Way back in 2001 Dr Engle allowed me to publish his public domain book “WHAT’S GONE WRONG WITH THE HARVEST” on my website (now off line) www.newWay.org. I think much of what he had to say in 1975 is still very applicable today. So I am going to post the copy here over the next few weeks (blog style). Enjoy!
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WHAT’S GONE WRONG WITH THE HARVEST
By James Engel
PART I
The Missing Cutting Blades
What’s gone wrong with the harvest? Two thousand years ago Jesus faced His followers and said, “Look at the fields —they are ripe and ready for harvest. Go, follow Me, make disciples in all nations.” Now, two thousand years later, the fields still remain “ripe for harvest,” but the granaries are yet to be filled.
There is no absence of harvesting equipment or potential workers, although it can’t be denied that there is much to be done to mobilize and deploy these resources. No, there is plenty of harvesting equipment churches, powerful radio stations, vast printing facilities, mission boards that span the world. Yet, all too often the cutting blades are missing — there is much action but no harvest! The cutting blades of any Christian organization are a research-based, Spirit-led strategy to reach people with the Good News and to build them in the faith.
Part I will examine in depth the effectiveness crisis faced by a church that has no cutting blades. First Church of Rolling-wood is fictitious in one sense, yet the problems it is facing are those of the church and related parachurch organizations throughout the world. It could just as well be First Church of Osaka or Nairobi or Sao Paulo. While the problems are demanding, there is no cause for pessimism. Later chapters will provide the insights necessary to help restore those missing cutting blades.
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