Digital Commons Network^™

The Development Of A Worship Education Program, Neal Maynard Matson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has never developed a theology of worship. Therefore, the members are unacquainted with the biblical principles of worship. Too often their patterns of worship renewal are often influenced more by sociological factors and methodology than by theology. There is a definite need of a worship education program for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Method

A syllabus was produced for a seminar presentation on the biblical principles of worship. The seminar was presented over a thirteen-week period. Worship patterns of the College Place Village Church were discussed. A survey employed to discover members’ worship knowledge and preferences …

Developing Bible Lessons To Reach Hindu Youth, Roy Jemison Injety

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The large number of non-Adventist youth who attend Seventh-day Adventist schools have a limited exposure to biblical teachings and, therefore, are unable to make a decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Method

Bible study lessons were developed to provide youth with a more complete understanding of the Bible and lead them to take a decision for Christ. The lessons address issues relating to youth needs and topics that are common to the Hindu and Christian faiths. A survey questionnaire provided information about the needs, moral development, and Bible knowledge of the target group. A variety of teaching …

Development And Implementation Of A Youth Prayer Fellowship In Madras, Swamidass Johnson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many youth in the Adventist Church in Madras do not participate regularly in church activities. Additionally they suffer from the effects of poverty, unemployment, and family tensions.

Task

The task of this dissertation was to develop a youth prayer fellowship that would address the problems of youth in the Madras Adventist Church.

Method

The biblical concept of prayer groups was studied to establish a basis for the prayer fellowship. In addition, the organization and effects of five Indian prayer fellowships were studied: Friends Missionary Prayer Band, Indian Evangelical Mission Prayer Fellowship, Christian Missionary Society Prayer Band, New Assembly Prayer …

Creative Bible Teaching For Seventh-Day Adventist Youth Ages 13-18, Michael Kwaku Owusu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Studies regarding how adolescents learn have found that the traditional approach of teaching as information or knowledge to be passed on with an emphasis on the mastery of content is not very effective. In view of this, many Christian educators and youth ministry specialists recommend a shift from the traditional methods of teaching the Bible to creative ways of teaching with a focus on active student participation in the teaching-learning process, and on meaning of Bible truths.

Method

The method used to complete this project was a review of representative literature dealing with theories and concepts of teaching and …

How To Lead A Church Through Major Change: A Road Map For Successful Innovation, Jim Egli

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

No abstract provided.

Calvin Seminary Forum: January 1998, Andrew Bandstra, Henry Zwaanstra, Robert Recker, Roger S. Greenway

Calvin Seminary Forum (1994-2001)

1 - “What in Heaven is Going on?” - Andrew Bandstra
3 - “Holwerda Retires – Zwaanstra Named Editor” - Henry Zwaanstra
4 - “That Congregational Prayer” - Robert Recker
6 - “What I Most Want my Students to Know about Missions” -Roger S. Greenway

Teamnet Ministries: An Empowerment Paradigm For Every-Member Ministry In The Hamlet Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Amelia, Ohio, Loren L. Fenton

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Hamlet Seventh-day Adventist Church, located near Amelia, Ohio, experienced a period of significant congregational decline during the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. Several contributing factors converged during this time frame to cause much discouragement and burn-out among the church members. Many left to join other congregations, or simply dropped out completely. Attendance dropped from the 120-150 range to an average of 35-40 at worship each Sabbath. By 1992 there was a serious leadership vacuum, coupled with a high level of mistrust, misunderstanding, and factional splintering permeating the church.

Method

In May 1992, I arrived as senior pastor for …

Strategic Church Planting In The Central Zimbabwe Conference: Towards A Paradigm Shift In Church Growth, Nkosiyabo Zvandasara

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This dissertation focuses on church planting in the Central Zimbabwe Conference. While impressive results have been achieved in evangelizing the lower classes of the society, there has been meager success in reaching the upper classes of the Black community as well as the White, the Indian, and the Colored minorities. A strategic church-planting approach to church growth hopes to not only target the least promising population segments served by the Central Zimbabwe Conference, but also to increase the effectiveness of the other church methods currently being employed to reach the more responsive classes in that conference.

Method

A diachronic …

Reaching The Unchurched: An Evaluation Of And Recommendations For Florida Hospital Seventh-Day Adventist Church's Downtown Community, Raymond Andrew Mcdonald

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Task

The task of this project was to evaluate and make recommendations for the future of Downtown Community, the Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church’s contemporary, ongoing evangelistic ministry to reach the unchurched.

Method

After establishing the philosophical basis for the ministry, a careful review of the preparation for and initiation of Downtown Community was conducted. The effects of the ministry were ascertained by observations, focus groups, and surveys. In addition, comparisons were made with other area churches.

A number of unexpected effects from the ministry of Downtown Community were reviewed. This study is highly dependent on observations, testimonials, and opinions, …

A Strategy For Public Evangelism In Russia, Mikhail K. Morar

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

After Perestroika ushered in new opportunities for public evangelism in Russia, local and foreign evangelists have been baptizing thousands of new converts every year. The rapid growth resulting from these crusades has brought about new challenges. This study analyzes some of the challenges associated with public evangelism in Russia and suggests a strategy to improve the longterm results of these campaigns.

Method

A descriptive analysis of John Carter's 1992 evangelistic campaign in Nizhniy Novgorod city was conducted in order to suggest ways to improve long-term results from public campaigns. The strengths and weaknesses of evangelistic campaigns in Russia are …

Motivation To Participate: Understanding Students' Reasons For Participating As A Help In Growing A Youth Group, Ken Garland

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

Why do high school students participate in church activities? The question has been asked and answered abstractly and anecdotally for years. Still, no one working in church ministry with high school students really understands what motivates those who participate regularly in church youth group activities to do so. It seems that understanding these motivations would be a rather high priority considering what seems to be increasing disinterest in church among contemporary high schoolers.

Toward A Theology Of Youth Ministry And Its Praxis In The Local Church, Luis Fernando Ortiz

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

In many Seventh-day Adventist churches in North America patterns of non involvement among the youth were observed. Young people were attending church on Sabbath, but almost none of them were leaders. The objective of this dissertation was to identify biblical principles for the development of a youth ministry in which leaders build responsible servant leaders and encourage young people to grow, learn, and use their gifts in Christian ministry.

Method

The Scriptures were searched for a biblical background for youth work and principles for successful youth involvement. The word “youth” was analyzed in the Old and New Testaments together …

The Lda Today, Vol. 3, No. 2, Lutheran Deaconess Association

The LDA Today

No abstract provided.

A Philosophy Of Worship And Church Growth, Byron Spadlin

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

It seems very clear—from the Scriptural record, as well as the realities each of us face in daily ministry—that there exists the need to develop a conscious philosophy of how worship relates to the whole arena of church growth. To that end then, let me make some suggestions, not so much in offering something brand new, but by giving some broad stroke observations and principles.

The Rationale For A Culturally Relevant Worship Service, George Hunter

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

More and more churches, in most denominations and traditions, rely less upon pipe organs, hymnals, robed choirs, and the old European hymns, and rely more upon grand pianos, guitars, bands, drama teams, singing ensembles, and newer music with the words projected on a screen. The movement toward contemporary worship, however, has attracted its fair share of suspicion, criticism, and even rage.

A Theology And Structure For Multiple Ministry In A Large Lutheran Church, Perryville, Mo, Donald Loesch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

How can a staff of multiple ministers in a large Lutheran church be organised in a way that is harmonious with the Biblical doctrine of the office of pastor? First, key Scripture passages and Lutheran writings on the pastoral office were studied; second, a congregational survey gleaned thoughtful opinions from parishioners; and third, information was obtained from experts on multiple ministry in other growing churches. A mediating view of the pastoral office both preserves the uniqueness of the office and allows for ministers, ordained and unordained, generalist and specialist, to share the office. A congregational handbook is offered as a …

The Lda Today, Vol. 3, No. 1, Lutheran Deaconess Association

The LDA Today

No abstract provided.

Applying Strategic Planning Toward The Development Of An Effective And Joyful Ministry Team In The Local Church, Robert Kasper

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This study chronicles the activities of the ministry team of St. Peter Lutheran Church and School with respect to the implementation of the strategic planning process. The greatest benefit of strategic planning for the congregation and its ministry team is focus. The stage is set to be proactive rather than reactive in an ever changing environment. The future no longer brings fear, but challenges faith. The past becomes arch heritage, marked by God's grace; serving as fertile ground for roots of faith in a faithful God who will also guide and provide in the years to come.

The Lda Today, Vol. 1, No. 1, Lutheran Deaconess Association

The LDA Today

No abstract provided.

Calvin Seminary Forum: January 1994, John Bolt, David Holwerda, Roger S. Greenway, Cornelius Plantinga Jr.

Calvin Seminary Forum (1994-2001)

Contents
1 - The Right to Die - John Bolt
3 - From Dream to Forum - David Holwerda
6 - Missions is Spiritual Warfare - Roger Greenway
7 - Smedes For Preachers - Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
8 - Christ the Victor - Ronald J. Feenstra

A Process For Equipping And Supervising Lay Christian Caregivers At Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Girard, Illinois, Alan Janneke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project proposes a process to equip Christian laypeople for effective caregiving. Equipping Christian laypeople for effective ministry is mandated by the Scriptures, Lutheran Theology and the practical needs of the Church. Clinical Pastoral Education has proven an effective training method for both professional and lay caregivers in a variety of settings. Its process and techniques can be adapted for use in equipping lay caregivers in congregations. To train and supervise lay caregivers effectively using the Clinical Pastoral Education process, the pastor will need to adopt a new role, supervising the care offered by others.

A Movement Is Born: Church Growth Beginnings In An Old Church In Germany, Hans Martin Wilhelm

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

A new approach must be discovered to break old, encrusted traditions which have kept the church in a "Babylonian captivity." Lack of spiritual vitality and creativity have stifled attempts to inject new life into the church. Unfortunately, the influx of missionary personnel into the European scene has not produced the breakthrough it hoped to accomplish. Mission societies have failed to be the change agents they wanted to be. This is principally due to the failure to understand the historical and cultural context, as well as the theological complexities of the German situation.

Staffing A Church For Growth: A Church Planting Model, Gary L. Mcintosh

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

What is the best way to staff a church so that it grows? Historically this has not been an urgent question for church leaders. Throughout most of church history few churches were large enough to have multiple church staff members. It has only been since the Industrial Age of the mid 1800s that enough people were clustered in cities to produce churches large enough to need multiple staff members. Even then multiple staffing did not become a well known phenomenon until the 1950s when the growing complexity of the so-called Information Age sprang upon the church increasing mobility, diversity, and …

Diaconalogue, No. 26, Lutheran Deaconess Association, Inc.

Diaconalogue

No abstract provided.

A Design For The Establishment Of A Resource Center For Pastoral Skills Development In The Carolina Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists: Based Upon A Pastoral Skills Needs Inventory, Ralph Arthur Hollenbeck

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The drop-out rate for pastors is and has been alarming. One reason for pastors leaving the ministry is their lack of opportunity and the knowledge of knowing where and how to enhance their pastoral skills. The objective of this project is to develop a design for the implementation of a resource center for pastoral skills development based upon a pastoral skills needs inventory.

Method

Methods used in this project varied. A research of literature was conducted. A personal interview with Mark Rouch resulted in the possession of the mailing list of the "Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education …

The Impact Of Instructional Intervention On Profiles Of Ministry Scores Of Nazarene Theological Seminary Students, E. Dee Freeborn

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Diaconalogue, No. 11, Lutheran Deaconess Association, Inc.

Diaconalogue

No abstract provided.

The Empirical Development Of A Curriculum To Train Sda Professional Youth Leaders, Steve Case

Dissertations

Problem. The purpose of this study was to meet the need for SDA youth ministry training by empirically developing a curriculum to train church youth leaders.

Method. The instructional product development of Baker and Schutz (1971) was utilized for this research. After the need for the product was established, instructional specifications were established by means of behavioral objectives. Criteria for these objectives were rooted in current youth ministry literature. Strategies to promote affect were included.

The curriculum was prepared in the form of a weekend seminar. Mastery was set at 80% of the participants scoring at least 80% on each …

A Needs Assessment Of A Continuing Education Program For Korean Pastors In The North American Division Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kei Hoon Shin

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Continuing education for NAD Korean SDA pastors' ministry has been conducted since 1981. To make this continuing education program relevant a needs assessment was necessary. This study attempted to assess the specific needs of Korean pastors in knowledge and professional skills. Method All Korean SDA pastors in the NAD were included. Data were gathered through a written questionnaire. A graphic comparison method and other complementary instruments were adopted in terms of a discrepancy model.

Results

Among ten general subject-matter areas, the results from the survey show the area of biblical knowledge as most in need of continuing education. This …

Christ The Lord All Power Possessing (Hymn), C. Mervyn Maxwell

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.