Episode 104: Can the West Be Converted?

American pastors want things fast, large, and famous... but the kingdom of God comes slowly, in small and mostly unrecognized ways." In this paradigm-shifting conversation, Dr. Michael W. Goheen challenges our deeply held assumptions about church growth and success. Through the story of a remarkable turnaround in a dying congregation, Goheen demonstrates what happens when a church stops chasing quick fixes and begins to question its cultural captivity to growth metrics.

Join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton as they explore with Goheen how Western cultural idolatries shape our approach to church leadership, what we can learn from Lesslie Newbigin's missionary insights, and how ordinary church practices can be reoriented toward authentic renewal. Whether you're leading a growing congregation or struggling with decline, this episode will help you discern the difference between cultural definitions of success and genuine participation in God's mission.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• "Foolishness to the Greeks" by Lesslie Newbigin

• "The Gospel in a Pluralist Society" by Lesslie Newbigin

• "The Church and Its Vocation" by Michael Goheen

• "Becoming a Missionary Church" by Michael Goheen

• "The Imperfect Pastor" by Zack Eswine

• Dr. Goheen's website with free resources https://missionworldview.com/

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