Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2000 A Church Growth Study of Three Churches in Kottayam Robinson Stephenson Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Stephenson, Robinson, "A Church Growth Study of Three Churches in Kottayam" (2000). Dissertation Projects DMin. 668. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/668 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT A CHURCH GROWTH STUDY OF THREE CHURCHES INKOTTAYAM by Robinson Stephenson Adviser: Gordon Christo ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A CHURCH GROWTH STUDY OF THREE CHURCHES IN KOTTAYAM Name of researcher: R. Stephenson Name and degree of faculty adviser: Dr. Gordon Christo, Ph.D. Date completed: August 2000 Problem Many of the churches in the North Kerala Section have been stagnant for years. In some churches over 50 percent of the members are inactive. This study analyzes the hindrances to the growth of three churches in the Kottayam District and suggests a strategy for church growth. Method The theological, historical, missiological, and practical dimensions of church growth were examined. A church growth approach was used which included an analysis of the factors involved in the growth and decline of three SDA churches in the Kottayam district. The growth patterns of three churches over the past ten years were analyzed. Appropriate growth strategies were then designed. Results The growth analysis found that one church grew because of its inspiring worship services and an active healing ministry. For ten years the pastor has not been transferred. Each member contributes to the unity of the church. The youth and the lay members take active part in witnessing. In the other two churches lay members were not interested in outreach programs due to lack of vision and insufficient training. Moreover, there was a lack of visitation, as well as of love and fellowship in the church. The worship services were monotonous and there was lack of spirituality in the church. The members felt that the programs of the church did not meet their needs. Conclusion It was concluded that a ten-day lay training program would help to train the laity to do the church activities as well as outreach activities more effectively. The introduction of a new worship format appropriate to the local situation will meet the needs of the worshippers. Prayer ministry and cell groups will make the church a praying church. Church growth seminars will help in vision building, ministry skill enhancement, and developing strategic thinking. Health seminars will help to find receptive people and to present the gospel without prejudice in new areas. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary A CHURCH GROWTH STUDY OF THREE CHURCHES IN KOTTAYAM A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Robinson Stephenson September 2000 A CHURCH GROWTH STUDY OF THREE CHURCHES IN KOTTAYAM A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry by Robinson Stephenson Coordinator, D.Min. in India -Program, Jon Dybdahl Dean, SDA Theological Seminary, John K. McVay 2.00/ Nancy Vyhmeisti Date ‘approved TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................... vii LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS..............................................................................................viii Chapter I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................1 Purpose ........................................................................................................... 1 Justification ..................................................................................................... 1 Methodology ...................................................................................................2 II. CHURCH GROWTH IN THE BIBLE AND CURRENT LITERATURE ................................................................................. 5 Biblical View of Church Growth ................................................................... 5 A Seeking God ......................................................................................... 5 A Finding God ......................................... 6 God’s Passion to Find ............................................................................... 8 The Gospel Commission........................................................................... 9 Authority of Jesus ....................................... 10 Going into All the World ..................................................................10 Teaching ........................................................................................... 11 Baptizing ........................................................................................... 12 Continuing Presence of Jesus ................................................ 13 The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit ..........................................................13 The Expansion of the Church ..................................................................14 Acts 2:42-47 .................................................................................... 14 Acts 4:4 ..............................................................................................15 Acts 5:14 ........................................................................................... 16 Acts 6:7 ............................................................................................. 17 Acts 9:31, 35, 42 .............................................................................. 17 Acts 11:19-24 ................................................................................... 17 Acts 16:5 18 Church Growth in the Literature....................................................................18 iii General Principles ..................................................................................18 Schwarz’s Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches ....................................................................................19 Zachariah’s Seven Growth Principles............................................ 20 Specific Principles for Kottayam ..........................................................21 Effective Pastoral Care ..................................................................... 22 Prayer Ministry ................................................................................. 26 Inspiring Worship Services............................................................... 29 People Group Approach ..................................................................31 Lay Training ....................................................................................33 Small Group Ministry ......................................................................41 Revival ............................................................................................45 III. DESCRIPTION OF KOTTAYAM..................................................................... 49 H istory...........................................................................................................49 Population ..................................................................................................... 50 Location and Climate ................................................................................... 50 Socioeconomic Situation ............................................................................51 Agriculture ............................................................................................. 52 Transportation ......................................................................................... 52 Trade ....................................................................................................... 53 Industry ................................................................................................... 53 Publishing ............................................................................................... 54 Banking ................................................................................................... 56 Education ..................................................................................................... 57 Schools ................................................................................................... 57 Libraries ................................................................................................. 58 Medical Facilities ......................................................................................... 58 Culture........................................................................................................... 58 Tourism ................................................................................................... 59 Marriage Customs and Rituals ..............................................................