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.

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 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.

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 …

An Investigation Of Satanic Influences Upon Physically, Emotionally, And Spiritually Disturbed Christians: Selected Case Studies, Clifford N.R. Quantz

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

This project emerged out of a sincere desire to find answers to the physical, emotional, and spiritual bondage that plagued Christians. After many years of pastoral ministry, I was convinced that something was not complete in my ministry to these troubled people. Traditional counseling methods I had been taught were ineffective in breaking these bondages. An honest soul search, and a new look at the ministry of Jesus and the apostles exposed this one area of neglect in my ministry. As an Evangelical I believed in the biblical account of evil spirits, but was not really aware of their …

Premarital Education: A Model For The Toronto Perth Avenue Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Steve David Cassimy

Professional Dissertations DMin

Statement of Project

Every pastor is involved in performing marriages. Pastors are also spending a considerable amount of time in post-marital counseling. This project sought to design and implement a Premarital Education program to help prepare couples for marriage and to reduce the number of hours pastors spend with post-marital care. The sessions in the model may prepare couples for life's challenges as they learn to develop communication and coping skills. It is hoped the sessions will aid the couple in handling marital adjustment and in dealing with conflict.

Method

This project report explores a brief history of Premarital Education …

Stewardship Practices In Kenya With Proposed Solutions, Absalom N. Birai

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

Although the Seventh-day Adventist church in Kenya has over three hundred thousand believers, the annual statistical reports indicate that its return of tithes and offerings does not correspond with its large membership. This study was undertaken to survey its giving patterns so as to discover possible weaknesses, to find ways of overcoming such weaknesses, and to promote faithful stewardship.

Method

To create a better concept of the stewardship of tithes and offerings an attempt was made to examine how tithes and offerings were practiced during the Old Testament era, intertestamental period, New Testament period, and by Ellen G. White. …

Seventh-Day Adventist Worship: A Course For Pastoral Students At Montemorelos University, Mexico, Hector Enrique Ramal

Professional Dissertations DMin

The purpose of this project was to develop an undergraduate course in Seventh-day Adventist worship. Chapter 1 states the purpose, justification, and expectations of the project. Chapter 2 states the origins and development of worship as these are revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Chapter 3 considers worship from Ellen G. White’s perspective. The concerns, issues, and principles of true worship are found in her writings. Chapter 4 deals with contemporary issues in worship.

The first part of this chapter has to do with the literature review and centers in the Pentecostal Movement and its influence on the Christian …

Improving The Understanding And Practice Of Country Living In The Georgia Central Korean Sda Church, Martin Byung Cho Rho

Professional Dissertations DMin

Problem

The message of country living has been repeatedly stressed throughout the Spirit of Prophecy counsels, and there has been a problem in understanding and applying the message of country living among Korean SDA members in Korea and North America. The effect of this misunderstanding has produced many problems in the area of church growth and church leadership.

Method

This project report examined the historical background of Ellen G. White’s counsels of country living and studied the writings of Ellen White regarding country living in relation to city mission. This study involved a workshop and survey for evaluation. This project …

Development Of The Concept Of Salvation In The Argentinean And Paraguayan Seventh-Day Adventist Children And Adolescents From Ages 6 To 17 Years, Victor Andrés Korniejczuk

Dissertations

Problem. Research is lacking on how the concept of salvation develops in children and adolescents from Christian religious populations. the purpose of this study was to explore how the concept of salvation develops in Argentinean and Paraguayan Seventh-day Adventist children and adolescents, from a psychological perspective.

Method. Using a developmental, cross-sectional design, semiclinical interviews were conducted with 120 Argentinean and Paraguayan children, ages 6 to 17, to assess the development of the concept and assurance of salvation. Subjects also completed (1) a semantic differential scale, which measured their attitudes toward salvation (ATS), (2) a demographic and religious practices information survey, …

Mirror Of Guilt Or Window Of Opportunity? Reflections Of A Ministry To Street Children In Kitchener-Waterloo, 1988-1991, Roland David Lowe

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

No abstract provided.

Pastoral Counselling As Relational Process: The Significance Of Interrelational Dynamics For Pastoral Counseling, Arthur Clarence Scott

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis explores the significance of interrelational dynamics for pastoral counselling. Sources include a literary review of object relations theory and personal observation. This work attempts to integrate object relations therapy. incarnational theology and the clinical paradigm of pastoral counselling. From an object relations perspective, we are relational beings and therapeutic relationships define therapy. In a parallel process, the gospel directs pastoral counsellmg. as a relational process. beyond the message to an interplay between interrelational dynamics and healing processes. The contributions include a hermeneutical circle for interrelatedness. The conclusions encourage a thorough understanding of and dynamic participation in regeneration and …