Visiting Professor of Christian Ministry and Outreach
charles.arn@indwes.edu

Dr. Arn teaches “The Missional Church” course, the first online class students have in their 3-year Master of Divinity program. In addition, he teaches classes on change and conflict management in the local church, and has written and taught two new online courses: “Newcomer Integration” and “Diagnosis and Prescription for a Healthy Church.”

Ministerial and Professional Background

Dr. Arn became actively involved in the study of church growth and health as his father (Dr. Win Arn) began to pioneer the study and application of church growth principles to North America in the early 1970s. When Charles completed his doctorate at USC, he began working full-time with his father at Church Growth, Inc., specializing in research and new product development. In 1989 Charles assumed the presidency of CGI upon his father's retirement.

Dr. Arn is a popular speaker known for his creative communication. He is considered one of the leading authorities and spokespersons in the field of congregational health and growth. He is past President of the American Society of Church Growth, an association of professors, executives, pastors, and consultants dedicated to the study of evangelism and congregational outreach.

Charles Arn (Ed.D.) brings to Wesley Seminary over 30 years of experience and leadership in the field of congregational life, health, and growth. He has authored 15 books, edited five others, and is a regular contributor to several nationally known pastoral websites. He is a popular speaker nationally and overseas.

Personal Information

Dr. Arn is married to Ann, who works with special needs children in a local school district. Sixteen years ago Ann and Charles adopted his 6-year old nephew—Michael—following the unexpected death of Michael’s father and handicapped mother. Charles’ favorite past-time is riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle in the mountains and along the coast of southern California, where he has lived for the past 43 years.

Education

B.A., Seattle Pacific University
M.S., University of Southern California
Ed.D., University of Southern California

Books Authored

What Every Pastor Should Know: 101 Rules of Thumb for Effective Ministry (Baker, 2013)
Side Door: How to Open Your Church to New People (WPH, 2013)
Heartbeat! How to Turn Passion into Ministry in Your Church (Xulon, 2011)
The Church Growth Ratio Book (CGI, 1996, 2005)
The New Senior: Preparing Your Church for the Age Wave (IACG, 2004)
White Unto Harvest: Evangelizing Senior Adults (IACG, 2003)
Catch the Age Wave (2nd ed.). (Beacon Hill, 1999)
The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples; 2nd ed. (Baker, 1998)
How to Start a New Service (Baker, 1997)
Catch the Age Wave (Baker Books, 1993)
Live Long & Love It! (Tyndale, 1991)
Who Cares About Love? (Church Growth Press, 1987)
The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples (1st ed.) Pasadena: Church Growth Press, 1982.
Growth: A New Vision for the Sunday School (Church Growth Press, 1980)

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