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Hand In Hand, Winter 2023

Hand in Hand

A newsletter published for Deaf Catholics in Milwaukee, WI

Hand in Hand Finding Aid

Our Contributors

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

A Spiritual Formation Ministry For Small Groups, Deborah Defrank Tipps

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This dissertation was born out of my own personal experience in the local church as a disciple seeking to follow Jesus Christ, and grow in his image. It began many years ago when I started to notice that the God I encountered while practicing centering prayer was, at times, very different from the God I encountered in the study of scripture, and in some of the teachings of the church. By different I mean that the God I encountered in centering prayer was bigger, more merciful, patient, loving, and inclusive than the God I had experienced through all my years …

The Spiritual Impact Of Disability On Parents And Caregivers, Grant Azbell

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This study was designed to examine the impact of disability on the faith and faith communities of parents and caregivers of persons experiencing disability. This study proceeded by asking nine parents or caregivers of persons experiencing disability a series of seven questions to evaluate the impact of disability on their faith and on their relationship to their faith community. The interviews were conducted on Zoom and the recordings were transcribed and coded to observe discernable patterns and themes amongst the participants. What emerged from the data is important for ministers, church leaders, and anyone wanting to know more about the …

“Doing Something New” With Venerable Francis Libermann, Bill Cleary Cssp

Spiritan Horizons

No abstract provided.

Revisiting “Sites Of Spiritan Spirituality, May 14-June 3, 2023” (Supplemental Content), Dora Janeway Odarenko

Spiritan Horizons

No abstract provided.

Buncombe Street Administrative Board Minutes 1996-2000, Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

Methodist Local Church Records

No abstract provided.

Being Present Without Being Present: An Internet-Based Approach To Providing Pastoral Counseling To An Always Online Generation, Stephen Lyon Woolverton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The increasing reliance that Millennials and Gen-Z Christians have on the internet for almost every question that comes up in their lives should be viewed by pastoral counselors as a cultural context that need to be understood as part of the counseling process and not an obstacle to the counseling process. The emergence of the internet, and the part that it has played in the culture of American Christians who have grown up with constant access to this avenue of communication, has only recently begun to be seen and utilized by pastoral counselors. This research uses the perspective of a …

Improving The Biblical And Spiritual Skills And Knowledge Of Christian Mental Health Counselors At Grace House Counseling Center In Fleming Island, Fl, Larry M. Nichols

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian licensed mental health counseling at Grace House Counseling Center is a multi-faceted spiritual undertaking that is largely in the purview of lay persons who often work and minister to Christians and non-Christians who live and work in a pluralistic environment. Grace House’s mental health counselors are formally trained through their master’s degree program to provide mental health care, not spiritual or soul care, to clients. While some Grace House counselors have some spiritual training, either from an undergraduate Bible college or through years of self-study, most do not have formal training that links Scripture and spiritual disciplines to various …

Liturgical Worship And Soulcare: Foundation And Ministry, Dustin Thomas Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout twenty plus centuries of Liturgical Worship, there have been two significant demands on those who teach and facilitate worship. The first call is for that worship to be faithful and orthodox, a continuation of the worship that has been handed down from those whose lives were marked by it. The second demand is to be relevant—that whatever is done be done in such a manner as to impact lives. This second call is a request that the souls of people who are led in worship be changed, healed, and matured. Through careful historical research and modern interviews, this dissertation …

Transformational Healing Within An Incarcerated Exile Community, David W. Phipps Jr.

DMin Project Theses

This August 2023 Doctor of Ministry project thesis at Lipscomb University is the beginning foundation of a dream that I first started dreaming of while I was in prison. The dream is the development of a community in exile with the understanding that those living in exile have something to offer within the prison walls. Furthermore, those in exile have something to offer when they are released from exile. God, through Jeremiah, tells those living in exile in Babylon that they are to build communities while in exile. Through the building of communities God informs that they are to offer …

Canadian Lutheran History: Remembering Today, For The Sake Of Tomorrow, Karen Kuhnert

Consensus

No abstract provided.

Christ: A Religious Priest? A Thomistic Approach, Damian Day

Theology Faculty Publications

The nature and value of the religious priesthood have often been questioned, including after Vatican II. John Paul II, however, claims that the religious priest ‘reproduces in his life the fullness of the mystery of Christ’. Examining Aquinas’s understanding of Christ’s total self-sacrifice provides a model that explains how. In this article, I present a Christological and Thomistic approach to the question by identifying Christ as a religious priest, highlighting one of Aquinas’s patristic sources (St Gregory the Great) and one of his greatest spiritual interpreters of modern times (Bl Columba Marmion). Because of his grace of headship, Christ contains …

Contributor Bios, Obsculta Editors

Obsculta

No abstract provided.

Eschatology And Christian Ethics: An Argument For Disabled Beatitude, Marco Peter Spataro

Religious Studies Honors Theses

Catholic eschatology studies four elements of the afterlife: Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell. The primary purpose of this paper will be to evaluate the prerequisites for beatification, the state of being for souls elevated to heavenly status. This paper will seek to argue in favor of disabled beatification, particularly for the souls whose mental illness prohibited their use of right reason in this life, through an examination of malignant theology, mental illness, a Catholic definition of God, and the implications such a definition has on the wider study and care of the mentally ill. I will then suggest a path …

Developing A Program Of Well-Being For Coptic Orthodox Clergy In The Diocese Of Melbourne, Australia, Abanoub Attalla

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project aims to develop a holistic recommendation of policies, procedures, and practices that can contribute toward achieving better well-being for clergy that will equip and support them for healthy and sustainable ministerial practices. Without a plan for suitable intervention, the current situation could be quite harmful to both clergy and their congregations. Therefore, it is critical to develop processes and protocols that will facilitate the support and practices of the clergy of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia so they can lead a balanced and spiritually fulfilling life. Within the context of this project, I will use the word …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of The Christian Reformational Transcendental Model Of Art Criticism As A Literary Theory Through Albert Camus’S The Stranger, Elizabeth Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The subfield of art criticism and theory within Christian reformational philosophy, a descendent of the neo-Calvinist theology developed through the work of Dutch Reformer Abraham Kuyper and others, is becoming increasingly diverse. Recently, scholars such as Leland Ryken, Glenda Faye Mathes, and Philip Graham Ryken have built upon twentieth-century theologian Francis Schaeffer’s worldview approach by popularizing a transcendental model of art criticism, an approach that applies the transcendentals of truth, goodness, and beauty to works of art. However, the transcendentals, while widely discussed in the fields of philosophy, theology, and, to a lesser extent, art theory, have not been explicitly …

C. S. Lewis And The Care Of Souls, Lyle W. Dorsett

Sehnsucht: The C. S. Lewis Journal

Lewis acknowledged he lacked professional credentials to write popular theology. But he also argued that until the theologians and clergy wrote books laymen could understand on such topics as spiritual warfare and the problems of evil and pain, he must stand in the gap. It is the thesis of this essay that, in the final analysis, Lewis’ legacy as a physician of the soul will rival his importance as an apologist and author of the Narnian Chronicles.

Addressing The Intergenerational Disconnect Through Small Group Ministry In A Rural Church, George Russell Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Programs and activities at church are designed primarily to minister to the needs of specific age groups. Though this style of ministry has its place in the church, if not monitored, it can cause a division among the generations in the church. The division that exists can create a “we versus them” mindset. The generational division can create an attitude that affects the unity of the church while also a competition for resources and style preference in the church. This division also creates a culture of anemic discipleship from a lack of investment across generational lines that is a biblical …

The Lewis-Anscombe Debate: A Philosophical Reformulation, James E. Taylor

Sehnsucht: The C. S. Lewis Journal

This paper will not examine the evaluative and historical questions that have arisen about this debate. Instead, it will provide an extensive reformulation and explanation of the philosophical arguments employed by both Lewis and Anscombe which are contained in their published works that are directly related to the debate. These works are the first edition of Miracles,3 which contains the argument that forms the basis of the debate, the essay that Anscombe read at the Socratic Club, and Lewis’ second edition of Miracles. Hopefully, this will serve to clarify the concepts, issues, and arguments employed in the debate and its …

Embodying The Image Of God: A Call To Holistic Spiritual Formation, Katelyn Jo Brackney

DMin Project Theses

This April 2023 Doctor of Ministry project thesis at Lipscomb University explores how humanity is created good and in God’s own image. Over the years many streams of the Christian tradition have moved away from this foundation of created goodness resulting in disembodied approaches to our spiritual formation. The disconnection from our embodied selves God so lovingly and intentionally created has appeared in a variety of ways. Some particular perspectives consider bodies to be prohibitive to spiritual growth. This project seeks to return to the beginning and explore how a holistic approach to spiritual formation helps us live in a …

Healthy Souls And Steady Hands: A Relational Model For Soul Care Of Rural, Assemblies Of God Pastors, Nathaniel E. Rhoads

Doctor of Ministry

The NPO: Pastors and their spouses, of rural, Assemblies of God (AG) churches, need a relational structure for sustainable soul care to maintain a healthy spirituality and ministry. Pastors expend great energy caring for the welfare of others through acts such as teaching, counseling, and visiting. But who provides care for pastors? How can pastors take care of themselves? If the souls of pastors are dry, disordered, and dismayed, their relationship with God and service to the church suffers. Pastors in rural communities, typically in small congregations, face particular challenges, especially from geographical isolation and expectations of church growth. In …

The Love Effect: Crossing Our Divides Together Into Flourishing, Lang Charters

Doctor of Ministry

NPO Statement: In a polarized, “us” versus “them” society: How do we embrace and cultivate the richness of ourselves, recognize the goodness of “others,” and come together as one diverse human family; wherein, we grow into greater individual and collective flourishing?

Key Benefits or Insights from Research: The clearest, most helpful insight from my research and reflection is that “strengthening” one’s ability to be in relationships, is much like strengthening one’s muscles. Getting stronger physically, isn’t easy. It takes sweat, perseverance, and effort. You have to wisely push your limits in safe and healthy ways. Relationships, especially when it comes …

Best Practice Spiritual Formation Models In The Christian Hybrid Church, Crystal Deneene Stalling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore best practice spiritual formation models and the perceived effectiveness of spiritual formation in the hybrid church community brick-and-mortar and online church settings for individuals in Christian hybrid churches. The concern was whether the churches effectively implemented best practice models through their traditional brick-and-mortar locations and digital platforms that would cause individuals within the Christian community to experience spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is generally defined as “the holistic work of God in a believer’s life whereby systematic change renders the individual continually closer to the image and actions of Jesus Christ” (Pettit, …

Story Communion: A Guidebook For Creating Sacred Space To Foster Kinship Amid Diversity In Christian Communities, Amber Hogan Jones

Doctor of Ministry

Christian communities are deeply divided theologically, socioeconomically, ethnically, and politically; thus, the popularity of the saying: “The most segregated time in America is on Sunday mornings.” Though there is wide consensus that this is problematic due to God’s clear desire for kinship among God’s people, most Christians are unsure what to do about this problem. This project aims to remove common barriers to diverse Christian communion by offering an affordable, easily repeatable, portable model for transformational connection across diverse Christian communities. Utilizing a blended methodology that draws upon bibliographic resources, data derived from stakeholder collaboration, and human-centered design and iteration …

Korean American Young Adults: Spiritual And Emotional Formation Though Art, Hesed Lee

Doctor of Ministry

It is a well-known phenomenon in America that many young adults are disengaged from the Church, at the same time they are battling internal emotional conflicts while trying to understand their faith journey. Even though most of them grew up in the Church, participated in church programs, and learned about God, they are anxious, lonely, and struggling to discover their spiritual identity. What then, what are we missing? After conducting an anonymous online survey with Korean American young adults and gathering narrative research from Korean American young adults as well as Asian American English Ministry pastors, this paper explores the …

Mteule: A Program Of Healing And Spiritual Growth, Kathy Ham

Doctor of Ministry

Mteule is a one-year program of Spiritual Formation designed for the camp mentors of Angaza Discovery Camp and other staff members of Missions of Hope International (MOHI). Mteule means ‘set apart’ in Swahili. Mteule was developed to address the following need, problem, or opportunity: Camp mentors and other staff from the Mathare Valley come with their own experiences of trauma and can be lacking the capacity to maturely minister to traumatized children. MOHI is a Christian non-profit providing spiritual development, education, physical well-being, and sustainability training/micro-finance opportunities to those living in abject poverty in Kenya. MOHI currently has 31 Hope …

Toward Wholeness: Discovering Intimacy With Jesus Through Holistic Healing, David H. Brown

Doctor of Ministry

NPO Statement: Christians longing for inner healing and wholeness along with growing intimacy with Jesus need a confident, competent pathway to follow.

Key Insights from Research: Intuitively true, but still surprising, the top factor for improving someone’s confidence in pursuing their healing and wholeness in a ministry setting is trust of the minister. This factor topped perceived competence of the minister, community support and biblical soundness as other confidence-building factors. Another key insight, this one brought about through my stakeholders, is the importance of telling one’s story, one’s testimony, to help gain trust and grow the confidence of a potential …

Inner Work Community: Shadow Work As Spiritual Formation, Michael Simmons

Doctor of Leadership

The NPO statement surrounding this doctoral project is that A theological, practical, and community-centered framework for shadow work is disconnected from Christian spiritual formation. This doctoral project is the culmination of a three-fold process: discovering the need for shadow work in the context of spiritual formation, designing multi-faceted virtually-based opportunities to address this need among individuals and groups, and delivering those opportunities via online courses, one-on-one shadow work, and digital content such as essays, articles, and podcasts. My vocational context is my unofficial organization, and MVP, Inner Work Community, which provides these opportunities. Inner Work Community is extended through partnerships …

Ecumenical Diplomacy: The Art Of Welcoming Dialogue For The Sake Of Mutual Christian Collaboration Toward Peacemaking, Justice, And Ethical Citizenship, Tiffanie Paige Wilson

Doctor of Ministry

The project was developed in response to the NPO: How can we become proficient in better listening to and learning from each other to understand the ethical and intellectual commitment and stakes behind theological, political, and social perspectives different from our own? In a pluralistic society, such deep understanding is necessary to enable working together toward ecumenical diplomacy. A key insight emerging from research was just how impactful the path of ecumenical diplomacy would be for participants. People are truly weary of the polarization experienced in the United States, particularly theologically and politically, and are eager to learn a new …