Those who study religion and its impact in our society continue to surface helpful, and at times surprising, research results. I remember a report from a few years ago. The results indicated that people who see themselves as lost and outside of Christ think doctrine is very important. Of those who admitted that they were …
Category Archives: Evangelism
Evangelism: Getting People to Do What They Are Not Doing?
In ministry and mission work, I often evaluate and design evangelistic outreach programs for local congregations. Who will be the target audience? What will motivate those the church seeks to reach? What should the church do to maximize results? What activities will be most effective? Equally important questions must be added when one considers that …
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Evangelism: Finding Interested Persons, Developing Interest
A preacher, one of my former students, wrote me with a question. He was in contact with a person who wanted to be baptized in a church that baptizes in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He asked me about my experience with such situations. I responded to his question, also noting …
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Challenges for the Church: Strengthening the Foundations
Barna Research Reveals Four “Mega-Themes” in U.S. Culture (#4) As today’s young adults, teenagers and adolescents have become accustomed to radical individualism, they have introduced such thinking and behaviors into the realm of faith realm. Faith is an acceptable attribute and pursuit among most young people. However, their notions of faith do not align with …
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Challenges for the Church: Strengthening the Family
Barna Research Reveals Four “Mega-Themes” in U.S. Culture (#3) Most parents want to do a great job of raising their children. However, Barna studies conducted among parents of children under 18 revealed that few parents have a strategy or plan for how they will accomplish that goal. Barna’s surveys point out that most parents underestimate …
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Challenges for the Church: Redefinitions of Christianity
Barna Research Reveals Four “Mega-Themes” in U.S. Culture (#2) The research also reported that people are reframing Christianity to suit individual tastes. Fewer adults (and many fewer teens) identify themselves as Christians. The image of the Christian faith has taken a beating due to a combination of factors: harsh media criticism, “unchristian” behavior by church …
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Challenges for the Church: Helping the Self-Satisfied
Barna Research Reveals Four “Mega-Themes” in U.S. Culture (#1) A Barna report from over 20 years ago (December 2007) identified four significant “mega-themes” in contemporary U.S. culture: high self-acceptance or self-satisfaction, new definitions of Christianity, increased challenges and concerns in parenting and family dynamics, and individualized “designer faith” with rootless values. The report noted that …
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What Does God Want? (4)
What does God want? What is the message the church is called to share? I am thinking about ministry, I am thinking about mission work. I am thinking about local evangelism, worldwide evangelism. I seek more complete, clearer understanding. I wish to focus and sharpen the message the church. This is the last in a …
What Does God Want? (3)
What does God want? What is the message the church is called to share? I am thinking about ministry, I am thinking about mission work. I am thinking about local evangelism, worldwide evangelism. I seek more complete, clearer understanding. I wish to focus and sharpen the message the church shares with the world. How do …
What Does God Want? (2)
To be respected and reverenced, according to his nature, honoring who he is and recognizing who we are. Last week, we began a new series: What does God want from us? This is a series for churches and church leaders. This is also a series for Christians who want to share the gospel. This is …