If you are serious about "the Great Commission" and how you can be helped and help others experience conversion growth in the church of Jesus Christ then consider joining, networking, and relating together as members of the American Society for Church Growth.

There have been many debates on whether or not the American Church Growth Movement is interested in more than numbers. Those of us who are active in the American Society for Church Growth have a true-heart passion for a balance between the spiritual and the technological.

What is ASCG?
The American Society for Church Growth is a nationally and internationally recognized professional society comprised of Christian leaders whose ministry includes activities based on principles of church growth. Renowned missiologist, Donald McGavran founded the society to provide a context for dialogue and synergy within the rapidly expanding church growth movement. Building on his base, the ASCG has become a proactive, professional association of global Christian leaders -- scholars and practitioners -- whose ministry activities are based on the key principles of church growth. The society has traditionally focused upon both domestic (North American) and missiological (Third World) dimensions.

What is Church Growth?
A discipline which investigates the nature, expansion, planting, multiplication, function and health of Christian churches as they relate to the effective implementation of Christ's commission to "make disciples of all peoples." Church growth advocates strive to integrate the eternal theological principles of God's Word concerning the expansion of the Church with the best insights of contemporary social and behavioral sciences, employing as the initial frame of reference, the foundational work done by Donald McGavran.

What are the Premises and Principles of Church Growth?
The premises that have been the heart of the church growth movement are four; that God wants his lost sheep found; that our choices of method must be based on fact; pour your resource into winning channels, and people like to stay with their own people -- within cultural identities. The principles are sevenfold: pragmatic research, scientific research, people movements, social networks, receptivity, priority, and purpose. These premises and principles are further defined and referenced in an article entitled, "Church Growth Principles at a Glance" which appeared in Ministry Advantage, Vol.7 No.4 (See Ministry Advantage Online).

Why Join the ASCG?
The ASCG provides multifaceted opportunities for its members. The society provides maximum exposure to leaders, ministries, and resources which are operating on the cutting edge of the church growth movement. An annual fall gathering gives opportunity for research updates and information on new resources and ministry developments, as well as fellowship and encouragement from colleagues in church growth. Membership includes a subscription to The Journal of the ASCG, an annual ASCG Membership Directory -- an invaluable networking tool, and access to a constantly updated ASCG website containing links to members and associated websites.

Who Are the Members of the ASCG?
Men and women who are vocationally and avocationally serious about research and implementation of principles that foster the growth of Christ's church and the expansion of God's kingdom. The leadership is biennially elected; it is comprised of a president, vice and second vice president. The society is incorporated in the State of Indiana; it is a tax-exempt organization with 501 (3)(c) status.

Who May Join the ASCG?
ASCG membership is open to all who wish a professional affiliation with colleagues in the field. It includes theoreticians such as professors of church growth and practitioners such as pastors, consultants, and leaders from denominational and parachurch organizations. Some members specialize in domestic or mono-cultural church growth, while others are cross-culturally oriented.

Contact:
Dr. Alan McMahan
School of Intercultural Studies
Biola University
13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, CA 90639-0001

Phone: 562-944-0351 ext 0269 E-mail: AlanMcM@aol.com

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This page was last updated on 10/10/06.