Methods Matter

“In looking at the succession of methodologies that have been hailed as the new next ‘key’ to church growth over the last fifty years, we can make these three observations. First, evangelicals have typically treated methodology as if it is utterly neutral, having no effect upon the message (but it is not, and to think so is naïve).  Second, evangelicals have spent precious little time asking what methodology is consistent with our theology.  Third, we have not insisted that our methodology flow from our theology and from the gospel itself.” (J. Ligon Duncan in Entrusted with the Gospel, p. 128)