Understanding Church Growth

Author Donald A. McGavran is considered a founder of the Church Growth Movement in America. In this 3rd edition of his standard work, McGavaran analyzes the causes, methods and strategies for successful church growth both in America and abroad. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Author Donald A. McGavran is considered a founder of the Church Growth Movement in America. In this 3rd edition of his standard work, McGavaran analyzes the causes, methods and strategies for successful church growth both in America and abroad.

What exactly is the Church Growth movement? This timely volume in the Counterpoints series addresses the history of the movement that has become such an enormous shaping force on the Western church today, and it explores--in a roundtable forum of leading voices--five main perspectives on the classic Church Growth movement: Effective Evangelism View - presented by Elmer Towns Gospel in Our Culture View - presented by Craig Van Gelder Centrist View - presented by Charles Van Engen Reformist View - presented by Gailyn Van Rheenan Renewal View - presented by Howard Snyder Each view is first presented by its proponent, then critiqued by the co-contributors. The interactive and fair-minded format allows the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions. Evaluating the Church Growth Movement concludes with reflections by three seasoned pastors who have grappled with the practical implications of Church Growth. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

The Church Growth Movement has divided devout Christians. Even though Rainer is an advocate, his aim here is to present an objective view of the movement--its history, the theology associated with it, and the principles which seem to separate churches that grow from those that don't.

Has the church growth movement failed to stress the social dimensions of the Christian faith? Dr. Peter Wagner, a leading exponent of church growth, argues that Christians can evangelize and churches can grow strongly, while at the same time participating in the global struggle on behalf of the poor and oppressed - for justice and peace, for brotherhood and liberation, and for the alleviation of human suffering.

The author of this work, Isaac Ojutalayo, has done his research on the subject of leadership and church growth. The contents of this book are the written evidence. The eleven chapters embrace some of the most important and necessary things that leaders should learn and practise, whether they are ordained ministers or lay workers in the church. The principles he has written about can also be applied in circular organisation. This book reveals Dr Isaac Ojutalayo’s academic achievement and experimental development. He has divided each chapter into readable sections that can be easily discussed and studied. The book is suitable for individuals and groups who are called by God to lead His people. Dr Isaac Ojutalayo is passionate that leaders be men and women of excellence, whether the congregation they lead is large or small. He stresses communication, generosity, honesty, and continuing education with the highest level of trust, all essential elements of church growth. He points out repeatedly that the church and the world community are suffering from a crisis of leadership, that bold and honest leaders are needed in the church and in the marketplace, as well as in the home. In my analysis he has called for transformational leaders to rise up and effect change. It is very clear that he is saying that many leaders work within situations. Transformational leaders change what can be talked about, whereas many other leaders talk about pay-offs. Transformational leaders talk about goals. Many leaders bargain, whereas transformational leaders appeal to a common vision. Dr Isaac Ojutalayo argues that desperately needed Christians and transformational leadership will not emerge until we have a model of a transforming leader. I believe that Jesus Christ was and is the most effective leader the world has ever known. It is with unreserved joy that I recommend this publication to those who are interested in church leadership. Professor Clinton L. Ryan, ThD