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- Title
The amazing growth of the early church.
- Authors
Dreyer, Wim A.
- Abstract
The church grew rapidly during the first centuries. The question is: Why? Generations of scholars approached this question from different perspectives and with different methods. Historical research, analysis of early Christian texts and theological reflection were the most common methods used to shed light on the growth of the church. In this contribution five different models of growth were discussed, using the approach of A.M. Schor as a point of departure. These models of church growth were put under the headings of an apostolic mission model, values reproduction model, social reaction model, network model with an institutional model added.
- Subjects
CHURCH growth; PRIMITIVE &; early church, ca. 30-600; SCHOR, A. M.; HISTORY of Christian missions; EVANGELISTIC work -- History; SOCIAL values; SOCIAL networks
- Publication
Hervormde Teologiese Studies, 2012, Vol 68, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0259-9422
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4102/hts.v68i1.1268