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History, Theology, And Implementation Of A Volunteer Lay Pastor Ministry In The Territory Of The North American Division Of Seventh-Day Adventists, José Cortés Jr.

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This study examines the strategic necessity and implementation of a Divisionwide Volunteer Lay Pastor Ministry (VLPM) within the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA Church). The NAD oversees the church’s work in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, Guam, and Micronesia, serving over 1.2 million members across 6,300 congregations. Despite its strong presence, the NAD faces challenges reaching a diverse population of approximately 370 million. With 69 percent of its congregations either plateauing or declining, the church is at a critical point that requires proactive measures to maintain its mission.

Method

Our study begins with an …

Cross-Denominational Dialogue: Sola Scriptura In Setting The Table For Charitable And Faithful Christian Discourse, Ciprian Mihai Manea

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

In this project, the problem centers around cross-denominational dialogue. The contemporary Christian theological landscape is highly complex and varied. Theologians engage with different theories of knowledge, authority sources, and theological methods, resulting in diverse perspectives that conflict with each other and with Adventist Christian convictions. The differing rational structures of these perspectives require committed effort to understand and communicate effectively. Best practice cross-denominational dialogue involving the theologically informed must account for these differences and provide a context that can facilitate faithful and charitable discourse. Such a context would not only ease the tensions among different Christian traditions but would …

Facilitating Appropriate Clergy Response To Abuse Among Parishioners In The Wisconsin Conference Of Seventh-Day Advetnists, Nicholas S. Moore

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Clergy are frequently the initial point of contact for parishioners seeking guidance and counseling on various life issues and challenges. In certain instances, these matters may be linked to physical and/or sexual abuse, either directly or indirectly. Many clergy have not had the opportunity to receive training on recognizing the signs, symptoms, prevalence, causes, and effects of abuse, or on how and when to refer individuals to specialists or law enforcement when abuse is suspected. This can lead to inadequate emotional and spiritual healing at best, and further psychological damage at worst, for parishioners, with effects that may last …

Spiritual Care For Staff During Trauma And Acute Stress At Adventist Healthcare, Sydney: An Ethnographic Study, Stenoy Stephenson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Health Care is evolving from an exclusive concentration on the physical dimension of illness to a more holistic model which considers the psychosocial and the spiritual. There seems to be a growing need for the spiritual care of the staff who have experienced trauma and acute stress. Although the need for spiritual care in health care services has been largely advocated, there is arguably a lack of attention to the spiritual care needs of staff dealing with traumatic situations and acute stress. The task of this project is to develop, implement, and evaluate spiritual care intervention with staff who …

Self-Care Through Clinical Pastoral Education For Emotional Healing Of Pastoral Staff In The United States: A Case Study For Exploring Relationships, Roberto Vizcaino

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

I have observed that many pastors are suffering from problems experienced in the past and in the present. The problems are both personal (e.g., lack of self-care and depression) and national (e.g., lack of support for social recovery from hurricanes and other natural and socioeconomic catastrophes). Some of the problems experienced by these pastors are because they have not had the opportunity to identify the traumas they experienced in their lives and that still affect them now. In addition, many of them do not have a place where they can share their problems with their colleagues, be heard, supported, …

Exploring The Leadership Competence Strategies And Assessment Procedures In Southern Baptist Churches In A Small County In The Southeastern United States: A Qualitative Research Case Study, Coleman F. Smoak Jr.

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the strategies of Southern Baptist churches which contribute to the competence of their lay leadership. It examines the procedures for evaluating lay leaders’ knowledge of church doctrine and goals, as well as their motivation for pursuit of successful ministry. The research assessed Southern Baptist churches in a small county in the Southeastern United States through a qualitative case study with the primary research instrument being one-on-one, semi-structured interviews of church staff. The researcher sought an understanding of these churches’ practices to ensure that lay leaders are equipped for their ministry positions with regard to their leadership approaches, …

Records Of Lifewatch Arc2024-010 - Finding Aid, Ats Special Collections And Archives

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

Wholistic Healing: Challenges And Opportunities For The Church, Anna Galeniece

All Books

Edited by Anna M. Galeniece

The Power Of The Story, Rogelio Paquini

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

When most people ignore the story of Scripture, there needs to be a different approach to reach them for Jesus regarding knowledge of the biblical narrative. The evangelistic system to reach this generation needs to change. The Next BIG Thing in youth ministry is returning to the power of storytelling. To reach this generation it is imperative to practice storytelling, especially the story of the Bible. Our identity as Seventh-day Adventists depends on the strength of our story in connection with prophetic and historical narratives. We get to tell a story of hope, not of disappointment; a story of cooperation …

New Issues In Temporary Muslim Endowments (Waqf), Moath Alnaief, Kotb Rissouni, Reda Ibrahim Abdelgalil, Maryam Almansoori

All Works

Purpose — This study aims to discuss several examples of temporary Islamic endowments (waqfs) in the modern period, arguing that jurists and Muslim endowment managers should utilise them more widely to adjust to current societal circumstances and open the door for new ways of caring for those in need. Design/Methodology/Approach — It employed textual analysis of legal opinions related to temporary waqfs, outlining the positions of scholars on both sides of the issue, including a presentation and analysis of their evidence. Findings — The research findings show that temporary waqfs are an essential means of renewable and sustainable economic support, …

Who Has The Most Influence On Your Spirituality?, S. Joseph Kidder, Natalie M. Darisme

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Pastoral Burnout: Causes, Consequences And Closure, Hyveth A. Williams

Faculty Publications

Pastoral burnout is a growing concern among religious leaders in North America, with significant consequences for both individuals and congregations. No denomination is unaffected by its debilitating presence; even Seventh-day Adventist clergy are not immune to this increasing stress-related twenty-first century health malady. Several factors contribute to pastoral burnout, including excessive workload, unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and boundary violations. These aspects often lead to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduced personal accomplishment, and though rare, suicide. This presentation will explore the causes, consequences, and suggested conclusion with potential strategies for intervention and prevention of pastoral burnout.

How To Deal With Theological Conflicts, Part 1, Timothy Blaze, S. Joseph Kidder

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Strong Bonds : A Three-Day Retreat For Military Couples, Donald T. Bridges

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Healing Prayer, L. Ann Hamel

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

A major theme of both the Old and New Testaments is that of healing and restoration. The Old Testament teaches that it is God who heals (Deut 32:39; Exod 15:26), while the New Testament presents Jesus’ ministry as one of healing and restoration (Luke 4:18-19). Healing was clearly a major theme in Christ’s earthly ministry with biblical scholars reporting that approximately one fifth of gospel texts relate stories of Christ’s healing miracles. The Bible teaches that not only did Jesus heal but he gave his disciples the power and authority to heal in his name, thus empowering the church to …

Shalom: Health, Healing, And Wholeness In Biblical Perspective, Boubakar Sanou

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Health, healing, and wholeness occupy a central place within the biblical narrative, embodying God’s intent for the flourishing of the entirety of his creation. Grounded in the concept of shalom, Scripture articulates a holistic understanding of wellbeing that encompasses spiritual, physical, emotional, moral, and relational dimensions. These dimensions are interconnected, each influencing and shaping the others. In the context of an increasingly fragmented world, the biblical concept of shalom offers a firm framework for addressing the multifaceted challenges of health, healing, and wholeness. By embracing the holistic vision of health, healing, and wholeness, Christians are called to participate in God’s …

Biblical And Theological Principles For Ministry To The Deaf And Other Isolated Groups, Joseph Jacobson

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Deaf people are one of the largest unreached groups in the world (Lowenstein 2019, para. 2). To reach this group with the gospel, it is vital to build a solid biblical foundation for ministry to deaf individuals. The knowledge of God and the importance of faith, hope, and trust in God are often limited among deaf communities despite technological advancements (Broesterhuizen 2005:307). It is essential to show the different groups of deaf communities scattered around the world that Jesus loves them and that “the Bible is at heart a text that is positive for all marginalized people, whether poor, or …

The Healing Power Of Forgiveness, Susan Payne

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

“I can never forgive him!” Angry tears rolled down her face as she spat out the words. “He lied about me in court, turned my children against me, and refuses to protect them from physical and sexual abuse! How can I forget these terrible things and excuse his behavior?” I listened as she vented her anger and frustration. Then, after the emotion was spent, I asked if I could share what I have learned about forgiveness, what it is and what it isn’t. Eventually through many tears and prayers, this woman was set free from the bitterness of her situation. …

Biblical And Theological Principles For A Chaplaincy Ministry, Shelby Davidson

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The term chaplaincy does not directly appear in the Bible. However, the principles of chaplaincy are very much present in the Scriptures. Jesus, the greatest chaplain, was present in the Garden of Eden. Later, he incarnated as a human to this fallen world to be with humanity, to go through what human beings go through. A chaplain primarily is present with the people; therefore, a ministry of presence, empathy, giving wise counsel, and many other qualities describe what a chaplain is. This article looks at biblical and theological principles to guide a chaplaincy ministry from Scripture as well as from …

Leadership In Philippians: A Postcolonial View, Rick M. Kress

Masters Essays

No abstract provided.

In My End Is My Beginning: Mary Stuart And The Foundation Of Her Religious Pragmatism, Shantelle M. Clement

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots and Dowager Queen of France, demonstrated atypical religious tolerance during the turmoil of the sixteenth-century reformations, particularly in comparison to other monarchs of the time. This research especially focuses on her upbringing in France, and how her education and those around her influenced the pragmatism and actions displayed as a monarch in Scotland until July 1565. Her youth in France and religious tolerance is a rare focus in secondary sources compared to the more dramatic events in her later life.

The Nature And Role Of Health Laws In The Writings Of Ellen G. White, Lehel Somogyi

Master's Theses

The Topic

Since the founding of their denomination, Seventh-day Adventists have advocated a particular concept of health based on the visions and writings of denominational co-founder Ellen G. White (1827–1915). According to her writings, certain natural laws are crucial for maintaining health. These laws are often called “the laws of health” or “the eight laws of health” and include principles such as diet, exercise, water, temperance, and hygiene. In Seventh-day Adventist circles, Ellen G. White is usually perceived as the originator of these health principles. Some scholars suggest that she simply borrowed her health principles from other contemporary health reformers. …

Familial Consequences Following Deconversion: Perceived Parental Openness, Intrinsic Religiosity, And Impact Of Familial Repair, Michaelia R. Conway

Master's Theses & Other Graduate Student Works

This January 2024 Master of Science in Psychology thesis at Lipscomb University looks at how previous research on deconversion from a Christian religious background to atheism indicates that individuals experience negative social consequences with family, friends, and community groups when they disclose that their beliefs have changed (Marriott, 2015); (Dollinger, 2018). Past research has shown that mothers are impacted by their emerging adult child’s deconversion (Marriott, 2015). Studies also indicate that parents who are extrinsically religious and less open to new experiences are more likely to dismiss their emerging adult child’s worldview (Marriott, 2015). These findings are all derived from …

Leadership And Emergent Faith Communities In Canada: A Phenomenological Study, Anne Anderson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of this study is to explore how participants within emergent faith communities in Canada experience leadership. Through a phenomenological approach, members from five emergent faith communities across Canada have been interviewed in a semi-structured format. Emerging themes of transformational leadership, community along with belonging, and possible future areas of research will be discussed.

H.C. Morrison And The Holiness Union Of The South, Robert A. Danielson

The Asbury Journal

Holiness history in the southern United States tends to view the movement as a collection of local or regional churches or institutions without a unified organization. This view often overlooks the work of H.C. Morrison and an organization he founded called the Holiness Union of the South. It began in 1904 and lasted through 1915 and sought to unite the Holiness work in a fashion similar to the National Holiness Association in the northern United States. The Union focused on the areas of mission, education, and publishing- areas which smaller organizations were ill-equipped to operate. While the Union was initially …

Why Did Disciples Anoint With Oil For Healing In Mark 6:13?, Craig S. Keener

The Asbury Journal

This short essay explores the cultural meanings behind the practice of anointing people with oil for healing within the context of scripture. This work is the result of research which is not being published elsewhere due to space limitations, but is considered significant and of interest to many in the Global Church today. While it does not fit the full definition of an academic article, it remains an essay which can clarify and illuminate the issue of anointing with oil for many leaders and laity in the church.

An Approach To The History Of Missions In The Church Of The Nazarene In Cuba, Mirelys Correoso Calzadilla

The Asbury Journal

The history of a church is impossible to tell if the chronicles of its missions are ignored. It is the latter that give it life and continuity. This article aims to present a brief historical review of the development of the missions in the Church of the Nazarene in Cuba. We begin with Miss Leona Gardner, a North American missionary, who arrived on the island in 1902. She preached the gospel in the area of Casilda, Trinidad, in the former province of Santi Espíritus, for 25 years. The merit lies in the fact that although she did not manage to …

Managing Differences In The Family, Alina M. Baltazar

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Ongoing Relevance Of Sri Aurobindo Ghose, Edward Ulrich

Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies

SRI AUROBINDO has a mixed legacy. Among Indians he has both admirers and detractors. Those who admire him tend to include Bengalis who celebrate his role in the freedom struggle, devotees of his spiritual path, and Hindu nationalists who regard his synthesis of religion and nationalism as a forerunner of their agenda. Critics regard him as a traditionalist, a communalist, and a terrorist. However, both critics and admirers on the Hindu right tend to have a superficial read of this complex man. Also, writings by devotees of his spiritual path tend not to remedy the situation, as they generally focus …

Declared Guiltless Justification By Faith In The Latter-Day Saint Classroom, Stephan Taeger

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

Religious educators can face unique challenges when teaching the doctrine of grace. Some students struggle with excessive guilt and do not think they are doing enough to live the gospel. Others think that grace somehow excuses their sins. Helping students better grasp the doctrine of justification by faith can help them feel peace with God while inspiring them to be more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. This article uses the words of scripture, modern prophets, and trusted scholars to clarify this doctrine and discusses how understanding it removes guilt and inspires obedience to God’s commandments. The concluding section provides practical …