# Interview 117: Edwards and Brainerd on Church Growth

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-proclaim-defend-podcast-6318856/interview-117-edwards-and-brainerd-on-church-growth
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-proclaim-defend-podcast-6318856/interview-117-edwards-and-brainerd-on-church-growth.md
Podcast: [the Proclaim & Defend Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-proclaim-defend-podcast-6318856)
Published: 2026-08-01T06:52:05+00:00
Episode link: https://proclaimdefend.substack.com/p/interview-117-edwards-and-brainerd
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Duration seconds: 2721

## Resource

Today I’m joined by my friend, Ryan Martin. He’s writing in the July/August edition of FrontLine which was about growing churches: “Built to Grow: Understanding and Advancing the Mission of the Church.” Ryan’s article is on Jonathan Edwards and David Brainerd and what we can learn from their long-ago approach to ministry and apply it to modern churches today. I guess every church wants to grow. We all have many friends and family members we would love to see come to Christ and join the fellowship. Our neighbours, too! The more folks who come to Christ and join the local church, the better church life becomes. There are many obstacles, and we can learn from how men in the past faced obstacles as we evangelize in the present. Ryan Martin helps us discern some of the good examples these men set for us. Before we get into the discussion, let me remind you that Ryan’s article is available on our Substack right away for paying subscribers. We have previews for everyone else. I hope you will join with us and support the ministry of the FBFI by becoming a paying subscriber. The Article: Edwards and Brainerd on Church Growth: Rediscovering Historical Insight The Contents & Editorial for the July/August FrontLine: FrontLine: Built to Grow: Understanding and Advancing the Mission of the Church Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe

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