Digital Commons Network^™

Concordia Seminary Magazine | Winter 2012, Paul Devantier

Concordia Seminary Magazine

Broadening the paths to ministry

Catechesis For A Practicing Church, Jim Fox

Theses and Dissertations

In "Catechesis for a Practicing Church" I . . . survey the history of Christian catechesis (looking for norms regarding content and structure), explore methods and styles of contemporary experts in secular and Christian education, and reflect on the context of a practicing church as observed specifically in Vineyard Community Church (VCC) to define and build a contemporary catechesis for VCC (the model) as well as for the larger practicing church.

Understanding The Effects Of Diversity In Mission From A Social Science Perspective, David R. Dunaetz

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

This study presents an overview of the results of empirical studies concerning diversity in work teams. Although these studies have most often been carried out in secular contexts, they support perspectives of human nature that are consistent with the biblical themes found associated with the Tower of Babel (the Similarity/Attraction Perspective) and Paul's metaphor of the Body of Christ and spiritual gifts (the Information/Decision Making Perspective). Key concepts are explained, including the measurement of diversity and team performance, task and relationship diversity, faultlines, cultural versus non-cultural diversity, and status. When the results of the various diversity studies are combined, it …

Under One Umbrella: Multiple Communities, One Church, Timothy Jacob Gillespie

Doctor of Ministry

It is my claim that the need for alternative communities within established church structures is not only growing, but is also paramount to the continuation of the gospel of Jesus Christ into the post-Christian, post-Modern world. These alternative communities often take the form of "emerging" worship services, Young Adult services, and "churchwithin- a-church" expressions of worship and community. They are seen in large, medium, and small church settings; as such, we see many of the same problems to varying degrees. The search for relevance has led us to these communities, and this author sees them as valid expressions of faith …

Effective Personal Evangelism For Today's Church, Thomas M. Roatch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is designed to demonstrate that any church or group of Christians can be effective in personal evangelism. Christians gathered together in any location and number, and in any life situation form the taskforce to share the good news of salvation.
The rationale for the selection of this thesis topic rests on the recent heart felt need of many churches to share the Gospel and become active in personal evangelism. Secondly, another important part of the rationale for thesis is to encourage, and challenge small churches, missions, Bible studies and other smaller Christian ministries to be bold in new …

Leading The Multiethnic Church: Help From New Metaphors And The Leadership Challenge, Elizabeth Childs Drury

Great Commission Research Journal

Success in leading the multiethnic church (MEC) eludes assessment because of the variety of congregational configurations and the unique intercultural environment. This article describes how leadership in one MEC harmonizes with and differs from basic cultural standards as expressed in James Kouzes and Barry Posner’s The Leadership Challenge. It follows an earlier case study (published in the Summer 2010 issue) about weaknesses that emerged at a DC-area MEC when Dan, the beloved pastor, resigned. Three new categories describe designs: the mall, the cinema, and the blend. Six new metaphors describe relationships among different cultural groups: renters, investors, neighbors, coworkers, siblings, …

A Theology Of Church Planting, Phil Stevenson

Great Commission Research Journal

Does church planting need a theology of its own? Or is it enough for it to be informed by theological themes? This paper will attempt to address this conversation. It will show that, even though, church planting may fall outside the realm of traditional theology it is still a branch off the theological trunk. Church planting is an implementation of theological teaching. There are four theological foundations that inform the practice of church planting. They are critical for church planting reflection and framing. These are: Missio Dei, Incarnation, Kingdom of God, and Ecclesiology. Each of this will be explored and …

The Book Of Acts And Evangelism In Argentina, Steven L. Estes

Great Commission Research Journal

This article looks at platforms for the Gospel in the book of Acts and how they apply to evangelism in Argentina. A general overview of evangelism in Acts is discussed, and then specific platforms are presented. Those include the market place in Athens, the place of prayer in Philippi, and the many locations where the Gospel was presented in synagogues. An exposition of Acts 13 is included that helps explain why synagogues were natural platforms. The applications to Argentina include visiting those with a connection to a church. One example is visiting the parents of adolescents who attend church activities.

Urban Ministry And Social Media: Moving From Billboards To Cafés, Troy Bush

Great Commission Research Journal

A social revolution has occurred in the last ten years. Social media has forever changed the way we communicate and develop community. At the same time, the urban age has dawned, and the convergence of these two global events creates unprecedented opportunities for urban ministry. This article examines the rise of cell phone texting, Facebook, and Twitter, including city rankings based on the use of social media. It concludes with recommendations for ways urban churches, ministries, and missions can maximize their use of social media.

Book Review: Formational Children’S Ministry: Shaping Children Using Story, Ritual, And Relationship By Ivey Beckwith, Brian Honett

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Color Of Church: A Biblical And Practical Paradigm For Multiracial Churches By Rodney Woo, Todd Robertson

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Dissertations And Theses Notices, Gary L. Mcintosh

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Multicultural And Racial Reconciliation Efforts Fail To Attract Many In The Black Church, Dirke D. Johnson

Great Commission Research Journal

The Racial Reconciliation (RR) movement of today fails to attract the Black church. Pastors express the need to value Black monocultural churches. The push by RR adherents to suggest churches “should be” multiracial may be more harmful than helpful. Distinguishing race and culture exposes the reality that most multiracial churches are monocultural. Research of Black college students reveals the desire for monocultural settings. Historical research of the first century church gives biblical validity to monocultural fellowships. Unity will not occur if motivation is reduced to color. Monocultural and multicultural fellowships are needed to reflect an infinite-faceted God.

“The Word Became Flesh,” An Example Of Incarnational Ministry: The Norwegian Settlers Church, Port Shepstone, South Africa, John Easterling

Great Commission Research Journal

The Norwegian Settlers Church in Port Shepstone, South Africa, is a remarkable testimony of God’s faithfulness to His body. Starting as an ethnic immigrant’s church, this fellowship faced many struggles and hardships, including lacking a resident pastor for much of its history. In 1986, God brought Pastor Ernest Hack, whose solid Biblical teaching helped to rebuild the base. In 1995, God led Trevor Downham to reach out to the area’s many young people and to refocus outreach towards community transformation. John Easterling spent time in 2009 and 2010 interviewing and fellowshipping with members of this body as well as researching …

Book Review: Planting Churches In The 21st Century: A Guide For Those Who Want Fresh Perspectives And New Ideas For Creating Congregations By Stuart Murray, Steven L. Allen

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

History Revisited: Learning From Charles H. Spurgeon’S Commitment To Conversion Growth, Michael O'Neal

Great Commission Research Journal

Donald McGavran and Peter Wagner, the early leaders of the Church Growth Movement (CGM), longed to see conversion growth as the primary source of church growth. Yet one of the common criticisms of church growth today is its lack of emphasis on conversion growth. This article discusses this criticism and argues that the church can learn from Charles H. Spurgeon’s commitment to conversion growth, calling church growth back to its theological and missiological roots.

Book Review: The Steward Leader: Transforming People, Organizations, And Communities By R. Scott Rodin, Alan Karr

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

The Stew Versus Melting Pot Ministry: Multicultural/Ethic Urban Apostolic Partnership, Parnell M. Lovelace Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

The church today has an opportunity to explore opportunities of culturally and ethnically diverse apostolic missional partnerships. Is it possible that vanguard and strategic concepts of multicultural/ethnic church planting models are contextualized and expanded within the urban setting? Is it possible that such modalities may serve not only towards the unification of believers, but also provide a means of connectivity to empower the community as a whole? The assertion is there are connecting points of evangelism and church growth opportunities found within such strategic and intentional multi-ethic/cultural models of apostolic partnerships.

Book Review: Encountering Theology Of Mission: Biblical Foundations, Historical Developments, And Contemporary Issues By Craig Ott And Stephen J. Strauss With Timothy Tennent, R. Bruce Carlton

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Your Church Is Too Small: Why Unity In Christ’S Mission Is Vital To The Future Of The Church By John H. Armstrong, Robert I. Garrett Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Heart Of Mentoring: Ten Proven Principles For Developing People To Their Fullest Potential By David A. Stoddard, Jeff Ritchley

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Equipping Nationals To Train Church Planters In Their Culture, Mark Alan Williams

Great Commission Research Journal

Training in a cross-cultural environment has it challenges, but these challenges can be overcome through cultural sensitivity and emphasizing biblical principles over North American bias. A key element of cross-cultural training is equipping nationals to multiply the training throughout their cultural setting. Nationals make the best trainers for one primary reason: they understand their people best. This article provides practical methods for enhanced cross-cultural training effectiveness. Jesus’ training process is outlined as a model for such training. Common mistakes are shared so they might be avoided in equipping nationals to train.

Discipleship Master Plan: A Disciple-Making Strategy For The South Flint Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Melvin S. Santos

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The lack of a disciple-making plan and irregular leadership training for members in the South Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church resulted in undeveloped and ill-equipped members operating in a reactive and survival mode leading to frustration and leader “burn outs.”

Method

The Discipleship Master Plan was developed and implemented in the South Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burton, Michigan, which consisted of two major formats: (1) Four Levels of Discipleship Training, and (2) a Discipleship Master Plan Infrastructure. The four levels of discipleship focus on the development of all members. This training took place primarily during Sabbath afternoons and worship …

A Strategy For Church Planting In Northern Nigeria Beginning In Zangon-Kataf, Francis F. Daria

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The first Adventist missionaries came to Northern Nigeria in 1930. Their intent to establish medical and evangelistic work in Southern Kaduna was restricted by three opposing factions. These were Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), Islam and African Traditional Religion (ATR). They frustrated the indigenous people from understanding the concept of the missionaries. Eighty years later there is still no Adventist presence in this area, which is part of the 10/40 Window that encompasses all of Northern Nigeria. During these 80 years no Adventist Church has been established in this region. There is, therefore, a need to develop a church planting …

Adventist Rather Than Emergent, Cindy Tutsch

180 Symposium Publications

No abstract provided.

2011 - 105th Annual Summit, "Enough: Isaiah 1:11-17", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christian University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

No abstract provided.

Are We Confused About Ordination?, Denis Fortin

Memory, Meaning & Faith

No abstract provided.

Introduction, Alan Mcmahan

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Rethinking Missiology In The Context For The 21st Century: Global Demographic Trends And Diaspora Missiology, Enoch Wan

Great Commission Research Journal

New orientations are required of practitioners/researchers in formulating mission strategy and conducting missiological research in the context of the 21st Century due to the global demographic trends of internal migration to the city and international immigration to countries of the Northwest region. In addition, the center of Christianity has shifted from the Northern hemisphere towards the south and from the post-Christian west to elsewhere; thus new approaches are required. Diaspora missiology will be presented as an alternative to the traditional orientations of farming analogy (e.g. church planting and church growth), territorialization (e.g. home vs. foreign missions, sending vs. receiving) and …

Leadership Transfer Awakens Dormant Dilemmas In A Multi Ethnic Church: Correctives From Church Planting, Elizabeth Childs Drury

Great Commission Research Journal

This case study examines the six-month transition to a new pastor for a multiethnic, multicongregational church near Washington, DC. It describes four dilemmas that emerged and proposes correctives from church-planting literature, particularly the facilitative approach of Tom Steffen (and principles from Donald McGavran and David Garrison). First, the ownership dilemma asks how a multiethnic church can achieve genuine mutuality among varied cultural groups and suggests the need for chronological Bible teaching. Second, the identity dilemma asks how deeply individual pastors and congregations need to agree on matters of governance and doctrine, and how non-negotiables can best be communicated. It insists …