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Full-Text Articles in Christianity
Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith
Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
As the impact and effectiveness of traditional ministry wanes in this current culture, the influence of chaplaincy is expanding and making new inroads into numerous fields, including business, sports, health care, and the military. Chaplaincy’s commitment to pluralism and emphasis on spirituality instead of denominationalism makes it the perfect vehicle for ministry to this seemingly secular population still searching for meaning, purpose, and connection. These chaplains must be well trained for these serious moments in time and the lives of individuals. State Defense Forces are the nation’s least-known uniformed service and, therefore, lack the resources and funding of other services …
Developing And Implementing A Strategic Ministry Plan For Crosspoint Community Church In Huntington, West Virginia, Eddie C. Gandy
Developing And Implementing A Strategic Ministry Plan For Crosspoint Community Church In Huntington, West Virginia, Eddie C. Gandy
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Various organizations use strategic planning to produce growth and promote organizational health. Crosspoint Community Church in Huntington, West Virginia, had never developed or implemented a strategic plan. This project seeks to develop and implement a strategic plan for Crosspoint Community Church to produce growth and promote ministry health. A team of twenty congregants participated in the project. Through six three-hour sessions, the team used storyboarding to create a mission statement and a vision statement and identify and define the foundational values framing the strategy. The team evaluated the church’s ministries, leadership structure, facilities, and finances to develop a strategy to …
Building Healthy Families Through Intergenerational Worship Ministry, Frank Richard Gillespie
Building Healthy Families Through Intergenerational Worship Ministry, Frank Richard Gillespie
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Although literature exists concerning family ministry in the local church, there is little research that gives explicit insight into music and worship ministry’s role in helping to strengthen families. Since worship is one of the ultimate functions of both the church and the family, this study integrates family ministry methodology with worship ministry methodology to discover theological sound and practical ways to build up the family through corporate worship, structured music programs, and community involvement. Guided by biblical and historical foundational teachings on church and family, this qualitative research study identifies perspectives that have not yet been explored and documented …
Discovering, Developing, And Deploying Emerging Ministry Leaders In The Assemblies Of God, Janet Kay Bruner Faggart
Discovering, Developing, And Deploying Emerging Ministry Leaders In The Assemblies Of God, Janet Kay Bruner Faggart
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Across America, the need exists to identify young, potential Christian leaders who sense a call to ministry, to grow these emerging leaders through spiritual parenting or mentoring, godly relationships, education, training, and ministry experience, and to send out the next generation of ministers to fulfill the Great Commission. The purpose of this mixed-method phenomenological study was to explore and better understand the nature of the discovery, development, and deployment of a call to ministry for emerging leaders who are credentialed ministers with the North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God and under 40 years of age at the …
An Exploration Of The Attitudes And Expectations Of African American Congregants Regarding The Succession And Transition Of Their Senior Pastor, Tony O'Neal Hinton
An Exploration Of The Attitudes And Expectations Of African American Congregants Regarding The Succession And Transition Of Their Senior Pastor, Tony O'Neal Hinton
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This study addressed the relevance of assessing the attitudes and expectations of African American congregants regarding the succession and transition of their senior pastor. The study focused on a local church in Baltimore, Maryland. The research assumed that including laity within the succession planning of their senior pastor would produce a healthy transition and future of the church. It further examined how the lack of succession planning within the Black church has caused challenges that could be prevented. The literature and biblical text suggest that the people’s role in the success of their leader was critical to the operation of …
The Decline Of Youth At Ministry Under The Sky, Wanda Elaine Belvin
The Decline Of Youth At Ministry Under The Sky, Wanda Elaine Belvin
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The decline of youth attending their services is no secret for many churches. The influences of the world, technology, wanting to fit in are just a few reasons youth find other things to do than attend their church services faithfully. Ministry Under The Sky is a small ministry with a big heart. At its birth in 2001, Ministry Under The Sky’s start was in the researcher’s home and her husband, the Overseer of the ministry. God blessed Ministry Under The Sky with its first building in 2007. The church outgrew the first two buildings less than two years each. The …
Investigating The Impact Of Spiritual Gifts On Church Growth, Johnnie James Finkley
Investigating The Impact Of Spiritual Gifts On Church Growth, Johnnie James Finkley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This thesis project uses spiritual gifts found in scripture as teachable models for church growth to address a decline in church attendance at Friendly Missionary Baptist Church. The research assumes that if church members are aware of their spiritual gifts, they will use them to build a healthy church. Therefore, the question that this thesis project asks is, “Will an understanding and development of spiritual gifts grow Friendly Missionary Baptist Church?” The Bible is the primary literary resource for God’s provision in transforming believers into His image. It is the foundation for church members’ spiritual growth. The book of Acts …
Migrating And Amplifying Ministry To Online Platforms To Pursue The Great Commission, Daniel Elnaam Bagaas
Migrating And Amplifying Ministry To Online Platforms To Pursue The Great Commission, Daniel Elnaam Bagaas
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The COVID-19 crisis was unexpected by the universal church. The current pandemic revealed that the universal church and many local churches were not prepared for its’ accompanying challenges or to adapt in general. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, churches across America were required to temporarily cease in-person public gatherings and later to reduce the number of participants once in-person meetings were allowed again. This scenario caused many churches to have to adapt to the current circumstances to continue ministering. The purpose of this DMin research project is to amplify Sonrise Church’s online ministry presence and determine if it garners greater engagement …
Church Guests Matter: A Strategic Program To Welcome Guests, Adam Mark Walker
Church Guests Matter: A Strategic Program To Welcome Guests, Adam Mark Walker
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This project will measure the success of acquiring and retaining guests by gauging the efforts made to welcome guests by utilizing a questionnaire among community guests. A Church sitting in a diverse community in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, accessible to nearby schools and a local town is in decline. Today, small churches close their doors, and pastors are leaving the vocational ministry. The ministry of the church is to fulfill the greatest commandment by loving God and loving others. However, many churches today have confined the essentials of the church to inside the walls. A church willing to seek the …
The Necessity Of Small-Group Ministries, William Keith Dewease
The Necessity Of Small-Group Ministries, William Keith Dewease
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There is a consistent debate regarding the best structure for ministry within the context of the church. Churches established with a traditional mentality utilize the lecture method in small groups, while contemporary-driven churches utilize an open-ended discussion method in small groups. The following research seeks to determine which small-group model most effectively grows the believer spiritually and relationally. The participants have lived in a traditional small-group model all their lives. The belief is that introducing a small-group model that goes beyond the traditional lecture approach will deepen relationships and lead to maturity. The research methods include open-ended discussion questions, an …
Preparing The Next Generation For A Pluralistic World: The Need To Teach Systematic Theology To Christian Youth, Terrance Jermayne O'Neil
Preparing The Next Generation For A Pluralistic World: The Need To Teach Systematic Theology To Christian Youth, Terrance Jermayne O'Neil
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The continuation of Christianity is rooted in the historical practice of the preceding generation theologically educating the next generation. This process has led to the spreading of the gospel throughout the world. However, in recent years, the Christian church has watched an entire generation walk away from the faith. Many youths who affirmed their faith in Christ are abandoning their confessions and practice. The challenges and skepticism of a pluralistic and relativistic culture have questioned historic Christianity. Regretfully, Christian youth are unable to respond theologically and accurately with confidence. The church has failed to prepare them. This study sought to …
Surviving A Divorce With An Intact Faith: A Strategy For Ministering To Those Experiencing Divorce In The Church, Brandon Paul Wells
Surviving A Divorce With An Intact Faith: A Strategy For Ministering To Those Experiencing Divorce In The Church, Brandon Paul Wells
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Effectively ministering to divorcees is a unique aspect of church leadership. The majority of church leaders have never experienced divorce, so the unique problems that divorce presents are not familiar to them. The purpose of this D. Min Thesis Project is to investigate those problems and develop strategies that will allow church leaders to minister to divorcees effectively. This will be accomplished using questionnaires and interviews where difficult questions are asked to divorcees, and honest answers are revealed. Church leaders will also be interviewed about their positions on divorce and their responses compared to those given by divorcees in order …
Exploring The Perceived Impact Of Retired Senior Pastors On The Ministry Of Evangelical Churches Of America, Frank France Delange
Exploring The Perceived Impact Of Retired Senior Pastors On The Ministry Of Evangelical Churches Of America, Frank France Delange
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of retired senior pastors’ (RSPs) involvement in ministry following retirement. The study sought to understanding the perceived impact of RSPs on the ministry of American evangelical Protestant church of RSPs after retirement. The rationale behind the research was the phenomenon that a significant portion of the cohort of retired senior pastors continue to serve in ministry after they have retired. The study heard and analyzed first-hand data from RSPs who had lived experience in ministry after leaving the local church they led and RSPs who had lived experience …
Universal Leadership Model, Derwin Lamont Hickman Sr
Universal Leadership Model, Derwin Lamont Hickman Sr
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The Great Commission is the call of Jesus to his people to go out into the world and make disciples. The universal leadership model presents an opportunity for disciples/leaders to step up and fulfill the Great Commission. The church should be involved in discipleship training, outreaches and supporting the issues that are aligned with Christian ideology and important to people in the communities they serve. An effective universal leadership model should include diversity, training, desired change, accountability and effectiveness of change. In so doing, the church can then find parishioners within the church who may be transformed into disciples/leaders and …
A Biblical Model To Encourage Associate Ministers To Serve Effectively With Enjoyment, Marcus L. Ellison
A Biblical Model To Encourage Associate Ministers To Serve Effectively With Enjoyment, Marcus L. Ellison
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Associate Ministers play a vital role in the growth and development of healthy churches. Yet, too often, they grow impatient with their role and frustrated with their current assignment. This frustration often leads to dysfunction and a lack of spiritual development that ultimately hinders the growth of the church. So, what are the challenges that associate ministers face in serving in subordinate roles of leadership? As an Associate Minister for seven years, this researcher experienced this frustration while serving and waiting on God to open the next door of opportunity. The purpose of this project is to provide a biblical …
A Proposal For Leadership Transition In Ministry: A Proactive Approach, Fred Hill
A Proposal For Leadership Transition In Ministry: A Proactive Approach, Fred Hill
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The development of leaders for future ministry and equipping them to lead and mentor the next generation of leaders effectively must be an absolute necessity for continued church success. Leaders should endeavor to actively discern gifts and talents early in potential leaders. Once recognized, it is the leader’s responsibility to develop and prepare others for leadership transitions. Previous research has shown that churches have a leadership vacuum because of the lack of leadership development and transition utilizing a proactive approach. There is a trust factor created between the present and future leadership secondary to proper training and unwillingness to relinquish …
New Heights Christian Community Center: An Effective Strategy Of Outreach For The Local Church, Marc Jones
New Heights Christian Community Center: An Effective Strategy Of Outreach For The Local Church, Marc Jones
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
New Heights Christian Community Services offers an outreach ministry that creates a viable bridge between two local churches and their neighboring communities. Many churches are declining in their influence and are no longer recognized as a valuable part of their community. Small churches often struggle to find ways to serve their neighbors. The author of this project has dedicated over twenty-five years ministering to disadvantaged youth and families and desires to help churches to effectively connect to the families in their community. This project will investigate the effectiveness of the New Heights program by surveying fifty sets of parents of …
Ministry Partners: Ten Key Characteristics Of A Healthy Marriage In Ministry, Arlen Pfenninger
Ministry Partners: Ten Key Characteristics Of A Healthy Marriage In Ministry, Arlen Pfenninger
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
In the beginning, God created a partner for man to have as they live their lives together. This partnership was created so they could work together for the kingdom God created. There has been literature written about the unhealthiness of some marriages in ministry because the pastor has neglected his or her family for the cause of Christ. There are others who have advocated a partnership in marriage ministry where the husband and wife work together as a ministry team. This thesis project presents an understanding of the healthy characteristics couples portray as they partner together in the ministry in …
An Investigation Of Adversity In Christian Living And Proposal For Discipleship Response, Christopher Payne
An Investigation Of Adversity In Christian Living And Proposal For Discipleship Response, Christopher Payne
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
With numerous ministries teaching a cultural gospel comprised of prosperity and pleasure, people have the impression that a saving faith limits personal hardships. Jesus taught his disciples the truth about hardship and how to struggle well and the Church is called to do likewise. This thesis will present five key biblical truths to equip Christians for growing their faith through personal struggle. Moreover, the project will give leaders a guide for discipling hurting church members. The author will research current and historical discipleship materials and models, examine current teachings on faith and struggle, explore relevant biblical teachings, and survey fifty …
Best Practices For Retaining Youth Group Students In The Local Church Post-High School, Christopher Dortch
Best Practices For Retaining Youth Group Students In The Local Church Post-High School, Christopher Dortch
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Research has indicated that students who were once active in a local church are leaving the church and possibly leaving the faith after they graduate high school. The purpose of this project is to present best practices for youth pastors in retaining students' involvement in a local church post-high school. The project will consist of surveying fifty student pastors and will examine the impact of the student pastor's tenure, student ministry philosophy and structure, curriculum plans, and the role of the student pastor in assisting students through this transition. Through a review and examination of these elements, the project will …
Leadership Development In The Local Church: An Intentional Strategy For Developing Leaders At Every Level, Brian Moss
Leadership Development In The Local Church: An Intentional Strategy For Developing Leaders At Every Level, Brian Moss
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Every evangelical pastor knows that they have a responsibility to make disciples, and most of their churches have a system for doing so. They also know that every healthy church needs healthy leaders. As more and more of the next generation drop out of church and consequently leadership roles in the church, the evangelical church is facing a serious crisis. Most church leaders would agree that developing new leaders is a critical responsibility of the local church, yet very few churches actually have an intentional leadership development process. Even worse, many pastors are confused as to how leadership development differs …
Seeking To Glorify God: An Armed Forces Member's Handbook For Discipleship, Charles Blankenship
Seeking To Glorify God: An Armed Forces Member's Handbook For Discipleship, Charles Blankenship
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this thesis is to equip military Christians in glorifying God through obedience to the Great Commission. Jesus' command to make disciples applies universally to all Christians, yet those in the armed forces often retreat or experience little success in discipleship within their native environment where they feel restricted by institutional policy, ungodly leadership, and isolation from the body of Christ. This project proposes a practical method of discipleship that seeks to equip Christians in uniform to make passionate followers of Christ who willingly embrace the same mission. The research for this thesis will be primarily conducted by …
Service V. Presence: Implementation Of The Ministry Of Service In The Military Chaplaincy - A Receptivity And Feasibility Study, Mark Tinsley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
In Spring 2012, a new ministerial paradigm for the military chaplaincy was proposed in a thesis entitled “The Ministry of Service: A Critical Practico-Theological Examination of the Ministry of Presence and its Reformulation for Military Chaplains.” Known as the “ministry of service,” this new paradigm was heralded as a potential replacement for the current presence-ministry model that has guided military chaplains for decades. The purpose of the current research project is to determine the receptivity of this proposed paradigmatic shift among Army service members, analyze strengths and weaknesses of implementing a new ministry model, and verify if procedures and administrative …
A Strategy To Transition A Traditional Church Educational System To A Small Group System: A Case Study Of Eternal Life Baptist Church, Kyoung Gil Cho
A Strategy To Transition A Traditional Church Educational System To A Small Group System: A Case Study Of Eternal Life Baptist Church, Kyoung Gil Cho
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this thesis is to research the avenues in which to have Eternal Life Bible Baptist Church transition to a small group system. This thesis was done through field analysis and literature research, as well as the case study of Eternal Life Bible Baptist Church (ELBBC). The case study was totally focused on the process of changing to a small group system at Eternal Life. The author was a minister at Eternal Life for 8 years, and an associate pastor for a year. In a few years the author will become the next senior pastor of Eternal life …
A History And Evaluation Of Workplace Ministry In America, David Freeland
A History And Evaluation Of Workplace Ministry In America, David Freeland
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The main purpose of this ministry project is to gain an understanding of the historical context of workplace ministry and events leading to the current state of workplace ministry in America. This project will evaluate the two main models of workplace ministry and offer an alternative model that will lead the reader to define how they can best reach their workplace for Christ. It will be shown that each model is based on the biblical model of relational evangelism rooted in the Great Commission.