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Secularism In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Korea: A Program Of Church Revival And Community Involvement, Kyu-Young John Jeong

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The evidence of secularism, such as ethical relativism, spiritual alienation, and materialism, are appearing among Korean Seventh-day Adventists. Consequently, they are removing God from the center of their lives. Seventh-day Adventist church leaders must develop and conduct a program of church revival through community involvement to ignite the original passion for Jesus and His soon return in the hearts of the Seventh- day Adventists in Korea and train them to witness in their communities.

Method

Library research, a personal and theological analysis, a contextual analysis of South Korea and the Korean Adventist members and churches, development of a Logical …

The Notion Of Healing In The Therapeutic Work Of Georeg Freemesser And Steve De Shazer: A Comparison, Mary Marrocco

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

George Freemesser and Steve de Shazer have several strong commonalities in their understandings of healing; both can be situated within the framework of pastoral counselling. Because for Freemesser the therapist’s person is an important dimension of healing, I begin with his biography, then my view of healing. To provide the pastoral counselling framework, I review the thought of Pilch, Clebsch and Jaekle, and Rovers. Steve de Shazer’s view of healing is then discussed, though he does not employ the term, by misunderstanding his notion of the goal of therapy as healing. Freemesser’s understanding of healing is described, and finally a …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2006, Cornelius Plantinga Jr., Calvin Van Reken, John Rottman, Richard E. Sytsma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Sin
3 - Sin by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
5 - The Calling of Matthew by Calvin Van Reken
7 - Get Rid of Sin in Church by John Rottman
9 - The Threads of Guilt and Shame in the Gospel Message by Richard E. Sytsma
10 - Sin and Grace in Pastoral Care Class by Kathy Smith

Departments
12 - Formation for Ministry

Toward A More Helpful Preaching Technique In The Nursing Home, Keith Schweitzer

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project presents reminiscent preaching as a homiletical method to be used in a nursing home setting. As reminiscing is a common characteristic among the aged, applying it in the preaching ministry and worship activity among nursing home residents can serve the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in many helpful ways.

This MAP explains and presents examples of how reminiscing from the past in the lives of the residents draws forth vivid memories in their minds. Used as a method in preaching, these memories can also strengthen and deepen the faith of the aged individual who …

Congregational Caring For Those Experiencing Pain And Suffering, Nanette Dost

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Often people feel inadequate both in handling their own pain and in helping others who are in pain. It is easier to walk away and refuse to see the pain we know is there. In a world where self-help books and medical treatments abound, how can the Christian congregation offer its unique contribution of the Gospel? Christian community can help to remove pain, teach skills in coping with pain, and integrate pain meaningfully into life. A benefit of Christian community for individuals is in giving meaning to the pain they experience through Jesus' presence.

Chapter 1will explore the history and …

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 …

Happiness Is Service In The Spirit Of Vincent De Paul And Frederic Ozanam A Youth Ministry Catechesis For Service Learning Formation, Timothy Michael Henry Kelly

Pastoral Institute

The Capstone Project and subsequent writings incorporated in this portfolio, referred to as Phase II, is a cumulative and collaborative effort between two colleagues from The Pastoral Institute of The University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas. The first phase was successfully completed to fulfill requirements for a Master of Arts in Religious Studies. Phase I was intended to: plan, implement and evaluate a catechesis pilot program for a senior high school CCD class. This pilot was to have its foundation in the Gospel readings of the liturgical calendar. More importantly, this program was designed to afford youth and …

Theological Education For Vital Parish Communities: Lessons From Nine Catholic Seminaries, Kathleen A. Cahalan

School of Theology and Seminary Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Small Groups & Established Churches: Challenge And Hope For The Future, Gwendolyn Jackson

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.

Contemporary Church Planting, Elmer Towns

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

The challenge of church planting has never been greater. There has always been the challenge of reaching people. But today’s challenges are different than ever before, and more extreme than ever before. Today’s challenges are exploding population, urbanization, technological innovations, expanding travel, complex international commercialization, the growing threat of terrorism, and growing secularization in First World or civilized countries; and in the Third World countries growing mysticism, spiritism, and demonism. Other challenges involve the influence of postmodernity, the influence of globalization through the United Nations, the collapse of church cooperation, i.e., World Council of Churches, Baptist World Alliance, etc.; the …

Toward A Fundamental Theology Of Ministry, Kathleen A. Cahalan

School of Theology and Seminary Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Prayground.Tv: Penultimate Written Statement, David Mcdonald

Doctor of Ministry

Prayground.tv is an online experiential prayer exercise. It is designed to facilitate personal expression and creativity, high user interactivity, and conversation among peers in order to help postmoderns engage spirituality that is both individual and communal. The Internet has quickly become the voice for virtual community and personal expression and prayground.tv is a helpful tool in exploring the tension between the communityoriented teachings of Jesus while helping each user internalize those teachings.

Section Two will show that, based on external data and outside sources, this dichotomy is especially real in a postmodern context and needs to be addressed. Here I …

Strengthening Congregational Ministry: A Program To Enhance Theological Schools' Capacities To Prepare Congregational Leadership, 1999-2003, Kathleen A. Cahalan

School of Theology and Seminary Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Developing A Curriculum To Train The Lay Leaders In Ghana, Isaac Bimpeh Boateng

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana is growing at a very fast rate. The rate of growth far exceeds the rate at which ministers are trained. There were over 300,000 baptized members at the end of 2005 and fewer than 200 pastors. The pastor to laity ratio is therefore very high. Some of the elders who are assisting the pastors do not have the needed skills to work effectively as leaders. As a result of this there is an increase in apostasies especially among new converts.

Method

In an attempt to train the laity in Ghana to assist the …

Invitation To The Table Conversation: A Few Diverse Perspectives On Integration, Natalia Yangarber-Hicks, Charles Behensky, Sally Schwer, Kelly Schimmel Flanagan, Nicholas J.S. Gibson, Mitchell W. Hicks, Cynthia Neal Kimball, Jenny H. Pak, Thomas G. Plante, Steven L. Porter

Psychology

This article represents an invitation to the "integration table" to several previously underrepresented perspectives within Christian psychology. The Judeo-Christian tradition and current views on scholarship and Christian faith compel us to extend hospitality to minority voices within integration, thereby enriching and challenging existing paradigms in the field. Contributors to this article, spanning areas of cultural, disciplinary, and theological diversity, provide suggestions for how their distinct voices can enhance future integrative efforts.

Introducing “Gospel Care” Small Groups Into A Lutheran Congregation, W. Mart Thompson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Spiritual care in Lutheranism has been viewed primarily as the responsibility of the pastor. The small group movement has challenged this assumption, encouraging laity to participate.

This project investigates small groups in light of Lutheran theology. It studies pertinent Biblical passages, the history of Pietism, contemporary small group sources, and several congregations with small group programs. Research is also done on Zion Lutheran Church of Pevely, Missouri.

Results indicate that with the proper theological distinctions and applications lay-led small groups can provide spiritual care in a Lutheran context in a way that complements the work of the pastor.

Living With Dying — A Pastoral And Congregational Guide, Kristian Kincaid

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The death of a loved one impacts the grieving emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Interviews were conducted with members of the congregation experiencing loss to ascertain insights into the grieving process as well as pastoral and congregational acts deemed significantly helpful. Findings reveal both pastor and congregation have much to offer the grieving. A pastoral and congregational guide will help focus these offerings.

The Three Reformation Solas And Twenty-First Century Ethical Issues, Matthew R. Anderson

Consensus

No abstract provided.

Moving From Church Growth To Kingdom Growth, Reggie Mcneal

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This article examines the shift from church growth to kingdom growth. It includes some theological reflection on the mission of the church and the kingdom of God. We take a look at some demographic challenges of the kingdom era, largely as it relates to globalization and urbanization in a global context. We also note some of the shifts that church leaders must make, from perspectives to behaviors to ministry scorecard redesign.

Know Thy Hearer!, William Mons

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

This seminar paper will support the thesis that in order to influence the heart of the hearer in the direction of true faith and a godly life, the preacher will need to know his hearers. This thesis will be supported through an exploration of four questions. The first question is "Why does the preacher need to know his hearers?" Under this section there will be a discussion of the preacher's call, the idea that sermons are to be appropriate to the hearers, preaching as pastoral care, the hearers as participants in the preaching task, the image of the preacher, and …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: January 2005, Ronald J. Nydam, David Holwerda, John Bolt, John Rottman

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Dealing with Divorce
3 - “The Messiness of Marriage: A Redemptive Theology” by Ron Nydam
5 - “The CRC Position on Divorce” by David Holwerda
7 - “Keeping Promises Today” by John Bolt
9 - A Sermon on Mark 10:1-12 by John Rottman
11 - “The Role of Elders in Marriage and Divorce” by Ron Nydam
12 - Council Room Q&A by Henry DeMoor

Departments
13 - News
14 - Connections Initiative

Revitalizing Youth Ministry: A Spiritual Strategy To Minister Effectively To The Millennial Generation, Gustavo Squarzon

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The number of young people dropping out of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has increased 50 percent in the last ten years. Fifty-seven percent of those who left indicated the primary reason was not doctrines or theological issues, but the lack of relevance of the church to their lifestyle, spiritual needs, and everyday challenges. The purpose of this dissertation was to identify the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of a specific generation, such as the millennial; and to develop a biblical spiritual lifestyle strategy to help today’s churches to reach and effectively minister to the members of that generation.

Method …

Equipping The Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Zimbabwe For Grief Ministry: A Culturally Sensitive Approach, Simbarashe Nyasha Musvosvi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Problem

Zimbabwe faces a predicament in which the mortality rate is rising while support for grieving people is declining. At the same time the Zimbabwean culture is rapidly changing because o f the impact of Christianity, urbanization, Western influences, and HIV/AIDS. Church leaders are not always in agreement on what rites are appropriate for Christians. These factors often result in inadequate support from the extended family, the community, and the church.

Method

This dissertation discusses the challenges that confront the Seventh-day Adventist church in Zimbabwe in ministering to the bereaved. My purpose was to design a training program for …

A Pilot Grief Ministry Program To Equip Grief Ministry Facilitators In The Local Adventist Churches, Joyce Marie Hatchett

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

There is a need for a visible and effective Seventh-day Adventist Grief Ministry Training Program that is theologically sound and culturally sensitive that will serve the bereavement needs of both the local Seventh-day Adventist congregation(s) and others in the community.

Method

For this study, I used formative evaluation, sometimes referred to as pilot testing. Formative Evaluation has two goals: (1) To gain understanding through observation and soliciting responses of participants concerning how the curriculum and instructional processes might be improved; and (2) to develop strategies for improving the curriculum and instructional process. This pilot training program was held September …

Ministry To The Black Middle Class: Strategies For Churches In Transition, Dedrick L. Blue

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Between 1944 and 1997 over 1 million Black people in the United States rose from poverty to middle class status. Increased upward mobility has brought an increased social mobility. Middle class Blacks are moving into close proximity to predominantly White suburban Seventh-day Adventist churches. Simultaneously, the out-migration of the Black middle class from urban areas to suburbia has created not only an economic drain, but also has fostered class tensions within the Black urban church. If churches are to be successful in the recruitment and retention of the Black middle class, then ministry approaches must be developed to address …

Have Adventists Abandoned The Biblical Model Of Leadership Of The Local Church?, P. Gerard Damsteegt

Faculty Publications

This paper describes the development of leadership of the local church since the days of the early Adventist pioneers till today. It compares this development with the New Testament model of leadership and draws conclusions how to bring the current situation in harmony with the biblical model of local church leadership.

The Development And Implementation Of Intensive Training For Planting And/Or Transitioning To Cell Church Models Within The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Donald C. James

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The priesthood of all believers is a theme I have heard sounded within the Seventh-day Adventist Church for many years, yet there are still many who are not really engaged in ministry who are on our church books. In our churches there seems to be a lack of close connections with one another in mutual support and in ministry to others. Equipping for every member is also lacking, an equipping that develops disciples and moves them into the paradigm of disciple-makers. As a church, we have good results with winning and baptizing individuals, but it seems there has been …

The Development And Implementation Of A Pilot Training Course In Pastoral Diagnosis For Six Pastors In The Lake Region Conference, Richard D.B. Sylvester

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This study was an examination of the counseling style of six pastors and to determine if they have a clearly defined method of informing their interventions.

Method

The task of this dissertation was to design a curriculum to train a pilot group of six pastors in the Lake Region Conference to do spiritual diagnoses and assessments and to have a better psychological understanding of diagnosing in their pastoral ministry. They learned how to integrate spirituality and psychology into their counseling. They were also taught some DSM-IV concepts and how to use the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale.

I …

Increasing Pastoral Job Satisfaction And Efficiency In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Hungary, Andras Szilvasi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The number of pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hungary increased significantly since 1989. In 2002, 70 percent of the pastors had less than fifteen years in ministry. The members’ expectations of their pastor have changed and become widely polarized. Since there is not an evaluation and affirmation system in place, many of the pastors struggle to find satisfaction in pastoral work. One of the major premises of this project is that pastors are central figures in the church and the success of God’s work is largely dependent on how effectively pastors function.

Method

A Myers-Briggs Type Indicator …

A Strategy For Developing Holistic Churches In London: A Case Study Of North Wembley Seventh-Day Adventist Community Church, Steve A. Thomas

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The lack of space for growing membership and to house ministries had allowed the members and officers to live with no clear picture of what they were supposed to be doing and where they were going as a church. The concept of developing a strategic plan and planning for progress was almost foreign to many. Because of these learned habits it was increasingly difficult to gain support for an increase in planned activities. Scheduled programs and activities were not supported. The laity was lacking in motivation for gospel work and had not been adequately trained for mission work. Members …