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Talbot Doctor of Ministry ProgramGrowing and Multiplying Churches in the USA
Year 3 – Pre-residency Assignments
Professors: Gary L. McIntosh, Ph.D. and Chares Van Engen, Ph.D.
Course Objectives
The purpose of the third year residency is to examine cultural anthropology and multi-ethnic church growth and multiplication. Information on the thesis proposal, research design, and final writing is discussed indepth.
Drs. McIntosh and Van Engen will guide students in exploring aspects of growing, planting, and multiplying churches among the growing multi-ethnic peoples of North America. In addition instructions on how to start a consulting ministry and write a book for publication are shared, as well as discussion of the process for preparing a book proposal for a publisher.
The goals for the third residency are for participants to:1. Understand the complexities and approaches of planting multi-ethnic
churches.2. Understand the process of preparing a book proposal to present to a
publisher.3. Understand the general steps of church consulting.4. Understand the process of researching and writing a D.Min. project.
Course Requirements
Course requirements consist of advance reading, a pre-course assignment, and a written post-course project. Specific details on the post-course project will be given in class. The following instructions are for the advanced reading assignment.
Pre-course Assignments
ASSIGNMENT #1. Write a short (10-15 page, double spaced) paper analyzing a specific cultural group found in the USA today. If you identify with a particular culture group—Latino, Caucasian, African-American, Native-American, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.—consider writing on that group. If you do not identify with any specific group, select any cultural group found in the USA today. Be as specific as possible. For instance, instead of selecting Asian as a group, pick Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, etc. Every cultural group will have sub-groups, so feel free to set the parameters of your paper as you think best. Use this paper to
help the rest of the class understand the history, struggles, challenges, values, lifestyle, and practices of your chosen study group. Also, be sure to integrate thinking from the last two years of your DMin study into this paper by specifically answering the question “What is the best way to reach this particular cultural group for Christ?” Email your paper to each member of the cohort at least two weeks before class begins in June 2011 so each one may have opportunity to read all the papers before class. Email Dr McIntosh if you want more information on this.
ASSIGNMENT # 2. It is required that each student read a total of 4,000 pages of prescribed material prior to the course. All of the books under the “Required” list must be read, plus enough additional books from the remaining lists to equal 4,000 pages. Read the textbooks and write a one page reading report on each book using the standard Reading Report Form provided in this packet. Reports for the entire reading assignment should be submitted all at once, stapled together (no fancy covers please), to the professor the first day of class. A sample of the reading form and cover sheet is attached. Please duplicate reading forms as needed for each book. The reading form may be used as a template in a computer and printed later.
ASSIGNMENT #3. Select one (1) book of your choice and write a five-page critical book review suitable for possible publication (see attached Guidelines for Writing A Critical Book Review). Turn in critical review the first day of class.
ASSIGNMENT #4. Develop TWO possible ideas for your final thesis project to present and discuss in class. Prepare a one-page (one page, single-space, one side of the page only), overview. The page should include: a working title, a short one-paragraph synopsis of the project, a suggested process for researching the project. Duplicate enough copies of your two ideas to give to every member of the cohort during class.
ASSIGNMENT #5. Read the section in the DMin handbook on writing a thesis. (If you can’t find your handbook, email the DMin office and ask for a copy to be sent to you.) Count the pages as one of the books in the reading assignment and, yes, complete a one-page reading report on this reading like any other reading project.In-course Assignments
Participation in all class discussions is expected throughout the course. This course consists of classroom lectures and discussion. No exams will be given.
Post-course Assignments
The final written project for the course consists of a thesis proposal. Specific details and samples will be distributed in class.
PROJECT DUE DATE: The post-course project is due October 17, 2014.
Growing and Multiplying Churches in the USA
READING REPORT COVER SHEET
Summary of Reading Assignment
Name Date
Section Number of Pages Read
1. Required Reading 2. Books from other reading lists
Total Pages Read (must be 4,000 or more)
READING REPORT FORM(One form for each book. Single space okay.)
Name Date
Course Title and Number
Professor
BOOK (Author, title, place, publisher, date):
Pages read
List the number and title of the chapter (and author if different from above) you would select as most helpful to you:
Copy one quotation from the above chapter that seemed particularly important to you.
(Page )
Interact in your own words with the portion you quoted from the author above:
Reading Lists:
1. Required (about 2,000 pages)
Cha, Peter, S. Steve Kang, and Helen Lee. Growing Healthy Asian American Churches. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity, 2006. ISBN-10 0-8308-3325-0
DeYmaz, Mark and Harry Li. Leading a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010, 234 pages. ISBN 978-0-310-51539--5
Levine, Lawrence W. Black Culture and Black Consciousness. Oxford University Press, 2007. 560 pages. ISBN: 10-019530568X [Read at least 250 pages]
Lingenfelter, Sherwood G. and Marvin K. Mayers. Ministering Cross-Culturally. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1986, 2002, 124 pages. ISBN 0-8010-5632-2
McIntosh, Gary L. and Alan McMahan. Being the Church in a Multi-Ethnic Community: why it matters and how it works. Indianapolis, IN: Wesley Publishing House, 2012, 193 pages. ISBN: 978-0-89827-490-5
Wagner, C. Peter. Our Kind of People: the ethical dimensions of church growth in america. Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1979. ISBN: 0-8042-0838-7 (Out of print but may be found in used condition on the Internet.)
Woodley, Randy Living in Color: embracing god’s passion for ethnic diversity. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity, 2001, 191 pages. ISBN 0-8308-3255-6
2. Cross-cultural, Multiethnic & Urban Ministry (select at least two books)
Anderson, David A. Gracism: The Art of Inclusion. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, ISBN: 978-0-8308-3737-3
Anthony, W. Alumkai. Asian America Evangelical Churches: Race, Ethnicity, and Assimilation in the Second Generation. New York, NY: LFB Pub., 2003. ISBN: 1-931202-64-8
Anyabwile, Thabiti M. and mark A. Noll. Decline of Black Theology: From Biblical Faith to Cultural Captivity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2827-2
Appleby, Jerry L. Missions Have Come Home to America: the church’s cross-cultural ministry to ethnics. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1986. ISBN 083-411-1322
Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: the do’s and taboos of body language around the world. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1991. ISBN 0-471-53672-5
Bakke, Ray. A Theology As Big As The City. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997. ISBN 0-8308-1890-1
Battle, Michael. The Black Church in America: African American Christian Spirituality. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2006. ISBN: 10-1-4051-1892-7
Belew, Wendell. Missions in the Mosaic. Atlanta, GA: Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1974.
Berger, Peter L. The Sacred Canopy: elements of a sociological theory of religion. Garden City, NY: Anchor Boos, 1969. ISBN 0-385-07305-4
Carroll R., Daniel M. Christians at the Border: immigration, the church, and the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2008, 176 pages. ISBN 978-0-8010-3566-1
Carle, Robert D. and Louis A. Decaro, Jr., eds. Signs of Hope in the City: ministries of community renewal. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1999. ISBN 0-8170-1324-5
Carson, D.A. Christ & Culture Revisited. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2008. ISBN 978-0-8028-3174-3
Chandler, Paul-Gordon. God’s Global Mosaic: what we can learn from Christians around the world. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997, 2000. ISBN 0-8308-2251-8
Cone, James H. and Gayraud W. Wilmore. Black Theology: A Documentary History, Volume II. 426 pages.
Conn, Harvie M. A Clarified Vision for Urban Mission. Grand Rapids, MI: Ministry Resources Library, 1987. ISBN 0-310-45441-7
Conn, Harvie M. The American City and the Evangelical Church: a historical overview. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994. ISBN 0-8010-2590-7
Conn, Harvie M. Planting and Growing Urban Churches: from dream to reality. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1997. ISBN 0-8010-2109-X
Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Christian Worship. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1993, 2007 (Second Edition). ISBN: 978-0-687-64622-7
Crawford, Evans E. The Hum: Call and Response in African American Preaching. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1995. 86 papges. ISBN: 0-687-18020-1
Davis, James H. and Woodie W. White. Racial Transition in the Church. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1980. ISBN 0-687-35280-0
Dennison, Jack. City Reaching: on the road to community transformation. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1999. ISBN 0-87808-777-X
DeYmaz, Mark. Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2007, 184 pages. ISBN 978-0-7879-9551-5
DeYmaz, Mark. Ethnic Blends: Mixing Diversity into your Local Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010. ISBN: 0310321247
Dinnerstein, Leonard, Roger L. Nichols and David M. Reimers. Natives and Strangers: Ethnic Groups and the Building of America. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1979. ISBN 0-19-502427-3
Dodson, Howard. Jubilee: The Emergence of African American Culture. National Geographic, 2003.
Driggers, B. Carlisle. The Church in The Changing Community: crisis or opportunity? Atlanta, GA: Home Mission Board, SBC, 1977.
DuBose, Francis M. How Churches Grow in An Urban World: history, theology, and strategy of growth in all kinds of city churches. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1978. ISBN 0-8054-2531-4
DuBois, W. E. B. The Souls of Black Folks. Dover Publications, 1994. ISBN: 10-0486280417
Ecklund, Elaine Howard. Korean American Evangelicalism: New Models for Civic Life. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 200. ISBN: 978-0-19-537259-5
Fussell, Paul. CLASS: a guide through the American status system. New York, NY: Touchstone, 1992. ISBN 0-671-79225-3
Grunlan, Stephan A. and Marvin K. Mayers. Cultural Anthropology: a Christian perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1979. ISBN 0-310-36321-7
Hanson, Victor Davis. Mexifornia: A State of Becoming. New York, NY: Ecounter Books, 2007 (Second Edition). 150 pages. ISBN: 978-1-594032-17-2
Harris, Paula and Doug Schaupp. Being White: finding our place in a multiethnic world. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2004. ISBN 0-8308-3247-5
Hiebert, Paul G. Transforming Worldviews: an anthropological understanding of how people change. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2008, 368 pages. ISBN 978-0-8010-2705-5
Hesselgrace, David. J. Planting Churches Cross-culturally: a guide for home and foreign missions. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1980. ISBN 0-8010-4219-4
Hilliard, Jr., Donald. Church Growth from an African American Perspective. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2006, 147 pages. ISBN 0-8170-1495-0
Hinton, Keith. Growing Churches Singapore Style: ministry in an urban context. Republic of Singapore: Overseas Missionary Fellowshp, 1985. ISBN 9971-972-24-7
Horton, James O. T. and Lois E A History of the African American People: The History, Traditions, and Culture. Wayne University Press, 1997.
Lingenfelter, Sherwood. Transforming Culture: a challenge for Christian mission. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1992. ISBN 0-8010-5674-8
Lingenfelter, Sherwood. Leading Cross-Culturally. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2008, 176 pages. ISBN 978-0-8010-3605-7
Linthicum, Robert C. City of God; City of Satan: a biblical theology of the Urban Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1991. ISBN 0-310-53141-1
McGavran, Donald A. Ethnic Realties and the Church: Lessons from India. South Pasadena, CA: Wiliam Carey Library, 1979. ISBN 0-87808-168-2
Maynard-Reid, Pedrito U. Diverse Worship: African-American, Caribbean & Hispanic Perspectives. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 2000. ISBN 0-8308-1579-1
Milne, Bruce. Dynamic Diversity: Bridging Class, Age, Race and Gender in the Church. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Academic, 2007. ISBN 978-0-8308-2806-7
Montoya, Alex D. Hispanic Ministry in North America. Grand Rapids, MI: Ministry Resources Library, 1987. ISBN 0-310-37741-2
Nida, Eugene A. Customs & Cultures: Anthropology for Christian Missions. New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1954. LCCC 54-8976
Nida, Eugene A. Understanding Latin Americans. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1974. ISBN 0-87808-117-8
Ortiz, Manuel. One New People: models for developing a multiethnic church. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1996. ISBN 0-8308-1882-0
Pinn, Anthony and Benjamin Valentin. Creating Ourselves: African Americans and Hispanic Americans of Popular Culture and Religious Expression. Duke UIniversity Press, 2009.
Rah, Soong-Chan. Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church. Chicago, IL: Moody, 256 pages. ISBN: 0-8024-5048-2
Rah, Soong-Chan. The Next Evangelicalism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2009. 229 pages. ISBN: 978-0-8308-3360-3
Robinson, John D. and Larry C. James. Diversity in Human Interaction: The Tapestry of America. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2003. ISBN: 0-19-514390-6
Rose, Jerry D. Peoples: the ethnic dimension in human relations. Chicago, IL: Rand McNally College, 1976.
Rose, Larry L. and C. Kirk Hadaway. The Urban Challenge: reaching america’s cities with the gospel. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1982. ISBN 0-8054-6238-4
Sanchez, Daniel R. and Rudolph D. Gonzalez. Sharing the Good News with Roman Catholic Friends. Atlanta, GA: ChurchStartingNetwork, 2003. ISBN 1-894933-33-8
Sanders, Cheryl J. Saints in Exile: The Holiness Pentecostal Experience in the African American Religion and Culture. Oxford University Press, 1999.
Smiley, Tavis. The Covenant. Chicago, IL: The Third World Press, 2006.Smith, Efrem and Phil Jackson. The Hip-Hop Church: connecting with the
movement shaping our culture. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity, 2005. ISBN-10 0-8308-3329
Smith, Efrem. The Post-Black and Post-White Church: Becoming the Beloved Community in a Multi-Ethnic World. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2012, 240 pages. ISBN: 978-1118036587
Van Engen, Charles. God’s Missionary People: Rethinking the Purpose of the Local Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1991. ISBN: 0-8010-9311-2
Van Engen, Charles. Mission on the Way: Issues in Mission Theology. Grand Rapids. MI: Baker Books, 1996, 262 pages. ISBN: 0-8010-2090-5
2. Some new books you may be interested in reading: various topics (choose one or two).
Chand, Samuel R. Ladder Shifts. Highland Park, IL: Mall Publishing, 2006. ISBN0-9777273-7-8Dennis, Jay and Jim Henry. Dangerous Intersections: eleven crucial crossroads facing the church
in America. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2004. ISBN0-8054-2776-7Kimball, Dan. They Like Jesus But Not The Church: insights from emerging generations. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007. ISBN 978-0-310-24590-2Kinnaman, David. UnChristian: what a new generation really thinks about Christianity…and
why it matters. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007. ISBN 978-0-8010-1300-3
Mancini, Will. Church Unique: how missional leaders cast vision, capture culture, and create movement. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008. OSBN 978-0-7879-9683-3
Olson. David T. The American Church in Crisis: groundbreaking research based on a national database of over 200,000 churches. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008.
ISBN 978-0-3102-7713-2Payne, J.D. Missional House Churches: reaching our communities with the gospel. Colorado
Springs, CO: Paternoster, 2007. ISBN 978-1-934068-25-0Searcy, Nelson and Kerrick Thomas. Launch: starting a new church from scratch. Ventura, CL:
Regal, 2006. ISBN 978-0-8307-4310-0Searcy, Nelson with Jennifer Dykes Henson. Fusion: turning first-time guests into fully-engaged
members of your church. Ventura, CL: Regal, 2007. ISBN 978-0-8307-4531-9
3. Recommended Books on Turning Round Existing Churches
Adizes, Ichak. Corporate Lifecycles: how and why corporations grow and die and what to do about it. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1988. ISBN: 0-13-174426-7
Anderson, Leith. Leadership That Works: hope and direction for church and parachurch leaders in today’s complex world. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN: 1-55661-994-4
Anderson, Neil T. and Elmer Towns. Rivers of Revival. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1997. ISBN: 0-8307-1934-2
Anderson, Neil T. and Charles Mylander. Setting Your Church Free: a biblical plan to help your church. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1994. ISBN: 0-8307-1655-6
Anderson, Ray S. An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006. ISBN: 13: 978-0-8308-3391-7
Apeh, John E. Social Structure & Church Planting. Atascadero, CA: Indigenous Missions International, 1989. ISBN: 0-914903-85-3
Arn, Charles. How to Start a New Service: your church can reach new people. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1997. ISBN: 0-8010-9037-7
Bandy, Thomas G. Kicking Habits: welcome relief for addicted churches. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1997. ISBN: 0-687-03189-3
Bandy, Thomas G. Moving Off the Map: a field guide to changing the congregation. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1998. ISBN: 0-687-06800-2
Barna, George. Turn-Around Churches: how to overcome barriers to growth and bring new life to an established church. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1993. ISBN: 0-8307-1592-4
Birkley, Del. The House Church: a model for renewing the church. Kitchener, ON: Herald Press, 1988. ISBN: 0-8361-3467-2
Breen, Mike and Walt Kallestad The Passionate Church: the art of life-changing discipleship. Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications, 2005. ISBN: 0-78144-227-3
Burke, W. W. Organizational Change: theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Buttry, Daniel. Bringing Your Church Back To Life: Beyond Survival Mentality. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1988. ISBN: 0-8170-1143-9
Cole, Neil. Organic Church: growing faith where life happens. San Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2005. ISBN: 0-7879-8129-X
Collins, James C. and Jerry I. Porras Built To Last: successful habits of visionary companies. New York, NY: Harper Business, 1994, 1997. ISBN: 0-88730-739-6
Collins, James C. Good to Great and The Social Sector: why business thinking is not the answser. Bolder, CO: Jim Collins, 2005.
Collins, James C. Good to Great.: why some companies make the leap and other don’t.. New York, NY: Harper Business, 2001.
Conn, Harvie M. Planting and Growing Urban Churches: from dream to reality. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1997. ISBN: 0-8010-2109-
Conner, Daryl R. Managing At The Speed of Change: how resilient managers succeed and prosper where others fail. New York, NY: Villard Books, 1992. ISBN: 0-679-40684-0
Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team: the miracle of teamwork and how it transforms churches. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2001, 2004. ISBN: 0-8307-3680-8
Crandall, Ron. Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 0-687-00467-5
Curtin, Ralph D. Sharing Your Church Building. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002. ISBN: 0-8010-9144-6
Dale, Robert D. To Dream Again: how to help your church come alive. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1981. ISBN: 0-8054-2541-1
Dale, Robert D. Keeping The Dream Alive: understanding and keeping congregational morale. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1988. ISBN: 0-8054-2547-0
Easum, Bill. A Second Resurrection: leading your congregations to new life. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007. ISBN: 13: 978-0-687-64653-1
Fletcher, Michael. Overcoming Barriers to Growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Bethany House, 2003, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-7642-0294-0
Foss, Michael W. From Members to Disciples: leadership lessons from the book of acts. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007. ISBN: 13: 978-0-687-46730-3
Fredrikson, Roger L. The Church that Refused to Die. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1991. ISBN: 0-89693-257-5
Gibbs, Eddie. In Name Only: tackling the problem of nominal Christianity. Wheaton, IL: Bridge Point, 1994. ISBN: 1-56476-348-X
Greenway, Jeffrey E. Make Room to Grow: transform the church without killing the congregation. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007. ISBN: 13: 978-0-687-49155-1
Hoyt, William R. Effectiveness By The Numbers: counting what counts in the church. Hull, Bill. Revival That Reforms: making it last. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 1998. ISBN: 0-8007-
1752-XHunt, Josh. Let It Grow: changing to multi-congregation churches, MI: Baker Books, 1993.
ISBN: 0-8010-4377-8Hull, Bill. Revival That Reforms: making it last. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 1998. ISBN: 0-8007-
1752-X
Lewis, Robert. The Church of Irresistible Influence. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN: 0-310-23956-7
Lewis, R. and W. Cordeiro. Culture Shift: transforming your church from the inside out. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2005.
Logan, Robert. Be Fruitful and Multiply. St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart.Logan, Robert and Neil Cole. Beyond Church Planting. St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart.MacNair, Donald J. The Practices of a Healthy Church: biblical strategies for vibrant church life
and ministry. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 1999 ISBN: 0-87552-390-0Macchia, Stephen A. Becoming A Healthy Church: 10 characteristics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 1999. ISBN: 0-8010-1177-9Malphurs, Aubrey. Vision America: a strategy for reaching a nation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 1994. ISBN: 0-8010-6313-2Malphurs, Aubrey. Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 2004. ISBN: 0-8010-6514-3Malphurs, Aubrey. A New Kind of Church: understanding models of ministry for the 21st century.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8010-9189-6Martin, Kevin E. The Myth of the 200 Barrier: how to lead through transitional growth. Nashville,
TN: Abingdon, 2005. ISBN: 0-687-34324-0Moore, Ralph. Starting A New Church: the church planter’s guide to success. Ventura, CA: Regal
Books, 2002. ISBN: 0-8307-2966-6McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future: six tough questions for the church San Francisco, CA:
Jossey-Bass, 2003. ISBN: 0-7879-6568-5Nebel, Tom and Gary Rohrmayer. Church Planting Landmines. St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart.Rainer, Thom S. and Eric Geiger. Simple Church: returning to god’s process for making disciples.
Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing, 2006. Rainer, Thom S. Breakout Churches: discover how to make the leap. Grand Rapid,s CA:
Zondervan, 2005.Rohrmayer, Gary. First Steps. St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart.Schaller, Lyle E. Strategies for Change. Nashville, TNL Abingdon, 1993.Towns, Elmer, Ed Stetzer, and Warren Bird. 11 Innovation in the Local Church: how today’s
leaders can learn, discern, and move into the future. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2007. ISBN: 10: 0-8307-4378-2
Whitesel, Bob and Kent R. Hunter. A House Divided: bridging the generation gaps in your church. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2000. ISBN: 0-687-09104-7 [out of print]
Whitesel, Bob. Growth by Accident, Death by Planning: how not to kill a growing congregation. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2004. ISBN: 0-687-08325-7
Whitesel, Bob. Staying Power: why people leave church over change (and what you can do about it!). Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2003. ISBN: 0-687-06680-8
Wood, Gene. Leading Turnaround Churches. St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart.Woodward, Harry and Steve Buchholz. Aftershock: helping people through corporate change.
New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1987. ISBN: 0-471-62478-0
4. Recommended Books on American CultureAugustine, St. On Christian Doctrine. Book four.Barna, George. Revolution.Bellah, Robert N., et al. Habits of The Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life.
Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1985, rev. ed., 1996. New York, NY: Macmillan, 1996.
Bloom, Harold. The American Religion: The Emergence of the Post-Christian Nation. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1992.
Corbett, Edward P. J. and Robert Connors. Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. Oxford University Press, 1998.
Cross, Joel. Revive Us Again: The Reawakening of American Fundamentalism. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1997.
Caustad, Edwin and Leigh Schmidt. The Religious History of America. San Francisco, CA: Harper-San Francisco, 2002.
Finke, Roger and Rodney Stark. The Churching of America 1776-2005: winners and losers in our religious economy. New Brunswick, NJ Rutgers University Press, 2006, 283 pages. ISBN 0-8135-3553-0
Fletcher, Richard. The Barbarian Conversion from Paganism to Christianity. University of California Press. 1999.
Gibbs, Eddie and Ryan Bolger. Emerging Churches. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books 2005.Goff, Philip and Paul Harvey, eds. Themes in Religion and American Culture. Chapel Hill, NC:
University of North Carolina Press, 2004.Green, Michael. Evangelism in the Early Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003.Hall, Edward T. The Silent Language.Hall, Edward T. The Hidden Dimension.Hall, Edward T. Beyond Culture.Hamer, Dean. The God Gene: How Faith is Hardwired into Our Genes. New York, NY:
Doubleday, 2004.Hammond, Josh & James Morrison. The Stuff Americans Are Made Of: The Seven Cultural
Forces That Define Americans. New York, NY: Macmillan, 1996.Hersberg, Bruce and Patricia Bizzel, eds. The Rhetorical Tradition: Articles on, and selections by,
Aristotle, Augustine, Erasmus, Campbell, Burke, and Weaver.Hesselgrave, David J. Paradigms in Conflict: 10 Key Questions in Christian Missions Today.
Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2005, 356 pages. ISBN: 0-8254-2770-3Hunter, George G. How to Reach Secular People. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1992, 188 pages.
ISBN: 0-687-17930-0Hunter, George G. The Celtic Way of Evangelism. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2000, 121 pages.
ISBN: 0-687-08585-3Hunter, George G. Radical Outreach: The Recovery of Apostolic Ministry and Evangelism.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2003, 200 pages. ISBN: 0-687-07441-XHunter, George G. Church for the Unchurched. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1996.Hunter, George G. Christian, Evangelical and . . . Democrat? Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2006.McClaren, Bryan. The Secret Message of Jesus. 2006.McClaren, Bryan. A Generous Orthodoxy. 2004.McClaren, Bryan. A New Kind of Christian. 2001.McClaren, Bryan. The Church on the Other Side. 2003.McClaren, Bryan. More Ready Than You Realize. 2002.McIntosh, Gary L. One Size Doesn’t Fit All. Grand Rapids: Baker Books,
ISBN 0-8007-5699-1McIntosh, Gary L. Beyond the First Visit. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006.McIntosh, Gary L. Biblical Church Growth. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003, 188 pages.
ISBN 0-8010-9156-XMcIntosh, Gary L. (ed.). Evaluating the Church Growth Movement. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2004, 279 pages. ISBN 0-310-24110-3McIntosh, Gary L. and R. Daniel Reeves. Thriving Churches: 10 life-giving systems for vibrant
ministry. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2006, 216 pages. ISBN 0-8254-3170-0McIntosh, Gary L. Beyond the First Visit: the complete guide to connecting guests to your church.
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006, 181 pages. ISBN 10: 8010-9184-5Marsden, George. Fundamentalism and American Culture. New York, NY: Oxford University
Press, 1980.Miller, Donald E. Reinventing American Protestantism: Christianity in The New Millennium.
Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1997.Moore, R. Laurence. Religious Outsiders and The Making of Americans. New York, NY: Oxford
University Press, 1986.Nida, Eugene. Message and Mission: The Communication of the Christian Faith. Pasadena, CA:
William Carey.Noll, Mark. The Old Religion in a New World. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002.Putnam, Robert. Bowling Alone: The Decline and renewal of American Communities. New York,
NY: Simon & Schuster, 2000.
Rainer, Thom S. The Book of Church Growth: History, Theology, and Principles. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1993, 319 pages. ISBN: 0-8054-1157-7
Rambo, Lewis. Understanding Religious Conversion. Yale University Press, 1993.Sandeen, Ernest R. The Roots of Fundamentalism. Chicago, IL: University Press, 1970.Shibley, Mark. Resurgent Evangelicalism in the United States. Columbia, SC: University of South
Carolina Press, 1996.Stark, Rodney. The Rise of Christianity. New York, NY: Harper-Collins, 1997.Sweeney, Douglas A. The American Evangelical Story: A History of A Movement. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2006.Sweet, William. The Story of Religion in America. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Boos House, 1979.Thumma, Scott and Dave Travis. Beyond Megachurch Myths: what we can learn from america’s
largest churches San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2007. Whitesel, Bob. Inside the Organic Church: Learning from 12 Emerging Congregations. Nashville,
TN: Abingdon, 2006. Wuthnow, Robert. Sharing the Journey: Support Groups and America’s New Quest for
community. New York, NY: Free Press, 1994.Wuthnow, Robert. The Restructuring of American Religion: Society and Faith Since World War
II. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1988.Wuthnow, Robert. After Heaven: Spirituality in America since the 1950’s. Berkely, CA:
University of California Press, 1998.
4. Classic Church Growth Books (some may be out of print, but good if found)
Arn, Win. The Church Growth Ratio Book. Pasadena: Church Growth, Inc., 1987. ISBN: 0-93440-8-03-11.
Arn, Win and Arn, Charles. The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples. Monrovia, CA: Church Growth Press, 1982.
Arn, Win, Ed. The Pastor’s Church Growth Handbook: Volume 1. Pasadena, CA: Church Growth Press, 1982.
Arn, Win, Ed. The Pastor’s Church Growth Handbook: Volume 2. Pasadena, CA: Church Growth Press, 1979.
Bartel, Floyd G. A New Look At Church Growth. Scottdale, PA: Mennonite Publishing House, 1979. ISBN 0-87303-027-3
Baumann, Dan. All Originality Makes A Dull Church. Santa Ana, CA: Vision House, 1976. ISBN 0-88449-053-X
Belew, M. Wendell. Churches and How They Grow. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1971. ISBN 0-8054-2522-5
Benjamin, Paul. The Growing Congregation. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1972, 1975. ISBN 0-87239-077-2
Brown, Lowell E. and Bobbie Reed. GROW: your Sunday school can grow. Glendale, CA: Regal, 1974. ISBN 0-8307-0309-8
Carroll, Jackson, ed. Small Churches are Beautiful. New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1977. ISBN 0-06-061320-3
Christensen, James L. How To Increase Church Attendance. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1961.
Davenport, D. Dewayne. The Bible Says GROW: church growth guidelines for church of Christ. Nashville, TN: Church Growth/Evangelism Seminar, 1978.
Dudley, Carl S. Making the Small Church Effective. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1978. ISBN 0-687-23044-6
Dudley, Carl S. Where Have All Our People Gone? new choices for old churches. New York, NY: The Pilgrim Press, 1979. ISBN 0-8298-0359-9
Falwell, Jerry and Elmer Towns. Church Aflame. Nashville, TN: Impact Books, 1971.
Falwell, Jerry. Capturing A Town For Christ. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming Revel, 1969. ISBN 0-8007-0606-4
Fickett, Jr., Dr. Harold. Hope For Your Church: 10 principles of church growth. Glendale, CA: Regal Books, 1972 ISBN 0-8307-0207-5
Fuller, Daniel P. Give the Winds a Mighty Voice: The Story of Charles E. Fuller. Waco, TX: Word, 1972.
Gerber, Vergil. God’s Way to Keep a Church Going and Growing. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1973.
Gerber, Vergil. A Manual for Evangelism/Church Growth. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey, 1973. ISBN 0-87808-123-2
Hunter, George G., III. The Contagious Congregation: frontiers in evangelism and church growth. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1979. ISBN 0-687-09490-9
Hoge, Dean R. and David A. Roozen, eds. Understanding Church Growth and Decline, 1950-1978. New York, NY: Pilgrim Press, 1979. ISBN 0-8298-0358-0
Kelley, Dean M. Why Conservative Churches Are Growing. New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1972.
Lawson, E. LeRoy and Tetsunao, Yamamori. Church Growth: Everybody’s business. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1976.
Liao, David C. E. The Unresponsive: resistant or neglected? South Pasadena, CA: William Carey, 1972. ISBN 0-87808-735-4
McGavran, Donald, ed. Church Growth and Christian Mission. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1965. ISBN 0-87808-728-1
McGavran, Donald. The Bridges of God, New York, NY: Friendship Press, 1955. McGavran, Donald. How Churches Grow: The New Frontiers of Mission.
London: World Dominion Press, 1959. McGavran, Donald and Arn, Win. Back To Basics in Church Growth. Wheaton,
IL: Tyndale House, 1981. ISBN 0-8423-0116-XMcGavran, Donald and Arn, Win. How to Grow A Church: Conversations about
church growth. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1973. ISBN 0-8307-0238-5McGavran, Donald A. and Arn, Winfield C. Ten Steps for Church Growth. New
York NY: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1977. ISBN 0-06-065352-3McGavran, Donald and Hunter, III, George G. Church Growth Strategies That
Work. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1980. ISBN 0-687-08160-2McQuilkin, J. Robertson. How Biblical is the Church Growth Movement?
Chicago, IL: Moody Bible Institute, 1973.Orjala, Paul R. Get Ready to Grow: Principles of Church Growth. Kansas City,
MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1978. ISBN 0-8341-0500-4Peters, George W. A Biblical Theology of Missions. Chicago, IL: Moody, 1972.
ISBN 0-8024-0706-4Pickett, J. Waskom. Christian Mass Movements in India. Lucknow, India:
Lucknow Publishing House, 1933.Pickett, J. Waskom. The Dynamics of Church Growth. New York, NY: Abingdon,
1963.Russell, Bob. When God Builds a Church. West Monroe, Louisiana: Howard Publishing Co.,
2000. ISBN: 1-58229-125-XSchuller, Robert H. Your Church Has Real Possibilities. Glendale, CA: Gospel
Light, 1974.Stetzer, Ed and David Putnam. Breaking the Missional Code: your church can become a
missionary in your community. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2007, 219 pages. ISBN: 13: 978-0-8054-4536-7
Stetzer, Ed and Mike Dodson. Comeback Churches: how 300 churches turned around and yours can too. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2006, 240 pages. ISBN: 13: 978-0-8054-4359-2
Stetzer, Ed. Planting New Churches in a Postmodern Age. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 20073 336 pages. ISBN: 0-8054-2730-9
Smith, Efrem and Phil Jackson. The Hip-Hop Church: Connecting with the Movement Shaping our Culture. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005.
Tippett, Alan R. Church Growth and the Word of God. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1970.
Tippett, A. R. Verdict Theology in Mission Theory. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1973. ISBN 0-87808-105-4
Towns, Elmer. The Ten Largest Sunday Schools and What Makes Them Grow. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1969. ISBN 0-8010-8760-0
Wagner, C. Peter. Frontiers in Missionary Strategy. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1971.
Wagner, C. Peter. Leading Your Church to Growth. Ventura: Regal Books, 1987. ISBN: 0-8307-1170-8
Wagner, C. Peter. Strategies for Church Growth: Tools for effective mission and evangelism. Ventura: Regal Books, 1996. ISBN 0-8307-1834-6
Wagner, C. Peter. Your Church Can Grow: Seven Vital Signs of a Healthy Church. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, revised edition, 1984). ISBN: 0-8307-0978-9
Wagner, C. Peter. Your Church and Church Growth. Tapes and workbook. Fuller Seminary.
Wagner, C. Peter. Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow. Glendale, CA: Regal Books, 1974. ISBN 0-8307-0644-5
Wagner, C. Peter, Win Arn, and Elmer Towns, eds. Church Growth: State of the Art. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1986.
Waters, Mary. Ethnic Options: Choosing Ethnic Identities in America. Berkeley, CA: University of Cal Press, 1990.
Waymire, Bob and C. Peter Wagner. The Church Growth Survey Handbook. Global Church Growth Bulletin, 1980.
Werning, Waldo J. The Radical Nature: church growth eyes look at the supernatural mission of the Christian church. South Pasadena, CA: Mandate Press, 1975.
Werning, Waldo J. Vision and Strategy for Church Growth. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1977.
Yamamori, Tetsunao and Lawson, E. L. Introducing Church Growth: a textbook in missions. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1975.
Yeakley, Flavil R. Why Churches Grow. Nashville, TN: Christian Communications, 1986. ISBN 0-89225-289-8
5. Recommended Books on Church Growth and/or Related Topics
Anderson, Leith. Leadership That Works. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1999. ISBN 1-55661-994-4
Anderson, Leith. Dying For Change. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1990.ISBN: 1-55661-107-2
Anderson, Leith. A Church for the 21st Century. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1992. ISBN: 1-55661-231-1
Anderson, Andy. The Growth Spiral: the proven step-by-step method for calculating and predicting growth potential in your church. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1993. ISBN0-8054-3013-X
Annan, Nelson. More People! Is Church Growth Worth It? Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1987. ISBN: 0-8778-8552-4
Anthony, Michael J. Effective Church Board. Grand Rapids, MI: 1993. ISBN 0-8010-0230-3
Arn, Charles. How to Start a New Worship Service. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997. ISBN 0-8010-9037-7
Arn, Charles. White Unto Harvest: evangelizing today’s senior adults. Monrovia, CA: Church Growth, 2003. ISBN 0-93440-8-03-8
Arn, Charles, Donald McGavran, and Win Arn. Growth: a new vision for the Sunday school. Pasadena, CA Church Growth Press, 1980. ISBN 0-934408-03-3
Bakke, Raymond. J. and Samuel K. Roberts. The Expanded Mission of 'Old First' Churches. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1986. ISBN: 0-8170-1100-5
Bandy, Thomas G. Kicking Habits: Welcome Relief for Addicted Churches. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997. ISBN 0-687-03189-3
Bandy, Thomas G. Moving Off the Map: A Field Guide to Changing the Congregation. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998. ISBN 0-687-06800-2
Barna, George. The Frog In The Kettle. Ventura: Regal Books, 1990. ISBN: 0-8307-1449-9
Barna, George. The Power of Vision. Ventura: Regal Books, 1992.Barna, George. User Friendly Churches. Ventura: Regal Books, 1991. ISBN: 0-
8307-1478-2Barna, George. What Americans Believe. Ventura: Regal Books, 1991.Barna, George. Marketing The Church. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1988.
ISBN: 0-8910-9250-1Barna, George. Finding a Church You Can Call Home. Ventura, CA: Regal,
1992. ISBN 0-8307-1500-2Barna, George. Turn-around Churches: how to overcome barriers to growth
and bring new life to an established church. Ventura: Regal Books, 1993. ISBN 0-8307-1592-4
Barna, George. Today’s Pastors. Ventura: Regal Books, 1993. ISBN 0-8307-1591-6
Barna, George. Without a VISION, the People PERISH. Glendale, CA: Barna Research Group, 1991.
Barna, George. The Second Coming of the CHURCH. Nashville, TN Word Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0-8499-1490-6
Bast, Robert L. Attracting New Members. Monrovia, CA: Church Growth, Inc., 1988.
Bast, Robert L. The Mission Generation: the church’s ministry with the baby boom. Monrovia, CA: Church Growth, 1991.
Bowman, Ray & Eddy Hall. When Not to Build. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000. ISBN: 0-8010-9021-0
Brown, Jerry. W. Church Staff Teams That Win. Nashville, TN: Convention Press, 1979.
Bryson, O. J. Networking The Kingdom: a practical strategy for maximum church growth. Dallas, TX: Word, 1990. ISBN 0-8499-3238-6
Burt, Steve. Activating Leadership in the small church. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1988. ISBN 0-8170-1099-8
Buttry, Daniel. Bringing Your Church Back To Life: beyond survival mentality. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1988. ISBN 0-8170-1143-9
Callahan, Kennon L. Effective Church Leadership: Building on 12 Keys. New York: Harper Row, 1990. ISBN: 0-06061-1299-1
Callahan, Kennon L. Twelve Keys to an Effective Church: Strategic Planning for Mission. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983. 127 p. ISBN: 0-06-061297-5
Camsey, Terry. Slightly Different: growth principles to thaw frozen paradigms. Alexandria, VA: Crest Books, 2000. ISBN 0-9657601-8-9
Chaney, Charles L. and Ron S. Lewis. Design for Church Growth. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1977. ISBN 0-8054-6218-X
Cho, Dr. Paul Yonggi with Harold Hostetler. Successful Home Cell Groups. Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, 1981. ISBN 0-88270-513-X
Cho, Dr. Paul Y. with R. Whitney Manzano. More Than Numbers. Waco, TX: Word, 1984. ISBN 0-8499-0366-1
Clapp, Steve. Plain Talk About Church Growth. Elgin, IL: FaithQuest, 1989. ISBN 0-87178-708-3
Clapp, Steve. Overcoming Barriers to Church Growth. Elgin, IL: Andrew Center, 1994. ISBN 0-9637206-3-5
Clegg, Tom and Warren Bird. Lost In America: how you and your church can impact the world next door. Loveland, CO: Group, 2001. ISBN 0-7644-2257-X
Coalter, Milton J., Mulder, John M. and Weeks, Louis B. eds. The Mainstream Protestant “Decline”: The Presbyterian Pattern. Louisville, KY: Westminster, 1990. ISBN0-664-25150-1
Coalter, Milton, J., John M. Mulder, and Louis B. Weeks. Vital Signs: the promise of mainstream protestantism. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996. ISBN 0-8028-0855-7
Coffey, Stan. Building the Greatest Churches Since Pentecost. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1988. ISBN 0-8054-5063-7
Conn, Harvie M. Eternal Word and Changing Worlds: theology, anthropology, and mission in trialogue. Grand Rapids, MI: Academic Books, 1984. ISBN 0-310-45321-6
Conner, Mark. Help Your Church Change: seven strategic shifts. Victoria, Australia: Conner Equipping Ministries, 1999. ISBN 0-646-37081-2
Cook, Arnold. Historical Drift: Must my church die? Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications, 2000. ISBN 0-87509-901-7
Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church As A Team: The miracle of teamwork and how it transforms churches. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2001, 2004. ISBN 0-8307-3680-8
Crandall, Ron. Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1995. ISBN 0-687-00467-5
Crandall, Ronald K. and L. Ray Sells. There’s New Life in the Small Congregation!: why it happens and how. Nashville, TN: Discipleship Resources, 1983. ISBN 0-88177-001-9
Curtin, Ralph D. Sharing Your Church Building. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002. ISBN 0-8010-9144-6
Dale, Robert. Keeping the Dream Alive. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1988. ISBN: 0-8054-2547-0
Dale, Robert. To Dream Again. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1981. ISBN: 0-8054-2541-1
Dale, Robert D. Leadership for a Changing Church: charting the shape of the river. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1998. ISBN 0-687-01485-9
Dayton, Edward R. and David A. Fraser. Planning Strategies for World Evangelization. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990. ISBN 0-8028-0422-5
Dobson, Ed. Starting a Seeker Sensitive Service: how traditional churches can reach the unchurched. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1993 ISBN 0-310-38481-8
Dunkin, Steve. Church Advertising: a practical guide. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1982. ISBN 0-687-08140-8
Dudley, Carl S., ed. Building Effective Ministry: theory and practice in the local church. San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row, 1983. ISBN 0-06-062102-8
Easum, William M. The Church Growth Handbook. Nashville: Abingdon, 1990. ISBN: 0-687-05523-7
Easum, William M. Sacred Cows Make Gourmet Burgers: ministry anytime, anywhere, by anyone. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1995. ISBN 0-687-00563-9
Easum, William M. and Thomas G. Bandy. Growing Spiritual Redwoods. Nashville, TN: 0-687-33600-7
Ellas, John W. Measuring Church Growth. Houston: Center for Church Growth, 1997. ISBN 0-9642447-2-1
Ellas, John W. Clear Choices for Churches: trends among growing and declining churches of Christ. Houston, TX: Center for Church Growth, 1994. ISBN 0-9642447-1-3
Ellas, John W. Church Growth Through Groups: strategies for varying levels of christian community. Houston, TX: Center for Church Growth, 1990.
Ellis, Joe S. The Church on Purpose: keys to effective church leadership. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1982. ISBN 0-87239-441-7
Exman, Gary W. Get Ready, Get Set, GROW!: church growth for town and country congregations. Lima, OH: C.S.S. Publishing, 1987. ISBN 0-89536-865-X
Falwell, Jerry and Elmer Towns. Stepping Our On Faith. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1984. ISBN 0-8423-6626-1
Gainsbrugh, Jonathan. Winning the Backdoor War: growing your church by closing its 7 backdoors. Elk Grove, CA: Jonathan Gainsbrugh, 1993.
Galloway, Dale E. 20/20 Vision: how to create a successful church. Portland, OR: Scott Publishing, 1986. ISBN
Galloway, Dale. Making Church Relevant. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill, 1999. ISBN 0-8341-1822-X
George, Carl F. Prepare Your Church for the Future. New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1991. 255 p. ISBN: 0-8010-3853-7
George, Carl F. How To Break Growth Barriers. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1993.
George, Carl F. The Coming Church Revolution. Grand Rapids: Revell, 1994. ISBN: 0-8007-5528-6
George, Carl F. and Robert E. Logan. Leading & Managing Your Church. New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1987. ISBN: 0-8007-1575-6
Getz, Gene and Joe Wall. Effective Church Growth Strategies. Nashville, TN: Word, 2000. ISBN 0-8499-1363-2
Gibbs, Eddie. In Name Only: Tackling the Problem of Nominal Christianity. Bridgepoint, 1994. ISBN: 1-56476-348-X
Gibbs, Eddie. I Believe in Church Growth. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1981. ISBN 0-340-51732-8
Gibbs, Eddie. Church Next. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2000.Gibbs, Eddie. Leadership Next: Changing Leaders in a Changing Culture. Gibbs, Eddie. Followed or Pushed: Understanding and leading your church.
Pasadena, CA: Fuller Seminary Press, 1987. ISBN 0-947697-40-3Glasser, Arthur F. and McGavran, Donald A. Contemporary Theologies of
Mission. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1983.Hadaway, C. Kirk. Church Growth Principles: separating fact from fiction.
Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1991. ISBN 0-8054-6014-4Haggard, Ted. The Lifegiving Church: rebuilding your church from the inside
out. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1998. ISBN 0-8307-2135-5
Hanchey, Howard. Church Growth and the Power of Evangelism: ideas that work. Cambridge, MA: Cowley, 1990. ISBN 1-56101-017-0
Harre, Alan F. Close The Back Door: Ways to Create a Caring Congregational Fellowship. St. Louis: Concordia, 1984. ISBN: 0-5700-3932-0
Hassinger, Edward W. et al. The Rural Church: Learning from Three Decades of Change. Nashville: Abingdon, 1988. ISBN: 0-687-36587-2
Haugk, Kenneth C. Reopening the Back Door. Hemphill, Ken. The Bonsai Theory of Church Growth. Nashville: Broadman
Press, 1991.Hunt, Josh. Let It Grow! Changing to Multi-Congregation Churches. Grand
Rapids: Baker Book House, 1993. 176 p. ISBN: 0-8010-4377-8Hunter, George G., III. To Spread the Power: church growth in the Wesleyan
spirit. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1987. ISBN 0-687-42259-0Hunter, George G., III. Leading & Managing a Growing Church. Nashville, TN:
Abingdon, 2000. ISBN 0-687-02425-0Hunter, Kent. Foundations for Church Growth: Biblical Basics for the Local
Church. Corunna, IN: Church Growth Center, 1994. ISBN: 0-912961-6Hunter, Kent. Confessions of a Church Growth Enthusiast. Lima, OH: Fairway
Press, 1997. ISBN: 0-912961-96-1Hudson, Winthrop S. American Protestantism. Chicago, IL: University of
Chicago Press, 1961.Hurston, Karen. Growing The World’s Largest Church. Springfield: Chrism
Books, 1994. ISBN: 0-88243-329-6Johnson, Douglas W. Vitality Means Church Growth. Nashville, TN: Abingdon,
1989. ISBN 0-687-43799-7Lawless, Chuck. Membership Matters. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
ISBN 0-310-26286-0Lewis, Robert with Rob Wilkins. The Church of Irresistible Influence. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001. ISBN 0-310-23956-7Logan, Robert E. Beyond Church Growth. New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co.,
1989. ISBN: 0-8007-5332-1
McCarty, Doran. C. Leading the Small Church. Nashville: Broadman/Holman, 1991. ISBN: 0-8054-6039-X
Malphurs, Audrey. Developing A Vision for Ministry in the 21st Century. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992. ISBN: 0-8010-6286-1
Marty, Martin. The New Shape of American Religion. New York, NY: Harper & Brothers, 1958, 1959. LC: 59-10336
McIntosh, Gary L. and Glen S. Martin. Finding Them, Keeping Them. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992. ISBN: 0-8054-6051-9
McIntosh, Gary L. Make Room for the Boom or Bust. Grand Rapids: Revell, 1997, op.
McIntosh, Gary L. Church That Works. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004. ISBN 0-8010-9161-6
McIntosh, Gary L. Look Back, Leap Forward. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2001. ISBN 0-8010-9112-8
McIntosh, Gary L. and Glen S. Martin. The Issachar Factor. Nashville: Broadman-Holman, 1994.
McIntosh, Gary L. Three Generations: Riding The Waves of Change In Your Church. Grand Rapids: Revell, 1995.
McIntosh, Gary L. The Exodus Principle: A 5-Part Strategy to Free Your People for Ministry. Broadman & Holman, 1995.
McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. Jossey-Bass, 2003. ISBN: 0787965685
McNeal, Reggie. Revolution in Leadership: Training Apostles for Tomorrow’s Church. Nashville, TN: Abingdon. ISBN: 0687087074
Miller, C. John. Outgrowing the Ingrown Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.ISBN: 0-3102-8411-2
Olmstead, Clifton E. History of Religion in the United States. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1960.
Osborn, Ronald E. The Spirit of American Christianity. New York, NY: Harper and Brothers Publishers, 1958.
Peters, George W. A Theology of Church Growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1981. ISBN 0-310-43101-8
Piper, John. Let The Nations Be Glad: the supremacy of god in missions. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1993. ISBN 0-8010-7124-0
Poe, Harry L. The Gospel and Its Meaning: a theology for evangelism and church growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. ISBN 0-310-20172-1
Pope, Randy. The Prevailing Church: an alternative approach to ministry. Chicago, IL: Moody, 2002. ISBN 0-8024-2741-3
Rainer, Thom. The Bridger Generation. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1997.Rainer, Thom. Breakout Churches. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ISBN: 0-310-
25745XRainer, Thom. High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People
in Your Church. Nashville: Broadman & Holman. ISBN: 0-8054-1266-2Rainer, Thom. Effective Evangelistic Churches. Nashville: Broadman &
Holman. ISBN: 0-8054-5402-0Rainer, Thom and Chuck Lawless. Eating the Elephant: Leading the
Established Church to Growth. Pinnacle Publishing, 2003. ISBN: 097423060
Rima, Samuel D. Rethinking the Successful Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002. ISBN 0-8010-91178-9
Roozen, David A. and Hadaway, C. Kirk Church & Denominational Growth: What does (and does not) cause growth and decline. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1993. ISBN 0-687-15904-0
Rusaw, Rick. The Externally Focused Church. Loveland, CO: Group, 2004. ISBN: 0764427407.
Russell, Bob with Rusty Russell. When God Builds A Church: 10 principles for growing a dynamic church. West Monroe, LA: Howard Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1-58229-125-X
Schaller, Lyle E. It's A Different World: The Challenge for Today’s Pastor. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1987. ISBN: 0-6871-9729-5
Schaller, Lyle E. 44 Steps Up Off the Plateau. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993. Schaller, Lyle E. Create Your Own Future! Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991.
ISBN: 0-687-09846-7Schaller, Lyle E. The Pastor and the People. Nashville: Abingdon, 1973 revised
1986. ISBN: 0-687-30135-1Shawchuck, Norman, et al. Marketing for Congregations. Nashville: Abingdon
Press, 1992. ISBN: 0-687-23579-0Smith, Donald P. How To Attract and Keep Active Church Members. Louisville:
Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992. ISBN: 0-664-25140-4.Stanley, Andy, Lane Jones, and Reggie Joiner. 7 Practices of Effective
Ministers. Multnomah, 2004. ISBN: 1590523733Stanley, Andy. The Next Generation Leader: Five Essentials for those who will
Shape the Future. Multnomah, 2003. ISBN: 1590520467
Stanley, Andy and Young, Ed. Can We Do That: 24 Innovative Practices that will Change the Way You Do Church. Howard Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 1582292388
Stevens, Tim and Morgan, Tony. Simply Strategic Growth: Attracting a Crowd to Your Church. Loveland, CO: Group, 2005. ISBN: 0-7644-2865-9
Sullivan, Bill et al. Churches Starting Churches. Kansas City. MO: Nazarene Publishing House, 2001. ISBN 083-411-9676
Sullivan, Bill M. Ten Steps to Breaking the 200 Barrier. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1988. 0-8341-1223-X
Taylor, Richard S. Dimensions of Church Growth: The Upward, Downward, Inward Factors. Grand Rapids: Francis Asbury Press, 1989. ISBN: 0-3107-5411-9
Towns, Elmer L. An Inside Look at 10 of Today's Most Innovative Churches. Ventura: Regal Books, 1990. ISBN: 0-8307-1405-7
Towns, Elmer. Putting An End to Worship Wars. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1997. ISBN 0-8054-3017-2
Towns, Elmer L. (ed.) A Practical of Encyclopedia of Evangelism and Church Growth. Regal Books, 1995. ISBN: 0-8307-1742-0
Vaughan, John N. Absolutely Double! Bolivar, MO: Megachurch Research Press, 1990.
Vaughn, John N. The World's 20 Largest Churches. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1984. ISBN: 0-8010-9297-3
Wagner, C. Peter. Changing Church: How God is leading His church into the future. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2004. ISBN 0-8307-3278-0
Wagner, C. Peter, ed. Church Growth: State of the Art. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1976. 288 p. ISBN: 0-8423-0287-5
Waltz, Mark L. First Impressions: Creating WOW Experiences In Your Church. Loveland, CO: Group, 2004. ISBN: 0764427571
Wardle, Terry Howard. Exalt Him! Designing Dynamic Worship Services. Camp Hill: Christian Publications, 1988. ISBN: 0-8750-9413-9
Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Church Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995. ISBN: 0-310-20106-3
Weeks, Andrew D. Welcome!: Tools and Techniques for New Member Ministry. Washington, DC: The Alban Institute, 1992. ISBN: 156699-057-2
Whitesel, Bob & Kent R. Hunter. A House Divided: Bridging the Generation Gaps in Your Church. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Wilson, Robert L. The Multi-Church Parish. Nashville: Abingdon, 1989. 94 p. Zunkel, C. Wayne. Church Growth Under Fire. Scottsdale, PA: Herald Press,
1987. ISBN: 0-8361-3428-1
6. Church Health, Renewal, & Revival
Anderson, Neil T. and Charles Mylander. Setting Your Church Free: a biblical plan to help your church. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1994. ISBN 0-8307-1655-6
Anderson, Neil T. and Elmer L. Towns. Rivers of Revival. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1997. ISBN0-8307-1934-2
Arn, Win, Carroll Nyquist, and Charles Arn. Who Cares About Love?: how to bring together the great commission and the great commandment. Pasadena, CA: Church Growth, 1986. ISBN 0-932208-08X
Bryant, David. The Hope At Hand: National and world revival for the twenty-first century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995. ISBN 0-8010-1099-3
Coleman, Robert E. Dry Bones Can Live Again: a study manual on revival in the local church. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1969.
Craig, Robert H. and Robert C. Worley. Dry Bones Live: helping congregations discover new life. Louisville, KY: Westminster, 1992. ISBN 0-664-25316-4
Deckham, William A. Redefining Revival: biblical patterns for missions, evangelism, and growth. Houston, TX: Touch Publications, 2000. ISBN 1-880828-26-X
Dethmers, David G. Revive Us Again!: hope for stagnant, stuck, and sterile churches. New York, NY: Reformed Church Press, 1994. ISBN
Dudley, Carl S. and Sally A. Johnson. Energizing the Congregation: images that shape your church’s ministry. Louisville, KY: Westminster, 1993. ISBN 0-664-25359-8
Fredrikson, Roger L. The Church That Refused to Die. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1991. ISBN 0-89693-257-5
Haney, David. Renew My Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1972. ISBN 0-310-25871-5
Macchia, Stephen A. Becoming A Healthy Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999. ISBN 0-8010-1177-9
MacNair, Donald with Esther L. Meek. The Practices of a Healthy Church: biblical strategies for vibrant church life and ministry. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0-87552-390-0
Murphy, R. Kevin. “Do Our Churches Have To Die?: factors that make for health and growth.” D.Min. dissertation, Phoenix Seminary, 2002.
Roberts, Richard Owen. Revival. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1982. ISBN 0-8423-5575-8
Schwartz, Christian A. Natural Church Development. Carol Stream, IL: ChurchSmart Resources. ISBN 1-889638-00-51993
Spader, Dann and Gary Mayes. Growing A Healthy Church. Chicago, IL: Moody, 1991. ISBN 0-8024-3230-1
Snyder, Howard A. Radical renewal: the problem of wineskins today. Houston, TX: Touch Publications, 1996. ISBN 1-880828-97-9
Wagner, C. Peter. The Healthy Church. Ventura: Regal Books, 1996. ISBN 0-8307-1834-6
Wagner, C. Peter. Your Church Can Be Healthy. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1979. ISBN 0-687-46870-1
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A CRITICAL BOOK REIVEW
__________________________
A Book Review
Presented to
Dr. Gary L. McIntosh
Talbot School of Theology13800 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90639
__________________________
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for DMCP01
__________________________
by[student’s name]
[address][e-mail]
Date Submitted
Writing a five-page critical book review is not always an easy task. Space is limited, yet the essay must sufficiently address the necessary issues. The following outline and suggestions are offered to facilitate your writing process. Be aware, however, that this outline is only a suggestion—always be certain first to follow the professor’s specific instructions.
I. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ENTRY:
Include at the top of the first page a complete bibliographical entry of the book reviewed. The entry must follow the form indicated in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (most recent edition). The entry should also include the number of pages in the text and the cost of the book, if known.
Example:
Rainer, Thom S. Effective Evangelistic Churches. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996. 238 pp. $15.95.
II. INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK:
Begin the paper with a section that briefly introduces the book and the book’s author. Biographical information about the author (education, training, experience, etc.) should be included only as it demonstrates the author’s competency to write the book. Within the context of the paper, do not use titles (Dr., Rev., etc.).
In most five-page reviews, you will likely need to limit the introduction to one or two paragraphs. The introduction should in all cases be a maximum of one-half page in length.
III. SUMMARY OF THE BOOK:
The purpose of a critical book review is only minimally to provide asummary of the book. You may assume that the professor knows the contents of the book; therefore, the summary should be limited to one to 1 1/2 pages. Your goal is to provide a succinct summary that (1) provides evidence that you have read the material and that (2) tells the reader “what the book is about.”
At this point, focus on the outline and major points of the text. Illustrate the author’s argument, but do not get sidetracked into minute details. You will have opportunity to address the details in the critical evaluation portion of your essay.
Given the limited amount of space in a brief book review, footnotes should not be utilized. Quotations or ideas taken directly from the text should be
followed parenthetically by the page number of the quotation. The abbreviation for “page(s)” (p./pp.) should not be used.
Example:
Rainer argues that evangelistic churches should focus on reaching youth (20). Indeed, he writes, “Many churches fail to recognize that adolescence is a critical time of receptivity to the gospel” (21).
IV. CRITICAL EXALUATION OF THE BOOK:
The critical evaluation section is the most important section of a book review. Your primary purpose in this section is to respond both positively and negatively to the book’s contents and presentation. This section should be a minimum of three pages.
Needless to say, this response should be more in-depth than “This book is a good book that should be recommended reading for everyone.” On the other hand, “This book is a lousy book not worth reading” is also inadequate. While all books are different (and thus require somewhat differing approaches for review), the following questions may guide your evaluation:
1. What is the author’s purpose, i.e., what does he/she hope to accomplish through this book? Does the author accomplish the purpose? If so, how does he/she do so? If not, why not?
2. Does the author approach the subject with any biases, i.e., do the author’s theological, experiential, philosophical, denominational, or cultural perspectives influence his/her conclusions? For example, a Baptist author in America may understand the role of the Church differently than a Baptist refugee who has escaped persecution in another context.
3. What are the strengths of the book, i.e., what contributions does the book make? More specifically, why should a person read this book?
4. What are the weaknesses of the book? For example, does the author properly support his/her thesis? Does the author adequately consider and refute opposing viewpoints? Is the book limited in application to specific types of churches? Is the book relevant to contemporary culture?
5. What did you learn from this book? Particularly, how might you apply the lessons of this book in your ministry context? Do not allow your response to this question to become lengthy (for this
paper is not primarily evaluation of your ministry), but do make some application.
Throughout your critique, be specific in your evaluations. Do not just tell the reader about the book; tell and show the reader with concrete examples from the book. As previously suggested, include page numbers when making specific reference to the book.
V. CONCLUSION OF THE BOOK REIVEW:
In most cases, a single paragraph will suffice as a conclusion. You may want to provide in this final paragraph your overall evaluation of the text. Would you recommend the book to other pastors? To seminary students? To laypersons? Why, or why not?
VI. STYLE ISSUES IN THE ESSAY:
The following guidelines are included to counter common style errors:
A. Follow proper form for a “term paper title page.”
B. Double-space the essay. Use one-inch margins on all sides. Text font should be Times New Roman 12-point, and boldface or fancy prints should be avoided.
C. Underline or italicize book titles, but do not do both. Be consistent throughout the essay.
D. Indent paragraphs three-quarters of an inch or eight spaces.
E. Use only left justification.
F. The page number for the first page should be centered at the bottom, following pages should be numbered in the upper right hand corner.
G. Consult MLA Handbook regarding other questions.
VII. OTHER WRITING ISSUES
Beyond the style issues noted above, be aware of the following suggestions:
A. Utilize this suggested outline to guide your book review, but do not include the specific subheadings (“Bibliographical Entry,” “Summary of the Book,” etc.) in the essay. The brevity of the review demands a smooth flow from one section to another without including subheadings.
B. Use first person sparingly; however, you may use “I” when referring to your opinion of a text.
C. Avoid contractions in formal writing.
D. Be clear and precise. A five-page limit allows no room for wandering from your objective.
E. Use your spell-checker, but do not trust it. A spell-check will not catch the error in such sentences as “The whole church voted too pass the amendment.” Use your eyes as well as your spell-checker.
F. Proofread your paper. Finish the paper, and proof it. Lay it aside, and proof it again at a later time. If you do not catch your errors, someone else will. If needed, have another person proof read your paper.
VIII. QUALITY WRITING STANDARDS
In addition to comments already noted, the following standards characterize quality graduate writing. Clear and accurate communication is expected in all writing assignments.
A. Content:
Worthwhile ideasClear, precise expression of meaningAdequate support of topicScholarship (breadth and depth)Evidence of analysis and synthesis
B. Structure:
Topic sentences to assert what each paragraph is aboutParagraphs that develop the topic sentences and support the main ideas.Specific and concrete details, illustrations, examples, arguments, etc.Unity and continuitySummary statements and transitional words / phrases.
C. Style:
Correct spellingProperly constructed sentencesGrammatical correctnessStandard usageFormal punctuation and capitalization
(Dr. Gary L. McIntosh, 2006)
