Practical Theology Commons^™

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2012, Scott Hoezee, John Bolt, Carl Bosma, John Rottman

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

A Week at Calvin Theological Seminary
6 - The Ministry Theorem: Science for Ministry by Scott Hoezee
7 - Classic Reformed Theology: Still Serving the Church by John Bolt
8 - CTS: Serving Global Church Planting and Renewal by Carl Bosma
9 - Visiting, Learning and Serving in Angola Prison by John Rottman
10 - Preaching God’s Word in Classis Red Mesa by Jeff Weima
11 - International Conversation on the Gospel in Latin America by Mariano Avila
12 - Admissions Department Update by Matt Cooke
13 - A CTS Classroom in Your Own Context by Peter Choi
14 - …

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 47 No 1 - April 2012), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Articles: Revisiting the Psalm of Jonah by Amanda W. Benckhuysen - 5 / Calvin's Theological Appropriation of His Philosophical Sources: A Note on Natural Law and Institutes 2.2.2 2-23 by Charles D. Raith II - 32 / Vos and Berkhof on Union with Christ and Justification by J. V. Fesko - 50 / Groen van Prinsterer: Godfather of Bavinck and Kuyper by Harry Van Dyke - 72 / It's About Time: Opening Reformational Thought to the Eschaton by Nicholas Ansell - 98 / Reforming Public Theology: Two Kingdoms, or Two Cities? by James K. A. Smith - 122 / …

Impressions Of The Master, Ashley Meyer

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Practicing Paradise: Contemplative Awareness And Ecological Renewal, Douglas E. Christie

Theological Studies Faculty Works

What would it mean for Christians to take seriously the idea that we are called to practice paradise, to inhabit the world as if “everything is in fact paradise”? In the Christian contemplative tradition, one finds recurring attention to the notion that paradise is somehow knowable, graspable, and inhabitable in this present reality, and that this experience of paradise can be incorporated into a meaningful spiritual practice. This essay asks whether, in a moment of deepening ecological degradation, the contemplative practice of paradise might help us learn again how to imagine the world as whole, inhabit it with tenderness and …

An Examination Of Key Foundational Elements For Pastoral Identity As Found In The Life And Writings Of The Apostle Paul, Carl Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The challenges of pastoral ministry can be seen since New Testament times. Studies reveal that an alarming number of pastors leave the ministry each year. Those that remain in ministry often see their families in turmoil as a result of the hardships of ministry. The Apostle Paul's ministry challenges are detailed and described for today's pastor through the New Testament. Today's pastor can learn a great deal from Paul's example in regard to how to finish the race of ministry. Through an examination of Paul's writings, writings about Paul in the book of Acts, surveys with pastors, and a review …

Transformational Discipleship: A Model For Sermon-Based Small Groups For Life Transformation, Jon Harless

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In consideration of the Great Commission commanded by Jesus Christ, it is certain that the goal of every pastor is to present to the Lord transforming or maturing disciples of Jesus Christ. With this in mind, the purpose of this project is to research and champion the effectiveness of Transformational Discipleship by providing the biblical and theological merits of this discipleship process while also providing a more concrete understanding of the practical effectiveness of this method of discipleship for life transformation in the fulfilling of the Great Commission. This method of discipleship here described as "transformational" is when the pastor's …

Discipling Worship Leadership: Biblical And Theological Rationale For Discipling Worship Leaders, Byron Spradlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current worship literature reveals very little guidance to assist Protestant church leaders in training, discipling or mentoring congregational worship leadership. Therefore, this thesis project researched and presents a basic rationale for developing worship leadership discipling curricula strategically targeting the needs related to discipling and training artistic Christians who are called to worship leadership in the local church.

The Shepherd And The Steward, Stan Patterson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Crippling Problem The Church Faces Today, S. Joseph Kidder

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Aligning Mission Expectations And Practice In A Denominational Context, John Mehl

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

John L. Mehl. "Aligning Mission Expectations and Practice in a Denominational Context.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2012.

In an era when inexpensive travel and communication have flattened the world and made it possible for everyone to be involved in mission in foreign lands, denominations struggle to maintain a unified mission effort. This study included survey work of major stakeholders in the foreign mission effort of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, including partner church leadership from around the world, in an effort to identify points where mission efforts lacked alignment. The results showed that besides agreeing on mission tasks, stakeholders …

Martin Luther On Marriage And Family, Trevor O'Reggio

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Virtue Ethic For The Twenty-First Century Warrior: Teaching Natural Law Through The Declaration Of Independence And The Gettsyburg Address, Ryan Rupe

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

It is to those who do not believe in natural law that this project was targeted. The goal of my training was to get into the hearts of amoral men and women and, through the use of two valuable historical documents, help them to begin to synthesize these truths and, as a result, be better citizens. All five services have at least three core values that they want each of their members to know. While the emphasis may be a bit different with each branch they all share one: ethical integrity. They may label it as simply “integrity” or “honor,” …

Is The Church One Generation From Extinction?, Tracy Wood

180 Symposium Publications

As we grow older we find ourselves asking questions about the future of our church and its relevance to the lives of our children and grandchildren, especially if they have not embraced our beliefs. The Bible gives a definite generational prophecy concerning the “last days.” Older church leaders can create opportunities to engage and involve youth and young adults in areas of leadership to their generations. But that necessitates a mentoring and then a release with support for these new leaders. By trusting God’s Word, we will allow younger generations, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to see and do ministry …

Growing Up In Adventism: A Sharing Of Some Personal Concerns And Suggestions For Reaching Young People, Michael R. Swenson

180 Symposium Publications

In this paper I apply the revolving door model and some of the data from Valuegenesis 2 to my personal experiences and observations. I provide suggestions to reclaim Adventist young people in conversation with Malcolm Bull and Keith Lockhart’s work Seeking a Sanctuary, in which they explore the “Revolving Door” model of Adventist faith development and experience. I particularly emphasize the need to accept young people where they are instead of trying to correct their theological views before we develop relationships with them.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel, Rogelio Paquini

180 Symposium Publications

The Adventist church in North America faces the challenge of reaching the first and second generation of Hispanics simultaneously. Unfortunately, the needs of each generation are different. This reality poses a threat to the future of the Hispanic church. The intention of this chapter is to create awareness of the differences and to suggest practical solutions for the Hispanic church in North America.

Hispanic Americans In The North American Division, Ricardo Norton

180 Symposium Publications

The author reports descriptive data gathered through surveys collected by mail and when speaking to Hispanic groups around North America. In addition, personal interviews with those who have left the church provided additional data and insights. Hispanic Americans face a challenge with second and third generation Hispanic Americans due to the changes that take place as they assimilate into their new culture while their churches continue to attract new immigrants. Hispanic churches in North America tend to retain immigrants and lose their second and third generation young people. The data doesn’t indicate whether those who leave the Hispanic churches transition …

Christian Adventism Vs. Cultural Adventism: A First Generation Adventist’S Attempt To Raise Her Fourth Generation Children, J. Renee Miranda

180 Symposium Publications

Even the best Christian programming, education, and church activities are no substitute for an individual having a saving encounter with Christ, then being discipled and mentored by authentic Christian parents and authentic Christian church leaders. These parents and leaders must show repentance when wrong, process through the struggles of the Christian journey with young people (where appropriate), and love them unconditionally as they express their intrinsic joy in their relationship with Christ and impart truth and precepts to their children. This chapter will assemble information from several books, internet research, and individual interviews in order to establish what is generally …

If Religion = Restrictive, “I’M Leaving It!” “Well, I’M Changing It!” Say The Two Millennials: Welcome To The Second And Third Generation Rebels, Filip Milosavljevic

180 Symposium Publications

Second and third generation young adult Christians have rebelled against the church of their parents, against the status quo. Therefore, in a simple two-group understanding, they have either left the church altogether or have chosen to cope by personalizing their faith. In response to these two “rebellious” groups, older generations have either pulled in their reigns against apostasy of the latter group or have chosen to exclude the mavericks and forget those considered to be “weak” who have left the ranks. What do leaders do with the alarming statistics regarding those who have left, and what do they do with …

A Strategic Vision For Reaching U.S. Native Latinos In Chicago, Carmelo Mercado

180 Symposium Publications

Latino evangelism and church planting has traditionally focused on reaching first generation immigrant families from Spanish speaking countries. North American Division statistics demonstrate that the vast majority of Latino baptisms and membership are first generation Latinos. Yet the majority of Latinos in the U.S. are second and third generation, born in the United States. Generational differences make it clear that U.S. born Latinos cannot be reached with the same methods that are typically used with first generation Latinos. Through a partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist conferences in the Chicago area and the Lake Union we are proposing a strategy to …

What The Church Can And Must Do About Modern Culture, Bjorn Karlman, Milton Marquez

180 Symposium Publications

Dealing with modern culture can challenge the church. Second and third generation Adventists live in the midst of such a world. This article examines scripture to discover the foundation for how the church should relate to culture. It increases understanding by identifying the important elements of today’s culture. The conclusion shares practical principles to positively help the church deal with modern culture and the people who live in it.