Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
author Daekyu Oh
title Church Growth through Evangelism and Alpha Course : A Case Study of Kwangyoung Joongang Church
abstract This project presents a continuous and relational touch evangelism as an alternative to evangelism and new family settlement that is necessary for Korean churches in order to achieve church growth once again after facing the difficulties of the times, and makes a place for new family settlement, and conducts a study on church growth through the overall understanding of Alpha course that can experience sharing and God and the case of Alpha course of Gwangyoung Joongang Church.

Today, Korean churches coming into an difficult era to evangelize people. The social atmosphere is also a reflection of this fact, and statistical figures show this fact as well. Even so, the church should not give up the mission of evangelism which is entrusted by the Lord, nor should it be delayed. This is the task and mission of the church in this land to work hard and strive for. Also it is the key of the church revival. However, when looking at the methods of evangelism used mostly in Korean churches so far, they often end up bringing them to the church once. However, evangelism is neither a flash event nor a one-time event that brings visitors into a church. Evangelism is to save souls and is to make disciples. Therefore, it is important to give continuous relationship of sharing and love to the new comers so that they can settle well. Furthermore, the church should provide a place and make conditions that they might live as disciples.

In this study, "Touch Evangelism" is proposed as an alternative to increase the settlement rate of a new comer. It is reported that 52% of Protestants spend more than six years convincing themselves of salvation when only attending services. However, Alpha Course provides a good opportunity to grow as a healthy Christian and help to live as a disciple, learning to share and serve in Christ through the process of dicussing, studying and praying together after a core subject lecture. In this way, Alpha Course is to hear, see, and feel so that the settlement rate is high to share the gospel through the overall method od EPIC(Experience Participation and Image Connection).

Now the Korean churches have to rise again even through this difficult times. Church of this land has mission to fulfill. I think 'Touch Evangelism' and Alpha Course will be very helpful as one of the methods fulfilling the mission of the church.

school The Theological School, Drew University
degree D.Min. (2021)
advisor Younglae Kim
Byoungho Zoh
full textDOh.pdf