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Paraklesis Fall 2016: Growing Churches

Paraklesis Fall 2016: Growing Churches

Published December 7, 2016

A Message From the BBS Dean

Paraklesis is designed to bring you encouragement, exhortation, motivation and ministry ideas in the midst of your busy schedule. Our desire at Baptist Bible Seminary is to partner with you to proclaim the gospel and the glory of God.

That is why we have chosen the theme of Growing Churches for this issue. The promise of Jesus is clear in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (ESV) The Head of the Church invites us to join with Him in this eternal enterprise of building up His body, the church. While the mission is clear, the methods are not always so. In an ever-changing culture, we need to remind ourselves of the sufficiency of Scripture to change lives and shape our ministry philosophy and methods.

I am grateful for friends who have contributed articles to this issue who share this same passion for building the church of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Ken Davis is the director of Project Jerusalem, the church planting ministry of BBS. With over 30 years of experience in leading church planting efforts, he shares an insightful article on revitalizing churches in decline.

Dr. Mike Augsburger, a pastor and CSU trustee, gives us important principles on how to reach a younger generation. His growing church ministry is a great example of how to build bridges across generational lines.

A recent graduate of our Doctor of Ministry program, Dr. James Richards came to us from a vibrant pastoral ministry in Jamaica. I have visited his church and seen the dynamic body of believers that God has brought together to become one in Christ. James shares some practical principles on how to grow a multicultural church.

Dr. Evgeny Bakhmutsy gives us an important perspective of how the church can grow in a hostile environment. Another recent graduate of our Doctor of Ministry program, he is a pastor and leader in the evangelical Baptist church movement in Russia.

Four of our alumni share what’s worked for growing their own churches.

Not sure if you are ready to plant or revitalize a church? See if you have these characteristics found in a revitalizer. Then choose if it is best to plant new or revitalize an old church.

We’ve also included a list of recommended resources for you to keep learning about growing churches.

Are you ready to keep building? It is my prayer that God will use this issue to encourage you in the great task that He has given you to build Christ’s
church wherever you are.

Dr. Lee Kliewer (‘79, ‘92)
Baptist Bible Seminary Dean

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