Communication Commons^™

Influence Of Preaching’S Rhetorical Appeal On Evangelical Listeners’ Motivation, Nicholas Anene Oji

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Preaching is a form of rhetorical narratology aimed at persuading its audience via sermons to experience a renewal of the mind and the transformation of their life. While previous research established the fact that listeners comprehend sermons through their rhetorical appeal, it has been unclear how this has motivated evangelical listeners to act. The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to explore how the rhetorical appeal of preaching influences evangelical listeners’ motivation at evangelical churches in Savannah, Georgia. A comprehensive approach to exploring a sermon’s rhetorical appeal was utilized by focusing jointly on individual perception and social context. The …

Self-Efficacy Among Christian Educators, Jonathan Blake Tolbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian educators often lack specialized training in message delivery which leads to a lower self-efficacy. Christian educators devote their lives to fulfillment of the Great Commission; it is the job of the church universal to provide resources and support that equip the saints to boldly share the Gospel with great confidence. When self-efficacy is low, confidence is low. Theological foundations are often strong and well-developed by the local church. The practical aspect of preaching, meaning delivery, is an area that is underrepresented in academic research. This project presents specialized training in message delivery as a catalyst for improving self-efficacy. The …

Digital And Analog Preaching In A Multi-Media World, Ramona Hayes

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This thesis explores the reception of sermons by two groups: “Analogs,” people who were formed primarily through the written page and who gather and process information linearly, and “Digitals,” people who were formed by digital communication and who gather and process information in sound bites. Using the Action/Reflection model, a series of sermons was presented: a manuscript sermon, an integrated worship/sermon, a TED Talk style sermon, a participatory sermon, and a multiple learning style sermon. Preaching a sermon which engages both groups has the potential to increase engagement with the biblical text and growth in faith.

Preaching That Leads To Transformation, Curtis Barbarick

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This article presents the results of a project to develop a process whereby the sermon would be enhanced for listeners at the North Street Church of Christ in Nacogdoches, Texas, so that preaching would be more effective in leading to transformation. The theology and methodology of John Wesley were utilized as a lens by which to think about and implement this practice.

The intervention involved a six-week session with a focus group that represented a cross-section of the congregation. Participants in this group were asked to engage in a lectio divina exercise on a particular text daily, journal about the …

Kingdom Consequences: Socio-Political Dimensions Of Evangelistic Preaching, Kenneth Kinton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines biblical, historical, and theoretcial trends in evangelistic preaching. This has been accomplished using biblical evidence, as well as insights from theologians and scholars within the realm of society, politics, and Christianity. The study provides a suggested methodology of sermon preparation for communicating to the modern Church.

Insights From Charles Spurgeon's Preaching For A Changing Culture, John Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project has been done in order to increase the amount of literature available that demonstrates how to preach to a 21st century culture and to enlighten preachers to the timeless truths that transcend from the great 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon. A close evaluation of Charles Spurgeon's biblical preaching reveals a model for pastors to emulate in a post-modern context in the local church. Spurgeon was a master communicator and a survey of his mid to late 1800's preaching reveals those areas of his ministry that are still useful in the New Millennium. By reviewing Spurgeon's sermons and writings, …

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due: Avoiding Plagiarism In Christian Writing And Speaking, Gregory A. Smith

Gregory A. Smith

Plagiarism is an ethical breach involving the misuse of others' intellectual property. Instances of alleged plagiarism have discredited various Christian ministers and authors. Various style manuals provide guidelines for acknowledging direct quotation, paraphrasing, and other uses of sources. Preachers and teachers should adapt those guidelines to the context of verbal communication.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due: Avoiding Plagiarism In Christian Writing And Speaking, Gregory A. Smith

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Plagiarism is an ethical breach involving the misuse of others' intellectual property. Instances of alleged plagiarism have discredited various Christian ministers and authors. Various style manuals provide guidelines for acknowledging direct quotation, paraphrasing, and other uses of sources. Preachers and teachers should adapt those guidelines to the context of verbal communication.

Preacher's Magazine Volume 74 Number 04, Neil B. Wiseman (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Thanks, Brother, for Shaping Our Ministry, Neil B. Wiseman

FEATURE What People Remember About Your Ministry, Neil B. Wiseman

COLLECTION OF RANDAL E. DENNY WRITINGS Is Your Passport Ready?; The Most Neglected Ministry in the Church; We Preach Christ Crucified; At Your Service, Lord!; Pastoral Ministry: A Front Seat in Human Experience; Sunday School Is More Important than We Think; Theology of the Church—We Are Family; The Secret of Victorious Living; Just a Parish Priest; Precious Moments of Worship; What I Learned from Receiving Pastoral Care; To Be Used of God; What Is Success in Ministry?; Serendipities of Work …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 74 Number 03, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Passport for Home, Wilbur W. Brannon

HOLINESS Definite Holiness Preaching, Morris Chalfant

HOLINESS CLASSICS Holiness Teaching—New Testament Times to Wesley, by Paul Merritt Bassett, J. Kenneth Grider

TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS A Dangerous Hope, Derl G. Keefer

PREACHER’S EXCHANGE

CHURCH MUSIC Hymn Story of the Month—Part Four, Keith Schwanz; A Tight Squeeze, Donna G. Kelley; How I Taught Children to Sing—When I Couldn’t Carry a Tune, Lois Hoadley Dick

FEATURES The Sticky Question of Denominational Loyalty, Richard S. Taylor; Go On to Maturity, William Tucker; Church of the Solid Rock, Joseph M. Stowell

CHURCH …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 74 Number 02, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Beautiful Savior, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE A Scientist Takes Steps Along His Damascus Road, Karl Giberson; Memories, Movements, and Measurements of Grace, Bud Reedy; Small-talk Your Way to a Successful Career, Patricia L. Fry

GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS The Holy Spirit and the Church’s Master, Paul S. Rees

EVANGELISM Candles and Roses, Ernest McNaught

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS Implications of the Incarnation, David Hoffman; Christmas Blesses Small, J. Grant Swank Jr.

CHURCH MUSIC Hymn Story of the Month—Part Three, Keith Schwanz

PREACHING Attitude Check, Jim L. Wilson

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH Children with a Glass Life: A Review of the …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 74 Number 01, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL An Unfaltering Faith, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE The Limits of Plagiarism, J.B. Chapman

HOLINESS CLASSICS I Want to Know Christ, Carl Leth

HOLINESS HERITAGE Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Heritage Day, Floyd T. Cunningham

PREACHING Preparing Your Attitude for Sunday, Craig Rench

BIBLICAL STUDIES The Biblical Gift of Tongues, B.D. Webb

WORSHIP Now Hear This, Jim I. Wilson; The Need to Feel Unstrung, Doug Barnett

CHURCH MUSIC Hymn Story of the Month, Part Two, Keith Schwanz

SERMON Is There Hope for the Hapless Wedding Guest?, C.S. Cowles

PICTURE WINDOWS FOR PREACHING, Compiled by Derl G. Keefer

WESLEYANA Within a …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 04, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Pastors and Parishioners Really Do Need Each Other, Randal E. Denny

GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS, Aaron M. Hills

SPECIAL FEATURE Life in the Family of God, Roger L. Hahn

SPECIAL Is This Epochal?, J. Kenneth Grider

PREACHING A Theology of Reminder, John A. Kitchen

EVANGELISM Interview with Tom Nees, Bryon McLaughlin

REVIVAL Keeping the Church Alive, Muriel Larson; True Stories, Mary Legner

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH The Biblical Basis for Accountability Relationships, David E. Dryer; Pastor, Who Looks After You?, John I. Hoh Jr.; To Whom Does the Pastor Talk?, Ronald L. Phelps

TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 03, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS A New Crisis Ensues, E. Stanley Jones

FEATURE The Triumphant Defeat, John G. Merritt

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Is There a Place for Shepherds in This Era of Ranchers Complex?, Edmond P. Nash; Ministry Means a Cross, Jerry McCant; Willing Workers, Sue Murphy Mote; The Wacky World of Ministering to the Unchurched: The High Cost of Reaching People You Never Expected to See in Church, Karen Aaker; Ministry: By Gender or by Gift?, Jeannie Neufeld; To Forgive Is to Forget, Raquel Liz Cintron-Forrest

PREACHER’S EXCHANGE

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED Where Do Pastors and Mates Go for Help?, C. Neil Strait …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 02, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL We Rocked the Ark, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE Living by Vows, J. Robertson McQuilkin

PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH The Mystery of Penned Ministries, Raymond C. Kratzer

CHURCH GROWTH Helping a Church Rise and Walk: The Minister as Therapist, Russel L. Jarvis

THEOLOGY Fundamentalism and the Church of the Nazarene, Edwin E. Crawford Jr.; A Wesleyan View of Scripture, H. Ray Dunning

PASTORAL CARE Spiritually Single: Ministering to the Unequally Yoked, Marcia Dummler Mitchell; Truth or Sad Consequences? A Game You Shouldn’t Play, Birney Dibble

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH Ministry in the Second Half, J. Grant Swank Jr.

BOOK REVIEW

PREACHING The …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 01, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Be Honest with One Another, Randal E. Denny

FEATURES Overcoming an Abusive Past, Norman Moore; A Gift of Life in the Face of Death, Rick L. Williamson; Saying Farewell to Your Church, Ponder Gilliland; Transition Summit at Glen Eryie, Wilbur Brannon

PREACHING Marks of Effective Preaching, Robert Premus

CHURCH HISTORY Forgotten Giant of the British Pulpit, Paul Murray

MISSIONS Renewal Through Social Outreach: Practical Guidelines, Jerry L. Appleby

EVANGELISM Evangelicals and the “Homosexual Problem,” J. Grant Swank Jr.

HOLINESS How I Know I Am Filled with the Holy Spirit, Victor Wellington Peters

PASTORAL COUNSELING When to Refer to a …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 72 Number 04, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Offer Hospitality to One Another, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE Getting a Head Start on the Future, Robert H. Scott; The Glory of Ministry, Wilbur W. Brannon; Transformed Troublemaker, Muriel Larson

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH Daddy, Why Don’t You Practice What You Preach?, Ralph L. Moulton; What Does Fasting Do?, Morris Chalfant; Tunnel of Love, Lynn Allen; In God Alone, Faith Warren; Made in Heaven, Grown on Earth, Sandy Sheppard

PREACHING No Hunting, G. R. “Scott” Cundiff; It’s Reporting Time Again, Douglas A. Rohl; Passing on the Word!, Mark W. Royall

THEOLOGY Why I Don’t Believe in Evolution, Thomas Lorimer; Baptism, …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 72 Number 03, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Submit to One Another, Randal E. Denny

FEATURES Consulting Editors Walking on the Edge, Wilbur W Brannon; Earth Day, Kenneth T. Meredith

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED God Is in Action, Through You, C. Neil Strait

THEOLOGY What Is the Biblical Response to Moral Misconduct in Holiness Churches?, Richard S. Taylor; Eternal Security, the True and the False, Ralph A. Mickel

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS The Convincing Power of the Cross, Mark S. Cople; Discovering What Really Counts, J. Grant Swank Jr.

EVANGELISM A Whole New Paradigm for the Church’s Mission, Doug Samples

PREACHING What Is the Beating Heart of Your Worship Service?, …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 72 Number 02, Randal E. Denny

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Thanks to an Old Friend and Welcome to a New Feature, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE Judgment, She Wrote, Wesley D. Tracy; How Pastors Can Bring Unity, Robert Moeller

PREACHING Preach, Pastor!, Harold R. Crosser; Stump Preaching, Frank Eifert

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS Caesar or Christ?, C. S. Cowles; The Word Became Flesh: A Christmas Reading, Peter A. Samuelson; Christmas Reminds Us Babies Are Important, Morris Chalfant; Senior Ornaments on Our Tree, J. Grant Swank Jr.

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED The Barren Times, C. Neil Strait

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Public Ministry, Private Pain, Bill O’Connor

THEOLOGY Preaching the Trinity, Roderick T. Leupp

PASTORAL CARE …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 72 Number 01, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Forgive One Another, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE Revisionists Violate Christ’s Teaching and Arouse Political Ire, Lawrence A. Schulz; I’m Not a Racist, But . . . , Al Miles; When Your Children Divorce: The Church’s Response, Elaine Seppa

PASTORAL CARE Walking with the Wounded, Karen Lunsford; The Funeral—Obligation or Opportunity?, Douglas L. Janssen

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Opening Prison Doors for Women in Ministry—Setting the Captives Free, Doug Samples; A Shepherd’s Hands, Joyce Williams

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH The Eighth Quarter of Ministry, Kenneth Vogt; 1 + 1 = Survival, Carl C. Green

THEOLOGY Salvation and Judgment: Two Sides of God’s Love, …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 71 Number 04, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Celebrating Our Heritage: A Church with a Mission, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE No Laughing Matter, J. Grant Swank Jr.

SERMON Nourishment for Life, William Richard Ezell; The Dedication of New Hymnals, Edward L. Estep

PREACHING Authentic Preaching vs. Homiletical Narcissism, Wayne E. Oates; Show and Tell: How to Preach an Unforgettable Sermon, Ryan MacPherson; Book Review, J. Kenneth Grider

WORSHIP The Pastoral Prayer, Carl C. Green

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Six Steps to Enhance the Effectiveness of Video Training: A Strategy to Promote the Transformation of Leaders from Observers to Participants, Norman G. Wilson

THEOLOGY How Not to Celebrate Communion, George …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 71 Number 03, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL Serve One Another, Randal E. Denny

WORSHIP The Lord’s Supper, Alden Aikens

THEOLOGY Beautiful Baptism, Martin LeRoy Gladden

THOUGHTS IN A THEOLOGIAN’S CORNER Selecting Our Issues, J. Kenneth Grider

BIBLICAL LITERATURE How We Say the Lord’s Prayer, Carl Bangs

FEATURE Whatever Happened to Authority?, Joseph Seaborn

HOLINESS The Wesleyan Doctrine of Christian Perfection, William M. Greathouse; Essentials of Effective Holiness Preaching, RichardS. Taylor

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION The Young in Heart—Let’s Put Them to Work!, Muriel Larson; Mom’s Rocking Chair, Jay Dargan; Pirates in the Church?, Carmen Wassam

PICTURE WINDOWS FOR PREACHING, Compiled by Derl G. Keefer

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED Live …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 71 Number 02, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EVANGELISM Billy Graham—Skywalker for God, Dan Wooding

EDITORIAL Don’t Criticize One Another, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE Where Is God in All of This Suffering?, Morris Chalfant

PASTORAL CARE Ministering in Crisis Situations, Ronald L. Phelps

PREACHER’S EXCHANGE

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS Christmas Means Seeing Jesus, J. Grant Swank, Jr.

CHAPLAINCY One Mission, Many Callings, David Grosse

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED Preaching Is Significant, C. Neil Strait

PREACHING The (Wo)manly Art of Preaching, Thomas W. Goodhue

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Empty Pantries and Overdue Bills, Gene Williams

STEWARDSHIP Disability Insurance: A Necessity, Not an Option, Board of Pensions and Benefits, USA Church of the Nazarene

PASTOR’S …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 71 Number 01, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
“Happy 100th Birthday” to the Mother Church, Randal E. Denny

SPECIAL FEATURE
Transitional Communities: A Case Study in Multicongregational Ministry, Ron Benefiel

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS
Thanksgiving in Three Tenses, Willard A. Scofield

GUEST EDITORIAL
How to Interpret the Pastoral Vote, Joseph Seaborn

HOLINESS
Steps to the Abundant Life, J. Grant Swank Jr.

PREACHING
Fill It Up, Mister, Harold and Lila Morgan

PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
What Should We Do About Failure?, Al Truesdale

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH
When It’s a Sin to Ask Forgiveness

PREACHER’S EXCHANGE

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED
Another Look at Success, C. Neil Strait
You Can Please Some of the …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 70 Number 04, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
Encourage One Another, Randal E. Denny

REVIVAL
The Coming Holiness Revival, Robert E. Coleman
Come Home, Rat!, Ruth Friesen

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Just Call Me Pastor, Gene Williams

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Preventing Child Abuse in Church, Al Miles

PASTORAL CARE
Who’s Caring for the Caregivers?, Betty B. Robertson

CHURCH GROWTH
The Seismic Church, John E. Moore

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED
When It’s Time to Change Channels, C. Neil Strait

MULTIPLE STAFF MINISTRIES
Strengthening Staff Relationships, Bill O’Connor
Cool Philosophy, Fred W. Hinrichs

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH
Restoring the Stolen Faith, Bernard A. LoPinto
Search Committee Report

PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
How to Get Along …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 70 Number 03, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
Accept One Another, Randal E. Denny

FEATURE
Runaway, J. Grant Swank, Jr.

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS
From Worm to King, Wilbur W. Brannon
The Crucified One, Gary Waller
Easter Means “Rising from the Dead,” Morris Chalfant

FEATURE
The Verdict of History, George J. Douglas

WORSHIP
The Altar and How to Use It, Richard A. Lint
The Difference, Michael Andrews In Spirit and in Truth: The Search for True Worship, Carl M. Leth

CHURCH GROWTH
In the Small Church, Can You Overcome the Survival Mentality?, S. Alan Duce

PREACHING
Homiletical Hints from a Veteran Preacher, V. Neil Wyrick

SOUNDING BOARD
All Alone?, …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 70 Number 02, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
Wash One Another’s Feet, Randal E. Denny

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS
Every Pastor’s Nightmare, Laurie Lechlitner
An Inn for Christmas, J. Grant Swank, Jr.
The Magi—How Did They Know?, Gary L. Durham

PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Overcoming Insecurity in the Ministry, Richard S. Taylor

PREACHING
The Sacred Word of God Preached, Neil Hightower
Preacher, Do You Understand the Times?, Morris Chalfant

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED
Draw Strength from Your Call to Preach, C. Neil Strait

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH
Here Is My List, Lord, Arthur E. Parry
Are You the Perfect Preacher?, Debra Fulghum Bruce

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Chancy and a Little Bit Lonely, Charles …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 70 Number 01, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
Love One Another, Randal E. Denny

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED
Our Help Comes from the Lord, C. Neil Strait

HOLINESS
Holiness and the Meaning of Maturity, Richard S. Taylor

WORSHIP
The Word in Worship, Keith Schwanz

PREACHING
Biblical Preaching as Story, Jerry W. McCant
Planning a Year’s Preaching, Bill O’Connor

MINISTER’S MATE
Getting a Grip on Guilt, Deanna Harrison

PASTORAL CARE
Holding Hands, David Trembley
Ministering to People with Hidden Hurts, George R. Robie

PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH
Time for Recovery, Dan E. Ferguson
Beating Burnout—Tools for Inner Healing, Victor M. Parachin
Living with Loss and Learning to Be Positive, William …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 69 Number 04, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
Interim Pastors—a Much-Needed Ministry, Randal E. Denny

SPECIAL FEATURE
Men and Women of God for the 21st Century, Neil B. Wiseman

SOCIAL CONCERNS
What Happens When AIDS Comes to Your Church?, Larry W. Spraker

HOLINESS
Articulating and Living Christian Holiness in a Pluralistic World, Lee M. Haines

PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED
Attitude Is Crucial, C. Neil Strait

MINISTER’S MATE
How to Love Your Husband, Kristy Roberts Dykes

PREACHING
How to Deal with Reactions, J. Grant Swank, Jr.
Preaching and the Spiritual Development of Believers, William Youngman
Sunday Evening Visitor, Lewis Clark

PASTORAL CARE
Listening—an Important Ministry of Healing, Victor M. …

Preacher's Magazine Volume 69 Number 03, Randal E. Denny (Editor)

Preacher's Magazine

EDITORIAL
We Preach Christ Crucified, Randal E. Denny

PREACHING
Preaching from the Lectionary, C. Neil Strait
A Parable for Pastors, LaNelle C. Stiles
Preaching Holiness to a Contemporary Culture, Ronald J. Blake
The Task of Exegesis, Randall W. Rucker
The Power of a Pastor’s Words, D. Phillip Pinckard
The Evangelistic Sermon, Derl G. Keefer
To Lift Up the Fallen, Hazel Goodman
On the Edge, Todd C. Pierce
The Skunk in the Kettle, Randall K. Hartman

CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS
The Power in the Presence, J. Grant Swank, Jr.

CHURCH GROWTH
Multiple Services: A Path to Church Growth, Elmer L. Towns

EVANGELISM
Living …