Basile All rights reserved. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET ______________________________ GRADE Dr. Charles N. Davidson, Director, Doctor of Ministry Program MENTOR Dr. David W. Hirschman, Assistant Professor of Religion READER ABSTRACT A STRATEGY TO PLANT A MISSIONAL, MULTIPLYING CHURCH IN PULASKI COUNTY, KENTUCKY Daniel R. Basile Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014 MENTOR: Dr. Charlie Davidson There is a desperate need for church planters to focus efforts on rural, established communities to reverse trends of declining church attendance and influence. Pulaski County, Kentucky is one such community that sees the unchurched population continue to climb despite hundreds of church buildings. The goal of this thesis project is to reach the numerous unchurched inhabitants of Pulaski County by creating a comprehensive, holistic strategy to design and launch a missional church near Somerset, Kentucky, that will intentionally reproduce itself. Through interviews and surveys of at least 100 local residents, a careful analysis of area demographics and psychographics will guide a contextualized stratagem. Current church planting literature will inform the chronological design of gathering a core group, promotion, raising funds, and launching the church. Finally, a strategy to make disciples, and multiply leaders will be explained to aid our team. These efforts are the most effective way to revitalize and revive church effectiveness in this region.
  • Revitalization of Moderate Baptist Churches George Hambric Brooks George Fox University, Gbrooks13@Georgefox.Edu

    Revitalization of Moderate Baptist Churches George Hambric Brooks George Fox University, [email protected]

    Digital Commons @ George Fox University Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations 2-11-2016 Revitalization of Moderate Baptist Churches George Hambric Brooks George Fox University, [email protected] This research is a product of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at George Fox University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Brooks, George Hambric, "Revitalization of Moderate Baptist Churches" (2016). Doctor of Ministry. Paper 124. http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/124 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at Digital Commons @ George Fox University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctor of Ministry by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ George Fox University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY REVITALIZATION OF MODERATE BAPTIST CHURCHES A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GEORGE FOX EVANGELICAL SEMINARY IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY: G. HAMBRIC BROOKS PORTLAND, OREGON FEBRUARY 2016 George Fox Evangelical Seminary George Fox University Portland, Oregon CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL ________________________________ DMin Dissertation ________________________________ This is to certify that the DMin Dissertation of G. Hambric Brooks has been approved by the Dissertation Committee on February 11, 2016 for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics and Future Studies. Dissertation Committee: Primary Advisor: Phillip Carnes, DMin Secondary Advisor: Leonard Hjalmarson,
  • An Evaluation of the Growing Healthy Churches Program As a Method for Producing Healthy, Growing, and Reproducing Southern Baptist Congregations

    An Evaluation of the Growing Healthy Churches Program As a Method for Producing Healthy, Growing, and Reproducing Southern Baptist Congregations

    LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AN EVALUATION OF THE GROWING HEALTHY CHURCHES PROGRAM AS A METHOD FOR PRODUCING HEALTHY, GROWING, AND REPRODUCING SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONGREGATIONS A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY By Donald Lynn Hardaway Lynchburg, Virginia November 2012 Copyright © 2012 Donald Lynn Hardaway All Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to our gracious God, Who has faithfully led me to this unexpected place of favor. He has been true to His Word from the day I stepped across the line to serve Him. To Lee Gibson, who introduced me to the Liberty Baptist Fellowship Scholarship for pastors: you became a catalyst for God’s plan to be accomplished in my life; thank you. To the Liberty Baptist Fellowship: thank you for making it financially possible for pastors to attend Liberty University. To the people of Central Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA, and Temple Baptist Church, Newport News, VA: thank you for patiently enduring while I improved my level of education. To Dr. Paul Borden, Roy Smith and Joe Flegal: thank you for your willingness to assist me in completing the research for this project. To Drs. Charlie Davidson and David Hirschman: thank you for your expertise and encouragement in the completion of this project. To my girls at home, Emma, Madison, Lily and Katie: thanks for giving some of your time with me so I could pursue these degrees. To the woman who has taught me how to love unconditionally, my wife Maureen: thank you for being my cheerleader through the whole process.
  • A Time for Confessing in the Missouri Synod

    A Time for Confessing in the Missouri Synod

    A Time for Confessing in the Missouri SYnod Colleagues, The more things change, the more they stay the same. There is theological conflict, serious conflict, in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Yes, again. In some respects it looks like a re-run of the Seminex epic of the seventies, though this time the LCMS St. Louis seminary is not the focus. Instead, and on the “other side,” the LCMS seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, appears to be the home base for protagonists of Missouri orthodoxy, who support the synod president in identifying the leftover liberals from a generation ago and “throwing the rascals out.” A number of these current rascals were co-confessors with us Seminex folks during the wars of the 70s–when we rascals were thrown out. The LCMS national convention in 1998 was for them a tripwire, as you will read below. A number of these co-confessors from earlier days went public identifying themselves (and their website!) under the banner “Daystar.” I like that name, an emblem of hope from the season of Advent. In some future ThTh we may say more about their movement, as we learn more about them. For today’s ThTh 96 we pass on to you one of the primal documents in their “confessing movement.” Its author, Stephen Krueger, is pastor at Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS ) in Portland, Oregon. He’s a Seminex alum from the class of ’77. I took this from the Daystar website–and using it here with Steve’s permission. You’ll soon see why I like it–even if he hadn’t mentioned my name! Peace & Joy! Ed The Promising Tradition For A Time To Confess I.
  • The Next Step For

    The Next Step For

    The Next Step for Your Journey Nelson Searcy Copyright © 2009 by Nelson Searcy All Rights Reserved. Scripture verses quoted from The New Living Translation © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.” Printed in the United States of America To all of you who are just beginning your journey, May you grow to be fully developing followers of Jesus. Contents Congratulations ...............................7 My Story ....................................11 Next Step #1 Study Your Bible ..............................13 Next Step #2 Learn to Pray ................................17 Next Step #3 Connect to a Growing Church and a Growth Group ........................20 Next Step #4 Be Baptized. .24 Next Step #5 Live a Life of Worship .........................27 A Final Thought ..............................31 Appendix 1 Who I Am When I Follow Jesus ..................32 Appendix 2 Questions about Baptism .......................35 Appendix 3 How Can I Be Sure of God’s Forgiveness? . .37 Appendix 4 Resources for Further Growth . .42 Appendix 5 The Journey Statement of Beliefs ................43 The Gospel of John ...........................49 Congratulations he decision you’ve made to become a follower of TJesus Christ is the most important decision of your life. God created you with a purpose and that purpose begins with knowing Him. You may not be completely sure what happens when you decide to follow Jesus or what you should do now. There are probably a million questions running through your mind. This book will answer some of those questions and help you get on the right track in your new Christian life.
  • Copyright © 2012 Aaron Bradley Coe All Rights Reserved. The

    Copyright © 2012 Aaron Bradley Coe All Rights Reserved. The

    Copyright © 2012 Aaron Bradley Coe All rights reserved. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has permission to reproduce and disseminate this document in any form by any means for purposes chosen by the Seminary, including, without limitation, preservation or instruction. CHURCH PLANTING IN NEW YORK CITY: A CASE FOR A GLOBAL CITIES CHURCH PLANTING STRATEGY __________________ A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary __________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Theology __________________ by Aaron Bradley Coe May 2012 APPROVAL SHEET CHURCH PLANTING IN NEW YORK CITY: A CASE FOR A GLOBAL CITIES CHURCH PLANTING STRATEGY Aaron Bradley Coe Read and Approved by: __________________________________________ Charles E. Lawless, Jr. (Chair) __________________________________________ Timothy K. Beougher __________________________________________ Adam W. Greenway Date ______________________________ To my wonderful wife, Carmen. It is because of her love and support that this thesis was made possible. It is also because of her love for the great cities that I have been propelled in my desire to understand them more. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES . vii PREFACE . viii Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION . 1 Thesis . 2 Background . 9 Research Methodology . 11 Conclusion . 11 2. NEW YORK AS A GLOBAL CITY . 13 Global Cities Defined . 13 Global Cities Share a Common Culture . 15 English: The Language of Business . 16 Connected Infrastructure . 18 Prevailing Ethos among Global City Residents . 20 Global Cities Influence the World . 24 New York as a Global City . 27 New York City as the Global Center of Media . 28 New York City as an Education Capital . 29 New York City as a Finance Capital .