Digital Commons Network^™

A Reader's Guide To Children's Ministry, Shannon Rains, Jennifer Schroeder, Ron Bruner

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

Although the church has long practiced ministry with children, this field of ministerial practice is taking new and exciting shapes in the 21st century. Because of the expanding and substantial body of literature produced in this discipline over the last several decades, we have assembled an annotated bibliography intended to give scholars, practitioners, and church members an overview of the more significant printed work that addresses Christian perspectives on ministry with children.

2019 - Sorrow, Hope And Joy: Life In The Mountains And Valleys Of The Psalms, Abilene Christian University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

Abilene Christian University’s 2019 Summit is designed to remind how the spiritual foundation of praying, singing and meditation helps contemporary disciples flourish during times of despair, hope and joy. In the Psalms we encounter words, music and emotions for private and communal worship times. Although sometimes neglected in the 21st century, the Psalter supplies power to transform lives by bringing God’s kindness and mercy into our world.

Just as the Psalms were the hymn book for Jesus and his followers, at Summit 2019 we will examine the many ways in which they provide a steady, sustained foundation for healthy Christian …

Missional Partnership: Reframing The Concept Of “Placing Membership”, Steve Cloer

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

This essay reframes the process of “placing membership” in a local church with the theological concept of missional partnership. A critical review is offered of the organizational procedure of “placing membership,” its underlying theoretical assumptions, and its deficient theological vision. Then, the practice of joining a local Christian community is reimagined in a missional ecclesiology focusing on the key theological strands of spiritual accountability and equipping for mission. The biblical metaphor of “partner in the gospel” is explored as an alternative to “membership” as a way to adequately communicate what joining, entering, and participating within a church on mission entails. …

Spiritual Transformation At Austin Christian Church, David Hooper

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project was designed to meet a need at the Austin Christian Church (ACC) for enhancing the spiritual formation of new converts to Christianity by providing clear direction for mentors seeking to disciple others into the image of Christ. The scope of this project is focused directly on taking the first steps toward a deliberate pathway for spiritual formation by establishing the foundational principles. The apostle Paul’s pastoral theology provides the theological rationale for the project. Theosis, the theologically rich description of the Christian transformative process, also informs the theological foundation for the project. Drawing on the work of Richard …

A Reader's Guide To Intergenerational Ministry And Faith Formation, Dudley Chancey, Ron Bruner

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

The concept of intergenerational ministry and faith formation has gained an increasing number of proponents over the last thirty years. Because of the burgeoning literature produced in this field, we have assembled an annotated bibliography intended to give practitioners and church members an overview of the printed work that addresses this important approach to ministry and spiritual formation.

A Blessing To All Nations: Examining Call Narratives In The Hebrew Bible, Brianna Rideout

Honors College

In the New Testament, Jesus tells his followers to go into the world and preach the good news of the kingdom of God. One aspect of this kingdom is God’s love for all creation. However, the missional call in the Old Testament has been largely ignored. Some Old Testament scholars have argued in favor of a mission to the nations in the Hebrew Bible on the basis of Isaiah 40-55. Others have argued against it saying that the prophetic message here is for reform directed toward their own community. Still, the genre of the call narrative and its role in …

Toward Just Hospitality, Ron Bruner

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

The ministry of Jesus moved through times of seeking justice, sharing hospitality, and withdrawing for prayer. Though inescapably “other” because of his divine identity, he sought solidarity with humans by becoming human and interacting with humanity through hospitable practices. The Ancient Mediterranean customs of hospitality were well-defined, but Jesus took this powerful cultural framework and changed its practice so that it produced reconciliation and justice.

This work briefly reviews the practice of hospitality in the time of Jesus. It also presents the work of scholars identifying linguistic markers that would have cued readers in the Ancient Mediterranean to recognize a …

“Bone Of My Bones And Flesh Of My Flesh”: A Feminist Analysis Of Christianity, Evolutionary Theory, And The Provenance Of Patriarchy, Heather Bishop

Dialogue & Nexus

While perceived by many as conflicting in nearly every sphere, science and religion both play an important role in the promotion of patriarchal ideologies. My research has found that neither Christianity nor evolutionary theory are inherently patriarchal, neither do they justify patriarchy. Instead, it is the misinterpretation and misuse of these subjects that contribute to the justification of patriarchy for the deep-seated goal of reproductive power. I will show this by analyzing theological themes present throughout the Christian scriptures, as well as investigating findings of evolutionary psychology and hominid ancestry. The implication of this study is that there is no …

More Blessed To Give Than To Receive: A Model Of Lifetime Charitable Giving, Monty Lynn, James Litton, Jozell Brister, Kyle Tippens

Management Sciences

We integrate theological, fnancial and social science scholarship to create a model which describes lifetime charitable giving, or the voluntary sharing of fnancial and other resources over the lifecycle. As background for the model, we review Christian thought on tithing and the spirituality of giving as well as four giving theologies—prosperity, stewardship, mutuality, and simplicity. We offer recommendations on how lifetime giving might be enhanced and how the model might be applied in teaching and research.

Launching A New Journal: Problems, Questions, Answers, And Hopes, Ron Bruner

Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

In the initial pages of this journal, we provide an explanation of its mission—rigorous and accessible conversation among those working at the intersection of theology and ministerial practice. We list the obstacles to that conversation, and the means by which this journal overcomes them. This essay also imagines and describes various settings in which an e‐journal containing the work of scholar‐practitioners might usefully serve the academy and the church.

Developing An Intentional Mentoring Model For Disciple Formation At The Mayfair Church Of Christ, Jason Bybee

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents the results of a project to lead a team in the development of an intentional mentoring model for disciple formation at the Mayfair Church of Christ. This intervention involved the team members in a series of sessions during September and October 2013. Project sessions were designed to provide participants an intentional mentoring experience through exposure to four core practices: exploration of the biblical text, appreciative inquiry exercises, communal sharing, and prayer. Sessions were informed by (1) an understanding of discipleship as following behind Jesus and walking alongside our fellow sojourners, (2) the nature of …

2012 - 106th Annual Summit, "Intimacy", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christian University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

No abstract provided.

Tatian's Diatessaron And The Passion Chronology, Nicholas J. Zola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although the crucifixion of Jesus is arguably the culminating event of Christianity, the four Gospels curiously do not seem to agree on the date of his death. The issue at stake comes down to the nature of Jesus' Last Supper. Matthew, Mark, and Luke imply that Jesus was crucified after the Passover, thus on Nisan 15. John implies that Jesus was crucified before the Passover, thus on Nisan 14. The purpose of the present thesis is not to solve this calendrical incongruity but rather to explore one second-century author's unconventional solution and propose a special context for its creation. The …

Totally Devoted: Developing A Holistic Spiritual Formation Course For Western Christian College, Stanley N. Helton

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports research results from a learning community composed of faculty, support staff, ministry leaders, and students who collaborated in a professor’s development of a new course proposal in Christian spiritual formation at Western Christian College in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The professor used qualitative research methods in the analysis and evaluation of the data produced by the group. The outcome of the project was ethnographic data that informed the creation of the course proposal that included new course application, course syllabus with course schedule, planned activities, bibliography, initial classroom assignments, and initial assessment tools.

2007 - 90th Annual Bible Lectureship, "Do Justice, Love Mercy, And Walk Humbly: Messages From Micah", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christian University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

No abstract provided.

The Character Of God In The Speeches Of Yahweh In The Book Of Job, John David Telgren

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Considering Job in its canonical form with special attention to the lawsuit and the mythopoeic features, this thesis investigates the portrayal of God in his speeches as a corrective to Job and his friends' erroneous view of God. Their erroneous view is based on the concept of violent and militant divine power that defeated a rival chaos deity before the foundation of the world and established order, justice, and community. Job and his friends believed that just rule, which is to preserve community order, is naturally based on the same violent power with which the world was created. Therefore, any …

Book Reviews And Notes, Restoration Quarterly

Restoration Quarterly

Restoration Quarterly (2005) "Book Reviews and Notes," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 47 : 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.

The Formation Of A Leadership Team At The Canton Church Of Christ, Paul Alan Fike

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project/thesis concerns the formation of a leadership team at the Canton Church of Christ in Canton, Texas. Unhealthy leadership patterns have plagued this church resulting in poor staff relations, controlling leaders, and a church split. The elders of this church desired to have a more biblical and healthier approach to leadership in order that the church might flourish. The formation of this team, made up of elders, deacons, and the pulpit minister, is a response to this problem.

Volume 45, Numbers 1 And 2, Restoration Quarterly

Restoration Quarterly

PDF of the cover of Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 45, Nos. 1 & 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.

"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.

An Exegesis Of The Sign-Act Narrative Of Zechariah 11:4-17 And Its Theological And Pastoral Implications, Robert Foster

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a study of the narrative sign-act in Zechariah 11 :4-17. Historical ­critical methods are employed to determine the date, setting and speaker of this narrative. Form, narrative and historical criticism are used to perform an exegesis of this passage. In the end, what may be loosely termed a "biblical theology" approach is undertaken to address the theological and pastoral implications of this passage.

Reimagining Evangelism At East County Church Of Christ: Nurturing Individuals In The Art Of Narrative Evangelism, Mark Love

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry project addresses issues related to evangelism at the East County Church of Christ in Gresham, Oregon. At the inception of this project, East County possessed conflicting notions with regard to evangelism. Early congregational understandings reflected a non-sectarian, innovative spirit, supportive of a lean, missional ecclesiology. Recent years, however, brought difficult experiences directly related to notions of evangelism. The recent firing of a minister called into question the congregation's commitment to evangelism. This chapter in the congregation's life left two lingering effects. First, it forever sealed the fate for doing evangelism in any manner reminiscent of traditional …

Codependency And Pastoral Care: A Report From The Trenches, Marlene K. Klunzinger, Michael S. Moore

Restoration Quarterly

Klunzinger, Marlene K. and Moore, Michael S. (1996) "Codependency and Pastoral Care: A Report from the Trenches," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 38 : No. 3.

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.

Churches Of Christ And Abortion: A Survey Of Selected Periodicals, Craig Churchill

Restoration Quarterly

hurchill, Craig (1996) "Churches of Christ and Abortion: A Survey of Selected Periodicals," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 38 : No. 3.

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.

Reclaiming A Heritage, Richard T. Hughes

Restoration Quarterly

Hughes, Richard T. (1995) "Reclaiming A Heritage," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 37 : No. 3.

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.

Hermeneutics In The Churches Of Christ, Thomas H. Olbricht

Restoration Quarterly

Olbricht, Thomas H. (1995) "Hermeneutics In The Churches of Christ," Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 37 : 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.

A Theologically-Rooted Order Of Worship For The Pipeline Road Church Of Christ, Jim Mcdoniel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When a church does not plan its worship, that worship will typically demonstrate a lack of progression, theme, and appropriate movement. As a result, the assembly will neither adequately edify the saints nor praise God. Yet, many churches do little planning for worship. The Pipeline Road Church of Christ in Hurst, Texas, was one of those churches. Little was done to coordinate the activities of the assemblies before this study.

Developing A Theology Of The Lord's Supper, Bill Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For many people today, the Lord's Supper is the most important and significant act of the Sunday assembly when the church gathers to worship. Many of those who consider it significant, however, have little or no knowledge of its rich biblical and historical background, while even fewer have given thought to its theological foundation. There is a great need today for renewal in the area of corporate Christian worship and particularly in the church's participation in the Lord's Supper.

The Doctrine Of Revelation In African Christian Theology, Anthony B. Parker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the doctrine of revelation as it relates to the field of African Christian theology. Given the need for contextual theologies, it examines both general and special revelation as these doctrines have been understood and applied by a variety of African theologians. Specific areas of application include the use of the Bible and the attitude toward African traditional religions.

Imitating The Genre Of Parable In Today's Pulpit, Timothy R. Sensing

Restoration Quarterly

Sensing, Timothy R. (1991) "Imitating the Genre of Parable in Today's Pulpit,"Restoration Quarterly: Vol. 33 : No. 4.

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.