Christianity Commons^™

An Ancient And Future Model Of Ecclesial Ministry: Exploring Insights From African Ecclesiology For A Revitalized Understanding Of The Catechist In The Amecea Region, Fortunatus Mugisha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ministry of the catechist has historically been an enduring and transformative ministry in the life of the Church in Africa, particularly in the AMECEA region. Within the AMECEA region (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa), catechists have ministered not merely as transmitters of the faith but as the “unsung heroes and heroines” and vital agents of evangelization, pastoral care, and community leadership serving as the local face of the Church. This dissertation, relying on the insights from African ecclesiologies, proposes a renewed theological and pastoral understanding of the catechist as an ancient and future model of ecclesial …

Developing Christian Artists: The Live Music Sphere, Camille Crites

Student Scholar Symposium

Christian/Gospel music was the fourth-fastest growing music genre in 2024, and many artists are seeking to enter the Christian music industry. This research seeks to examine the exploration of live music opportunities for Christian music artists in the developing stages of their careers. Every musical artist’s career consists of about five sectors: Songwriting/Publishing, Recording/Releasing Music, Live Music, Merch, and Sync (Film/TV). While parts like Songwriting and Recording are very accessible for new Christian artists, it can be challenging to know how to best approach the Live Music sector, one of the major sources of income for any performing artist. There …

Divinely Woven, Lily Robinette

Student Scholar Symposium

The relationship between science and faith has often been viewed as contradictory, with individuals typically aligning with one perspective or the other. However, a deeper examination reveals that these two ideologies are not independent but are interconnected parts of the greater tapestry of life. This paper takes the audience on a journey through the thought process of a chemistry student of the spiritual and physical being affirming of each other rather than competing ideas. It delves into the concept of complex interactions of atoms and the purposeful design of life that suggest that the universe is not a product of …

Exploring Mental Health And Spirituality, Eden Lathem, Olivia Blakey

Student Scholar Symposium

This proposed literature review aims to explore the current literature regarding the relationship between the presence or absence of a supportive Christian religious community and its impact on the mental health of individuals with mental health disorders. Many mental health professionals now view mental illness from a biopsychosocial model, but the field still lacks a common ground on the role of spirituality for individuals experiencing mental health issues. The current research has hypothesized that the presence of a supportive religious community may have a significant effect on the mental health outcomes of individuals with mental health issues. The findings are …

The Augustinian And Cappadocian Anthropological Divide, Samuel Marshall

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Byzantine Theories Of Scale And Arab-Byzantine Chant Practices: A Comparative Analysis Proposing A New Resolution To The Theoretical System Of Chrysanthos Of Madytos, Rosy Azar

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

In 2015, Amine Beyhom published a book on Byzantine chant, in which he summarised all the existing theories, paying particular attention to the problematic reform of the Byzantine chant theory in 1881, and guiding the reader through the steps that led to that reform. Driven by the first ever comparison between Byzantine and Arabic modes that he had found in Mīkhāʾīl Mashāqa’s epistle, Beyhom first studied Chrysanthos of Madytos’ insight. He documented this research in detail and followed it with a practical comparison to demonstrate if theory is indeed applied or it acts only as prescriptive guide. He recorded and …

Review Of A Visible Unity: Cecil Robeck And The Work Of Ecumenism. By Josiah Baker., Michael A. Donaldson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A Visible Unity: Cecil Robeck and the Work of Ecumenism. By Josiah Baker. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2024. xii + 265 pp.

Review Of Martyrs, Monks And Mystics. By Michael J. Mcclymond., Eric N. Newberg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Martyrs, Monks, and Mystics: An Introduction to Christian Spirituality. By Michael J. McClymond. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2023. xi + 396 pp.

Review Of Becoming A Missionary Church: Lesslie Newbigin And Contemporary Church Movements. By Michael W. Goheen And Timothy M. Sheridan., S. Slade Hogan

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of Becoming a Missionary Church: Lesslie Newbigin and Contemporary Church Movements. By Michael W. Goheen and Timothy M. Sheridan.

Review Of Puzzles, Parables, & Paradox: Understanding The Mysteries Of God’S Kingdom. By Randall Feller, Cletus L. Hull Iii

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of Puzzles, Parables, & Paradox: Understanding the Mysteries of God’s Kingdom. By Randall D. Feller. Tulsa, OK: Randall D Feller, 2022, 214 pp.

Types, Shadows, And Spiritual Experience: Theological Interpretation As A Pentecostal Approach To Song Of Solomon, Audrey E. Mccormick

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

An allegorical interpretation of the Song of Solomon has been central in Pentecostal spirituality. This approach was unique for its time as it demonstrated a break from modernity, which prized historical-grammatical biblical interpretive methods. This essay argues that, knowingly or not, early Pentecostal engagement with the Song of Solomon exhibited affinities with ancient practices of biblical interpretation known as theological interpretation. Additionally, it reveals theological interpretation to be a key for understanding early Pentecostalism and guiding the ongoing developments of a uniquely Pentecostal hermeneutic.

An Unfolding Vision Of Transformation: A Comparison Of The S/Spirit Motif In Romans 8 And Jubilees 1:19-26, Lemuel J. Godinez

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This study compares the role of the s/Spirit motif in Paul’s writing and that of a Second Temple Jewish theologian’s. The books of Romans and Jubilees, respectively, appear to develop their language of renewal within a developing trajectory motifs in the Hebrew Scriptures, including “heart circumcision,” “new covenant,” and “the s/Spirit.” One would be hard-pressed to prove intertextuality between Romans and Jubilees (which this study does not claim). Yet, the renewal description in Romans 8 is evocatively similar to Jubilees 1:19–26. Paul may therefore have developed his portrayal and narration of the Spirit in the vein of Second Temple thought. …

Hope, Liberation, And The Search For Shalom: Embracing A Spirit-Led Mission As The Cornerstone Of Hispanic Pentecostal Missiology, Misael Cornelio-Arias

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This study examines the critical missiological contributions of three influential Hispanic Pentecostal theologians: Eldin Villafañe, Samuel Solivan, and Sammy Alfaro. It also explores the work of two additional notable figures, Darío López and Bernardo Campos, whose impact extends beyond traditional missiology into practical faith application. Each of these individuals has uniquely fused his distinct cultural contexts and biblical understanding with the broader mission of the Hispanic Pentecostal faith, guided by the Holy Spirit. Their work has significantly shaped and expanded the landscape of Hispanic Pentecostal missiology, demonstrating a truly contextual approach to understanding and engaging in the kingdom’s mission. Through …

Lacunas In Spirit-Empowered Leadership, Eric N. Newberg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article addresses three issues that are lacunas not adequately addressed in the domain of Spirit-empowered leadership. These three lacunas of pressing concern in Spirit-empowered leadership are (1) spiritual formation, (2) moral integrity, and (3) power distance. These lacunas impinge directly on the viability and sustainability of Spirit-empowered leadership. If we conceive leadership as a gift given and sustained by the Holy Spirit, it follows that it is endowed and empowered by the Spirit, rather than acquired by human effort and skill. However, those who are entrusted with stewarding the process of developing leaders must at times hold accountable those …

Guest Editorial, Wonsuk Ma, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Editorial for Spiritus 10, nos. 1-2

Front Matter Spiritus 10, Nos. 1-2 (2025), Spiritus Oru Journal Of Theology

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue Spiritus 10, Nos. 1-2 (2025), Spiritus Oru Journal Of Theology

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Full issue of Spiritus 10, nos. 1-2 (2025) guest edited by Wonsuk Ma and Daniel D. Isgrigg.

Authentic Relationships Among The Body Of Christ: Naming The Obstacles That Hinder Authentic Relationships And Expressing A Gospel-Centered Path Toward Overcoming Them, Luke J. Anderson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Anderson, Luke J. “Authentic Relationships among the Body of Christ: Naming the Obstacles that Hinder Authentic Relationships and Expressing a Gospel-centered Path toward Overcoming Them.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2025. 157 pp.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin, recently underwent a vision process in which they proposed five values to define their congregational living. One of these values is authentic relationships. Those who crafted this vision, as well as the entire body who adopted it, recognized this value as primarily aspirational in nature. While some relational connectedness existed, all sought to better define this value …

The Impact Of Nextgen Ministries On Long-Term Engagement: Recruiting And Retaining Young Adults In The Church, Antonio Anshawn Taste

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explored the decline in young adult engagement within the church community, which presents a significant challenge for faith-based religious communities. This dissertation examines the causes of disengagement and proposes the development of a Next Generations (NG) Engagement Framework. The framework includes digital platforms, diverse experiential worship, small group interaction, and mentorship programs to address young adults' spiritual, social, and cultural needs. From the integration of high schools in the city of Lexington, KY, local, State, and Federal agencies assisting in grants, and other formative organizations to support teen pregnancies, to organizations that help with rehabilitation from drugs and …

Christian Leadership In The Information Age: Has Unlimited Access To Information Influenced Truth, Robert J. Houk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to understand and explore what influences and effects, if any, may be identified as church leaders interact with congregants that have been exposed to a wide array of information in pursuit of truth obtained from various sources. At this stage in the research, the Information Age is being examined to determine if it has had any influence on the pursuit of truth as people seek answers to life's fundamental questions. Previous research had identified growing changes within young people’s beliefs as they sought higher education thus leading to a decline in enrollment …