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A Training Program For Local Church Elders/Leaders In Northeast India, Kongyui Awungshi Shimray

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Local church elders and leaders in the Northeast India Union have regularly cared for nurturing and evangelism within the church. They have performed pastoral responsibilities because there are only eighteen paid district pastors in charge of over 130 organized churches and more than 300 companies. However, elders and leaders have no training to perform the task effectively. To enable local church elders and leaders to minister effectively, leadership training is required.

Method

The project considered first the concept of Christ's servant leadership as a basis for the work of elders and local leaders within the chinch. It also reviewed …

Tradition As A Viable Option For Protestant Theology : The Vincentian Method Of Thomas C. Oden, Kwabena Donkor

Dissertations

This dissertation analyzes Thomas Oden's theological method in order to understand its structural elements, and thereby, to facilitate a clearer comprehension of his commitment to the classic Christian tradition in the context of the increasing contemporary emphasis on postmodernism in Protestant theology. Given Oden's affirmation of the Christian tradition and his simultaneous commitment to postmodern sensitivities, the dissertation strives to examine how Oden is able to harmonize what essentially appears to be a dialectical situation. Thus, although the emphasis on tradition in Oden raises the perennial issue of Scripture versus Tradition, the postmodern question raises the issue beyond the usual …

All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Bad Forgiveness In Counseling And Preaching, John M. Berecz

Faculty Publications

A 3 R's of Forgiveness model is presented in which forgiveness is seen as a complex therapeutic process involving both situational and personal variables. Forgivers are seen to utilize the cognitive processes of dialectical reasoning and reframing, modulated by the emotional experiences of empathy, guilt, and shame. Personality style and self-esteem significantly influence the process as well. Distinctions are maintained among various kinds of forgiveness. Divine forgiveness, seen as a partial component of a spiritual encounter with one's God, may be a valid experience for people of faith, but is not something that psychologists are equipped to experimentally analyze. Interpersonal …

What Makes A Pastor Effective?, Roger Dudley, H. Peter Swanson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Focus, 2000, Winter, Andrews University

Focus

FOCUS (ISSN 1077-9345) is published quarterly, free of charge, for alumni and friends of Andrews University, an institution owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Developing Lay Ministry Through Small Groups In The Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In Korea, Gil Ho Choi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

As churches continue to grow from small to large communities, they struggle to meet the need of a growing community. There is a need to involve more church members in the ministries of the congregation. The churches also need to assimilate the new church members. Increasing demands are placed upon the pastors of churches to meet the challenge.

Method

This study deals with a program designed for lay ministry through small groups. It consists of two main parts. The first considers the concepts of small-group lay ministry in the theological, sociological framework of the local church. It includes an …

A Church Growth Study Of Three Churches In Kottayam, Robinson Stephenson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many of the churches in the North Kerala Section have been stagnant for years. In some churches over 50 percent of the members are inactive. This study analyzes the hindrances to the growth of three churches in the Kottayam District and suggests a strategy for church growth.

Method

The theological, historical, missiological, and practical dimensions of church growth were examined. A church growth approach was used which included an analysis of the factors involved in the growth and decline of three SDA churches in the Kottayam district. The growth patterns of three churches over the past ten years were …

Pastoral Effectiveness : A Study Of Differences Among Comparison Groups Of Seventh-Day Adventist Clergy, Peter Swanson

Dissertations

Problem. Methods of comparison are required to evaluate pastoral effectiveness. This study was an examination of statistically significant differences among contrasted groups of clergy to identify characteristics and performance patterns associated with productivity and effectiveness.

Method. Pastors from Anglo Seventh-day Adventist churches in North America and Canada were assigned to five groups that were evaluated using the Adventist Pastor Inventory, Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, Pastoral Tasks Survey, and Pastoral Tasks Questionnaire. Ministers who baptized 50 or more persons within 3 years were compared with those who baptized 10 or fewer in the same period and clergy rated most effective …

Equipping Laity For Ministry In Multi-Church Districts In Brazil, Paulo Cesar Nogueira

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Most church districts in Brazil are comprised of many churches and companies. The average load of pastoral care is one pastor for seven congregations. In addition, members have high expectations their pastors and both lack a clear understanding of the role of lay ministry. Thus pastors feel a heavy work load.

Method

A survey of biblical insights, current literature, and other studies on the priesthood of all believers, lay ministry, and effective pastoral work was undertaken. A program designed to enhance pastoral work in multi-church districts in Brazil was developed.

Results

The concept of the priesthood of all believers …

Quality Of Fathering And Its Relationship With Family Background, Demographics, And Characteristics Of Present Family : A Study Of Seventh-Day Adventist Fathers And Fathers From A National Sample, Ruth Depaiva

Dissertations

Problem . Fathers have been assumed to play an important role in the socialization and education of their children. The need to understand the influence and the role of effective fathers becomes especially important in a generation which views fatherlessness as one of the most harmful demographic trends. The Seventh-day Adventist Church considers fatherhood vital for the normal functioning of the family. The present study investigated how selected variables from family background, demographics, and characteristics of present family are related to fathering as measured by self-report of fathering dimensions, practices, and satisfaction.

Method . Two groups of fathers participated in …

Preparing Pastors To Train Laity For Church Growth In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Japan, Akeri Suzuki

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The annual number of baptisms in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Japan has decreased from 426 in 1986 to 334 in 1995 despite increases in both the total membership and number of churches. During the same period of time, the number of pastors has declined from 118 in 1986 to 112 in 1995. Thus, the average annual baptisms per pastor has decreased from 3.61 in 1986 to 2.98 in 1995.

Method

Current literature was reviewed. This included books and articles on the principles, strategies, and programs which help pastors develop their abilities to equip the laity and to …

A Model For Training Church Family Life Directors In Hispanic Congregations In The Michigan Conference, Jorge Raul Mayer

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. The complexity of today’s life—with divorce, parenting inadequacy, juvenile delinquency, one-parent households, financial pressures, and the sexual revolution— creates significant distress to the families. Within the general population of the United States, Hispanics find additional stressors in acculturation and machismo. The families in Hispanic congregations of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists did not have a meaningful ministry to assist them in coping with these challenges.

Method. This project examined the biblical principles on the origin, composition, and mission of the family, the socio-theoretical approaches to understand the family as an institution, and the Hispanic family in the United …

Rabbi Michael N. Stevens, Michael N. Stevens, Robert Benson

Shabbat Shalom: A Journal for Jewish-Christian Reconciliation

No abstract provided.

Falling From The Faith : Causes Of Membership Dropout In The Grenada Mission Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Clinton P. Lewis

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This study endeavored to find the causes of membership dropout in the Grenada Mission of Seventh-day Adventists and the ways that it may be reduced. The dissertation investigates the biblical and theological basis for seeking to reduce dropouts by undertaking a study of the Great Commission and God’s concern for dropouts. A select review of relevant literature on dropouts was done in an effort to get an overview of the problem in various denominations and regions, as well as to receive insights in reducing dropouts.

One hundred and sixty-nine questionnaires were completed by dropouts, and twenty-one by church leaders in …

The Christian Coalition And The End Game, Norman R. Gulley

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

No abstract provided.

Bipolar Preaching For Hispanic Evangelism In The North American Division, Eradio Alonso

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This dissertation deals with the bipolar concept of preaching as it applies to Seventh-day Adventist evangelism in a Hispanic-American context. Bipolar preaching is preaching that focuses on answering human problems or needs by applying eternal truth to the human condition. In my experience bipolar preaching was missing for many years. This project attempts to make the homiletical theory of bipolar preaching better understood I hope that it will be integrated into the preaching ministry in general and into evangelistic preaching in particular. The Hispanic evangelistic sermon seems to be well-anchored in the Word of God, but it does not …

Designing, Activating, And Evaluating A Training Program For Small-Group Leaders In The Cleburne First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Richard William Peterson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. The Cleburne First SDA Church was growing and the church board was considering ways to meet the needs of the membership. The board was interested in increasing church growth, enhancing membership nurture, and expanding its leadership.

Method. After examination of various training programs for small-group leaders, a ten-week training program was designed and implemented. Those trained were asked to form and lead small groups for at least a seven-week course of Bible study. At the end of the entire process an evaluation was made by trainees, small-group participants, and the group coordinator.

Results. The seventeen who took part in …

A Suggested Methodology For Establishing Evangelistic Contact With The Upper Classes In Jamaica, Denton W. Rhone

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. The Seventh-day Adventist Church was established in Jamaica in 1903. Since then, the church has grown with membership totalling 162,831 by 1995. In 1995, there were 2,500,000 inhabitants in Jamaica, with 1 in 15 claiming to be a Seventh-day Adventist. Jamaicans can be divided into nine social classes; the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been successful in reaching mainly two of these classes, the poor and the lower-middle. Presently the SDA Church and the upper classes are insulated from each other. This dissertation suggests an approach to establish contact with the upper classes so that they can be reached with …

Development Of A Program For Intentional Growth In The Antioch Seventh-Day Adventist Congregation, Long Island, New York, Trevor Saint Aubyn Forbes

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Antioch Seventh-day Adventist congregation was started in 1988 and grew steadily; however, for the last four years membership growth has plateaued. This lack of church growth has caused much concern among the church’s administration. The original hope and intention that the congregation would establish a growing church was founded on the premise that in order for the congregation to grow, it must implement intentional church growth programs.

Method

In order to learn how churches grow, I surveyed literature on church growth. I also interviewed six pastors of growing churches — three who are Seventh-day Adventists and three who …

Daniel [Review] / Stephen R. Miller., Lloyd A. Willis

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

No abstract provided.

Through The Eyes Of Women: Insights For Pastoral Care [Review] / Edited By Jeanne Stevenson Moessner., Delcy Kuhlman

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

No abstract provided.

The Role Of The Pastor In Lay Development In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Papua New Guinea, Aaron M. Lopa

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Statement of the Problem

The task of this study was to rethink the role of pastors as shepherd-equippers of lay leaders in view of the explosive growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea.

Method

The dissertation has two parts. Part One covers: (1) institutional factors which provided the background for this study, (2) biblical and theological dimensions as the basis for the new pastoral paradigm in PNG, and (3) cultural and sociological factors as means to understand the local cultures in order to contextualize ministry to make it more relevant to the people. Part Two synthesizes the …

An Analysis Of Growth In The Euro-Asia Division (1985-1995) Leading To A Strategy For Developing Home Churches, Galina I. Stele

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Euro-Asia Division is experiencing many challenges due to rapid growth in membership during the decade of 1985-1995. This study shows some of the main needs of the Division and suggests a strategy for developing home churches in order to meet the present challenges.

Method

A church-growth analysis of the Euro-Asia Division was conducted for the years 1985-1995 to discover problems and challenges. The advantages that a home-church approach would bring in solving many of the challenges is discussed. Guiding principles for organizing house churches and training home-church leaders are suggested.

Results

The church-growth analysis showed that the main …

A Training Program For Grief Ministry For Singapore Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors, Chor Kiat Sim

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many Seventh-day Adventist church pastors in Singapore are not trained in grief ministry. This results in some pastors who are insensitive to the grieving. Consequently, theirs and many church members' grief has been unresolved. This study was undertaken to develop a holistic pastoral perspective regarding grief and to compose a training program in grief ministry that will help pastors understand their own grief dynamics and that of their parishioners.

Method

This project attempts to present the principles of grief ministry through the following dimensions: (1) Singapore's need of grief ministry in the midst of socioeconomic development; (2) the study …

The Empirical Development Of A Curriculum On Faith Development, Samir Selmanović

Dissertations

Problem. Professional and lay leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist church need to be sensitive to the dynamics of faith development as it interfaces with human development over the life span, and with its practical implications. Currently, there is no curriculum available, empirically developed or otherwise, to explore this issue.

Method. The underlining philosophy of the approach to curriculum design utilized in this study is that curriculum is likely to be more effective when it is developed in a cooperative spirit between an instructor and learners rather than written in isolation, and when there is emphasis on both the cognitive and …

From "Applied Theology" To "Practical Theology.", A. Gerhard Van Wyk

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

No abstract provided.

The Construction Of The Other: The Antichrist, Josephine Massingbaerde Ford

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

No abstract provided.

A Model For Pastoral Nurture And Care To African American Persons Who Are Hiv Infected Or Living With Aids, Marcus Eldred Harris

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem. Current statistics reveal that the African American community is disproportionately affected by the AIDS epidemic. The rate of infection for other groups is being impacted by the community education programs, prevention strategies, and service organizations. Messages and service relevant to the African American context are needed. A resource guide and a training model for pastoral care to better serve the Black AIDS patient could address this problem.

Method. Published rates of HIV infection for the general public and specific groups in the United States are examined to understand of the impact of AIDS on the Black community. Two pastoral-care …

Unclassified, Andrews University

Unclassified

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The Development And Implementation Of A Grief Support Group Program For The Toronto East Seventh-Day Adventist Church Community, Whitford A. Shaw

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This project attempts to develop and implement a grief support group for the Toronto East Seventh-day Adventist Church. Several theories of grief, both within and outside of the SDA Church, are briefly explored. The intent is to derive an understanding of the dynamics of the grief encounter. The research shows that in the context of grief, one of the best methods for resolving the pain and trauma of grief is to attend a grief support group. Our contemporary society shuns openness of expression with regard to grief. Society also imposes on the bereaved a limited time period to get over …