1	Church Growth Defined Howard Culbertson Southern Nazarene University
2	Church Growth critics “It is in fact an abrasive term” – Daniel Cruse, Assemblies of God “Subversive efforts (that) seared America's Biblical foundations and prepared the masses to believe a lie” -- Berit Kjos, non-denominational “An adherence to pragmatism rather than biblical Christianity. Pragmatism can provide increased numbers, but it cannot regenerate unbelieving men. “ -- Phil Newton, Southern Baptist
3	Church Growth critics “(It’s) numerolatry: . . . the idea that numerical growth is the only really valid criterion of church growth” – Rowland Croucher, Baptist “The problems in our Church are spiritual problems that must be addressed with spiritual solutions, not by . . . church growth gimmicks” – Troy Benitone, United Methodist
4	For purposes of this class . . . Why not just say “evangelism” and be done with it? How are we defining church growth?
5	Church Growth definition Church Growth is that careful discipline which investigates the . . .
6	Church Growth definition Church Growth is that careful discipline which investigates the . . . Nature and function Planting and multiplication Health of Christian churches . . .
7	Church Growth definition Church Growth is that science which investigates the . . . Nature and function Planting and multiplication. . . Health . . . of Christian churches as they seek specifically to effectively implement the Lord’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations peoples (Matthew 28:19-20)
8	Church Growth definition Church Growth is a spiritual and yet practical conviction combining the eternal principles of God's Word with the practical insights of social and behavioral sciences." Donald McGavran’s work is its initial frame of reference.