Digital Commons Network^™

Neighbors With Nowhere To Rest Their Heads, Miguel H. Diaz

Theology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

No abstract provided.

Shall Be Bright At Last: Reflections On Suffering And Hope In The Letters Of Paul, Nijay Gupta, Martha Byrne Van Houten, Sarah Swartzendruber, Alec Ward, Martha Ekhoff, Anna S. Carlson, Jared Bucko, Paul C. Moldovan, Alex Finkelson

Monographs

These nine essays on suffering offer exercises in Christian hope. The contributors reveal honest and tender wounds of the many harsh realities of life in a broken world awaiting full redemption. They meditate on Paul's holy words that teach us to pray with expectation and live by faith. They encourage fellow pilgrims to trust the path and stick together.

Shall Be Bright at Last is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

CC BY-NC-SA

Spiritual Emergence(Y), Psychosis, And Personality: Investigating The Role Of Schizotypy, Kylie P. Harris, Adam J. Rock, Gavin I. Clark

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

Spiritual emergency (SEY) refers to a process of spiritual emergence (SE) or awakening that becomes traumatic for an individual, leading to a state of psychological crisis. There is evidence that SE(Y) is associated with both psychotic symptomatology and personality traits. This study examined the relationship between SE(Y), psychotic symptoms, and schizotypy, a construct that addresses psychotic-like personality traits in the general population. A total of 250 participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. Results showed that SE(Y) was positively correlated with positive symptoms of psychosis and schizotypy, but demonstrated only very weak to no correlations with negative symptoms of psychosis and …

Empowering Laity To Engage In Pastoral Care Ministry: A Proposal For Capacity Building And Supervision For Larger Congregation With Special Reference To Kohima Ao Baptist Church, Nagaland, India., Tsuwainla Jamir

Master of Theology Theses

This thesis explores how to provide effective lay pastoral counseling in a large congregation, with particular reference to Kohima Ao Baptist Church in Nagaland, India.

Missional Discipleship Within The Lutheran Church Of Christ In Nigeria, Innocent Webinumen Anthony

Master of Theology Theses

This thesis considers how the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria might function as a missional church enabling discipleship in Nigeria.

Preaching The Witness Of Last Words: How Biblical Farewell Speeches Shape Contemporary Listeners' Theological Legacy, Derek J. Engfelt

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This project explores several last words speeches in Scripture, in an attempt to mine core theological convictions. It considers the subject of theological legacy. It seeks to ascertain whether or not the preaching of last words of witness will be effective in influencing listeners’ consideration of their own cherished spiritual values. By means of a series of six sermons the author endeavored to encourage listeners to incorporate into their own lives of faith the treasured spiritual values that have been passed down to them as a theological legacy and to give greater thought as to what core theological convictions they …

Congregational Exegesis: Toward Shared Proclamation, Tracy Crick-Butler

Doctor of Ministry Theses

Recognizing that theological diversity is a reality in many mainline churches, this thesis considers the value of exegeting the congregation to gain knowledge of the congregation’s lived and local theology. That knowledge is then used to write and preach four sermons with the intent of helping both the listener and the preacher deepen their understanding of Jesus. An additional focus is on the challenge for the preacher to make clear and bold theological claims. Using an Action-Reflection method of research, interactive exegetical tools, questionnaires, surveys and a personal preaching journal, this project is carried out by a minister in a …

Reaching The Diaspora: Streamed Worship And Preaching In The Lutheran Church Of Australia, Cultivating Koinonia And Ecclesia, Timothy Paul Stringer

Doctor of Ministry Theses

Streamed worship has been happening in the Lutheran Church of Australia since 2013. Who is it reaching? Where is it reaching? Is it connecting them to community and the church? Is the preaching reaching the people who gather outside of the physical church buildings? Is there anything we can do to improve the reach, the connection and the sense of belonging to the wider church even when living remotely or kept away from regular worship by illness, disability or work commitments? This exploratory case study seeks to find these answers and more and then to offer ways forward for the …

The Reflective Preacher: Effective Habits For Homiletical Self-Assessment, Brenda Froberg Legred

Doctor of Ministry Theses

Biblical preaching is the key to church growth and health. Research shows that people are choosing not to worship because of mediocre messages from the pulpit. Yet, people are hungry for what God has to say about their life and context. The pastor-preacher must take the preaching task very seriously, devoting time and energy to the endeavor and seeking to continually improve their craft. The problem is that most pastors do not develop effective habits for homiletical self-assessment. This researcher will offer strategies and tools for faithful preaching and ideas for becoming a more reflective preacher. There are acquired skills …

Missional Leadership In Times Of Congregational Transition, Tormod O. Svensson

Doctor of Ministry Theses

Congregational transitions are points of change, providing opportunities to introduce a missional understanding and direction of ministry. Missional leadership in times of congregational transition includes case studies of three ELCA congregations in transition, led by pastors who have a missional understanding of leadership, processed through the lenses of transformational pastoral leadership, congregational transitions, what it might mean to be sent by God, the Holy Spirit leading and empowering, missional ecclesiology, and congregational spiritual practices. It draws on resources by Allen Roxburgh, Patrick Keifert, Dwight Zscheile, Craig Van Gelder, Lee Bolman, Terrence Deal, Peter Northouse, William and Susan Bridges, and others.

Invisible Poverty: Awareness, Attitudes, And Action, Joseph W. Johnson

Doctor of Ministry Theses

In small-town rural America, we do not tend to see poverty. Poverty is relatively invisible, especially among our youth and children. Invisible Poverty explores the issues, challenges, stereotypes, and causes of small-town rural poverty while presenting possible solutions. Drawing from Alvin Luedke, Craig Van Gelder, Alan Roxburgh, Patrick Keifert, Cynthia Duncan, and Shannon Jung, Invisible Poverty presents a missional theology of accompaniment seeking justice and avoiding shame. In an effort to understand the complexity of rural poverty, Invisible Poverty asks; How might Action Research interventions affect awareness, attitudes, and actions of the congregation concerning the issues of poverty?

Harvesting Hope: Biblical Preaching With People Of The Land, Catherine Belles

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This project seeks to customize generic preaching skills to better serve rural Midwest churches in a time of great transition. “What seeds are we planting that our harvest will be hope in Jesus Christ? Does the Word of God affect our response, and are we transformed by that change, so that hope becomes part of our faith DNA?” Seeking to encourage prophetic visioning, preacher, leaders, and members to live into God’s ongoing new creation. Harvest is a major theme in rural communities and biblical narrative, a metaphor of grace and judgement. Preachers are encouraged to glean the faith stories of …

Do You Hear What I Hear? Discernment And Dialogue In A Secular Age, Andrew J. Schlecht

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This Participatory Action Research (PAR) utilized a mixed methods approach to address an adaptive challenge in a Lutheran church in a bedroom community in a small town and rural setting. The research involved implementing PAR interventions that cultivated four spiritual capacities: see, hear, know, and say within the realm of faith formation. Results suggest the Holy Spirit initiated a process of cultural adaptation as participants began reframing their world view, having their missional imagination transformed, discerning the triune God’s active presence, and engaging in dialogue.

A Way Of Proceeding: Ethical Decision-Making For Management Students At Jesuit Colleges, Kimberly Rae Connor Phd

All USF Faculty Authored Books

This "textbook" includes assignments (group and individual) suggested readings, and lectures for a 7 week course in Ethical Decision making. Although it was designed for an MBA program, the content has been adapted for other students and programs. Also included in the appendix is the full text for Management Exercises, a professional and spiritual development formation program based on the Spiritual Exercises that accompanies students and can be offered as a co-curricular or for credit. The content is designed to be built online on a Canvas platform.

Kimberly Rae Conner is a Professor of Ethics in the School of Management …

A Way Of Proceeding: Ethical Decision-Making For Management Students At Jesuit Colleges, Kimberly Rae Connor Phd

2020 USF Faculty and Staff Books

This "textbook" includes assignments (group and individual) suggested readings, and lectures for a 7 week course in Ethical Decision making. Although it was designed for an MBA program, the content has been adapted for other students and programs. Also included in the appendix is the full text for Management Exercises, a professional and spiritual development formation program based on the Spiritual Exercises that accompanies students and can be offered as a co-curricular or for credit. The content is designed to be built online on a Canvas platform.

Kimberly Rae Conner is a Professor of Ethics in the School of Management …

A Hopeful Eschatology And The Role Of The Ekklesia Prior To The Parousia, Charles H. Graves

Theology Undergraduate Work

No abstract provided.

As Now, So Then, Milo A. Rediger

Milo Rediger Writings & Addresses

No abstract provided.

The Religious Program Of The Liberal Arts College, Milo A. Rediger

Milo Rediger Writings & Addresses

It was not indicated whether I was expected to describe it as it is, define it as it ought to be, discuss its function, or attempt to outline its content. This gives me a wide range and a great deal of freedom, and this is consistent with both the religious and the liberal arts phases of the title. I shall try to establish a frame of reference in an introductory way and then discuss three or four aspects of the subject which my combine something of description, definition, function and content.

Why Not Say "A"?, Milo A. Rediger

Milo Rediger Writings & Addresses

Clear thinking is hard work, especially when you go out into the world where the dust of commerce and confusion never settles. It is important, though not easy, to see clearly what are the issues and to determine courses of action relative to them.

Positive, thoughtful and dedicated living in Christ's way is the answer for our time. To be sure, this is different from the thinking of the secular world, but it appeals to, and challenges, the best blood and brains. It is now yours to apply what you have learned and to continue the education that was started …

Ijcs News, Volume 8, The Institute Of Judaeo-Christian Studies

Newsletters

The 2020 issue of IJCS News, the Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies' annual newsletter, Vol 8.

Beyoncé Making Lemonade Out Of The Colonial System, Caitlin Wheeler

Womanist Ethics

A discussion on Beyoncé's Lemonade and how its imagery and undertones relate to the ever-present colonial system found in relationships and religion. Highlighting connections and ideas found in Albert Memmi's The Colonizer and the Colonized.

Ecowomanism: A Solution To Climate And Social Injustice, Alexis K. Karon

Religion: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

The interconnections of climate justice and social inequalities are paired together in a concept named 'Ecowomanism'. Originally inspired by Melanie L. Harris, ecowomanism uses spiritual theologies, experiences, and memories to discuss the post-modern struggles that women of African and indigenous descent face in society, which can then find solutions to such injustices in a reconnection to nature. In this paper, I argue that adopting an environmental paradigm inspired by the spiritual theology of ecowomanism in the United States, which acknowledges the connection between oppression and violence against communities of color to the violence and domination of the environment, a more …

Ecowomanism: A Solution To Climate And Social Injustice, Alexis K. Karon

Theological Investigations

The interconnections of climate justice and social inequalities are paired together in a concept named 'Ecowomanism'. Originally inspired by Melanie L. Harris, ecowomanism uses spiritual theologies, experiences, and memories to discuss the post-modern struggles that women of African and indigenous descent face in society, which can then find solutions to such injustices in a reconnection to nature. In this paper, I argue that adopting an environmental paradigm inspired by the spiritual theology of ecowomanism in the United States, which acknowledges the connection between oppression and violence against communities of color to the violence and domination of the environment, a more …

Are We Not All Beggars?, Michelle Forstrom

The Restored Gospel and Applied Christianity: Student Essays in Honor of President David O. McKay

Michelle describes how her brother in law’s stroke and her home’s foreclosure helped King Benjamin’s words “Are we not all beggars?” from the Book of Mormon became especially poignant for her.

Spiritual Exploration: Gender, Human Frailty And Interfaith Realities, Elizabeth Iobst

Charles Rice Post-Graduate Research Fellowship

This collection of essays details personal experiences, religious beliefs, gender roles and interviews conducted during a research fellowship in England and Israel.

Stress Perception And Measurement In Missionary Populations, Laurie A. Tone, Fernando Garzon, John C. Thomas, Brigitte Ritchey, Mike Malek-Ahmadi

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Christian missionaries experience numerous stressors across multiple domains. To understand their unique experiences, a targeted assessment is required. There is no known psychometrically tested measure that captures the nuances of stress for this population. To that end, as part of a larger study, the quantitative CHOPS Stress Inventory, a new tool for measuring missionary stress was developed and showed good initial psychometric qualities when compared to an established stress measure. Furthermore, the Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of survey findings on 267 cross-cultural evangelical missionaries noted that both age and sex demonstrated significant effects on perceived stress scores. Implications for missionary …

The Death Of Pope John Paul I: A Reappraisal, Enrique Torner

World Languages & Cultures Department Publications

October 4, 2018, marked the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul I’s funeral. His funeral is one of the few events in his pontificate whose date, time, locations, organizers, participants, guests, attendants, and order of events, everybody agrees on. In contrast, as will be explained later, there is hardly anything related to his death on which scholars of all kinds, distinguished members of the Vatican ranging from daily assistants to the pope to cardinals, non-Catholic clerics from all over the world, politicians of all types and nations, journalists, family members, or even plain curious or interested world citizens can agree. …

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence To Encourage An Increase In Compassion Among The Members Of Ecclesia Baptist In Asheville, North Carolina, Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore

Doctor of Ministry Projects

God’s infinite chesed for humanity, embodied in Jesus, calls Christians to claim their inherent brokenness and their infinite beauty and to offer the same grace to others. This chesed, experienced as compassion, enables Christians to extend compassion to themselves and others. To encourage this behavior among members of Ecclesia Baptist, this project paired psychology with theology and biblical study to nurture emotional intelligence (EQ). Participants attended five two-hour sessions and spent time on reflection and practice outside of meetings. Results indicated that increased EQ boosts confidence in compassionate behavior and increases intentions to continue practices formed from the study.

How Far Is Your Love?, Milo A. Rediger

Milo Rediger Writings & Addresses

No abstract provided.

Conceptualizing Therapy As A Spiritual Discipline, Kristen M. White

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

Psychological literature is in the beginning stages of reflecting the Church’s shift toward spiritual formation, incorporating theory and research regarding how spiritual disciplines might be relevant to the practice of therapy. This work may be expanded by viewing therapy itself as a spiritual discipline, particularly for the client. This article makes this connection by clearly defining spiritual disciplines and highlighting how therapy is or can be made congruent with them. It further discusses how therapy may be a very useful spiritual discipline within the Church today. Lastly, this article discusses the implications for viewing therapy as a spiritual discipline for …