Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Effective Leadership In Small Group Ministry Through The Application Of Family Systems, James Knill

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The premise of this project is that small group leaders can become more effective and caring through the application of family systems theory, specifically Bowenian theory, to the leadership process. The author developed a four-part training manual that provides a general orientation to family systems thinking for group leaders, with a specific focus on self-differentiation, homeostasis or balance, and emotional triangles. All leaders indicated improved ability to work with groups and in other settings as self-differentiated persons, though some wanted to understand the concepts more completely. All felt they were more effective leaders following the training process.

Internal And External Factors That Hinder Or Help Effective Ministry To Divorced Lutherans: Why They Stay Away/What We Can Do To Bring Them In", Paul Peckman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that hinder or help ministry to divorced people.

Questionnaires to divorced members and pastors, addressing attitudes and perceptions, were the chief tools. Suggestions were solicited to ascertain what promotes meaningful ministry.

Perceptions of pastors and divorced members are often different. The divorced have more intense feelings about the issues and are more lenient in their understanding of grounds for divorce than pastors. Pastors are more inclined to credit internal factors, the divorced external, for what hinders effective ministry.

Pastors need to be more understanding of the dynamics of the divorce …

A Study Group Examines The Doctrine Of Election And Its Relation To The Ministry Of Word And Sacraments, Ralph Rokke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Rokke, Ralph M. A Study Group ermines the Doctrine of Election and Its Relation to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments. Does a pastor’s view of the doctrine of election influence his ministry? Two different forms of the doctrine of election have long been taught among Lutherans. The first form leads pastors to preach the Gospel and to administer the sacraments trusting that God works through them to save sinners. The second form, the intuitu fidei form, encourages pastors to believe that sinners have free wills and that it is a pastor’s job to persuade sinners to become Christians.

Sanctification As Confessed By Luther In His Catechisms, Ernest Bernet

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The problem with the doctrine of sanctification is multifaceted. However, Senkbeil, in the above material, has identified for us two main facets in the problem: 1) speaking of justification without properly addressing sanctification, and 2) speaking of sanctification without properly addressing justification. The respective results of these problems are: 1) the whole matter seems to be God’s doing, or 2) the whole matter seems to be our doing.

In order to sift through these issues in sanctification which Senkbeil identifies, I propose for this study that we begin with a semantic method rather than speaking immediately in the traditional doctrinal …

Marriage Beyond Hierarchy-How To Keep Building A Better Partnership Marriage, George Zoebl

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The debate over the statue of women represents a large clash between venerable religious beliefs and social movements that have affected the understanding of what a "true Biblical marriage” should be. This paper explores "Marriage Beyond Hierarchy...How To Keep Building a Partnership Marriage."

Chapter one deals with an exegetical study of Ephesians 6:22-33, I Peter 3:1-7, I Corinthians 7 and looks at the Lutheran Confessions and what they say about marriage, roles, responsibilities, submission and headship. Chapter two examines the "chain of command" model of marriage in comparison with the "equal partnership" model. Finally, chapter throe presents a method for …

The Eucharist: Center Of The Church's Worship And Life, David Stohlmann

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

THE EUCHARIST: CENTER OF THE CHURCH'S WORSHIP AND LIFE. I will develop a seminar of four modules which provides assistance for pastors and worship committees in the practice of Lutheran liturgical worship centered in word and sacrament and its effect on daily living. The modules (theological foundation, annual planning, the basics of chant, and suggestions for occasional services) offer resources and rationale for use of the standard liturgical material as found in the Lutheran service books.

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.

An Examination Of Educational Principles As Applied To An On—Going Congregational Program Of Childhood And Adult Education, James Keuch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The role of education within the parish context has long been recognized as a necessary and integral component of parish ministry. The scores of confirmation and Sunday School materials available on the market today illustrate the variety of techniques and approaches used to educate children. But education does not, or should not, end with the onset of puberty. Education, and Christian education in particular, needs to be an ongoing facet for the adult as well. To that end, this project will seek to present some of the philosophical foundations and practical methods of adult education within the parish.

Improving The Communication Of The Gospel Through Preaching: A Systematic Congregational Process, James Lamb

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The message of Christian preaching, then, is unique because of the content of the message and who has revealed it. But the distinctiveness does not stop there. This particular form of rhetoric carries its own power to bring about change.

The Bursting Of Old Wineskins: An Investigation Into Luther's Withdrawal From Augustine And The Scholastics As Evidenced In His Treatment Of Opus Operatum And Opus Operantis, Joel Brondos

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In the Heidelberg Theses, we are confronted with the Augustinian Martin Luther who touted Augustine as Paul's most faithful interpreter. Later, however, we come to know a Luther who withdrew from Augustine: "At first I devoured, not merely read, Augustine. But when the door was opened for me in Paul, so that I understood what justification by faith is, it was all over with Augustine. This paper hopes to sail forward with Luther in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, steering cleanly between the Scylla and Charybdis of synergism and determinism, a way which neither Occam nor Augustine had …

The Eusebian Canons: An Early Catholic Approach To Gospel Harmony, Edward Engelbrecht

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper focuses on one approach in this debate, that taken by Eusebius of Caesarea. The thesis is that the Eusebian Canons met exegetical, theological, and practical needs of Catholic Christianity by providing a sophisticated system of Gospel harmony. Eusebius' approach was designed to satisfy philosophical expectations as well as the rigors of classical, literary criticism. As a result of its many uses, the system became embedded in the manuscript traditions of virtually every language into which the four Gospels were translated in Late Antiquity.

Κοινo͂Nia: The Biblical Proclamation Of Κοινo͂Nia And Its Relationship To The Proclamation And Celebration Of The Lord's Supper, Gregory Seltz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

"Fellowship." What does it mean? How is one to “achieve" it? Or, does one achieve it at all? What are the modern views concerning koin ͂οnia and do they parallel Paul’s use of the term in his writings? Where is the koin ͂οnia hall in the church? Pastors, theologians and lay people alike are challenged to answer these questions, either overtly or subtly, for true faith looks to root itself on solid, common, KOINON, ground. The task of this study is to pursue clarity regarding koin ͂οnia which may help in recognizing when it is spoken of in lesser, other, …

Hebrew Narrative: Theory For Proclamation, Alan Toenjes

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

While acknowledging (enthusiastically!) the close relationship between homiletics and exegesis, this paper will approach Hebrew narratives from the vantage point of the exegete, specifically, that of the Lutheran exegete who confesses Scripture as God's Word of both Law and Gospel. From this point of view, this thesis will posit a hermeneutical understanding of Hebrew narratives as Scripture that will be of value for the preacher.

A fundamental presupposition that this paper shares with the likes of Thompson, Gowan and others, is that it is important to preach on Old Testament texts. It is no secret that this assumption has not …

Integrity And Integration In Ecclesiastical Historiography: The Perspective Of Mosheim And Neander, Paulo Buss

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This investigation attempts to apply the motif of integrity and integration in an examination of Lutheran ecclesiastical historiography. This is not a comprehensive survey involving all the significant Lutheran historians of the past but rather focuses on selected Lutheran historians of different centuries to determine possible tendencies in their views of integrity and integration. Although these terms themselves are not employed as such by the theologians/historians analyzed here, this study starts with the hypothesis that the concepts expressed by these terms are not unfamiliar to them.

In a study of Lutheran historiography the question about Luther's view of history deserves …

Marriage And The Image Of God As It Is Reflected In Paul's Understanding Of Women And The Ministry In Four Passages: 1 Cor. 11:2-16; 14:33b-36; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Tim. 2:11-15, Lane Burgland

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study proposes to examine the Pauline texts which bear most directly upon the subject of women and their involvement in the ministry of word and sacrament. Several evangelical feminist6writers will be engaged in the study at specific points in the interpretation. The primary goal of this paper, however, is to produce an exegesis of these four passages which identifies the basis of Paul's comments and demonstrates their unity. This work is intended to answer the question: "how does what Paul's says about women in four passages reflect his understanding of the image of God and Christology?"

The contribution this …

When God Becomes Your Enemy- The Theology Of The Complaint Psalms, Ingvar Floysvik

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The experience of being forgotten, rejected or even attacked by God has been very real for people of all times. An untimely death in the family, prolonged sickness, unfair treatment in the community or in court, or on the larger scale, natural disasters, war and persecution, these and other catastrophes may make individuals or whole communities experience God as an enemy. Readers of the Bible recognize that income psalms the psalmists share these experiences. They complain to God that he has abandoned them or that he is angry with them. The present dissertation is an investigation into the theology of …

The Missiological Significance Of The Doctrine Of Justification In The Lutheran Confessions, Klaus Schulz

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Generally the Lutheran Confessions are understood in the traditional sense as the normative sources for Lutheran doctrine; in addition, they are also documents which offer valuable missiological insights. To support the latter observation the following study attempts to read the Lutheran Confessions with a heightened missiological perspective. Such a reading takes up the interests and concerns frequently raised by Lutheran theologians who in light of the increasing changes in mission see the theological integrity of Lutheran mission endangered. Consequently, they plea for a return to the Book of Concord from which guiding principles for Lutheran mission m Confessions, though, should …

The Sandwich Generation Caring For Aging Parents, Keith Johnson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Sandwich Generation involves adult children, primarily women, responsible for the caring of aging parents. Adult children find themselves attempting to balance concern for their parents, their children, and their careers. With little or no understanding of elder care before it is thrust upon them, adult children need to learn about the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that accompany the aging process. This project revealed a wealth of information not readily recognized by caregivers. One way to provide this information is through a congregation sponsored workshop focusing on the above needs and on the needs of the caregivers.

Designing A Member Development Process For Our Redeemer Lutheran Church In Delavan, Wisconsin, David Lieske

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a need for having more Christians active in building Christ's church. The procedure was to design a process to encourage more people to be active. There was a survey of needs and a personal study of leadership that equips. A small group Bible study was designed and taught to teach the priesthood of all believers, to help people discover spiritual gifts, and to learn personality type. Fifteen people participated in the Bible study. Awareness was increased. An organizational system was designed for helping people begin to serve. Implementation and revision of the process are ongoing.

Rekindling Your Spiritual Life At Age 65 And Beyond, Dennis Pegorsch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a necessity to focus on the changing needs of people in the church and in society. Our nation has moved from a youth-oriented society to an aging society. For fulfillment, joy, and peace in the retirement years, the church has the opportunity to provide educational models enabling older adults to "reposition" themselves for the lifelong challenge God gives to His people. This paper will provide a rationale and a model for older adults to appreciate their continued God-given calling for meaningful service in Christ's Church by continued growth and a better understanding of their talents, gifts, and opportunities.

"The Use Of Training In Advanced Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Care At Lakeside Lutheran Church, Venice, Florida,", Randy Winkel

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project explores the role of the pastor as counselor and traces the development of family therapy. The "family as the patient" emphasis is explained, and contrasted with the more traditional psychoanalytical approaches that center on the individual. Specific case studies are presented which illustrate the application of system theory. The author relates his experience in a counseling practicum and his subsequent growth and development as a pastoral counselor.

Ordination Liturgies, The Call Process, And The Office Of The Ministry In The Landeskirche Of Braunschweig-Wolfenbuttel, 1569-1815, Kent Burreson

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Therefore this study intends to examine the rites on their own merit as historical evidence of the theological understanding of church and ministry that arose in a specific context—a contextual-historical study of rites concerned with forming pastors. As Smith asserts, "Liturgical events such as ordination do not occur in a vacuum. They are supported by an attendant structure which influences the way in which they are experienced and understood. The political, cultural, theological, and ecclesiastical context will be considered in order to determine the milieu and mindset in which the rites were framed and celebrated." Having determined the context, its …

The Biblical Office Of Deacon: Its Nature And Application In The Lutheran Congregation, Timm Griffin

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This resource guide has been developed for the express purpose of aiding lay elders in the understanding and fulfillment of their service within the local congregation. By design, this booklet contains twelve study guide sections. Each section examines different aspect of either the nature of the man who is to serve as a lay elder, or the function of that office. These study guides are to aid the lay elder (either privately, as an individual study, or corporately, as a board or group) to examine representative portions of the Word of God which directly speak to the ministry to which …