Great Soul-Winning Churches - Elmer Towns

Churches, I tried to include deeper motives for growth. There I stated theology was a causal
factor for church growth. A difference in methodology among fundamentalists, evangelicals, and
liberals were noted.
In Great Soul-Winning Churches, I have included at the back of the book spiritual
principles that produce church growth. Principles and theology are not enough to build a great
church—a spiritual dynamic is necessary. Gasoline and wood are not enough to ignite—fire must
be added. As you read the stories of these successful pastors, note that correct principles and
biblical theology are evident; but, more important, watch for the driving power of the Holy
Spirit.
This volume has a threefold purpose. First, to encourage Bible-believing Christians by
demonstrating that their simple faith in Christ and allegiance to the fundamentals of the faith will
work. Many Christians in discouraged fundamental churches need to know that God’s promises
in the Scriptures still work, if a group of people will just claim them.
Second, this book provides an example to struggling churches. Bill Monroe read The Ten
Largest Sunday Schools and figured if Dallas Billington could build the world’s largest Sunday
School with only an eighth-grade education, there was no reason he couldn’t build a church. May
the examples in this book stimulate a legion of pastors to attempt great things for God. I pray that
the examples of sacrifice, principles and dedicated soul winning may help pastors and workers to
build churches and accomplish great miracles for God.
The third purpose of this book is to let the world know the strength of fundamentalism.
Many have slammed the fundamentalists, accusing them of anachronistic gullibility. The media
have portrayed them as picketing hermits naively holding a poster, “The end is near.”
Fundamentalism is a growing movement. Not only are fundamentalists establishing new
churches, the existing ones are expanding in members, attendance and finances. Mainline
denominations are declining in all these areas. Although the liberal-oriented denominations are
now larger, the fundamentalists have the edge on the church future. No one has a guaranteed
future; the churches in this book don’t have a fool-proof future, nor the fundamentalists as a
movement. Only those who stay in the will of God are assured of success. From where I sit,
these churches and fundamentalism are the only hope this nation has. If we don’t reach this
nation now, we may never have another opportunity.
The churches in this book are dynamic and growing. The general community may not
agree with them, but they are respected for their success. Bankers want their sizeable deposits,
the building trades bid for their contracts, the media listen to their opinion, and law-enforcement
agencies approve of their emphasis on Americanism, coupled with the fruit of changed lives.
Drunks are dried up, families are reunited and crooks go straight.
May the stories of these churches continue to accomplish the purpose for which they
were established. So many have invested so much in their past; may these chapters add to their
accomplishments.
Sincerely in Christ,
ELMER L. TOWNS