Biblical preaching and church growth: the role of the lectionary

David T Grout

Etd

Biblical preaching and church growth: the role of the lectionary

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

David T Grout. Biblical Preaching and Church Growth: the Role of the Lectionary. Asbury Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/90b67f74-5d4e-4b6f-8b52-463e5177dd78.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

D. T. Grout. Biblical preaching and church growth: the role of the lectionary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/90b67f74-5d4e-4b6f-8b52-463e5177dd78

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

David T Grout. Biblical Preaching and Church Growth: the Role of the Lectionary. Asbury Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/90b67f74-5d4e-4b6f-8b52-463e5177dd78.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

David T Grout

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

A connection exists between biblical preaching and church growth. This study accepted that connection and investigated whether or not a connection existed between church growth and sermon schedule planning based upon primarily the Revised Common Lectionary. The hypothesis of the study was, the use of the Lectionary as the primary tool for determining sermon schedule planning is not the most beneficial for church growth. Measurement of church growth was 1.0 percent increase/decline in average worship attendance over a three to four year period. Personal interviews conducted with thirty preachers inquired about sermon scheduling, preparation and motivation. Statistical information on attendance came from conference journals. The preachers and churches studied all pertain to the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The findings of the study could not conclusively support or refute the hypothesis. The findings did support a strong connection between sermon scheduling at least a month in advance and increased worship attendance. Rick Warren's purpose driven church principles were found to be a positive influence upon growing churches in the annual conference. The project presents a clear definition of biblical preaching supported in the literature and through the interviews.

Publisher