Arts and Humanities Commons^™

A Strategy To Manage Members Expectation Of Pastor's Work In Multicultural Churches In Birmingham, England, Steve Palmer

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

2017 the North England Conference administrators evaluated my ministry, and although they were satisfied with my work, the feedback from some of the church members indicated dissatisfaction. It was evident that the diverse ethnic and cultural groups had different expectations of the role and responsibility of the pastor. It was difficult for me to do fulfill all their expectations.

Method

The research method employed in the design of this project was a qualitative one. It explored the question under examination by using semi-structured interviews, questionnaire, mentorship training, discussions, pastors' expectations, and cultural intelligence seminars. The semi structured interview and …

A Study On Sermon Preparation By Sermon Types: Focus On Giving Impression To Congregation, Chang Joong Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to study ways to prepare sermons with giving impression to the congregation. In order to give impression to the congregation through preaching, the preacher should be blessed through the Word in advance and deliver that blessing and impression. To execute these procedures, the researcher will examine the principles and elements that trigger impressions in sermons and provide practical suggestions on impressive preaching. To obtain objective data from the fields for this research, a survey was conducted with 75 pastors. 75 participants were composed of pastors who were acquainted with the researcher and pastors who …

Building A Bridge To Community Creating Belonging By Intentionally Incorporating Christians Into The Life Of The Congregation, Michele Doel

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Doel, Michele, M. “Building a Bridge to Community: Creating Belonging by Intentionally Incorporating Christians into the Life of the Congregation.” Master’s thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2020. 86 pp.

How simple is it for a new member to become incorporated into the life of your church? There is a creational need for all humans to have a sense of belonging to God and to those around them. This human need for relationships and community means that congregations should be experts at involving people and building up their relationships with one another. This thesis builds off the author’s experience as an intern at …

Deepening Our Welcome- Embracing Relational Hospitality In Our Homes, Rance Settle

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Settle, Rance A. Deepening Our Welcome: Embracing Relational Hospitality in Our Homes. Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2019. 162 pp.

A benchmark for success in the service industry is effective hospitality. The implication is that the service industry business model must create an environment where people feel welcome. This practice fosters a surface level hospitality but would not necessarily foster deep relationships. My goal for my ministry context was not only to give tools to show hospitality but to go deeper and show biblical hospitality – which is not only about making people feel welcome but is …

An Examination Of The Teaching Of Missional Concepts Of Christian Discipleship And Their Potential For Creating An Attitudinal Change At Berea Lutheran Church, Richfield, Minnesota, Kevin Tiaden

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Tiaden, Kevin N. “An Examination of the Teachings of Missional Concepts of Christian Discipleship and their Potential for Creating Attitudinal Change at Berea Lutheran Church, Richfield, Minnesota.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 132 pp.

The purpose of this study is to examine the teaching of missional principles of discipleship at Berea Lutheran Church. I examine the attitudinal changes that take place as a result of this class. The first step in this process is looking at what those missional and Biblical principles are and then creating a method of teaching them in a large group setting …

Cultivating Cultural Competence Among The Leadership Of A Multi-Ethnic Congregation For Zion Lutheran Church, Oneida Wisconsin, Mark Schumm

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Schumm, Mark E., “Cultivating Cultural Competence Among the Leadership of a Multi-Ethnic Congregation for Zion Lutheran Church, Oneida, Wisconsin.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 164 pp.

Zion Lutheran Church is a congregation composed of Native American and Anglo members serving a multi-ethnic community. A group of leaders from Zion took part in a learning community designed to explore Biblical understanding of church, mission, culture, and the history of the community. The Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory was administered at the beginning and conclusion of the project to assess growth in cultural competence.

Reaching The Community Through Childcare: A Plan To Use Early Childhood Centers To Assimilate Members Into Resurrection Lutheran Church In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Christopher Ascher

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Ascher, Christopher D. “Reaching the Community Through Childcare: A Plan to use Early Childhood Centers To Assimilate Members into Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.” DMin Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, [2014]. [207] pp.

Churches have for some time operated early childhood programs. Often times the stated reason is to reach out to those in their community, and the unstated reason is to bring members and growth into their congregations. This project is a descriptive study that surveyed congregations operating an early childhood center. Follow up interviews were then conducted with church staff whose congregations saw some growth …

Pastor Is As Pastor Does – 2kf Ministry Model, Martin Brauer

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The primary purpose of this project was to introduce to pastors The Pastor Is As Pastor Does 2KF Ministry Model. This model has been implemented in the principle researcher’s congregation over the past six years. This model delineates between 2 Kinds of Functions in the church: pastoral and operational. The operation functions are then delegated to nonclergy paid and volunteer staff. This ministry model has improved the performance of both functions while also diminishing role confusion in and about the pastoral office. The secondary purpose of this project was to assist pastors in adapting this ministry model to their circumstance. …

A Model For Revitalizing And Restructuring Peter's Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Jerry Grimes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a model of ministry that will revitalize Peter's Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, which over the past 102 years, has been characterized by stagnate membership, diminishing evangelistic efforts and a declining spiritual impact. This project will detail a model that allows for a restructuring of Peter's Tabernacle that neither denigrates its traditional approach to congregational life nor disrupts its standard hierarchy. Presented will be an implementable approach to developing small groups of congregants trained to evangelize those communities surrounding Peter's Tabernacle while maintaining the administrative structure of its congregational leadership.

The Transformational Effects Of Forgiveness In The Lives Of Members Of The Kingsboro Temple Congregation, Joseph E. Ainsworth

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

Forgiveness is a crucial need within the congregation, and the lack of a greater practice of forgiveness is severely impacting the emotional, relational, and spiritual wellbeing of members. This present study investigated causes of hurt within the congregation, and designed a process to assist members in achieving forgiveness to empower them to live a forgiven life.

Method

The Pearson Correlations of Values measured 17 variables of spirituality and forgiveness against variables of avoidance, revenge, distancing, and feeling close. The ] 7 variables were reviewed and validated by Dr. Joan Atwood as a check and balance to personal biases. Forty-eight …

Development Of A Servant Leadership Training Process For Elected Board Chairpersons, Larry Tieman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project is an exercise in training board chairpersons to become servant leaders who will bring people and programs together for the completion of identified tasks within the life of the congregation. The project will seek to: 1) clarify the roles of eight chairpersons; 2) form the chairpersons into servant leaders; and 3) mentor each chairperson through the counsel and guidance of others.

As a result of the project the percentage of active members has increased by 58% and the average member gives 33% more time in service to the church.

Congregational Caring For Those Experiencing Pain And Suffering, Nanette Dost

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Often people feel inadequate both in handling their own pain and in helping others who are in pain. It is easier to walk away and refuse to see the pain we know is there. In a world where self-help books and medical treatments abound, how can the Christian congregation offer its unique contribution of the Gospel? Christian community can help to remove pain, teach skills in coping with pain, and integrate pain meaningfully into life. A benefit of Christian community for individuals is in giving meaning to the pain they experience through Jesus' presence.

Chapter 1will explore the history and …

A Model For Transition Of Ministry In Declining Congregations, Charles Snow

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A model for transition of ministry in declining congregations: There are many congregations in changing communities that are declining in membership, resources, and ministry. I propose that a congregation that places priority on fulfilling the Great Commission, Prayer, Biblical Stewardship and the Means of Grace can stop the decline and transition ministry to an emphasis on discipleship and outreach to the local community. I will present a discussion of the understanding of the "Missio Dei," the role of the pastor, the struggle between ministry versus numerical membership, and the use of community resources. I will give the transitional history of …

A Theology And Structure For Multiple Ministry In A Large Lutheran Church, Perryville, Mo, Donald Loesch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

How can a staff of multiple ministers in a large Lutheran church be organised in a way that is harmonious with the Biblical doctrine of the office of pastor? First, key Scripture passages and Lutheran writings on the pastoral office were studied; second, a congregational survey gleaned thoughtful opinions from parishioners; and third, information was obtained from experts on multiple ministry in other growing churches. A mediating view of the pastoral office both preserves the uniqueness of the office and allows for ministers, ordained and unordained, generalist and specialist, to share the office. A congregational handbook is offered as a …

A Systemic View Of Collaborative Leadership-A Partnership Of Joy, Dale Kleimola

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project (MAP) recognizes the relationship between the office of the public ministry and the priesthood of all believers. The thesis is that ministry is enhanced, and joy grows when the partnership between pastor and people is appreciated and celebrated.

To accomplish this goal, the project looks at the doctrine of church and ministry, as understood by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and applies to it, systems theory.

Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in understanding church and ministry, the MAP looks at church and ministry from two systemic view points: the church as a complex organizational …

A Study Of The Formation Of A Mission Study Task Force As It Relates To The Planning Process Of A Congregation, Paul Hoffman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A STUDY OF THE FORMATION OF A MISSION STUDY TASK FORCEAS IT RELATES TO THE PLANNING PROCESSOF A CONGREGATION

The purpose of this project is to form a Mission Study Task Force to gather suitable information for the Planning Committee. The group used statistical reports, interviews, and surveys with the theological framework of kairos, God’s decisive time, to present pertinent data for the congregation's plans. The data, together with the concept of kairos, motivated the Planning Committee to design challenging goals. The members of the Task Force grew in their appreciation of the church's opportunities for mission; however, the members …

A More Effective Use Of The Early Childhood Development Center For Evangelistic Outreach, Henry Biar

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This paper showed that the Early Childhood Development Center can be an effective outreach tool for Evangelism through staff members' involvement. This explanation was accomplished by giving an historical background of why the day center was created in the first place, and the way the center can be used for effective outreach by a staff trained for this purpose. This vehicle can be used as one of them any avenues for outreach. The staff members, when properly trained, will accept this possibility of assisting in Evangelism on behalf of the parish.

Designing And Implementing A Curriculum For Developing The Prayer Life Of The Piedmont Park Church Congregation, Frank Albert Tochterman

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

While prayer is vital to every aspect of the Christian life, both laity and clergy fail in its practice. This may be due, in part, to a lack of understanding its importance, potential, and meaning. A study of the nature of prayer reveals that its primary intent is communion with God, not merely the means of registering requests. The task of this project was to lead the members of the Piedmont Park Church into developing stronger habits of personal prayer. To achieve this objective, a curriculum was designed and implemented to communicate four aspects of prayer: importance, meaning, potential, …

An Interpersonal Relationship Workshop Designed For Seventh-Day Adventist Congregational Use, David Emery Greenlaw

Professional Dissertations DMin

The Seventh-day Adventist church has entered the field of human relations to help members within its communities function more harmoniously. As problem areas have arisen the church has endeavored to meet them. Somehow, the area of interpersonal relations has not been broached on the congregational level. Due to this lack of involvement materials have not been readily available. These are essential so that fellowship and growth might be constant.

To develop materials for presentation in a workshop for congregational use, five areas were explored:

1. Self-worth. This subject is examined from a biblical perspective. Self-worth effects our ability to interact …

First Communion And Confirmation, Berthold Von Schenk

Concordia Theological Monthly

The decision concerning the right age for First Communion is the prerogative of the pastor in the setting of his congregation. Every baptized child of God should receive the sacramental grace imparted in Holy Communion.

Sharing The Body In The Body, Arthur Simon

Concordia Theological Monthly

I have little to share with you on the Eucharist and the Christian life other than my own odyssey in this respect, so let me be frankly biographical. What I have learned about the holy meal and the holy life cannot be separated from the agonies and joys of those who have shared the way of Jesus with me, so I am indebted especially to the people of my parish, including, and above all, my colleague John Puelle.

The Gospel Approach To Counseling, Kenneth Siess

Concordia Theological Monthly

Pastors are discovering today that the issue of pastoral counseling comes up repeatedly, both in their pastoral practice and in their study. A survey conducted several years ago revealed that of the people interviewed 42 percent indicated that they sought out a clergyman as their first source for help in an emotional crisis in their lives. Most pastors can attest readily to the reality of such a statistic. Day after day they are being sought out by people who find themselves in some kind of stress and are looking for help. In response to this demand pastors are becoming increasingly …

Wholeness-Oneness, William H. Kohn

Concordia Theological Monthly

Perhaps we have "a thing" going in our church. In a memorable convention in Detroit four years ago our church acted in a most distinctive way. Aside from several bold administrative decisions, such as recognizing the autonomy of developing national churches overseas and creating a unified Board for Missions, our church collectively penned and proclaimed the total mission of the church in six brief resolutions and then summarized them in six concise but meaningful statements. We called them the Affirmations on God's Mission.

The Social Worker And The Pastor As A Team, Ruth Wiederaenders

Concordia Theological Monthly

In approaching the topic of the teamwork of a pastor and a social worker in meeting a particular need of a Christian, we must first treat the concept of teamwork to determine the possibilities of any action being performed. Webster defines teamwork as "joint action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group; coordinated effort." The group or the team is specified as "a group of people working or playing together, especially as one side in a contest."

Children And The Church's Worship, George Hoyer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The burden of the thesis will be to ask how these Christians who are not adults can be helped to receive the grace of the Word of God; how they can be helped to respond to Him in worshiping words that will be a prelude to a worshiping life; and how they can learn to recognize their worshiping brethren in the family of God; ultimately how they can learn to do this applying of the Word from Sacrament and Scripture, this replying of worship and, this supplying of edification in the Church's corporate worship and in the Church's Eucharistic service.

The Psychological Interaction Between Speaker And Hearer As The Holy Spirit Works Through The Proclamation Of The Word, Norman Steffen

Bachelor of Divinity

This study seeks to treat the field of psychology as it explores speech and hearing. The subjects considered will be the participants in the preaching situation, pastor and congregation.

The Confirmation Instruction Of Children, Harold Dorn

Concordia Theological Monthly

Purpose. We are all interested in improving our confirmation instruction. It was thought that one of the most practical ideas to find out how we might improve our individual techniques would be to make a survey of what our brethren were doing in the field. Such a study would indicate what materials and procedures were in use, our principal difficulties, and such matters that needed special study. The study might also point up new ideas and trends.

Keep Yourselves In The Love Of God, William J. Hassold

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Letter of Jude is one of the most polemical portions of the New Testament. The purpose of Jude, the brother of the Lord, in writing this letter was to appeal to his readers "to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (v.3).

The Pastor After The Heart Of God, C. August Hardt

Concordia Theological Monthly

In the first of his Pastoral Letters (1 Tim. 3:1) Paul calls the office of a bishop (ἐπιοχοπή) a good work, χαλὸν ε̈ογον. That is a brief but beautiful and most significant characterization of the Christian ministry.

In What Way Does Christ Speak Through The Ministry?, Praelat Issler

Concordia Theological Monthly

Our question does not simply ask in what way Christ speaks through the minister's sermon, but in what way Christ speaks through the ministry: Hence our first thesis treats of this office (diakonia), the ministerium ecclesiasticum. It is neither possible nor necessary to adduce a locus classicus for the institution of this office: we have such only for the Apostolic office. But Gospels and Epistles alike reveal the same factual situation - the "office" is there! Word and Sacrament require it and, as it were, create it as their own instrument.