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The Role Of Human Emotion In Christian Discipleship, Alex Bryan

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation asks and attempts to answer the following question: What role does human emotion play in the problem of contemporary Christian discipleship and how might emotion play a provisional and productive role in its success ? The argument of this project, in response to the above question, is that recognition and recreation of human emotions is essential in corifronting the challenges of contemporary Christian discipleship. Just as the rational (left brain) component of human beings is complicit both in the spiritual pathology and redemptive potential of mankind, so to is the emotive (right brain) mind a responsible party in …

It Takes A Missional Order To Raise A Leader: "Order-Ing" Leadership Communities For Life Transformation And Missional Impact, Daniel L. Steigerwald

Doctor of Ministry

The times in which we live in the West grow more complex from year to year. This presents a problem, as church and para-church leaders find themselves increasingly less prepared to meet the demands of "missional leadership," that is, leadership that exemplifies and passes on the passion, practices and perspectives conducive to fostering growth in God and fruitful missionary engagement with his world.

In chapter one I identify this problem both from the vantage point of my own leadership journey and also from that of Christian leaders in general. I then propose my thesis: Amid the complexities, distractions and pressures …

Reading The Bible After Darwin, Mark A. Throntveit, Alan G. Padgett

Faculty Publications

The historical and scientific accuracy of the biblical witness has become increasingly difficult to maintain in light of the Darwinian revolution. A positive result has been a return to a proper theological reading of Scripture, not as our primary source of technical information but of insight into God’s means of dealing with us and God’s creation.

What The Korean Presbyterian Church Can Learn From Contemporary Debates About Infant Communion Among Reformed Christians In North America., Hwa Rang Moon

CTS Master of Theology (ThM) Theses

Can children participate in the Lord’s Supper? This practice was prohibited at the fourth Lateran Council; however, at the end of the 20th century, among Reformed churches in North America and some Europe Churches, debated the validity of infant communion or children’s communion. Is, then, infant communion or children’s communion biblical? What was the practice of the early New Testament church? Can infants or children have faith and enough cognitive ability to discern the body of Christ? Many biblical scholars, systematic theologians, church historians and local church pastors participate in this debate. Both the Christian Reformed Church and Reformed Church …

Bible Theory Or Biblical Living: What Are Christian Schools Providing For Families With Children With Special Needs?, A.Y. "Fred" Ramirez Ph.D.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Private Christian elementary and secondary schools, along with Bible training and Bible exercises, have been a part of the United States and international community since the 1800s. This article examines these questions: (1) What Biblically-based principles are in evidence in Christian schools’ treatment of children with special needs; and (2) how do Christian schools work with the parents of these children. Results from the Christian schools that participated in this study indicate although that they were attending to their children with special needs, these schools may actually be missing many more students who are in need of services.

Ordination Training For Bi-Vocational Clergy In The United Cornerstone Churches International, Inc. Of Thomasville, North Carolina, George Bernard Jackson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

In many rural communities there exists a stereotype about clergy education perpetuated since slavery. This project offered bi-vocational clergy opportunities to be equipped, empowered and certified for servant leadership. Data captured from 2006 through 2008 was taken from the 25 ordinands. Questions that guided this study were grouped into two sets: examination by quantitative measurements through the passing of a catechism; and by qualitative measurements from personal and telephone interviews. The results of the research revealed a discrepancy in the ordination process where prerequisites and retention studies must play a greater role for future ordinands.

A Bibliographical Guide For United Methodist Doctrinal Examination Questions, Benjamin Hartley

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

No abstract provided.

Grace In Paul's Letter To Titus In Light Of Greco-Roman Patronage, Jeffrey R. Syverson

Doctor of Ministry

This thesis argues that patronage is a crucial and not yet sufficiently utilized interpretive lens to understanding xcxpK (grace) in Paul's letter to Titus. It introduces patronage in the Greco-Roman world and surveys definitions and characteristics. It offers descriptions of the roles of clients and patrons. It discusses different forms of patronage: personal patronage, friendship, public benefaction, literary patronage, divine patronage, political patronage and brokerage. It also considers the relationship of patronage and benefaction. A major focus is a consideration of the usage of grace (xapic.:) in patronage looking to inscriptions, letters, and literature from the era. The influence on …

Strategies And Themes Of Luke, Center For Catholic Studies, Seton Hall University

Center for Catholic Studies Faculty Seminars and Core Curriculum Seminars

No abstract provided.

Sacred Flow: Discovering Life In God's Rhythm, Arthur T. Sposaro

Doctor of Ministry

Today's Christian spirituality largely neglects or misappropriates the believer's mutual indwelling with Christ, thus leading to a legalistic spirituality. This project employs a phenomenon commonly known as flow or peak-experience, as described in psychological research and illustrated in particularly in sport, to reorient Christianity. Flow is a harmonious state of consciousness and experience in which one becomes totally absorbed in what one is doing, and where the mind and body are working together effortlessly. When integrated with Christianity, flow's nature, elements, and effects inform and inspire a faith of full engagement and graceful rhythm. This project engages decades of cross-cultural …

Religious Justification For The Practice Of Ecclesiastical Sanctuary, David H. Michels, David Blaikie

Articles, Book Chapters, & Popular Press

Stories about Canadian Christian churches engaging in civil disobedience by offering sanctuary to refugee claimants have been much in the news the past several years. Typical is the case of Ms. Sanja Pecelji who fled to St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Halifax to avoid a deportation order back to Serbia-Montenegro. The church minister, Rev. Susan Moxley, stated that Ms. Pecelji and her supporters in the church community were determined that she would reside in the church until the government reviewed her application for refugee status. “The tradition of providing sanctuary to those in need is a long-standing one for the …

Korean Immigrants And Their Mission : Exploring The Missional Identity Of Korean Immigrant Churches In North America, Sinyil Kim

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Prophet, Priest, And King : The Impact Of A Pastoral Theology Course On The Practice Of Pentecostal Pastors In The Philippines, Albert C. Clavo

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Transformation Into Mission : A Case Study Of Forest Park United Methodist Church, Derek Edward Russell

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Jesus And The Breath Of Life: An Exegesis Of John 20:22 In Historical And Modern Interpretation An Obscure And Mysterious Text, Douglas W. Balzer

Seminary Masters Theses

John 20:22 is an obscure and mysterious text where Jesus is represented as breathing upon his disciples in a manner that appears to resemble the insufflation of humanity by God, or the breathing of the "breath of life" in Adam's nostrils in Genesis 2:7. Through an exegetical study of Johannine text and the Greek term έμφυσάω in relationship with the LXX, Apocrypha and Qumran Scrolls, a direct correlation is established between the theology of John and the theology in the LXX. The relevant historical, Nicene and post-Nicene Fathers, and modem interpretations are examined in order to discover what crucial issues …

"Pilgrimage Into Pentecost: The Pneumatological Legacy Of Howard M. Ervin", Daniel D. Isgrigg

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Research and Scholarship

Howard M. Ervin, a Baptist and Pentecostal scholar, paved the way for other scholars to defend the Pentecostal faith in the academic world. During the last half of the twentieth century, charismatics, evangelicals and Pentecostals scholars have debated the nature and function of Spirit baptism. This paper explores the life and legacy of Dr. Howard Ervin and his impact on the Pentecostal-charismatic community.

Highlights Of Qrt #S 39-71 (1974-1989; Palmer & Freiday, Eds.), T. Vail Palmer Jr.

Quaker Religious Thought

No abstract provided.

Relational Atonement: Covenant Renewal As A Wesleyan Integrating Motif, R. Larry Shelton

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

No abstract provided.

65th Annual Pepperdine Bible Lectureship -- The Upside-Down Kingdom: Living The Sermon On The Mount (2008), Jerry Rushford

Pepperdine Bible Lectures: Programs

Program booklet for the 65th Annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures, held at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, April 29 - May 2, 2008. The Pepperdine Bible Lectures is an annual event hosted by Pepperdine University featuring a wide variety of lectures and classes on topics and themes in the Bible and Christianity.

Jerry Rushford, Lectureship Director

Rick Gibson, Tami Williamson, and Kym Dildine, Lectures Team

Paul And Asceticism In 1 Corinthians 9:27a, Kent L. Yinger

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

Amidst the resurgence of interest in Paul and asceticism relatively little focus has been put upon one Pauline text with seemingly obvious ascetic potential: “I beat my body” (1 Corinthians 9:27a). After a brief introduction to the discussion of asceticism and an ascetic Paul, this article will survey the Wirkungsgeschichte of this text, especially in the patristic era, engage in exegesis of 1 Corinthians 9:27a, and draw conclusions as to the relevance of the text for discussion of Pauline asceticism.

A More True ‘Domestic And Foreign Missionary Society’: Toward A Missional Polity For The Episcopal Church., Dwight J. Zscheile

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Emmanuel "God With Us" In Suffering, E. Douglas William Jr.

Doctor of Ministry

This paper proposes a response the following question: What is the best approach for ministers to use in ministry to the suffering? The paper examines the question in light of culture in the United States in the twenty-first century. Many people face a crisis in their faith due to a misconception that God allows suffering to happen to good people. Three covenantal theories: limited retribution, telic vindication, and theocentric consolation, appear throughout the Old and New Testaments and in the history of the Church. This paper proposes theocentric consolation as the proper paradigm for ministry to those who suffer. Chapter …

Considerations, Spring/Summer 2008, Center For Christian-Jewish Understanding

Mission & Culture Publications

CCJU welcomes Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks gives 15th Anniversary CCJU Lecture.

Book Review: Robert W. Pazmiño. Foundational Issues In Christian Education, David W. Robinson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

I remember quite well my earliest exemplar in Christian education, Dr. John Blanchard, commenting that the primary challenge facing the Christian teacher was to help our students develop critical thinking without creating a corrosively cynical or skeptical mindset. “All truth is God’s truth,” he would say, quoting Frank Gaebelein, so that we could be boldly confident in our teaching, while still remaining faithful shepherds of our students and of the Lord’s word. But how does one go …

The Trajectory Of The "Warrior Messiah" Motif In Scripture And Intertestamental Writings, Sook-Young Kim

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the continuity/discontinuity between the Testaments with the Warrior Messiah motif as a test. The intertestamental writings (IW) were also included with their interpretive role to assess the continuity. The approach of "canonical biblical theology" was adopted as the methodology.

The findings of chapter 2 on the OT show: the core messianic ideas already existed from the beginning, rather than gradual developments; earlier biblical material forms the background of the later ones, and not the surrounding ANE texts; the nature of the warfare is universal and cosmic; the divine Warrior fights the antagonistic …

Defining Legalism, Kent Yinger

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

"No one wants to be labeled a legalist. It is resoundingly negative and is used in polemics solely of others, never of oneself. The accused, of course, reject the label. To give just one example from many, Seventh-day Adventists are often said to be extreme legalists, because of their views of the Sabbath, dietary regulations, advocacy of tithing, and prohibition of drinking and smoking. Denying that they are legalistic, they insist that out of thankfulness to Christ, by whose grace they have been saved through faith, they obey his will as the Scriptures reveal it.3 Further instances of this strongly …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2007, Cornelius Plantinga Jr., Scott Hoezee, David Holwerda, Anne Zaki

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on the Work of the Holy Spirit
3 - The Secret Agent by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
5 - The Work of the Holy Spirit A Faculty Discussion
9 - Bright Wings: The Ever-Moving Spirit by Scott E. Hoezee
11 - The Neo-Pentecostal Movement Encounters the Third Wave by David E. Holwerda
13 - It’s Not Even My Fight! by Anne Zaki

Departments
14 - Making Connections
15 - News

Wealth And Discipleship In Affluent America, Jeffrey T. Lincicome

Doctor of Ministry

The question addressed by this dissertation may be stated as follows: How do wealth and affluence affect individual and communal Christian discipleship? In response, we propose that while wealth and affluence provide some discipleship opportunities, there are many more dangers and risks to Christian discipleship connected to wealth and affluence. To be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of affluence, people must be aware of its dangers, and have a church home committed to wrestling with the challenges together. In Chapter 1, the ministry challenge is described through the narrative account of church members and a description of …

Christian Perspective On Intercultural Communication, Emmanuel Ayee

Pro Rege

This paper is a revision of a four-year paper presented by Dr. Ayee to the Faculty Status Committee at Dordt College.

A Contemplative Youth Ministry Retreat Model, Russell H. Freeman

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.