Date of Award

2-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

David McDonald

Second Advisor

Phil Newell

Abstract

This dissertation examines church revitalization in Assemblies of God churches in the United States experiencing stagnation and decline. It examines a contextualized perspective of various factors, both practical and theological, as well as various approaches that are being utilized in the field. The result is the formulation of an approach to church health from the semiotic perspective of the human body that can be used to diagnose and overcome the pervasive problem of church decline. Section 1 delineates various problems associated with church decline. Statistics and data are used to define the current reality. The problem of church decline will be explored from a Pentecostal/Charismatic perspective, in particular from the perspective of the Assemblies of God through an understanding of their origin and history, particular influences, and distinct theology. Section 2 examines solutions similar to the problem. Church decline in America has been pervasive and sustained for more than forty years. A plethora of strategies have been created to stem the tide of decline on both a micro and macro level. Various models proposed as a solution for decline are examined. Section 3 provides a systematic, semiotic approach to address the growing issue of church decline in order to position churches to embrace revitalization through renewed church health. Sections 4 and 5 describe the creation of a non-fiction book that offers a fresh look at church health as well as prescriptive tools to lead churches into revitalization.

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