Digital Commons Network^™

Mentoring Men For The Master, International: The Unique Man, Ministry, And Model Of Discipleship, Mark Keith Huckaby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to research, illuminate, and communicate the model of discipleship developed by Dr. William L. Bennett of Mentoring Men for the Master, International (MMM). This project will examine the biblical nature of mentoring, and the history, philosophy, development, organization, functionality, and effectiveness of this unique model through the use of primary sources: interviews with Bennett, his writings, interviews with mentees, an online survey, and personal analysis. Supportive discipleship resources undergird the research. Special attention will be given to Bennett's call, influence, and involvement in the establishment and operation of MMM as its Founder and President.

Developing A Strategic Intern Program For Prestonwood Baptist Church, Jarrett L. Stephens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Internships are extremely beneficial to those entering ministry. While many churches provide internships, research shows that very few are structured and strategic. The purpose of this project is to develop a strategic Intern Program for Prestonwood Baptist Church that is transferable to other local churches. Its aim is to demonstrate how to start an intern program and what to do once that program is established.

An Examination Of Key Foundational Elements For Pastoral Identity As Found In The Life And Writings Of The Apostle Paul, Carl Jason Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The challenges of pastoral ministry can be seen since New Testament times. Studies reveal that an alarming number of pastors leave the ministry each year. Those that remain in ministry often see their families in turmoil as a result of the hardships of ministry. The Apostle Paul's ministry challenges are detailed and described for today's pastor through the New Testament. Today's pastor can learn a great deal from Paul's example in regard to how to finish the race of ministry. Through an examination of Paul's writings, writings about Paul in the book of Acts, surveys with pastors, and a review …

Online Church: A Biblical Community, Jefferson Todd Mullins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Faith and spirituality widely exist in the virtual world of the Internet, spanning the continuum of expression from the traditional to the abstract. This religious presence online includes every religion, and included Christianity. Whether one believes the Christian church is capable of existing online has much to do with one's perspective of the Internet and one's definition of church. The author will address the use of the Internet to build Christian community and establish the church in a virtual environment. Arguments for and against the church online will answer the question, "Is church online truly the church?"

A Global Approach For The Local Church As Mission Agent And Agency, Jonathan Edward Stairs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to reclaim the local church's mandate to mobilize disciples to complete the Great Commission. It appears that the evangelical church has abdicated its responsibility of reproducing disciples to other ministries and needs to re-establish disciple-making as its primary focus. Therefore, the project will outline how one church, Calvary Baptist Church in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, intends to realign itself with the New Testament paradigm of the church as both a mission agent and agency. The potential value will be the development of a clear and effective discipleship pathway leading churches toward a Biblically-balanced "commissional" movement.

Developing A Strategy For Planting Southern Baptist Churches In Northeast North Carolina, Jeffery Clark Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to determine a strategy for planting new churches in the northeast North Carolina region. This thesis will also consider if there is a certain type of person who might demonstrate a contextual propensity toward a new church by exploring the cultural distinctives found among the people of this region as well as the history of church planting in geographic and cultural context. The thesis will engage in demographic research, and explore resources adequate for the planting of new churches helpful to other Southern Baptist associations and other denominations.

Effective Discipleship In Central Virginia: Contextualizing The Great Commission In A Changing Southern Culture, Andrew Gregory Moroz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The overall mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations. Gospel Community Church is a church plant that is striving to make disciples in central VA and around the world. The purpose of this thesis is to develop an effective discipleship strategy for GCC. In order to develop this strategy, this thesis first considers the history and culture of central VA, the Biblical mandate and examples of discipleship in the Bible, snapshots of discipleship throughout church history, and current forms of discipleship in central VA churches.

Effective Personal Evangelism For Today's Church, Thomas M. Roatch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is designed to demonstrate that any church or group of Christians can be effective in personal evangelism. Christians gathered together in any location and number, and in any life situation form the taskforce to share the good news of salvation.
The rationale for the selection of this thesis topic rests on the recent heart felt need of many churches to share the Gospel and become active in personal evangelism. Secondly, another important part of the rationale for thesis is to encourage, and challenge small churches, missions, Bible studies and other smaller Christian ministries to be bold in new …

The Changing Role Of The Pastor's Wife In Today's Evangelical Church, Debra D. Benoit

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the changes that have occurred in the lives of pastors' wives over the years in regards to her position in the church, her role within the family and her life outside of the church. Research will be conducted through interviews of pastors' wives in various stages of ministry and church experience, as well as a research/literature review of materials showing the historical role of the pastor's wife and how her role has continually developed and changed over the years. The underlying goal of this thesis is to provide a framework for teaching …

A Proposal To Develop Christian Leaders For South Africa's Kingdom-Focused Church, Roney Lucas Ndala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

My proposal centers around developing Christian leaders to believe in themselves and aspire to building kingdom- focused churches in line with the Great Commission. With the alarming growth of churches in South Africa it is imperative to focus attention to the development of leaders who will align and focus the growth to the kingdom. The purpose of this project is to introduce leaders to the concept of kingdom- focused churches that will move people within the ministry of the growing church. The project reviews some principles of a healthy growing church and the need for alignment during this growth stage. …

A Descriptive Study Of The Additional Factors Needed To Transition A Troubled Church To Health, George Ray Cannon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a level of frustration among pastors as they try to apply philosophical models of health to troubled churches. These churches have been labeled "troubled" because of the traumatic events they have experienced in the past. These experiences have resulted in barriers to any effort by pastor to transition the church to health. The purpose of this study is to identify the common factors/issues that a troubled church must address in order to progress in the revitalization process. This study seeks to provide a description of the factors/issues that ten troubled churches addressed as they moved toward health.

A Strategy For Developing Kingdom Leaders Through Discipleship And Mentoring For New Hope Baptist Church, Stanley Arthur Gillcash

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This is a documentation of the methods followed in developing a mentoring and discipleship process for New Hope Baptist Church, Watertown, New York. New Hope is unique in that half of the members are military and will move to new assignments after three to four years. A repeatable, and adjustable process was needed to quickly mentor and disciple these and our local members so they may be effective for the Kingdom of God.

Reflections Upon Korean And American Evangelical Church Models For Effective Strategy In Developing Missional Churches, Kyoung Jun Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to present my reflections upon Korean and American evangelical church model for effective strategy in developing missional churches. God is reviving Korea and North America with missional churches. Some churches in Korea and America are changing their paradigm, not focusing on church buildings and programs but on missions and outreach. This thesis offers reflections about the missional church concept by presenting a set of case studies of well- known missional churches. The result of the case studies provides helpful insights on establishing a missional church. Drawing from case studies of missional Churches and a …

Forged By Conviction: An Historical Overview Of The Southern Baptist Conservatives Of Virginia, Jeffrey Reid Pinder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to capture the history of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV). The information presented in this dissertation can benefit other state conventions engrossed in overwhelming bureaucracy. The SBCV also serves as a model assisting other state conventions in reclaiming their convention's conservative theological moorings. The organization, structure, and example of the SBCV can help other state conventions in need of either restructuring or revitalization. This project reveals how God providentially guided the SBCV, and as a result of their faithfulness and efforts, the world and prevailing culture has been impacted by the power …

A Strategy For Training Hispanic Laymen To Minister In The United States, James Beryl Boswell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature shows that little material is available for the training of Latino Laymen to minister in Spanish here in the United States. The purpose of this project is to focus on the urgent need for training Hispanics with meager educational opportunities to minister to the overwhelming immigration of Latinos who lack in education also. This strategy is developed in regard to the nature of the project, its common elements, and the adequate strategizing in preparation of the project. Based on interviews, testimonies and personal counseling with Latino Layman and teachers,the project reviews, textbooks, religious journals, blogs, …

Biblical Strategy And Shift To Spiritual Driven Church Growth, Chang Kyu Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to present the biblical standards, principles, components, and methods of spiritual discipline for 21st century churches' conversion from human efforts and programs oriented church growth to spiritual driven church growth like an early church. The early church is a best model as a spiritual driven church. Modern churches are trying to build like the early church. The biblical study of the early churches in Bible and the results of survey of growing churches in Washington area will give biblical concepts and methods to make the spiritual driven church.

A Multi-Plantation Ministry: Blending A Multi-Site And Church Planting Strategy In The Local Church, Nick Floyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature shows a growing interest in the multi-site movement. However, very little is written about churches who are showing a commitment to both multi-site and to church planting. This kind of both/and commitment is called multi-plantation. The goal of this project is to provide a resource to pastors who are actively seeking to find new ways to fulfill the Great Commission. Through a study of the theological, ecclesiological, practical, and personal matters of multi-plantation ministry, the goal will be accomplished.

An Analysis Of Rev. Oak, Han-Hum's Sermons, Dae Shik Yoo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An accomplished preacher, teacher, and church-planter, Rev. Oak, Han Hum was the pastor of Korea's famous Sarang Community Church, which he founded with less than 50 members but grew under his leadership to over 80,000. In an attempt to better appreciate Rev. Oak's success, this thesis will analyze Rev. Oak's sermons, giving special attention not only to his preaching techniques and style but also his mindset, philosophy, and attitude toward his pastoral responsibility. Unquestionably, his passion for and commitment to preaching the Word of God, was a significant part of his ability to connect to his congregation through his sermons. …

An Analysis Of The Evangelistic Impact Of The Baptist Bible Fellowship International, Billy Hamm

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates that very little material is available to describe the mission and effectiveness of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. Research reflects that for the last half of the 20th Century, BBFI was a formidable movement among Fundamentalists in its independent Baptist doctrinal position and its evangelistic zeal. It was also determined that the BBFI has struggled to maintain its growth patterns and should reassess its original purpose and identity though it still appears to be the largest expression of Fundamentalism in America. Both historical and empirical research methods are used.

The Influence Of Pastor Dongwon Daniel Lee’S Preaching On The Growth Of Global Mission Church, Eun Bok Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There were many studies on the preachers and preaching styles, but only a few were done by analyzing one preacher. In his analysis method for the preaching style, Sung Young Chung presented three critical measuring parts: Interest, Clarity, and Dynamic Influence. The researcher selected a pastor, Daniel Dongwon Lee, as a sample of the current study because he is one of the leading preachers in Korea. The researcher analyzed 26 of his sermons with the measuring parts listed above. As a result, Pastor Daniel Lee had good results for each element. For the Interest part, his using illustrations with humor …

Effective And Economical Outreach And Evangelism For The Small To Medium Church, Stanley Wayne Kesler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pastors of small to medium size churches face a dilemma. Without exception, when asked in what areas they feel inadequate, inevitably one of the prominent deficiencies mentioned is outreach and evangelism. Many feel like they cannot compete with big-budget, high-attendance churches. Honest appraisal shows that most are facing attendance patterns that are declining or flat. Faced with the current economic depression, many churches experience a decrease in giving, and salaries, benefits and programs are either frozen or cut. What's a pastor to do?

The purpose of this project is to provide pastors of small to medium size churches with not …

An Examination Of The Significant Factors Motivating Early Liberty University Ministerial Graduates To Envision And Pursue Ambitious Ministry Opportunities, David Wesley Hirschman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

From its inception, Liberty University has produced ministerial graduates that have envisioned and pursued ambitious ministry opportunities. Whether planting new churches, establishing new mission agencies in foreign nations, or launching a worldwide network of Christian schools, the manner in which early Liberty University ministerial graduates envisioned and pursued ministry opportunities is the direct result of the influences present during the early years of the school. This process of influence included factors that combined to create a climate of confidence and expectation among ministerial graduates, prompting many to envision and pursue ambitious ministry opportunities that endured to become thriving and lasting …

A Study Of Effective Strategies For Evangelism Applied To Richmond Korean Central Presbyterian Church, Kon Tae Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to map out a strategy of evangelism applied to Richmond Korean Central Presbyterian Church. The project examines field analysis, case study, and literature research. The case study was done on eight outstanding Korean churches both outside and inside the U.S.A. with productive ministries of evangelism. The author has been working for Richmond Korean Central Presbyterian Church as an assistant pastor for one and a half years. He develops a strategy with regards to evangelism out of his experience and lessons from his ministry.

Innovation Matters: The Use Of Innovation In Ministry Strategies For The Local Church, Travis Paul Drake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There are a tremendous amount of people that are either unchurched or de-churched when compared to statistics from earlier years in America. The purpose of this thesis is to discover how the application of innovation in the local church makes an impact on ministry strategies today. One of the commandments given to the Church today is the Great Commission, and it is to be determined by each local church how that mandate will be fulfilled. In essence, when a church chooses to use innovation in reaching out to the community, innovation in itself becomes an outreach strategy.

Narrow Your Focus: A Strategy For Revitalization Of A Small To Medium Size Plateaued Or Declining Traditional Church, Johnny Lamar Kendrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis attempts to identify reproducible principles for the revitalization of small to medium sized plateaued or declining traditional churches. These principles were identified by the author in his experience serving as the pastor of three small to medium sized plateaued traditional churches. The principles involve the importance of preparation for Sunday morning worship and Sunday school, the importance of developing leadership, the importance of evaluating and implementing successful ministries, and the importance of indentifying with the community. The principles were studied and validated in the author's interaction with two churches during a year of research in which he consulted …

A Church Growth Model In Korean-American Presbyterian Churches: With Special Reference To The Messiah Presbyterian Church Of Washington, Sung Gyu Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study attempted to develop a model of healthy church growth and apply them to the Korean-American Presbyterian Churches (KAPC) in Washington. D. C. The model of churches used was Messiah Presbyterian church (MPC). This paper utilized surveys and interviews; this project also analyzed the current conditions of 100 KAPCs, exploring growth factors such as: Preaching, professional development, prayer, evangelism, Sunday school, and ministry focus. Secondly, church growth was investigated and delineated based on literature reviews, on the personal studies and questionnaire surveys submitted to members of MPC. Finally, this project suggested seven principles to develop KAPC for the next …

An Analysis Of Dissertations On Church Growth Published During The Past Five Years (2004-2008), Kyoung Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis was to analyze dissertations published during five years (2004-2008) and identify recent research trends and principles related to church growth. This was research on researches analyzing 141 dissertations posted on ProQuest Dissertation and Theses. Coding sheets by content analysis and statistical data converted into percentage were utilized. Most dissertations were descriptive and pre-experimental researches. Case study and survey were common. Theological majors and schools, Korean researchers, 10 target subjects, and three denominations covered the majority. Teaching and leadership were prevalent principles. Homogeneous unity was never seen. New principles were associated with social, personal, or cultural …

An Effective Strategy For Church Revitalization Through A Case Study Of Hosanna Church, Hyung Woo Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to suggest an effective strategy of church revitalization through a case study of Hosanna Church. The case study will focus on the strategic process for church revitalization at Hosanna Church. This model of ministry extracted the principles, critical components, and elements that have been primary for the revitalization. Ten principles of church revitalization were discovered in the literature and diagnose the reality of the Hosanna Church, confirming the application of these principles. The principles were found to be transferable and applicable to various setting.

The Great Invitation: A Call To Discipleship, Richard N. Foster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian and secular sources alike site a recent decline in baptisms in the evangelical church. By receiving one hundred and fifty surveys from pastors, this dissertation project examines the cause for this alarming trend and recommends a solution which entails discipling the pastor within a Christian community. This project proposes a model for Bible colleges and seminaries to train the pastor by facilitating five key relationships that will enhance his fellowship with Christ and encourage his desire to carry out the Great Commission. The objective of this project is to reverse the current decline in baptisms.

Effective Strategies For Healthy Church Growth In The Hap Dong Jung Tong Presbyterian Denomination In Korea, Manoh Han

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to understand the biblical principles of healthy and highly effective strategies of church growth and to apply them to today’s Hap Dong Jung Tong (Hap-Jung) Presbyterian Denomination (HJPD) in Korea. Based on surveys and interviews, this project also analyzes and evaluates current conditions within 328 HJPD churches, exploring growth factors such as: pastors’ leadership, preaching, professional development, prayer, evangelism, making-disciples, ministry focus, the reasons for HJPD growth, and strategic approaches for future ministry. Finally, this project suggests twelve healthy and effective principles to develop HJPD churches for the next ten years.