Pathways To Foster, Develop, And Measure Unity In A Diverse Church Setting,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
Pathways To Foster, Develop, And Measure Unity In A Diverse Church Setting, Timothy I. Parsons
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Although there is still a long way to go, the Christian church in America is growing more and more diverse. In the same timeframe of the shift to more diversity, America has grown more divided politically, socially, and religiously. Throughout scripture, and especially in the New Testament, God speaks of the power and purpose of a unified church. The early church was required to grow in its diversity while also pursuing unity among all the differences that existed. The church of the twenty-first century and beyond is under the same mandate. This project’s purpose is to uncover, by surveying current …
Spiritual Fathering: Does It Really Make A Difference?,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
Spiritual Fathering: Does It Really Make A Difference?, Jeffrey A. Jacob
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
The importance and impact of having a father in the home is undisputable. Statistics dictate that the effect of fatherlessness on children is devastating. Could it be that having a spiritual father or mother involved in a believer’s life makes a verifiable difference as well? This dissertation will investigate the effects of spiritual fathering as evidenced by the spiritual disciplines of those who identify as having a strong spiritual father or mother. The Apostle Paul said, “Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through …
Renouncing The Dominant Script: Weaving Together Mysticism, Monasticism, And Sacramental Theology To Create A Pentecostal Model Of Spiritual Formation,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
Renouncing The Dominant Script: Weaving Together Mysticism, Monasticism, And Sacramental Theology To Create A Pentecostal Model Of Spiritual Formation, Hilton Burkholder
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
From political division and culture wars to moral failures, it has become increasingly evident over the last few decades that the Church in North America has a formation problem. This project aims to tackle the issue of discipleship and formation by exploring the development and application of a practical, spirit-led model of spiritual formation for the 21st-century North American Church. By drawing on the rich traditions of monastic, mystical, and sacramental spirituality, this project seeks to create a Pentecostal model of spiritual formation that is communal, charismatic, and embodied, revealing that discipleship is not an end in itself but a …
Evangelship: Mobilizing A Culture Of Discipleship That Leads To Evangelism In A Multiethnic Latino Context,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
Evangelship: Mobilizing A Culture Of Discipleship That Leads To Evangelism In A Multiethnic Latino Context, Lawrence D. Perez
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Discipleship and evangelism in America today are eroding. Where traditionally the church sees discipleship and evangelism as separate entities, this research project argues for the unification of the two. This project explores “Evangelship,” the uniting of evangelism and discipleship, to see if the combined approach and perspective could offer a better way to engage the North American population. The driving question for this project is “Can the integration of evangelism and discipleship create a culture that accelerates and advances the Great Commission at U-Turn Covenant Church (U-Turn)?” To answer this question, the study aims to establish a discipleship framework that …
Multiply Alabama: Moving From Church Planting To Church Multiplication By Multiplying Leaders And Churches In The Alabama Ministry Network,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
Multiply Alabama: Moving From Church Planting To Church Multiplication By Multiplying Leaders And Churches In The Alabama Ministry Network, David P. Strahan
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
The Alabama Ministry Network has had anemic success in planting over 150 churches since 1980. However, there has still been a ten percent decline in the total number of churches due to churches closing, churches withdrawing, or churches merging. This project studies how AMN can move from addition (church planting) to multiplication (church multiplication) to avoid further regression. The Biblical literature review examines the scriptural premise to multiply. It also discovers the church planting models of Jesus, the early church, and Paul The project used mixed research methods to develop a pathway towards church multiplication within AMN in four phases. …
Bridging The Gap Between Profession And Practice: Clear Gospel Communication In A Context Saturated By Moralistic Therapeutic Deism,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
Bridging The Gap Between Profession And Practice: Clear Gospel Communication In A Context Saturated By Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, Jordan Dunn
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Research indicates a pronounced discrepancy within American Christianity between self-professed Christians and individuals who embody a biblical worldview. Overwhelmingly, those who identify as Christians are not adhering to the teachings of the Scripture in their daily lives. The American church faces an imminent threat of Christians claiming to believe in Jesus even though their lives express the opposite. This chasm between profession and practice can be traced to an alternative gospel that has saturated the context of American Christianity: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD). MTD, under the guise of Christianity, promotes a false gospel that has led many believers astray regarding …
Sampling Methods And Sample Size In Church-Based Research,
2024
Azusa Pacific University
Sampling Methods And Sample Size In Church-Based Research, David R. Dunaetz
Great Commission Research Journal
An underlying assumption of most church-based research is that the sample from which the data is collected is representative of a wider collection of church members, church leaders, small groups, churches, denominations, or whatever is the focus of the study. To increase the likelihood that this assumption is met without making the research an impossible undertaking, various sampling strategies are used ranging from random sampling to convenience sampling, each with advantages and disadvantages. After a sampling strategy is chosen, an appropriate sample size should be pursued, depending on the nature of the study. The sample size of quantitative studies seeking …
The Top Ten Challenges Facing Pastors In 2024,
2024
National Association of Free Will Baptists
The Top Ten Challenges Facing Pastors In 2024, Edward E. Moody Jr.
Great Commission Research Journal
This article summarizes the results of a study conducted by the Great Commission Research Network seeking to identify the top challenges facing pastors in 2024. The results are similar to a study conducted last year examining concerns of churches (Moody, 2023). While both studies highlighted challenges related to evangelism and young adults, this study revealed additional, pastoral concerns.
Evangelism In The Usa: A Look Back And A Look Ahead,
2024
Biola University
Evangelism In The Usa: A Look Back And A Look Ahead, Gary L. Mcintosh
Great Commission Research Journal
Innovations in approaches, methods, and techniques for fruitful evangelism are a hallmark of the church in the United States. This article explores eleven evangelistic innovations observed in the last half of the twentieth century and offers seven insights for the future.
Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices,
2024
Asbury Seminary
Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon
Great Commission Research Journal
Asbury Theological Seminary conducted a research project exploring financial models beyond traditional church tithes and offerings. This qualitative study focused on financial viability and missional vibrancy. It involved surveys, interviews, a focus group, and site visits to churches using alternate financial models. Major findings revealed that six alternate financial models are presently used that increase missional impact, allowing churches to serve communities and engage in meaningful interactions. These models also provide churches financial viability and surprising missional benefits that include goodwill, partnerships, real estate development, job creation, and enhanced community engagement. Some precautions are also noted based on the experiences …
Church-Supported Esl Ministry In Canada: A Look At The Church’S Mission In Action,
2024
Trinity Western University
Church-Supported Esl Ministry In Canada: A Look At The Church’S Mission In Action, Gordon Moulden
Great Commission Research Journal
English is a dominant business, academic, and communicative language throughout the world. Immigrants and refugees coming to the West have a great need to learn the language but often do not have the funds or time to pursue studies full-time. Churches often offer English classes to minister to not only their language needs but also to their relational and spiritual needs. This mixed-methods survey and interview research investigates the state of church-supported English as a Second Language (ESL) programs across Canada following the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 50 teachers and program coordinators completed the survey, which revealed needs relating to training …
Review Of Organic Disciples: Seven Ways To Grow Spiritually And Naturally Share Jesus By Kevin And Sherry Harney,
2024
Liberty University
Review Of Organic Disciples: Seven Ways To Grow Spiritually And Naturally Share Jesus By Kevin And Sherry Harney, Jesse Ruby
Great Commission Research Journal
No abstract provided.
Frontmatter (Volume 44, Issue 3),
2024
Rosemont College
Frontmatter (Volume 44, Issue 3), Paul Mojzes
Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe
No abstract provided.
The Dynamics Of The Involvement Of The Georgian Orthodox Church In The Process Of European Integration: Perspectives, Transformations, And Challenges,
2024
Tbilisi State University
The Dynamics Of The Involvement Of The Georgian Orthodox Church In The Process Of European Integration: Perspectives, Transformations, And Challenges, Mariam Khakhutaishvili
Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe
This paper explores the role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in the European integration process, considering historical, cultural, and political factors. Despite Georgia's explicit foreign policy objective of integrating into the European Union, the Church's stance exhibits a blend of both support and ambivalence. As a key symbol of national identity, the Church raises concerns regarding potential conflicts between its traditional values and contemporary Western values. Given its status as the most influential social institution in the country, the Church's position significantly shapes political discourse. This paper presents a nuanced perspective on the Georgian Orthodox Church's involvement in Georgia's foreign …
The Mercy Seat: An Artistic Grammar For Substitutionary Atonement,
2024
Dordt University
The Mercy Seat: An Artistic Grammar For Substitutionary Atonement, Justin Bailey, David Westfall
Faculty Work Comprehensive List
The "mercy seat" identifies a well-known artistic tradition that renders the Trinity for the sake of liturgical contemplation. While there is diversity in depiction, the motif visualizes God the Father holding forth God the Son while God the Spirit hovers as a dove. This essay explores the "mercy seat" tradition as visual theology, one that offers an imaginative grammar for apprehending the complexity of Trinitarian agency present in substitutionary atonement, while also respecting the triune mystery. The mercy seat motif thus offers a case study for how visual art might guide theological reflection and Christian spirituality in general.
The Medicine Of Humility For Pastor Theologians,
2024
Dordt University
The Medicine Of Humility For Pastor Theologians, Justin Bailey
Faculty Work Comprehensive List
This essay explores the theme of humility in Augustine’s letters and sermons as an essential component of pastoral theology. The first section of the paper develops a working model of pastoral humility from Augustine’s example, before following philosopher Kent Dunnington in distinguishing Augustinian humility among other contemporary accounts. The final section draws on theologian Simeon Zahl’s concept of “affective salience” to articulate doctrinal prescriptions that may help cultivate Augustinian humility in the trenches of pastor-theologian life.
Editor's Introduction,
2024
College of the Holy Cross
Editor's Introduction, Marc R. Loustau Ph.D.
Journal of Global Catholicism
Introduction by Managing Editor Marc Roscoe Loustau to Towards an Economic Anthropology of Catholicism in the Age of Pope Francis
The Myths Of Plato: Socratic Kenosis And The Call Of Beauty,
2024
Southeastern University - Lakeland
The Myths Of Plato: Socratic Kenosis And The Call Of Beauty, Daniel Edward Shirley
Master of Arts in Classical Studies
The myths of Plato have been inordinately subordinated to the “intellect” of Plato since the eighteen-thirties. The ancient Christian tradition of interpreting stories and scriptures with symbolic understanding serves as a potentially primary hermeneutical pattern that could correct the modern tendency of subconscious materialism. To restore the Platonic myths, there are two foundational arguments to be made about the myths. The first is that these myths are kenotic in function. Observing the Socratic call to self-emptying, especially in the cosmological image of the World Axis, challenges modern assumptions concerning the second goodness of Platonic myth. The second argument is the …
The Crucifixion And Death Of Jesus In The Qur'an And Islamic Scholarship: The "Swoon Theory" And The Medical Perspective,
2024
Liberty University
The Crucifixion And Death Of Jesus In The Qur'an And Islamic Scholarship: The "Swoon Theory" And The Medical Perspective, Emmanuel K. Asante
Masters Theses
The crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ is a profound event that holds immense theological significance within Christianity. However, the Islamic perspective as presented in the Qur'an, offers a distinct portrayal of this event, giving rise to an argument known as the Swoon Theory. This theory suggests that Jesus did not die on the cross but instead survived the crucifixion, prompting various interpretations and implications. This thesis aims to explore the depiction of the crucifixion and death of Jesus in the Qur'an, focusing specifically on the swoon theory and its relationship with the medical perspective. By examining relevant Qur'anic verses …
The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence In Online Education For Recruitment, Retention, And Sustainability Of Religious Organizations,
2024
Liberty University
The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence In Online Education For Recruitment, Retention, And Sustainability Of Religious Organizations, Gordon Vaill Barrows
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This dissertation explored the applicability of AI chatbot technology in the context of a church environment where it was used to promote an accessible and engaging online learning platform for education and ministry training. The primary objective was to develop an AI-powered chatbot to increase recruitment, improve retention, as well as support organizational sustainability as it relates to church membership. The research includes a comprehensive literature review on AI chatbot technology and its relevance to online education within the context of a religious organization. The literature review establishes the fundamentals for a theoretical framework, exploring the association between educational technology, …
