The Missiology of T. G. John Sullivan with Implications on Contemporary Southern Baptist State Convention Work
Subject
Sullivan, T. G. John (Travis Gene John)Missions--Theory
Southern Baptist Convention--Missions
Abstract
ABSTRACT
THE MISSIOLOGY OF T. G. JOHN SULLIVAN WITH IMPLICATIONS
ON CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN BAPTIST STATE
CONVENTION WORK
Michael Allen Tatem, Ph.D.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014
Chair: Dr. Adam W. Greenway
This dissertation analyzes the missiology of T. G. John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist State Convention since 1989, and provides implications of his missiology on contemporary Southern Baptist State Convention work. Chapter 1 introduces the need for this dissertation and provides the thesis, background, methodology, and limitations of the dissertation. Chapter 2 provides a brief biography of the life of T. G. John Sullivan. Sullivan was born on October 20, 1936, in Ansted, West Virginia. His early life, conversion and call to ministry, education, pastorates, and denominational work at the state and national levels are highlighted. Chapter 3 provides the biblical and theological foundations of T. G. John Sullivan. Sullivan's views of the Bible and his beliefs about God, the condition of man, and the atoning work of Christ are examined. Also presented are his beliefs about salvation, the Christian life, and doctrine of the church. Chapter 4 presents the missiology of T. G. John Sullivan and the practical application of that missiology in Sullivan's understanding of the Great Commission. The chapter presents a discussion of Sullivan's priorities of evangelism, church planting, and church health in the context of his views on church growth principles, cooperation, and partnership missions. Chapter 5 gives the implications of Sullivan's missiology on contemporary Southern Baptist state convention work. Special attention is given to the implications of the future of state convention work in light of the Great Commission Resurgence and the Imagine If . . . Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. Chapter 6 draws conclusions from the previous chapters. The conclusion provides a model of emphases of state convention work that will accomplish a Great Commission Resurgence among Southern Baptist churches.