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Transitioning A Traditional African American Baptist Church In A Postmodern World, Dante Wright

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will examine how one church, Sweet Home - The Pinnacle of Praise, rose to the challenge of transitioning from being a traditional black Baptist church to a church equipped to meet the needs of a diverse yet crumbling American culture. The rationale for selecting this topic was the observance that in the 21st century, many black Baptist churches are, to some degree, failing to meet the needs of a fast growing post-modern culture. The potential value of this topic can be seen as a testimony that transformation is possible, practical and it positions the church for success in …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2014, Arie C. Leder, Michael J. Williams, John M. Rottman, Carl J. Bosma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Old Testament: God’s Word for Today

Articles
3 - Reading the Bible Backwards by Arie C. Leder
5 - Christ in the Old Testament by Michael J. Williams
8 - Preaching Old Testament Texts by John M. Rottman
10 - Forgiveness—A Key to Happiness by Carl J. Bosma
12 - The Old Testament as a Resource for Christian Discipleship Amanda W. Benckhuysen
15 - Teaching the Language of the Old Testament by Michael J. Williams

Called to Serve
18 - Retirement Tributes by Bruce Buursma
21 - Distinguished Alumni Awards

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 49 No 1 -April 2014), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

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Articles: Rediscovering Van Raalte's Church History: Historical Consciousness at the Birth of Dutch American Religion by Michael J. Douma - 5 / Revelation, Faith, and Tradition: Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue by Eduardo Echeverria - 25 / Becoming Who We Are Supposed to Be: An Evaluation of Schneider's Use of Christian Theology in Conversation with Recent Genetic Science by Andrew M. McCoy - 63 / Faith, Reason, and the Trinity in Richard Baxter's Theology: Incipient Rationalism or Scholastic Fides Quaerens Intellectum? by Simon Burton - 85 / Obscurity …

An Expositional Study Of The Letter To The Philippians With Specific Application To Christian Women Serving Vocationally Or Voluntarily In Local Church Ministry, Tammy Gutierrez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis will reference the exposition, research, cultural background, and exegesis of over fifty Bible Commentaries, Bible Dictionaries, New Testament Greek word study texts, and additional writings on the Letter to the Philippians making specific application to Christian women serving vocationally or voluntarily in local church ministry. Currently, there is no resource providing both a synthesis of the writings of leading commentaries along with specific practical application for the vocational or volunteer Christian women in ministry regarding every unit of thought within the Philippians Letter. This thesis will fill this gap with a strong example of how a contemporary expositor …

The General Epistles And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Kelly Liebengood, Al Erisman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to General Epistles
2. James - Faith Works
   • Depending on God (James 1:1-18)
   • Working for the Benefit of Others in Need (James 1:22-28)
   • Faith and Work(s) (James 2:14-26)
   • Discriminating Against the Poor and Currying Favor with the Rich (James 2:1-13)
   • Listening Well and Taming the Tongue (James 1:19-21 and 3:1-12)
   • Selfish Ambition and Investing in Others (James 3:13-4:12)
     • Selfish Ambition and Submission to God (James 3:13-4:12)
     • Investing In Others (James 4:1-12)
   • Business Forecasting (James 4:13-17)
   • Business Oppression (James 5:1-6)
   • Waiting for the Harvest (James 5:7-20)
3. 1 Peter - Serving the World as Resident Alien Priests
   • Resident Aliens and Priests (1 …

Interview: Katherine Leary Alsdorf, Katherine Leary Alsdorf, David W. Gill

Theology of Work Project

Katherine Leary Alsdorf is co-author with Timothy Keller of Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work (Dutton, 2012). She came to Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City in 2002 to establish the Center for Faith and Work to help people nurture a meaningful integration between their faith and their professional work. Prior to this ministry role at Redeemer, she spent 20 years in the high tech industry. In California, she served as CEO of Pensare, an online management education company, and CEO of One Touch Systems, a hardware/software products company. Before that, she was President of Private …

The Pastor: Forming A Shared Vocational Vision, Skip Bell

Faculty Publications

Who defines the vocat i o n a l v i s i o n fo r pastoral ministry? Is it the employing denomination? Is it the congregation the pastor serves? Is it the church board? Is it the demand of the moment—preaching, evangelism, mission, church planting? Is it the Great Commission? Or is it the One who gives the commission? The purpose of this article is to discover a biblical foundation for a pastoral vision. Such a foundation offers the hope of transcending differing perspectives while relating to the various expectations of the church and broader community. Articulating a …

Finance Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Leonard D. Van Drunen

Theology of Work Project

1. What Finance Is
2. God’s Purposes for Finance
   • Finance Helps Reveal the Glory of God’s Creation
   • Finance Helps Us Fulfill the Creation Mandate to Be Good Stewards
   • Finance Can Be a Means of Justice and Love
3. The Foundations of Finance are Created by God
   • We are Timebound
   • We are Social
   • We are Heterogeneous
   • We Act as Agents
   • We Make Promises
   • We Are Not Omniscient
   • We Create Resources for a Future that We Do Not Know
   • We Are Risk Takers
   • Conclusion to the Foundations of Finance are Created by God
4. Financial Institutions
   • Currency
   • Intermediaries
     • Can we really love someone through intermediaries?
   • Instruments …

The Equipping Church Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Alistair Mackenzie

Theology of Work Project

1. What is God’s Mission in the World?
2. How does human work connect to God’s work?
3. What does this mean for people’s daily work?
4. How can we equip our people for God’s work in the world?
   • Equipping churches have a vision of God at work where their people work
   • Equipping churches actively hunt for examples and resources
   • Equipping churches connect daily work to worship
   • Equipping churches address the opportunities and challenges their people face at work
   • Equipping churches invest resources in equipping people for daily work
   • Equipping churches create structures to sustain this ministry
   • Equipping churches empower and collaborate with people …

The Bottom Line: Friend Or Foe? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Gunter was reeling. The board of Mastech had brought him in as CEO to move the company forward. He had been selected not only because of his proven business skills, but because he cared about people. Now the board was adamant: “You’re just being soft, Gunter. You care about people so much you’re not making the tough decisions. You’ll never improve the bottom line of this company unless you start swinging the axe. Get to it, or…um…the axe may fall on you!” The directive hit Gunter right in the gut. For a year he had been trying to build a …

When Work And Family Collide (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Maria had been preparing for this day for several months, and now her Saturday morning piano recital was nearly here. Best of all, her daddy would be coming! Her excitement helped her overlook all the times he’d had to miss such events because of his work. Then, just a day before the recital, her dad’s boss called. Would history repeat? Would he be called out of town again? From what Maria overheard, she knew her dad was doing his best to get out of making the trip. But as soon as he hung up it was obvious he was unsuccessful. …

Accountability In A Compassionate Enterprise (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Dr. Gonzales was a highly skilled dentist who came across to his patients as unusually caring and compassionate. He took extra time so clients were reassured and understood the procedures they were walking through. He occasionally provided services without charge for those who couldn’t afford them, and followed up to make sure his patients were making good progress. However there was a problem with some members of his staff. They took advantage of their boss’s tender nature, cutting corners in ways that would never be permitted in a demanding, no-nonsense workplace. They didn’t feel accountable. Dr. Gonzales needed to make …

The Frustrated Customer (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

It had been one of those long, aggravating days—the kind where the nerves of everyone in the company were on edge. At least it’s almost over, thought Carlos, the customer service representative for Ace Windows and Doors. Just as he reached for his coat, his phone rang. “I’ve tried for half an hour, and I can’t get your Model SD 92 storm door to lock properly,” said the frustrated customer. Carlos knew this complaint and knew instantly the caller hadn’t even cracked the owner’s manual. “Listen,” said Carlos, “I’ll just bet anything you haven’t read the instructions that came with …

Can You Love Your Employees? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Samantha thought the advice of her grad school professor was a little unusual—words given her as she was about to launch her career: “Don’t get too close to your co-workers,” he said. “You never know when you’re going to have to fire someone, and you don’t want to fire your close friends.” Soon Samantha was moving up the ranks at Agile, a large pharmaceutical firm, and had several associates reporting to her. Reading a book on leadership, she was drawn to the story of Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach of Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers in the late ’50s. She …

When Do You Fire Your Customer? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

The senior management of Software Dynamics, Inc. had just completed its Business Roadmap, spelling out SDI’s Vision, Mission, Values and Guiding Principles. One section described the company’s position toward its customers: “We realize we are dependent on close relationships with our clients, and will go the extra mile to assure we are meeting their requirements and serving their needs.” Shortly after, the purchasing agent for one of SDI’s largest customers asked to meet privately with Paul, SDI’s sales manager. It was soon clear he wanted more than good service, delivery and competitive pricing. He wanted a personal “commission,” a percentage …

Faith: How Open Can You Be? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Findlay debated with himself for some time, and then made a conscious decision to leave a Bible on his desk at work. Since becoming a believer he wanted to let others know about his newfound faith, and had concluded this small step could open some doors. It didn’t take long for Findlay to get a response. Into his office walked the Manager of Human Relations: “My friend, what is that? Have you become one of those?” A chill went down Findlay’s spine. He knew his next words were important, so he lifted a quick prayer for what to say. “Ahh, …

Preaching That Leads To Transformation At The North Street Church Of Christ In Nacogdoches, Texas, Curtis Barbarick

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents the results of a project to develop a process whereby the sermon would be enhanced for listeners at the North Street Church of Christ in Nacogdoches, Texas, so that preaching would be more effective in leading to transformation. The theology and methodology of John Wesley were utilized as a lens by which to think about and implement this practice.

The intervention involved a six-week session with a focus group that represented a cross-section of the congregation. Participants in this group were asked to engage in a lectio divina exercise on a particular text daily, …

"Not A Hand Bound; Not A Voice Hushed": Ordination And Foundational Adventist Understandings Of Women In Ministry, Ginger Hanks Harwood, Beverly Beem

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

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1 Corinthians 11:2 - 16 And The Ordination Of Women To Pastoral Ministry, Teresa Reeve

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to explore what guidance the instruction of Paul to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 may give regarding the ordination of women to pastoral ministry.

The Pastor As Vital Link : A Study In How Seminary-Educated Pastors Engender Engagement With Scripture In Select Congregations, Jewel Gingerich Longenecker

Dissertations

Problem. The problem this study sought to address was the tendency of “ordinary readers” of Scripture to misuse the Bible on the one hand, or to give up reading it entirely, on the other hand. The purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory that describes how seminary-educated pastors are successfully leading ordinary readers to informed, enthusiastic engagement with the Bible. The conceptual lenses through which research data were compared to literature in the field included teaching methodologies proposed by Wink, Blair, and Borsch.

Method. The study used a qualitative research design. It was field focused, utilized …

What Makes A Man: Gender And Sexual Boundaries On Evangelical Christian Sexuality Websites, Kelsy Burke

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

This article examines how some evangelical Christian men create alternative meanings associated with gender-deviant sex in order to justify it within an evangelical framework. The author shows how Christian sexuality website users construct gender omniscience—a spouse and God’s all-knowing certainty about one’s ‘‘true’’ gender identity—to reconcile men’s interests in non-normative sex with their status as Christian patriarchs. By constructing gender as relational and spiritual, they simultaneously normalize their behaviors while condemning others who participate in similar acts but fail to meet the requirements of gender omniscience. Challenging common assumptions about evangelical sexuality, this article offers insights into the intersection of …

Ar Trebui Femeile Să Fie Hirotonite Ca Pastori? Considerații Asupra Vechiului Testament - Partea A Ii-A, Richard M. Davidson

Faculty Publications

This second part of a four-part study is a tentative answer derived from the account of Genesis chapter 3 to discover what constitutes God’s provisions for the relationship between men and women after the Fall. In the modern discussion over whether women should be ordained as pastors, the foundational passage for both those who affirm and those who oppose women’s ordination is Genesis 1–3. In the first part of the study, we have dealt with the biblical material of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Those who affirm women’s ordination find in the Genesis creation accounts a statement of full equality …

Ar Trebui Femeile Să Fie Hirotonite Ca Pastori? Considerații Asupra Vechiului Testament - Partea A Iii-A, Richard M. Davidson

Faculty Publications

This third part of a four-part study is a tentative answer to the same question we have addressed in the first two parts, namely, whether women should be ordained as pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The answer has been derived from the account of the OT witness on the role of women outside of Eden, both in the home and in the covenant community. In other words, our purpose here is to discover what constitutes God’s provisions for the relationship between men and women after the Fall.

Deuteronomy And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Duane Garrett

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Deuteronomy
2. Rebellion and Complacency (Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43)
   • Israel Refuses to Enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:19-45)
   • When Success Leads to Complacency (Deuteronomy 4:25-40)
3. God’s Law and its Applications (Deuteronomy 4:44–30:20)
   • The Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21)
     • “You shall have no other gods before me” (Deut 5:7; Ex 20:3)
     • “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Deut 5:8; Ex 20:4)
     • “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God” (Deut 5:11; Ex 20:7)
     • “Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Deut 5:12; Ex 20:8-11)
       • The Sabbath and the work we do (Deut 5:12; Ex …

Biblical Empowerment: The E3 Model Of Discipleship For Equipping Women For The World, Andrea Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Young women spend years in the education system, but they often leave formal education without practical training that enables them to respond appropriately to life experiences. A biblically-based life-skills manual focused on practical training and holistic development will engage, equip, and empower women to honor God spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and financially. Based on Proverbs 31 and supported by survey responses of women from various generations, the curriculum provides practical information that will benefit churches, universities, small groups, and/or mentoring relationships where women seek to follow a Titus 2 model of spiritual development.

Numbers And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Numbers
2. God Numbers and Orders the Nation of Israel (Numbers 1:1-2:34)
3. The Levites and the Work of God (Numbers 3-8)
4. Offering God the Products of Human Labor (Numbers 4 and 7)
5. Confession and Restitution (Numbers 5:5-10)
6. Aaron’s Blessing for the People (Numbers 6:22–27)
7. Retirement from Regular Service (Numbers 8:23–26)
8. The Challenge to Moses’ Authority (Numbers 12)
9. When Leadership Leads to Unpopularity (Numbers 13 and 14)
10. Offering God our First Fruits (Numbers 15:20-21; 18:12-18)
11. Reminders of the Covenant (Numbers 15:37-41)
12. Moses’ Unfaithfulness at Meribah (Numbers 20:2-13)
13. When God Speaks Through Unexpected Sources (Numbers 22-24)
14. Land Ownership and Property Rights …

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 48 No 2 - November 2013), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Articles: The Two-Kingdoms Doctrine and the Mission to Islam by John Bolt - 198 / Neo-Calvinism, Pluralism, and the Challenge of Islam by Richard J. Mouw - 207 / Universality and Dualism: Herman Bavinck and the Debate on Whether to Civilize the Dutch East Indies through Missions or Education by George Harinck - 217 / Neo-Calvinism and Pan-Islamism: Kindred Movements Against Liberal Imperialism? by Clifford B. Anderson - 234 / John Calvin and Musical Instruments: A Critical Investigation by W. David O. Taylor - 248 / The Covenant-Idea as the Heart of Hebrews and Biblical Theology: An Original Contribution …

An Exploratory Study Of Recovery And Recovery Maintenance For Victims Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Who Completed Faith-Based Residential Treatment Programs, Ann Kerlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experience of recovery and recovery maintenance for women with a history of childhood sexual abuse and its sequelae included interviews and a non-standard questionnaire. Ten women with this history who had completed a faith based treatment program for substance abuse and/or eating disorders described recovery. Themes that emerged related to the process of change included: Changes in Relationships with Others, to Self, to God, and lastly, Forgiveness as a Catalyst for Change. Six practices emerged in the exploration of maintenance recovery. This research highlighted the need for thorough bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessment and areas of concern …

Covington Aircraft Engines, Center For Faith & Work At Letourneau University, Paul Abbott

Theology of Work Project

Paul Abbott takes Matthew 6:33 to heart as he fulfills his calling to be a Christian businessman: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Click here to explore what this verse says about work.) Since 1972, he and his wife, Betty, have been working at Covington Aircraft Engines, a company of 65 employees that runs on four core principles: integrity, dependability, affordability, and quality service. Since people’s lives are at stake, integrity is essential to their business.

Biblical Leaders: Key Principles And Concepts In Overcoming And Managing Stress, Distress, And Anguish, James Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The high turnover rate among clergy within the local church evidences the mismanagement of personal stress and distress associated with ministry. The purpose of this thesis project is to increase the effectiveness and longevity of ministers by offering them five principles for managing and overcoming their stress, distress, and anguish. If followed, these principles will successfully reduce the personal strain associated with ministry, thus encouraging clergy to remain where God has planted them to build long successful tenures. Based on surveys, personal perspectives, relevant literature, and biblical study, this project establishes essential principles and concepts for managing ministerial anguish, and …