Course Description

This course introduces?church growth ” as a scientific field of study and as a philosophical framework for fulfilling the Great Commission. We will look at the historical roots of the Church Growth movement and learn the terminology used by Church Growth scholars. Special attention will be given to theological, sociological and cultural aspects affecting the rate and patterns of church expansion. In addition to an overview of the whole church growth movement, we will deal specifically with John Wesley's approach to evangelism and church growth. Specific Objectives By semester’s end, my goal is that students taking this course will have the ability to: 1. Identify and describe the significance of major figures in the church growth movement 2. Describe how Wesley implemented various strategies credited to today’s church growth movement 3. Analyze the validity of arguments relating to church growth including an identification of their presupposi-tions and consequences 4. Analyze a specific congregation and its surrounding community 5. Describe a plan for discipling and assimilating new converts into the church 6. Identify social and congregational factors that influence church growt