Digital Commons Network^™

Using The Word Of God To Build The Self Esteem Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Scott Fiege

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

USING THE WORD OF GOD TO BUILD THE SELF-ESTEEM OF ADULTCHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS. This project will describe the Adult Children of an Alcoholic (ACoA), the problems they face in life, particularly the issue of self-esteem. The ACoA will be directed to the Word of God to encourage, support, and strengthen them in life as redeemed children in Christ. A daily devotional with Scripture readings and prayers, along with Bible studies, will be provided. This project is for the ACoA who is confused about the issue of identity and self-esteem.

A Look At The Authority Of The Parish Pastor, Martin Koeller

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Changes in society, misuse and abuse of authority in the pastoral office and changes in congregations concerning the role of the pastor, have all led to a need for defining and identifying what authority in the church is, and what authority the pastor has.

The scope of this project was to look at the Scriptural and Confessional foundations of Pastoral Authority along with discussions with the Board of Elders, Constitution Committee and Bible Study groups, to draw a basis for: 1) a definition of “Pastoral Authority"; and 2) the right use of that authority in the office of the parish …

A Model For Small Group Development And Enrichment At St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Timothy Wenger

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A MODEL FOR SMALL GROUP DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT ATST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSINBY TIMOTHY E. WENGER

The project was begun with the assumption that a greater use of small group ministry could strengthen the congregation as a whole and provide better opportunities for individuals to experience spiritual growth and a deeper sense of fellowship within the church. The approach to this project included research into the theological foundation of small groups and research into the utilization of small groups in society. The observance and appraisal of current small group ministry at St. Luke’s and the enrichment and development …

Witnesses For The Defense A Lenten Worship Series For Holy Cross Lutheran Church Davenport, Iowa, Frederick Schuster

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project is the preparation of a Lenten Midweek Worship Series based on the Gospel according to St. John for use at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa.

The project investigates the Lutheran theology of worship, the concept of worship in the Lutheran Confessions, the place, practice and purpose of Lent in the church, and the relevance of the Gospel according to St. John as the basis for the series.

The study culminates with nine sermon studies, one for each of the six Wednesdays of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Ministratores Verbi In Fidem Remissionis Gospel And Ministry In Luther's Writings To 1520, William Schumacher

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

The scope of this study is explicitly and intentionally (and hence, perhaps, artificially) limited to Luther's early writings, up to and including the milestone works of1520. It will seek to pay attention to detail, but makes no claim of being exhaustive. We will explore how Luther came to confess the gospel when speaking about the office of the holy ministry. Or, to put the question another way, what happened to the doctrine and vocabulary of the ministry when the gospel began to make itself heard in Luther's thinking, teaching, and preaching?

A Theology And Structure For Multiple Ministry In A Large Lutheran Church, Perryville, Mo, Donald Loesch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

How can a staff of multiple ministers in a large Lutheran church be organised in a way that is harmonious with the Biblical doctrine of the office of pastor? First, key Scripture passages and Lutheran writings on the pastoral office were studied; second, a congregational survey gleaned thoughtful opinions from parishioners; and third, information was obtained from experts on multiple ministry in other growing churches. A mediating view of the pastoral office both preserves the uniqueness of the office and allows for ministers, ordained and unordained, generalist and specialist, to share the office. A congregational handbook is offered as a …

From Invocation Through Creed: A Historical And Doctrinal Analysis Of The Service Of The Word In The Common Service, Timothy Roser

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Cursory study of the text of this liturgy reveals that it was not assembled according to some academic standard. Perhaps a better word for its development would be "organic," as over the centuries it grew to meet the needs of the time. Each addition was tested, tried, and proven not by a single congregation nor even a group of congregations acting in concert, but by the Church at large working over the course of decades and centuries. This is not to suggest that these words are the only way3to receive God's service to us and return our service to Him. …

Recognizing The Law, The Gospel, And Gospel Application In The Sermon: A Seminar On Preaching, Gilbert Duchow

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The importance of making the proper distinction between Law and Gospel clear in the sermon is nothing new for Lutheran pastors, especially in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, thanks to Walther's theses on Law and Gospel. However, the people in the pew still do not generally recognize that distinction in the sermon. There is also considerable confusion among the laity about the proper relationship between the Gospel and the application of the Gospel in a sermon. In addition, pastors often fail to include or keep in balance all three components in the sermon (Law, Gospel and Gospel application). Therefore, I designed …

The Sandwich Generation Caring For Aging Parents, Keith Johnson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Sandwich Generation involves adult children, primarily women, responsible for the caring of aging parents. Adult children find themselves attempting to balance concern for their parents, their children, and their careers. With little or no understanding of elder care before it is thrust upon them, adult children need to learn about the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that accompany the aging process. This project revealed a wealth of information not readily recognized by caregivers. One way to provide this information is through a congregation sponsored workshop focusing on the above needs and on the needs of the caregivers.

"The Use Of Training In Advanced Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Care At Lakeside Lutheran Church, Venice, Florida,", Randy Winkel

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project explores the role of the pastor as counselor and traces the development of family therapy. The "family as the patient" emphasis is explained, and contrasted with the more traditional psychoanalytical approaches that center on the individual. Specific case studies are presented which illustrate the application of system theory. The author relates his experience in a counseling practicum and his subsequent growth and development as a pastoral counselor.

Communication Principles In Pastoral Counseling, Dieter Joel Jagnow

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

There are many elements involved in a pastoral counseling process. A handbook would include all or some topics such as a definition of pastoral counseling, its distinctive nature, its objectives, counseling techniques, and the role of God's Word in the process. In this thesis we will touch some of the basic topics of pastoral counseling. However, the main purpose is to approach an important ingredient of pastoral counseling that usually is not included as a separate topic in counseling manuals, that is, communication, particularly interpersonal communication.

This study intends to explore the pastoral counseling process as an interpersonal communication process …

Arriving At A Preferred Doctors Referral List For Use In Pastoral Counseling, Daniel Kriefall

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project consists of a series of steps carried out by the candidate in order to arrive at a Preferred Doctors Referral List. The list consists of the names and locations of a select group of health care professionals in the St.Louis/West County area. The complete list (along with explanatory information) is included in the final section of the report.

The candidate selected this area for growth and development out of a heartfelt need for such a record of professional persons in his everyday work and ministry. As Director of Family Care and Counseling at St. John's Lutheran …

A Manual For Pastoral Care Of The Seriously Mentally Ill: A Lutheran Perspective, Thomas Oie

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Persons with serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar, unipolar depression) have often been seen as "strangers in our midst". Because state hospitals are relocating these patients into our communities (even though the community mental health resources may not be there) and because of stigma, persons with mental illness are coming in from the "cold" to our churches. Pastors and staff need assistance in ministering to this needy population. This project attempts to define mental illness, identify persons with mental illness, and demonstrate models of ministry. Specific guidelines, helpful suggestions, and supporting evidence(appendices) will address ministry issues and concerns as they pertain …

Celebrating God's Grace: An Adult Information Course Which Teaches The Doctrine Of The Church As It Is Expressed In The Worship Of The Church, James Heining

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The writer did a thorough study of the ongoing relationship of worship and doctrine as an influence in the formation of Lutheran worship practices.

He developed a class entitled "Celebrating God's Grace," which summarized the basic teachings of the church as they are expressed in the worship of the church. This was part of a revamped adult education program in his congregation.

In addition to the obvious benefits for those attending the class, the writer came to better understand the centrality of grace in the Christian faith and is now better able to plan and lead worship.

Administrating Ministry: The Use Of Strategic Planning And Management In A Ministry Setting, Paul Metzler

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

"ADMINISTRATING MINISTRY:The Use of Strategic Planning and Managementin a Ministry Setting"This project explores strategic planning and management (SPM) as an administrative theory which can enable effective ministry. Derived from the world of corporate business management, the SPM model is defined as a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions and actions that guide what an organization is, does, and how it plans its future. Examination of key biblical understandings of leadership and administration, as well as SPM's underlying assumptions, support its theological appropriateness. The use of SPM in the setting of theGordon D. Hoople Institute of the Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center …

Jesus Is The Key To Freedom, Maurice Alms

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The need exists for more trained prison and jail ministry volunteers in a correctional system bulging with inmates.

The manual training program is directed by a prison and jail ministry trainer for one or two individuals and is made to be adaptable to a variety of settings.

The training program is a step-by-step program and is based on a(T) Teaching (Education), (T) Training (Experience), and (R) Reaching(Recruiting other volunteers) model.

Following the training program the trainee should have an awareness of his/her desired area of service and a degree of comfortability in his/her volunteer ministry.

Pastoral Care For The Family Affected By Chemical Dependency, Michael Eckelkamp

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis hopes to offer a contribution in terms of providing a starting point for the Lutheran pastor assisting the family struggling with chemical dependency. It is my suggestion that a pastor using his Lutheran training along with a basic understanding of the Family Systems approach will be able to assist many of the chemically dysfunctional families under his care.

A Process For Equipping And Supervising Lay Christian Caregivers At Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Girard, Illinois, Alan Janneke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project proposes a process to equip Christian laypeople for effective caregiving. Equipping Christian laypeople for effective ministry is mandated by the Scriptures, Lutheran Theology and the practical needs of the Church. Clinical Pastoral Education has proven an effective training method for both professional and lay caregivers in a variety of settings. Its process and techniques can be adapted for use in equipping lay caregivers in congregations. To train and supervise lay caregivers effectively using the Clinical Pastoral Education process, the pastor will need to adopt a new role, supervising the care offered by others.

Some Implications And Applications Of Gestalt Therapy For Use In Pastoral Counseling, Lawrence Zimmermann

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Some implications and applications of Gestalt therapy for use in the pastoral counseling. An evaluation of its theory in relation to principles of pastoral counseling, the person of the therapist, and selected approaches and their applicability to pastoral counseling. The Gestalt holistic view of man is not broad enough for the full range of pastoral concerns in terms of man's spiritual needs. Its approaches can be applied by the pastor in keeping with the integrity of his office. In keeping with the creative stance of Gestalt therapy they can also be applied to personalize the gospel.

Cyril As Pastor: The Proclamation Of His Christology To His People, Theodore Mayes

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Cyril's Christology as he wrote or preached it to the people in his own diocese, for the particular purpose of discovering whether Cyril, in speaking to his own people, was "Chalcedonian" or "Monophysite." Cyril's anthropology (even though it would be helpful in a definitive study of Cyril's Christology) is not covered, nor are Cyril's major dogmatic and polemic works used.

Paul Gerhardt In Statu Confessionis A Study Of Paul Gerhardt's Confession Of Christ, Gerald Krispin

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The attempt will therefore be made to approach Gerhardt’s hymnody with his theology and piety in mind, and to examine systematically how these elements influenced and formed his confession of Christ within his hymnody. For itis in the confession of Christ in the arms of the Virgin, upon the cross and in word and sacrament that the purity of the Gospel comes to the fore. Remarkably it is this confession of Christ which is most frequently censured, disregarded, or ignored in Gerhardt's hymnody. Ultimately his hymns will have to speak for themselves.

The Jesus Movement Of The 1960s And 1970s As A "Great Awakening", Kurt Bodling

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis attempts to answer the question: Was the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 1970s another "Great Awakening? It will begin by discussing the so-called "First Great Awakening" that occurred in colonial America under the leadership of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Then there is a chapter on the history of the series of events known as the "Jesus Movement," followed by a chapter devoted to an inspection of its theology. Finally, the major emphases are drawn together in a conclusion.

The Hermeneutical Principles Of Theodore Laetsch With A Focus On The Relationship Between The Old And The New Testaments, James Bollhagen

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This dissertation will summarize the findings which resulted from an in-depth study of all the published works of Dr. Theodore Laetsch, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. These writings include a commentary on Jeremiah and Lamentations, a commentary on the Minor Prophets, and eighty-six articles which appeared in the Concordia Theological Monthly.

The study was undertaken with the specific goal of ascertaining the hermeneutical principles of Laetsch, particularly those principles that address the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The phrase "hermeneutical principles" will be employed in this paper in the following sense: an exegete's …

The Theology And Practice Of Individual Confession And Absolution And Its Application To Pastoral Care From An Early North American Lutheran Perspective, Breno C. Thome

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The two subjects of this study^ namely, pastoral care and Individual confession and absolution, have traditionally been seen as closely connected. Each has also a unique character. In this study both subjects will be focused on from the perspective provided by the historical analysis of their development within the Lutheran context, specifically that of North American Lutheranism in the nineteenth century. Pastoral care has been greatly developed, particularly in the area of pastoral counseling, in the last fifty years. This parallels the increasing development of the behavioral sciences in this century. The causes and consequences of such rapid growth in …

The Priesthood Of All Believers And The Theology Of Pietism, Breno Faber

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Pietism and pietistic emphases are becoming popular again because during the seventeenth and early eighteenth century the Pietists sought to revitalize Christianity in ways familiar to twentieth century Christians seeking to do the same. Pietism sought to foster a more vigorous personal and public piety among the people. They sought to improve the education of ministers in practical piety so that they might better guide and edify their people. They sought to encourage the reading of the Bible, Christian education of the youthful and the mature, demonstrated social concern and resposibility in their philanthropic enterprises, and embarked upon ambitious programs …

Divorce And Remarriage In 1 Corinthians 7_10-16- An Evaluation Of The Interpretation Of Writers Of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Jerald Joersz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this thesis is to re-examine 1 Cor. 7:10-16, on the basis of which desertio malitiosa has been regarded as a second "ground" for divorce, with the liberty of remarriage. Our intention is to address the question at the level suggested by the second of the above two approaches to the interpretation of the divorce and remarriage texts, and to inquire whether in fact the traditional position regarding malicious desertion as articulated by theologians of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod LCMS) can be substantiated by a valid exegesis of the text.9 With the Biblical text as our norm, we …

Demonic Possession, Exorcism, And Pastoral Care, Paul Sherouse

Master of Divinity Thesis

The objective of this research paper is to understand the phenomena of demonic possession in the light of Scriptural teaching and Lutheran theology, in order to evaluate the place of exorcism in pastoral care. To achieve this objective, the following research is employed: (1)Lutheran involvement in the 1949 case in terms of pastoral care provided, (2) Scriptural references to Satan, demons, and demonic possession, (3) references to the same in significant Lutheran theological literature, (4) insights from other literature on demonic possession, and (5) evaluation of exorcism in the practice of pastoral care.

Effective Pastoral Care For The Bereaved, Michael Klatt

Master of Divinity Thesis

The topic which I have chosen for my research elective is "grief.” The name which I have chosen for my study is "Effective Pastoral Care for the Bereaved." Since the grieving process is something which everyone goes through at one time of their life or another, I felt that doing a study of bereavement after the loss of a loved one would be a very appropriate subject. The pastor must know how to give effective pastoral care for the bereaved person, so it is essential that he know about grief with its various causes and stages. The pastor must also …

An Evaluation Of The Position Of The Missouri Synod On The Antichrist, Richard Hillenbrand

Master of Divinity Thesis

In this study, then, we will concentrate on three main witnesses: that of the Scriptures, that of sixteenth century Lutherans (with special emphasis on Luther), and that of the Missouri Synod. Each will be dealt with thoroughly in separate sections. The stance taken will be presented, and also the historical circumstances that brought about that stance at that particular time. Stances and the reasons for them will be compared and, finally, the practical implications of differing stances will be discussed.

The Three-Self Principle As A Model For The Indigenous Church, Peter Dorn

Master of Divinity Thesis

With all of these definitions, the one that is recognized the most is still the one with which it was associated from the beginning. "In common usage, an indigenous church is defined as a church that is self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating."11 This Three-Self Principle is the subject of this paper. Since the development of the Three-Self Principle more than a century ago, many other "selves” have been put forward as a means to developing the indigenous church. The most current of these discussions are centering on the indigenization or contextualization of theology. These discussions are outside the realm of discussion …