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To: Brilliant
The use of extra-biblical material and methods is contributing to this church-growth phenomenon. I'm not entirely convinced that it is Christianity that we see growing at all, but rather "churchianity".

Another of the more virulent strains of church growth methodologies is the "G12" or "Government of 12" method propounded by Cesar Castellanos. In this method, people are expected to disciple 12 others, who then each disciple twelve more, who then each etc. His ICM church in Bogota, Columbia has used this discipling method to grow a church of 300,000+. He has exported this method around the world over the past ten years and pastors have adopted it for themselves with pretty amazing growth results.

There are concerns about the growth being at the expense of other churches, rather than an increase of new believers. Also, the turnaround time between being a brand-new believer and a leader of twelve more n00bies, is alarmingly short. In otherwords, there is very little time to become scripturally mature and grounded in the faith. Sort of like green 2nd Lieutenants on the battlefield. I've seen firsthand that the turnover rate is extremely high.

99 posted on 05/07/2005 9:56:07 AM PDT by Ol' Sox
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To: Ol' Sox

There can be a rush, on the part of churchianity, to whatever the latest successful 'method' is.

But, I think the AGIN'-IT naysaying kneeJERK stuff is much more deeply entrenched in churchianity.


103 posted on 05/07/2005 10:02:00 AM PDT by Quix (--AVOID MERE FORM OF GODLINESS; SEEK HIS FACE. WALK IN HIS SPIRIT.)
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To: Ol' Sox


But, I think the AGIN'-IT naysaying kneeJERK stuff is much more deeply entrenched in churchianity.

AND IT IS EVEN GLORIFIED AND ALMOST WORSHIPPED in churchianity.


105 posted on 05/07/2005 10:02:32 AM PDT by Quix (--AVOID MERE FORM OF GODLINESS; SEEK HIS FACE. WALK IN HIS SPIRIT.)
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