Digital Commons Network^™

Welcome The Stranger? Recent History Of American Christianity And Refugee Policy, Brenda Edith Cuellar

Masters Theses

Immigration is a controversial and complex issue. The United States has a history of welcoming millions of immigrants and refugees. Recent political rhetoric surrounding immigration has been negative and associated with danger and terrorism. Religious leaders along with their congregations have a history of advocating on behalf of the marginalized as well as combating against a broken immigration system that leaves eleven million people undocumented. This research paper uses a case study to explore the Sanctuary movement, a religious and political campaign that provided shelter for thousands of Central American refugees fleeing war. Interviews with seven religious leaders in Arizona …

Discipleship Counseling: Developing Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Followers Of Jesus, James Albritton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will look at how professional or lay counseling can increase the effectiveness of making and maturing followers of Jesus. An effective strategy for disciple-making that targets the whole person will be established to help followers of Jesus overcome the emotional pain due to past sin and hurts which have left them ineffective and stagnant in their growth as disciples. Research will be conducted through articles, websites, and books dealing with the subject as well as a survey of at least 50 pastors to determine whether a clear process of disciple-making exists in their church and if any form …

Formulating An Intentional Curriculum For Spiritual Leadership Development At The West University Church Of Christ, Daniel A. Mcgraw

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the lack of a formal curriculum for spiritual leadership formation in the West University Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. While the West University Church of Christ has been blessed by strong congregational leaders in both the past and present, recent conversations revealed the need for a deeper connection to God and a better understanding of spiritual leadership on the part of the congregation’s leaders. The problem I identified was a lack of understanding about spiritual leadership in contrast to secular understandings of leadership and the lack of a formal curriculum to help address this problem.

This …

Establishing The M7 Dream Builder Pastoral Care Ministry: A Christ-Centered Spiritual Oasis For Women-By-Women With Dreams Deferred, Sylvia Medley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the long standing problems of Christ-Centered pastoral care in the local church is the need for a practical innovative pastoral care ministry for women whose dreams have been deferred that not only provides healing, hope, and encouragement, but also incorporates the discipling culture of the Great Commission. Based on Matthew 28:19-20, Proverbs 13:12, and supported by surveys, development of an M7 network will culminate in an annual women’s conference. The establishment of the women’s center will consist of a three-part program utilizing a methodology of pastoral care developed specifically for women-by-women. It will include: 1) radical Christ-Centered programs …

Facilitating A Change Of Mind About Father God Through Mentoring Of The Fatherless, Stephen Madosky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The consensus of published research has proven beyond question that fatherlessness is a crisis in America. Textbooks and autobiographies have covered and reported the statistical effects of fatherlessness; nonetheless, there is far less literature dealing with the solution of fatherlessness and even less literature from Church scholars on how the Church may participate in its correction. This thesis presents an understanding of fatherlessness and proposes a resolution to act on behalf of fatherless children. The resolution will be comprised in preparing Church leaders to equip Church laity to understand and to minister to the fatherless in their affliction effectively.

An Understanding Of The Biblical View On Homosexual Practice And Pastoral Care: Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary Position Paper, Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary

Books

The intent of this document is not to judge but to clearly set forth what Scripture teaches concerning homosexual practices and offer guidelines on how to interact with persons of same-sex orientation.

Six Key Concepts In Training Evangelical Lay Chaplain For Effective Local Hospital Ministry, Lisa Kanne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many professional hospital chaplaincy organizations have ethics statements that specifically prohibit paid chaplains from proselytizing, unless specifically requested by the patient. The intention of the dissertation is to train lay chaplains in what to communicate with the patients, family and friends. Restrictions will be imposed on lay volunteer chaplains by the hospital and the chaplaincy department dealing with proselytizing and other topics concerning religion. The presentation will introduce biblical principles regarding ministering to the sick and dying, providing comfort to those who are hurting, and fostering hope and who are grieving. Between the survey findings and the interview key concepts …

Pastors As Gatekeepers: Congregational Encounters With Mental Health And Substance Abuse Issues, Curtis J. Vanderwaal, Andrea Opei, Edwin I. Hernandez

Faculty Publications

The vocation of a pastor is to care for the spiritual needs of a congregation and community. However, as many clergy know well, pastoral care is multifaceted and complex. For example, one of the hats that pastors frequently wear is that of pastoral counselor. Although pastors have traditionally offered support and pastoral care to congregants, they are beginning to spend more hours counseling both congregants and community members. One study indicated that pastors were spending time in pastoral counseling equivalent to that of marriage and family therapists in private practice.1 The same study showed that pastors are encountering persons and …

The Deserving Poor: The Reimagining Of Poverty In Reformation Theology And Poor Relief, Jared Thomley

Departmental Honors Projects

The Reformation is one of the most studied periods an history, with a rich historiography and body of theological literature; however, historians and scholars of religion alike have yet to fully capture the imaginative redefining of poverty that occurred during this time. The objective of the study is to do just that. Following the model set by church historian Peter Matheson, who is keen to portray the reformation in a new light – as a shift in peoples’ consciousness, rather than in terms of dogmatic changes – this study has endeavored to re-investigate the changing definition of poverty in the …

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 49 No 2 - November 2014), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Articles: Christian Social Ethics as a Form of Missionary Ecclesiology: A Case Study of the Dutch Reformed Experience by Gerard C. den Hertog - 174 / The Estimation of the World: A Comparison Between Calvin and Van Ruler by Willem van Vlastuin - 186 / Simon Goulart (1543-1628) and the Consolation of Troubled Souls by Scott M. Manetsch - 201 / Good News for the Poor: An Analysis of Calvin's Concept of Poor Relief and the Diaconate in Light of His Two Kingdoms Paradigm by Matthew J. Tuininga - 221 / The Impact of a Gap in Existence on …

Envisioning Queer Culture: Toward A Theological Framework For Reimagining Sexuality And Sexual Orientation, Danielle Dempsey

LMU Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I argue that the both the Church and the Queer Community will benefit from a reexamination of Church teachings on sexuality. I argue that Church’s current position on sexuality does not uphold its own teaching on the importance human dignity, because a sexual ethic that opposes homosexuality contributes to the marginalization of members of the Queer Community. I then argue that Michael Lawler’s and Todd Salzman’s The Sexual Person: Toward a Renewed Catholic Anthropology provides a revisionist theory on sexual ethics that is inclusive of same-sex couples while also paying deference to the fundamental elements of the …

The Call To Love: A Catholic’S Guide To New Understandings Of Homosexual Inclusivity, Eddie-Joe Vieyra

LMU Theses and Dissertations

The issue of homosexual inclusivity within the Catholic Church has been and continues to be at the center of much debate. This thesis analyzes the issue by engaging the document ,“The Pastoral Care of the Homosexual Person” written by Joseph Ratzinger. New exegetical interpretations of both Old and New Testament texts are placed in dialogue with interpretations utilized by Ratzinger in his letter. These interpretations serve to provide an alternative and liberating reading of seminal texts that have been used to oppress and exclude the Queer community from the Catholic Church. Queer theology is then used to draw connections between …

Biblical Environmental Protection: Seven Keys For Christian Leaders, Rejoice Muwadzuri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project examines Christian environmentalism and espouses the need for the principles of environmental stewardship to be fanned into flame among Christians through the ministry and influence of Christian leaders. It has become apparent that America and the rest of the world face an environmental crisis as is reflected by climate change, high air and water pollution, land and habitat degradation, depletion of forests and issues of waste management. However, this reality has not been matched by a corresponding level of practical action and activism to protect and restore the environment in Christian circles. This thesis project will provide …

Elder Selection: Engaging The Monterey Church Of Christ In A Collaborative Elder Selection Process, Benjamin D. Pickett

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents the outcomes of a project intended to foster greater collaboration at the Monterey Church of Christ in its selection of elders. The intervention involved the engagement of the Monterey Church in a process that involved multiple steps. These steps involved engagement with teachers in the context of a teacher training seminar, with Bible classes in a series of Bible lessons, and with elders, elder nominees, and their spouses in order to discern the perceived degree to which Monterey members participate in the elder selection process. The Bible lessons presented an alternative model for theological …

The Ten Commandments 2.0, Adam J. Copeland

Faculty Publications

Since the Ten Commandments still enjoy a primary place in both church teaching and cultural debate, it will be both helpful and faithful to interpret them anew in the light of our new media and new technologies. Adam Copeland does just that in this article.

Papers Of Orville Walters Arc1990-001 - Finding Aid, Orville Walters

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

2012 - 106th Annual Summit, "Intimacy", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christian University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

No abstract provided.

Implementing A Discernment Phase For Those Nominated In The Shepherd Selection Process At The Cinco Ranch Church Of Christ, Aaron Walling

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents the results of a project that implemented a discernment phase for those nominated in the shepherd selection process at the Cinco Ranch Church of Christ. Occurring in the fall of 2010, this project involved nominees in a series of six one-hour, thirty-minute sessions designed to establish the theological foundations for shepherding and to explore its practical expression at Cinco Ranch. For the theological component, this project primarily utilized Ephesians 4:11-16, and for the practical side, it incorporated group interactions with those serving as shepherds along with the review of guiding leadership documents. The project‟s …

Episcopal Applicants To Ordained Ministry: Are They Psychological Healthy?, Thomas G. Plante, Christopher Apodaca

Psychology

The current investigation evaluated psychological and personality profiles of applicants to the diaconate and priesthood for several Episcopal dioceses. Applicants included both genders and their ages ranged from 29 to 67 years. A psychological testing battery including the MMPI-2, 16PF, and MCMI-III was administered to 42 applicants between 2008 and 2009 who subsequently entered the diaconate or priestly formation program in the Episcopal Church. Results indicate that these applicants were generally well-adjusted. Findings also suggest some tendency for defensiveness, repression, naïveté, and a strong need for affection, as well as for being emotionally stable, intelligent, trusting, and open to change. …

Forgetful But Not Forgotten: Parish Pastoral Care Of Dementia Sufferers, Annette Kestel Pbvm

Obsculta

No abstract provided.

The Ethics Of Driving, Amy E. Marga

Faculty Publications

The concept of “neighbor” takes on entirely new meanings in our mobile society. Who becomes my neighbor when I am behind the wheel? What is the consequence of my driving to my neighbors around the globe? What about the impact on our nonhuman “neighbors”? The ethics of driving has many dimensions for the Christian person of goodwill.

Integrating Spirituality And Psychotherapy: Ethical Issues And Principles To Consider, Thomas G. Plante

Psychology

Professional and scientific psychology appears to have rediscovered spirituality and religion during recent years, with a large number of conferences, seminars, workshops, books, and special issues in major professional journals on spirituality and psychology integration. The purpose of this commentary is to highlight some of the more compelling ethical principles and issues to consider in spirituality and psychology integration with a focus on psychotherapy. This commentary will use the American Psychological Association's (2002) Ethics Code and more specifically, the RRICC model of ethics that readily applies to various mental health ethics codes across the world. The RRICC model highlights the …

Blessing And Sending The Church Into The World For The Sake Of The World, Using Congregational Blessings As A Missional Enterprise, Michael Harbour

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This thesis project equipped the elders to function as a community of men called and authorized by God to bless and send his people into the world for the sake of the world. They were equipped through seven sessions of theological reflection on Scripture and reflection on narratives of those who have offered pastoral blessings. The sessions also included an examination of templates and the opportunity to practice writing and speaking blessings. The elders have been speaking a shepherd’s blessing as the last liturgical act of the Sunday assembly. In this project, missional and textual focus was given to the …

A Process Of Restoration For Clergy Guilty Of Sexual Misconduct, Carol Hutchinson

Faculty Publications - George Fox Digital

Sexual misconduct on the part of clergy is not a new phenomenon. Nevertheless the Church in general lacks a concept of restoration that provides spiritual and emotional healing of an offender within the context of the redemptive community of faith. This dissertation is intended to demonstrate how Scripture, church history, theology and psychology support restoration of fallen clergy. The dissertation will go on then to describe what a process of restoration would include.

The dissertation begins and ends with case studies. Both cases deal with actual events though names and some details have been changed. The first case demonstrates some …

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 38 No 2 - November 2003), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Articles: Three Dutch Reformed Theologians: Missions According to Scripture by Abraham Kuyper, translated by Pieter Tuit - 237 / “Something That Must Remain, If the Truth Is to Be Sweet and Precious to Us”: The Reformed Spirituality of Herman Bavinck by George Harinck - 248 / Grand Rapids between Kampen and Amsterdam: Herman Bavinck’s Reception and Influence in North America by John Bolt - 263 / Klaas Schilder as Public Theologian by Richard J. Mouw - 281 / Calvin Bibliography: 2003 - 299 / Scholia et Homiletica: Notes and Comments for the Minister: Word and Sacrament on …

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 37 No 2 - November 2002), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Editorial Notes - 207 / Articles: Infants, Nursing Mother, and Father: Paul's Portrayal of a Pastor by Jeffrey A. D. Weima - 209 / Taking Up the Cross and Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Marvin Meyer - 230 / Covenant and Pentecost by James C. Vanderkam - 239 / Alleged Rationalism: Francis Turretin on Reason by Sebastian Rehnman - 255 / Reflecting Theologically on Popular Culture as Meaningful: The Role of Sin, Grace, and General Revelation by Theodore A. Turnau, III - 270 / Calvin Bibliography: 2002 by Paul Fields - 297 / Scholia et …

Toward An Ethical School, Stephan Millett

Center for the Study of Ethics in Society Papers

Paper presented for the Center of the Study of Ethics in Society Western Michigan University, January 22, 2002.

The Power To Bless: James 3:1-12 (A Sermon), R. Wayne Stacy

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (1973-2015)

No abstract provided.

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 30 No 2 - November 1995), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Editorial by John Bolt - 343 / Calvin and the "Calvinists": Assessing Continuities and Discontinuities between the Reformation and Orthodoxy by Richard A. Muller - 345 / The Use of Philosophy in the Theology of Johannes Maccovius (1578–1644) by Martin I. Klauber - 376 / "Heaven Is a World of Love": Edwards on Heaven and the Trinity by Amy Plantinga Pauw - 392 / Doctrinal Development in Scripture and Tradition: A Reformed Assessment of the Church's Theological Task by Mark W. Karlberg - 401 / Calvin Bibliography: 1995 by Peter De Klerk - 419 / Scholia: Is Homosexuality a …

The Nature And Authority Of Scripture : Historical Sources And Theological Engagement For Congregational Awareness And Reflection, Carson Reed

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

For many Christians, biblical authority is rooted in the concept of inerrancy or in the historical veracity. But within a increasingly post-modern culture, the church faces a crisis in both of these foundations. The modern presuppositions that undergird the inerrancy doctrine and the historical-critical method are showing distinct cracks in the once seamless confidence placed in both approaches. Additionally, for Churches of Christ, understandings about the nature and authority of Scripture area just below the surface of a number of issues confronting congregations. This project/thesis seeks to address this growing dilemma within the context of the Westlake Church of Christ …