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Church-Based Qualitative Research, David R. Dunaetz Oct 2026

Church-Based Qualitative Research, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

Qualitative research is collecting, analyzing, and interpreting subjective data to answer an important research question. It can be contrasted with quantitative research, which focuses on collecting numerical (relatively objective) data to test specific hypotheses. It is an attractive form of research in church contexts because it does not require training in statistics and can be conducted in almost all ministry settings. It is especially appropriate for topics that are under-researched, poorly understood, or involve concepts that are difficult to measure. Common problems associated with church-based qualitative research include overly broad research questions, weak descriptions of what has been observed, shallow …


Developing Leadership In Ghanaian Churches Of Christ: Problems, Principles, And Proposals, Francis Brown, Nathan Bills Apr 2026

Developing Leadership In Ghanaian Churches Of Christ: Problems, Principles, And Proposals, Francis Brown, Nathan Bills

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This article explores the need for leadership development in the Churches of Christ in Ghana, focusing on Church of Christ congregations in Teshie. It highlights persistent challenges, including the lack of spiritual maturity, structure, and contextualization. To meet these challenges, this article emphasizes principles and practices of discipleship, intentional training, and cultural relevance. This study contributes to a broader understanding of ecclesial leadership of the Churches of Christ within African Christian contexts and suggests practical pathways for strengthening leadership in similar congregations.


Review Of The Kaleidoscopic City: Hong Kong, Mission, And The Evolution Of Global Pentecostalism. By Alex R. Mayfield, Jue Wang Apr 2026

Review Of The Kaleidoscopic City: Hong Kong, Mission, And The Evolution Of Global Pentecostalism. By Alex R. Mayfield, Jue Wang

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A review of The Kaleidoscopic City: Hong Kong, Mission, and the Evolution of Global Pentecostalism. By Alex R. Mayfield


Digital Discipleship And Whole-Person Flourishing: A Mixed-Methods Study At Celebration Church, John W. Wyatt Apr 2026

Digital Discipleship And Whole-Person Flourishing: A Mixed-Methods Study At Celebration Church, John W. Wyatt

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

This study examines how digital participation influences whole-person flourishing within the context of Celebration Church, a contemporary American megachurch, addressing a critical gap in empirical research on digital discipleship and its theological implications. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, quantitative data from the Barna ChurchPulse survey compared in-person and online participants, while qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with leaders from eighteen American megachurches were analyzed thematically. Findings indicate that flourishing outcomes are largely comparable across digital and in-person cohorts, challenging assumptions that embodied participation is inherently superior for spiritual formation; however, statistically significant differences emerged in leadership involvement, serving, and engagement …


Patterns, Pressures, And Pathways : An Ethnographic Study Of Discipleship In Nepali-Speaking Immigrant Churches In The United States, Ram Kumar Budhathoki Jan 2026

Patterns, Pressures, And Pathways : An Ethnographic Study Of Discipleship In Nepali-Speaking Immigrant Churches In The United States, Ram Kumar Budhathoki

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Augustinian And Cappadocian Anthropological Divide, Samuel Marshall Dec 2025

The Augustinian And Cappadocian Anthropological Divide, Samuel Marshall

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.


Hope, Liberation, And The Search For Shalom: Embracing A Spirit-Led Mission As The Cornerstone Of Hispanic Pentecostal Missiology, Misael Cornelio-Arias Dec 2025

Hope, Liberation, And The Search For Shalom: Embracing A Spirit-Led Mission As The Cornerstone Of Hispanic Pentecostal Missiology, Misael Cornelio-Arias

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This study examines the critical missiological contributions of three influential Hispanic Pentecostal theologians: Eldin Villafañe, Samuel Solivan, and Sammy Alfaro. It also explores the work of two additional notable figures, Darío López and Bernardo Campos, whose impact extends beyond traditional missiology into practical faith application. Each of these individuals has uniquely fused his distinct cultural contexts and biblical understanding with the broader mission of the Hispanic Pentecostal faith, guided by the Holy Spirit. Their work has significantly shaped and expanded the landscape of Hispanic Pentecostal missiology, demonstrating a truly contextual approach to understanding and engaging in the kingdom’s mission. Through …


On Mission Through The Great Commission : Changing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors, John Monger May 2025

On Mission Through The Great Commission : Changing Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors, John Monger

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Characteristics Of Missionary Understanding And Practices And The Impact Of Transnationalism In Reference To The Indian Pentecostal Church Of God (Ipc) In The Us, Jaewoo Joung Apr 2025

The Characteristics Of Missionary Understanding And Practices And The Impact Of Transnationalism In Reference To The Indian Pentecostal Church Of God (Ipc) In The Us, Jaewoo Joung

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Records Of The American Society Of Missiology Arc2017-003 - Finding Aid, Ats Special Collections And Archives Jan 2025

Records Of The American Society Of Missiology Arc2017-003 - Finding Aid, Ats Special Collections And Archives

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.


Book Review: Communication In Mission: Global Opportunities And Challenges Edited By Marcus Dean, Scott Moreau, Sue Russell, And Rochelle Scheuermann, I. Francis Kile Iii Oct 2024

Book Review: Communication In Mission: Global Opportunities And Challenges Edited By Marcus Dean, Scott Moreau, Sue Russell, And Rochelle Scheuermann, I. Francis Kile Iii

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Towards A Mosim Christology: A Korean Response, Hwang Kyung-Hoon Jul 2024

Towards A Mosim Christology: A Korean Response, Hwang Kyung-Hoon

Asia Pacific Mission Studies

This article will reflect on Jesus' understanding of God, and will then move on to discuss the Korean people's cultural understanding of Jesus. It will offer Mosim Christology (mosim means reverencing or serving humans and God in one's heart sincerely) as a meaningful Christology for Korean people. It will show the relationship between Jesus' experience of God as Abba and mosim, our main theme.


Understanding And Accessing North Korean Religion, Byun Jin Heung Jul 2024

Understanding And Accessing North Korean Religion, Byun Jin Heung

Asia Pacific Mission Studies

Questions about North Korean religion always come with a question mark, and the general level of understanding about North Korean society is very low. This stems from doubts about North Korean communism. However, North Korea is a human society in which people live. As the society of North Korea has changed, so has the religion of North Korea. North Korea, especially after the collapse of the Cold War between East and West, has sought to change to survive and has used religion to gain recognition and acceptance from the international community. Religion has always been a tool to be used. …


The Ability And Willingness Of Adventist Churches To Communicate And Welcome People From Different Cultural Backgrounds: A Comparison Of Early And Late Joiners, Ray Opao, Jimiah Jr. Adil, Carthy Joy Aguillon, Susa Opao, Arceli Rosario May 2024

The Ability And Willingness Of Adventist Churches To Communicate And Welcome People From Different Cultural Backgrounds: A Comparison Of Early And Late Joiners, Ray Opao, Jimiah Jr. Adil, Carthy Joy Aguillon, Susa Opao, Arceli Rosario

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This paper examines how the age at joining the Adventist Church affects the ability and willingness of Adventists to communicate and welcome people from different cultural backgrounds. Using a survey of Adventist members, it finds that late joiners score significantly higher than early joiners on both dimensions. It discusses the implications of these findings for the Adventist Church’s policies and practices on cultural diversity.


Christian Hospitality For Interfaith Relations In Myanmar : A Historical And Theological Consideration, Stanley May 2024

Christian Hospitality For Interfaith Relations In Myanmar : A Historical And Theological Consideration, Stanley

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


"I Am A Child Of The King, And I Will Not Be A Victim!" : The Impact Of A Christian Women's Self-Defense Class, Amanda Allen May 2024

"I Am A Child Of The King, And I Will Not Be A Victim!" : The Impact Of A Christian Women's Self-Defense Class, Amanda Allen

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


The Making Of Saints: Discipleship Formation In The Early Church As A Way Forward For The Modern Age, Ian Wray Apr 2024

The Making Of Saints: Discipleship Formation In The Early Church As A Way Forward For The Modern Age, Ian Wray

Masters of Theological Studies

As the modern Western Church continues to move forward through its history, an effective theology of discipleship will be vital to maintain the Church’s witness to the surrounding world and culture. Looking to the Patristic Period as a way forward can give current practitioners practical solutions and insights to replicate the effectiveness of Christianity’s first beginnings. The Early Church’s Catechumenate involved robust discipleship formation where the pagans who went through the process would leave behind their Roman habitus and embody a Christian lifestyle. By returning to the early church writers, practices, and disciplines that early Christians would have lived out …


Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon Apr 2024

Innovations In Church Financial Models: Research On Alternative Practices, W. Jay Moon

Great Commission Research Journal

Asbury Theological Seminary conducted a research project exploring financial models beyond traditional church tithes and offerings. This qualitative study focused on financial viability and missional vibrancy. It involved surveys, interviews, a focus group, and site visits to churches using alternate financial models. Major findings revealed that six alternate financial models are presently used that increase missional impact, allowing churches to serve communities and engage in meaningful interactions. These models also provide churches financial viability and surprising missional benefits that include goodwill, partnerships, real estate development, job creation, and enhanced community engagement. Some precautions are also noted based on the experiences …


Gods Have Names: Addressing The Translation Of “God” In The Thai Language And Culture, Kelly M. Hilderbrand Apr 2024

Gods Have Names: Addressing The Translation Of “God” In The Thai Language And Culture, Kelly M. Hilderbrand

Great Commission Research Journal

This article is a practical missiological examination of the word used to reference God in the Thai language. The problem is that the term used in Thai, Phrajao (พระเจ้า), is a generic term that can be used for any number of different gods or royalty and is easily misunderstood. After an examination of the words used for “God” in Chinese and Hindu contexts, the biblical terms for “God” are examined. Although the Bible uses generic terms for God (Elohim and Theos), God has a name. The name of God, Yahweh, was revealed to Moses and used throughout the Old Testament. …


Review Of Diaspora Missions To International Students By Enoch Wan, I. Francis Kyle Iii Apr 2024

Review Of Diaspora Missions To International Students By Enoch Wan, I. Francis Kyle Iii

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Evangelship: Mobilizing A Culture Of Discipleship That Leads To Evangelism In A Multiethnic Latino Context, Lawrence D. Perez Apr 2024

Evangelship: Mobilizing A Culture Of Discipleship That Leads To Evangelism In A Multiethnic Latino Context, Lawrence D. Perez

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Discipleship and evangelism in America today are eroding. Where traditionally the church sees discipleship and evangelism as separate entities, this research project argues for the unification of the two. This project explores “Evangelship,” the uniting of evangelism and discipleship, to see if the combined approach and perspective could offer a better way to engage the North American population. The driving question for this project is “Can the integration of evangelism and discipleship create a culture that accelerates and advances the Great Commission at U-Turn Covenant Church (U-Turn)?” To answer this question, the study aims to establish a discipleship framework that …


Ecclesial Identity And Mission : Perspectives From Three North Indian Churches And 1 Peter, Matthias Phurba Sonam Gergan Feb 2024

Ecclesial Identity And Mission : Perspectives From Three North Indian Churches And 1 Peter, Matthias Phurba Sonam Gergan

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


Pioneer Women Administrators In The Interamerican Division Of The Adventist Church (1906–1940), Daniel Alberto Mora Jan 2024

Pioneer Women Administrators In The Interamerican Division Of The Adventist Church (1906–1940), Daniel Alberto Mora

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This article focuses on previously unpublished data concerning pioneer women who helped establish and govern different levels of the Adventist Church between 1906 and 1940 in what is now the Inter-American Division. The article begins with information obtained from different yearbooks, and then traces the identity and work of pioneer Adventist women in documents such as General Conference minutes, newspapers, civil registries, and through information provided by their descendants. It also highlights the contributions of these women as the first local missionaries and founders of the Sabbath School (1880s) and Young People’s Missionary Volunteer (YPMV) (1900s) departments. It also highlights …


The History Of Graduate Theological Education At Oral Roberts University, Larry Hart, Bill Buker Dec 2023

The History Of Graduate Theological Education At Oral Roberts University, Larry Hart, Bill Buker

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article traces the history of graduate theological education at Oral Roberts University from its initial inception in 1963 up until 2018 when a significant transition occurred. Special attention is given to the rebirth of the seminary in 1976 under the leadership of Jimmy Buskirk and the following seasons of its evolution under subsequent deans. From a seminary approved by the United Methodist Church to train candidates for ministry in that denomination to one reflecting a primarily Pentecostal ethos to its current role of serving the Spirit-empowered Movement, the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry (GSTM) has maintained ecumenical diversity …


How A Novel Research Framework Resulted In Fruitful Evangelism And Discovery: Introducing Ethnoscopy And Spiritual Patronage, L. Lynn Thigpen Oct 2023

How A Novel Research Framework Resulted In Fruitful Evangelism And Discovery: Introducing Ethnoscopy And Spiritual Patronage, L. Lynn Thigpen

Great Commission Research Journal

Faced with an unusual question from a Cambodian friend who had heard stories from God’s Word, I embarked on a quest for an answer. He worshipped an unusual and unfamiliar object and wondered whether he must abandon it to serve Christ. I knew he did, but I needed to explore the meanings ascribed to that object of worship to communicate the gospel more clearly, just as Paul did in Acts 17 while in Athens. According to Jesus’ parable of the soils in Matthew 13, fruitful evangelism involves understanding. How might individual missionaries and evangelists aid in that crucial need? With …


Book Review: Portraits Of Global Christianity: Research And Reflections In Honor Of Todd M. Johnson Edited By J. Gina Zurlo, Joe Handley Oct 2023

Book Review: Portraits Of Global Christianity: Research And Reflections In Honor Of Todd M. Johnson Edited By J. Gina Zurlo, Joe Handley

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.


Nigerian Fastest Growing Churches And Their Intersection With The Poor, With Poverty And With Poverty Alleviation, Chinyereugo Euphemia Adeliyi Jan 2023

Nigerian Fastest Growing Churches And Their Intersection With The Poor, With Poverty And With Poverty Alleviation, Chinyereugo Euphemia Adeliyi

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


"Go Into All The World" : Rediscovering God's Calling For The Church, Richard Nevard Jan 2023

"Go Into All The World" : Rediscovering God's Calling For The Church, Richard Nevard

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


A Treasured History : Listening To And Learning From Global Workers' Stories Of Resilience, Whiteman Kristina Jan 2023

A Treasured History : Listening To And Learning From Global Workers' Stories Of Resilience, Whiteman Kristina

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.


A Critical Analysis Of Reinhard Bonnke’S Charismatic Leadership Paradigm, Charles Morara Obara Nov 2022

A Critical Analysis Of Reinhard Bonnke’S Charismatic Leadership Paradigm, Charles Morara Obara

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

The study of leadership has evolved over the years, focusing on different approaches. In the early nineteenth century, leadership study focused on the traits, skills, and behavioral and situational approaches of leaders. In recent years the focus has emphasized servant leadership, authenticity, and charisma. This article focuses on the charismatic leadership theory propounded by Max Weber. This article aims at analyzing the charismatic leadership style of evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. The article starts with a definition of leadership followed by an overview of charismatic leadership and then delves into the life of Bonnke with a biographical sketch of his life. The …