Date
5-2014
Department
Seminary
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Charlie Davidson
Keywords
Jerry Falwell, Church Planting, Analysis, Biographical, Qualitative, Grounded Theory, Planter, Charter, Thomas Road Baptist Church
Disciplines
Christianity | Comparative Methodologies and Theories | Growth and Development | History of Christianity | Mass Communication | Organization Development | Practical Theology | Theory and Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Lyttle, Iain, "A Case Analysis of the Foundational Ministry Principles of Rev. Jerry Falwell from 1956-1966" (2014). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 859.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/859
Abstract
This research examines principles employed by Dr. Jerry Lamond Falwell between 1956 and 1966 and the early developmental stages of his church, Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC). The foundation built during these formative years facilitated precipitous growth within the church plant for decades, allowing TRBC to become one of America’s most prominent megachurches and to found Liberty University, the world’s largest evangelical university. As church plants are more likely to fail than to succeed, this research aimed to investigate key characteristics of a church planter who was highly successful, which can be replicated. Using primarily twenty-three interviews of TRBC congregants from these years, the writer qualitatively analyzed findings to report the principles Falwell employed. This research produced a grounded theory illustrating the principles a pastor, church planter, or leader should demonstrate to create synergy between themselves and their followers.
Included in
Christianity Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Growth and Development Commons, History of Christianity Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Organization Development Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons
