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Calvin Seminary Forum: April 2001, Ruth A. Tucker, Henry Zwaanstra, John W. Cooper, Henry Demoor

Calvin Seminary Forum (1994-2001)

1 - “Walking Away from Faith” - Ruth A. Tucker
3 - “Calvin Seminary: Yesterday and Today” - Henry Zwaanstra
4 - “Prove It! A Reformed Perspective on Faith and Reason” - John Cooper
6 - “Office and Ordination: Another Round” - Henry DeMoor
8 - “Real Heros” - Calvin Van Reken

"The Circumcision Of The Christ": The Significance Of Baptism In Colossians And The Churches Of The Restoration, Jeffrey Peterson

Restoration Quarterly

Peterson, Jeffrey (2001) ""The Circumcision of the Christ": The Significance of Baptism in Colossians and the Churches of the Restoration," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 43 : No. 2.

This repository hosts selected Restoration Quarterly articles in downloadable PDF format. For the benefit of users who would like to browse the contents of RQ, we have included all issue covers even when full-text articles from that issue are unavailable. All Restoration Quarterly articles are available in full text in the ATLA Religion Database, available through most university and theological libraries or through your local library’s inter-library loan service.

Emerging Trends For Effective Ministry In The 21st Century, Bill Easum

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

This article challenges the reader to consider the “wormhole” effect on church growth.

Sanctified Entirely: The Theological Focus Of Paul's Instructions For Church Discipline, Stacy R. Obenhaus

Restoration Quarterly

Obenhaus, Stacy R. (2001) "Sanctified Entirely: The Theological Focus of Paul's Instructions for Church Discipline," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 43 : No. 1.

This repository hosts selected Restoration Quarterly articles in downloadable PDF format. For the benefit of users who would like to browse the contents of RQ, we have included all issue covers even when full-text articles from that issue are unavailable. All Restoration Quarterly articles are available in full text in the ATLA Religion Database, available through most university and theological libraries or through your local library’s inter-library loan service.

Research On Faith And Health: New Appoaches To Old Questions, Thomas G. Plante, Allen C. Sherman

Psychology

Does religious faith influence health? Are religious practices associated with altered risks for morbidity or mortality? Do religious or spiritual individuals tend to enjoy better well-being or mental health across the lifespan? Does spiritual or religious involvement change the way individuals adapt to the demands of chronic illness? This volume brings together some of the leading investigators who have explored these intriguing questions. Though research is in its early phases, the chapters that follow review some of what we have learned and begin to trace the outlines of the many mysteries that remain.

Master Planning For Church Growth In Serbia, Radivoje Rade Milosavljevic

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Very quickly we are approaching the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church is growing as never before. However, the SDA Church in the former and present-day Yugoslavia grew rapidly in some periods, and declined in others. What factors helped the SDA church to grow? How can the power of the Holy Spirit be combined with a good strategic planning process to fulfill the Great Commission? This vital issue needs to be acknowledged and observed with practical steps taken to find causes and solutions.

This dissertation examines the development of a master-planning strategy for church …

Innovative Ways To Plant Churches In The 21st Century, Robert E. Logan

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Church planting has taken on different dimensions and forms in the last decade. “Innovative Ways to Plant Churches in the 21st Century” by Dr. Robert Logan is a quick overview of some creative ways church planting has recently taken place. Fortunately, Dr. Logan goes beyond simple description and summarizes important principles for effective church planting in the coming decade.

A Training Program For Local Church Elders/Leaders In Northeast India, Kongyui Awungshi Shimray

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Local church elders and leaders in the Northeast India Union have regularly cared for nurturing and evangelism within the church. They have performed pastoral responsibilities because there are only eighteen paid district pastors in charge of over 130 organized churches and more than 300 companies. However, elders and leaders have no training to perform the task effectively. To enable local church elders and leaders to minister effectively, leadership training is required.

Method

The project considered first the concept of Christ's servant leadership as a basis for the work of elders and local leaders within the chinch. It also reviewed …

All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Bad Forgiveness In Counseling And Preaching, John M. Berecz

Faculty Publications

A 3 R's of Forgiveness model is presented in which forgiveness is seen as a complex therapeutic process involving both situational and personal variables. Forgivers are seen to utilize the cognitive processes of dialectical reasoning and reframing, modulated by the emotional experiences of empathy, guilt, and shame. Personality style and self-esteem significantly influence the process as well. Distinctions are maintained among various kinds of forgiveness. Divine forgiveness, seen as a partial component of a spiritual encounter with one's God, may be a valid experience for people of faith, but is not something that psychologists are equipped to experimentally analyze. Interpersonal …

What Makes A Pastor Effective?, Roger Dudley, H. Peter Swanson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Using The Levels Of Family Involvement Model With Religious Professionals, Dale R. Hawley, Carla M. Dahl

Faculty Publications

Serving as a religious professional is a complex task with a wide variety of demands and responsibilities. This variety contributes to a professional identity that requires the fulfillment of a number of roles. The Levels of Family Involvement (LFI) model (W. J. Doherty, 1995) offers a structure for helping clergy ascertain which roles may be most beneficial to a family in a given set of circumstances, as well as which roles are beyond their training and mission. The LFI is offered as a guideline for helping clergy select modes of intervention and identify areas for personal and professional development. Case …

Dying Well: A Christian Perspective, William Morris

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project assists pastors in preparing parishioners to confront the realities of suffering and dying with a God-given identity in a world that seeks to cure pain and suffering by killing. A survey of the pastors and laity of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was conducted to identify their understanding of dying well and to ascertain whether or not they have been influenced by our postmodern society. On a whole the pastors and laity viewed dying in Christ as dying well. A Bible study was developed to assist pastors in preparing parishioners to die well.

Developing Lay Ministry Through Small Groups In The Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In Korea, Gil Ho Choi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

As churches continue to grow from small to large communities, they struggle to meet the need of a growing community. There is a need to involve more church members in the ministries of the congregation. The churches also need to assimilate the new church members. Increasing demands are placed upon the pastors of churches to meet the challenge.

Method

This study deals with a program designed for lay ministry through small groups. It consists of two main parts. The first considers the concepts of small-group lay ministry in the theological, sociological framework of the local church. It includes an …

A Church Growth Study Of Three Churches In Kottayam, Robinson Stephenson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many of the churches in the North Kerala Section have been stagnant for years. In some churches over 50 percent of the members are inactive. This study analyzes the hindrances to the growth of three churches in the Kottayam District and suggests a strategy for church growth.

Method

The theological, historical, missiological, and practical dimensions of church growth were examined. A church growth approach was used which included an analysis of the factors involved in the growth and decline of three SDA churches in the Kottayam district. The growth patterns of three churches over the past ten years were …

Developing A Twenty-First Century Church With Integration And Integrity, Eddie Gibbs

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

The issue of millennial excitement and apprehension is principally concerned not with the calendar but with the culture, for it so happens that Western societies in general, and North America in particular, are experiencing cultural upheavals of gigantic proportions. These shifts are affecting every area of life, including government, business, the military, as well as the church.

Equipping Laity For Ministry In Multi-Church Districts In Brazil, Paulo Cesar Nogueira

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Most church districts in Brazil are comprised of many churches and companies. The average load of pastoral care is one pastor for seven congregations. In addition, members have high expectations their pastors and both lack a clear understanding of the role of lay ministry. Thus pastors feel a heavy work load.

Method

A survey of biblical insights, current literature, and other studies on the priesthood of all believers, lay ministry, and effective pastoral work was undertaken. A program designed to enhance pastoral work in multi-church districts in Brazil was developed.

Results

The concept of the priesthood of all believers …

Toward An Understanding Of Celibacy In A Christian Context For The Twenty-First Century, Marilyn Iva Elliott

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Toward Reversing Pastoral Burnout Through A Program To Restore Balanced Living, Steven Anton Gerig

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Cell Or Small Group Ministry: An Essential Foundation For Christian Education, Discipleship, Leadership Development, And Church Growth, J. Gregory Lawson

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Small group ministry continues to be actively promoted as a key aspect of church growth in every culture. Dr. Gregory Lawson expounds on the continuing need for small groups in “Cell or Small Group Ministry: An Essential Foundation for Christian Education, Discipleship, Leadership Development, and Church Growth.” His article reminds us once again of the impact cells have on evangelism, pastoral care, and spiritual growth.

Preparing Pastors To Train Laity For Church Growth In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Japan, Akeri Suzuki

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The annual number of baptisms in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Japan has decreased from 426 in 1986 to 334 in 1995 despite increases in both the total membership and number of churches. During the same period of time, the number of pastors has declined from 118 in 1986 to 112 in 1995. Thus, the average annual baptisms per pastor has decreased from 3.61 in 1986 to 2.98 in 1995.

Method

Current literature was reviewed. This included books and articles on the principles, strategies, and programs which help pastors develop their abilities to equip the laity and to …

Two Responses To The 'Aryan Clause', Harold Remus

Consensus

Harold Remus, translator. "Report of the Theological Faculty University of Marburg Regarding the Church Law on the Legal Status of Clergy and Church Officials," by Dr. von Soden. "Theological Report on the Admitting of Christians of Jewish Origin to the Offices of the German Evangelical Church," by Dr. Paul Althaus and Dr. Werner Elert. Lecture presented at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Fall 1995. The two responses appeared in Theologische Blatter, Vols 12/10 (October 1933): 289-94 and 12/11 (November 1933): 321-34

Calvin Seminary Forum: October 1997, John W. Cooper, David Holwerda, Melvin D. Hugen, James Dejong

Calvin Seminary Forum (1994-2001)

Contents
1 - Do we need to ‘Revisit’ 1973 - John Cooper
3 - Truth and Freedom - David Holwerda
4 - The Case for Change -Melvin D. Hugen
6 - Obliged to Support - James A. DeJong

The Pastoral Evangelism Of Charles Grandison Finney As A Model For Contemporary Pastoral Evangelists, Daniel B. Forshee

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

The church today needs pastoral evangelists who will lead their congregations in evangelistic activity. Areas “where the gospel has never been heard” desperately need pastoral evangelists to penetrate their mission fields with the salvific message of Christ. If there were no more additions to the world’s population, it would take four thousand years “to evangelize the world through current soul-winning efforts.” Also, pastoral evangelists are needed in the United States. Church growth is not matching population increases. Church membership in the United States increased 28 percent from 1960 to 1990 while the total population increased 39 percent.

Using The Word Of God To Build The Self Esteem Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Scott Fiege

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

USING THE WORD OF GOD TO BUILD THE SELF-ESTEEM OF ADULTCHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS. This project will describe the Adult Children of an Alcoholic (ACoA), the problems they face in life, particularly the issue of self-esteem. The ACoA will be directed to the Word of God to encourage, support, and strengthen them in life as redeemed children in Christ. A daily devotional with Scripture readings and prayers, along with Bible studies, will be provided. This project is for the ACoA who is confused about the issue of identity and self-esteem.

A Look At The Authority Of The Parish Pastor, Martin Koeller

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Changes in society, misuse and abuse of authority in the pastoral office and changes in congregations concerning the role of the pastor, have all led to a need for defining and identifying what authority in the church is, and what authority the pastor has.

The scope of this project was to look at the Scriptural and Confessional foundations of Pastoral Authority along with discussions with the Board of Elders, Constitution Committee and Bible Study groups, to draw a basis for: 1) a definition of “Pastoral Authority"; and 2) the right use of that authority in the office of the parish …

Redeeming The Time : Patterns Of Time Management Among Pastors Of Growing Churches, Samuel John Connell

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Model For Small Group Development And Enrichment At St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Timothy Wenger

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A MODEL FOR SMALL GROUP DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT ATST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSINBY TIMOTHY E. WENGER

The project was begun with the assumption that a greater use of small group ministry could strengthen the congregation as a whole and provide better opportunities for individuals to experience spiritual growth and a deeper sense of fellowship within the church. The approach to this project included research into the theological foundation of small groups and research into the utilization of small groups in society. The observance and appraisal of current small group ministry at St. Luke’s and the enrichment and development …

Witnesses For The Defense A Lenten Worship Series For Holy Cross Lutheran Church Davenport, Iowa, Frederick Schuster

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project is the preparation of a Lenten Midweek Worship Series based on the Gospel according to St. John for use at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa.

The project investigates the Lutheran theology of worship, the concept of worship in the Lutheran Confessions, the place, practice and purpose of Lent in the church, and the relevance of the Gospel according to St. John as the basis for the series.

The study culminates with nine sermon studies, one for each of the six Wednesdays of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Falling From The Faith : Causes Of Membership Dropout In The Grenada Mission Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Clinton P. Lewis

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This study endeavored to find the causes of membership dropout in the Grenada Mission of Seventh-day Adventists and the ways that it may be reduced. The dissertation investigates the biblical and theological basis for seeking to reduce dropouts by undertaking a study of the Great Commission and God’s concern for dropouts. A select review of relevant literature on dropouts was done in an effort to get an overview of the problem in various denominations and regions, as well as to receive insights in reducing dropouts.

One hundred and sixty-nine questionnaires were completed by dropouts, and twenty-one by church leaders in …

Bipolar Preaching For Hispanic Evangelism In The North American Division, Eradio Alonso

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This dissertation deals with the bipolar concept of preaching as it applies to Seventh-day Adventist evangelism in a Hispanic-American context. Bipolar preaching is preaching that focuses on answering human problems or needs by applying eternal truth to the human condition. In my experience bipolar preaching was missing for many years. This project attempts to make the homiletical theory of bipolar preaching better understood I hope that it will be integrated into the preaching ministry in general and into evangelistic preaching in particular. The Hispanic evangelistic sermon seems to be well-anchored in the Word of God, but it does not …