Digital Commons Network^™

The Influence Of Shamanism On Korean Churches And How To Overcome It, Jin Woo Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

What problem do Korean churches have now? Korean churches have had serious growth problems since the 1990s'. Although Korean churches have grown rapidly with the economic growth of Korea, there have been many contributions and evil influences of shamanism, which lies deep in the minds of Korean people. Obviously, shamanism has made a contribution to growth of the Korean church since Christianity was introduced. Many churches and pastors have consented to or utilized such a tendency. However, this created serious problems. Shamanism is anti-Biblical. Shamanism brought about a theoretical combination, transmutation of religion and many mistakes in church life. A …

A Strategy For The Use Of Ministry Action Teams In The Relocation Of A Church Of The Nazarene, Truman Daniel Casey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When Atlanta First Church of the Nazarene faced the task of relocating their current facilities to a location several miles away, the pastor and the leaders of the church searched for a strategy that would allow the church to relocate without greatly reducing the amount of time the pastor had available for pastoral care. The church also wanted to avoid an excessive increase in the level of stress for other participants in the project. Based upon (1) research of church management literature, (2) research of the Bible, (3) a survey of the people involved in the church relocation project, and …

A Strategy For Effectiveness In Preaching Old Testament Narrative Scripture, C. Timothy Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Old Testament preaching appears to be on the decline. Very often when it is preached, it is done poorly. Since narratives comprise 40% of the Old Testament, a large portion of God's Word is being either neglected or abused by many modern preachers. The purpose of this project is to show how proven hermeneutical and homiletical skills may be combined to provide a strategy for effectively preaching Old Testament narratives. The project will present a series of sermons based on the Old Testament book of Ruth which will demonstrate the author's strategy as it is fleshed out in practical exposition.

A Descriptive Study Of Youth Ministry Models In Evangelical Churches, Douglas Hunter Randlett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to examine six accepted church ministry models that have evidenced themselves in the evangelical church within the last twenty years. The project will analyze and apply these models to youth ministry. Based upon surveys and follow up interviews administered to alumni of the Liberty University Youth Ministry program and youth leaders associated with the Center for Youth Ministry at Liberty, the project will be a descriptive study of these models in representative youth ministries. An in depth interview will be conducted with each youth ministry that best represents the dominant model. An observation report …

A Strategy For Identifying The Necessary Elements Of A Worship Studies Program, Don Wesley Tuttle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature indicates that little has been written with respect to the development of a systematic program of study for those desiring to lead worship in the contemporary church. The purpose of this project is to identify the necessary elements of a worship studies program geared toward ministry in the contemporary church. Incorporating Biblical research, field studies, and surveys, the project reviews Biblical principles as well as personal perspectives on worship from individuals in the United States and other parts of the world. Based on this information, recommendations are made regarding principles of worship for the contemporary …

Church Planting In Appalachian Mountain Culture, Timothy William Compton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is a review of Appalachian Mountain culture and the church planting practices of the region. The purpose of the project is to review the approach being employed in establishing churches as indigenous bodies of believers. This is based on a survey of pastors in the area and an interview of an evangelist with roots in Appalachia. Problems are addressed that the church planter will face. This is a plan for the Bible school, the home mission board, and the local church to work together in the establishment of indigenous local churches.

Justification For Master Of Arts In Religion With A Concentration In Leadership – Program And Curriculum Suggestions, Jack F. Deans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature reveals a critical need for Christian Leadership Development. The purpose of this project is to document, both Christian and secular literature, demonstrating that need. It also includes interviews with recognized Christian leaders in Leadership Development. The project examines the curriculum programs of other seminaries and theological schools in order to ascertain the contemporary teaching on the subject. The project surveys pastors throughout the United States to determine their opinions as to effective education and their suggestions of problem areas in which to focus curriculum. The conclusion shows an agreement with the stated thesis.

A Practical Strategy For The 21st Century Church Growth Of Baptist Bible Fellowship Korea, Taek Soo Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to understand what the biblical principles for Church Growth are and, to evaluate the problems hindering Church Growth within the Baptist Bible Fellowship Korea. Based on surveys sent to the BBF pastors in Korea, the project analyzes and evaluates the actual figures of church ministry, strategy, pastoral leadership, and common hindrances of Church Growth. Ten practical strategies for 21st Century Church Growth of BBF in Korea are proposed. These ten strategies are effective because they draw from the biblical principles, the growing churches, the studies of Church Growth, and church growth experts.

Developing An Effective Ministry With Mid Life Single Adults In A Mega Church, Charles Richard Hughes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates that very little material is available to assist local churches with developing a targeted ministry with mid life single adults. The purpose of this project was to answer the basic research question of how an effective ministry with mid life single adults was developed in a mega church by answering six sub questions concerning demographic analysis, the need, a model, the membership, leadership and administration, forming a chain of variables for effective ministry. Based on an extensive questionnaire of the membership in 1991 and 1994 the project draws conclusions in this historical perspective case …

Seminary Student Spiritual Formation: Recommendations Based On A Review Of Scripture And A Survey Of Evangelical Seminaries, William E. Wegert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Concern for the spiritual formation in ministerial training has grown in recent years, and reasons for this are discussed. The history of spiritual formation in pastoral training as well as relevant Scriptures are reviewed. Particular attention is given to Christ's earthly ministry as well as key biblical terms related to spiritual formation. Certain expectations based on the weight of Scripture are determined. Results of a spiritual formation survey sent to thirty-five evangelical seminaries and a self-study of the writer's own seminary are analyzed. This project makes recommendations for enhancing seminary spiritual formation efforts.

A Strategy For Church Planting In The Central Region Of The Fellowship Of Evangelical Baptist Churches In Canada, Douglas Brent Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Church planting is essential for the evangelization of Canada. The purpose of this project is to develop a strategy for church planting within the central region of The Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada (FEB CENTRAL).

This project examines the biblical nature of the church and church planting, highlights salient features of contemporary church planting, outlines a history of Baptist church planting in FEB CENTRAL, reviews two survey/questionnaires given to FEB CENTRAL church planters and administrators, and develops a strategy for church planting in the FEB CENTRAL region of The Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada.

A Strategy For Evaluating The Liberty University Convocation Program, Robert Roy Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of the current literature demonstrates that virtually no material is available that assists accredited Christian universities and colleges in evaluating their convocation! chapel programs. The purpose of this project is to develop a strategy for evaluating the Liberty University Convocation Program with a view towards helping others with the same process. This project accomplishes the purpose by examining the particular audience that we are currently ministering to in convocation (Generation X), along with strategies for reaching them, and analyzing data from internal and external convocation surveys with the goal of improving convocation.

Bringing Avalon Hills Baptist Church Through The Two Hundred Barrier, David D. Reike

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify as specifically as possible the elements which consistently contribute to the growth of the small church through the two hundred barrier, and then to incorporate these elements into a dependable strategy for such growth. The work includes a thorough review of relevant church growth literature, a review of Fuller Institute's "How to Break The Two Hundred Barrier Seminar," and it includes the results of a survey of fifty pastors who have led their congregations to regular worship attendances of over two hundred in recent years.

A Biblical Defense For The Financing Of Church Land And Building, Steven Douglas Suders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A sampling of pastors, who are Liberty graduates, reveals a need for scriptural education concerning the financing of church land and buildings. The purpose of this dissertation is to illuminate the minister regarding the permissibility of taking out a loan to aid in acquiring property and facilities so that their ministries may grow. The project describes the contemporary philosophy of Larry Burkett who is opposed to churches obtaining loans. The thesis then refutes this erroneous claim and finally, provides information that may assist in the process of obtaining a church loan for the congregation that chooses to exercise this liberty.

An Analysis And Prospect Of Korean Church Growth Based On Functions Of The Church, Timothy Hyun Seo Choi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of the functions of the church and growth of Korean churches illustrates that God has blessed Korean churches. The purpose of this thesis is to understand the biblical functions of the church and the relationship between these functions and church growth. This project explains the historical background of the Korean church for church growth and makes suggestions to prepare the Korean church for the 21st century. This thesis is based on conclusions drawn from an extensive published research on church growth and is illustrated by a scientific survey given to thirty-five Korean pastors.

The Institution Of An Equipping Ministry Utilizing Spiritual Gifts To Overcome The Pastor/Laity Dichotomy, Mark Alan Harris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to research and develop an equipping ministry based on the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer emphasizing spiritual gifts. A 27-item Lay Ministry Survey was completed by 99 men and women at four North Carolina churches. Findings indicate that 43 percent of the respondents believe ministry should be performed by professional pastors. Research reveals that the professional pastor and laity have received a call to serve God by spiritual gifts. The church's responsibility is to affirm the call of believers to serve God through their spiritual gifts.

Ministry To Families Of Handicapped Children, John Nickerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Public attention has been drawn to the presence and needs of handicapped members of society. Little attention, however, has been given by the institutions of society, beginning with organized religion, to the families of the handicapped, the caregivers, and their special needs. This project is directed to the clergy and consists of two parts. The first is a seminar for clergy, to inform and sensitize them to said families. The second is a model forum with which the clergy will be equipped, in turn, to inform, sensitize, and prompt congregational members toward appropriate outreach in this specialized ministry.

Developing A Pastoral Leadership Guide In Light Of The Biblical Teachings And The Contemporary Management Concepts, Jonathan C. Liu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Friend Day Program, Written By Elmer Towns And Published By Church Growth Institute, Lynchburg, Virginia, Rick L. Rasberry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to analyze the Friend Day evangelistic program, developed by Elmer Towns and published by Church Growth Institute, Lynchburg, Virginia. Through interviews, it traces the program's development. Through analysis of the program and research of literature in the areas of church growth and evangelism, it examines the theological presuppositions of friendship evangelism and discovers the principles of outreach employed in Friend Day. Based on questionnaires mailed to purchasers of the program, the project studies the strengths and weaknesses of Friend Day, and establishes that it is an exceptionally effective tool for local church evangelism.

A Layman’S Guide For Preparing Expository Messages From Epistolary Literature, Steve Allen Fowler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project was to pull together information from the fields of hermeneutics and homiletics, simplify that information, and provide the layman with a practical guide for preparing expository messages from epistolary literature. The writer establishes a biblical basis for expository preaching, then develops a proposed plan for the preparation of expository messages. A Manual in the appendix takes the reader through the step-by-step, eight step process, proposed in the manual.

The Development And Implementation Of An Intercessory Prayer Ministry In The Local Church, Robert Houston Jackson, Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There are a limited number of Southern Baptist Churches in North Carolina that have an established intercessory prayer ministry. Consequently, there is diminished spiritual power and ministry effectiveness. Prayer releases the power of God to work in the lives of individuals, churches, and nations. It is therefore essential that churches become houses of prayer.

The purpose of this thesis project is to develop a plan that will impress upon the local church the necessity of establishing an intercessory ministry. Furthermore it will serve as a resource for the development of an intercessory prayer ministry.

An Outcome Assessment: The Use Of Greek In Ministry, Blair A. Yager

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Thesis Project analyzes the use of Greek in ministry by Bachelor of Arts graduates of Roanoke Bible College (RBC). The author presents a defense of the value of Greek to ministry in the areas of preaching and teaching, hermeneutics, exegesis, and word studies. The Project's aim is to improve the Greek courses. A survey was distributed to alumni of RBC which determined areas where Greek is used in their ministries. This project is a part of on-going evaluation and outcomes assessment at Roanoke Bible College. Course objectives of the Greek classes taught are related to the Mission statement of …

A Survey Of Church Growth Methods Used By Christian Churches In The Southeastern United States, E. Arlin Bolejack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The development, distribution, reception and interpretation of a survey sent to selected Christian Churches/Churches of Christ in eight of the southeastern United States. The survey's purpose was to discover the church growth methods and philosophies used by these churches where the migration of the population from the northern states has increased the population in their areas. The survey was sent to churches that displayed at least a ten percent membership increase between 1985 and 1992. The data was reviewed to determine what these churches were doing and conclusions made on effective church growth methods.

The Development Of A Consultant Ministry To Evangelical Churches In Need Of Conflict Management, Thomas Eugene Hatley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Studies and statistics on church conflict reveal a lack of proper handling of many stressful situations. The purpose of this paper is to design a consultant ministry to assist churches in proper management of destructive conflict. Few current consultant ministries are equipped to adequately provide effective mediation. None were found that would deploy a consultant team for this need. This project analyzes church conflict and examines instances of conflict in the Scriptures. It then establishes the framework whereby a three-member team could minister to churches in conflict.

The Development Of Youth Ministry As A Professional Career And The Distinctives Of Liberty University Youth Ministry Training In Preparing Students For Youth Work, David E. Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to demonstrate that youth ministry is a viable discipline warranting appropriate career consideration for those called into ministry. This project documents the development of the distinctiveness of the Liberty University Youth Major in preparing men and women for youth work.

The first part documents the historical roots of youth ministry. Special attention is given to significant events, important personalities and founding youth organizations. Part two reveals how youth ministry became a profession. Ecclesiastical and sociological influences are considered. Section three demonstrates how Liberty University is responding to the need to prepare competent professionals.

A Rationale For An Independent Baptist Church To Clarify Its Mission, Analyze Its Program, Prioritize Its Objectives And Revitalize Its Ministry, Richard T. Carns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to provide a rationale for the pastor of an independent Baptist church to lead his church into a revitalization program. The author selected the topic for two reasons: (1) Church stagnation/decline has become a spiritual disease of epidemic proportions and (2) The author pastored a church which was experiencing decline and viable strategies needed to be understood, accepted and implemented. The main body presents the reasons a church needs to clarify its mission, analyze its program, prioritize its objectives and revitalize its ministry. The appendices delineate the steps taken in the author's church …

A Strategy For A Successful Doctor Of Ministry Project, David Lee Barnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates that very little material is available to assist Doctor of Ministry candidates with their major projects. The purpose of this project is to illuminate Doctor of Ministry students regarding the nature of the project, its common elements, and an effective strategy for preparing a project. Based on surveys and questionnaires sent to seminaries and students, the project reviews historical perspectives and present institutional and personal perspectives regarding the project. It then reviews the elements which are common to most projects, and offers practical advice regarding the successful preparation of these elements.

Factors That Motivate A Man To Become And Remain The Senior Pastor Of A Local Church, David John Leblanc

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project evolved from the question, "What motivates a man to become, and remain, a pastor?" The hypothesis was that a man, called of God into the ministry, would not be primarily motivated in his work by secular or external motivators and factors; but by internal or spiritual factors. An opinion poll of 125 Master of Divinity graduates of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary reflected the thesis and illustrated the problem. The author has concluded that a pastor should give attention to his spiritual development and constant reinforcement of the call of God in his life. The results of this project …

Follow-Up: A Model For Bonding Young Believers To Christ And His Church Developed At Liberty Baptist Church, C. P. Tarkington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Various conflicting concepts of discipleship and follow-up exist in churches and parachurch groups. This paper describes another understanding of follow-up and discipleship which the author has developed over time, while leading both parachurch and local church ministries.

In contrast to the view that discipleship is for only a few selected people, the author sees follow-up as a ministry offered to every convert. Follow-up is the ministry of mature Christians helping new or immature Christians to be bonded to Christ and His church where discipleship continues throughout his lifetime.

The author disagrees with the popular concept that discipleship is a ministry …

An Analysis Of Evangelical Revivals With Suggestions For Encouraging And Maximizing The Effects Of An Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit In Evangelism, James Douglas Porter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to analyze the relationship between revival and evangelism in the context of the outpouring of the Holy spirit and suggest strategies by which revivals may be encouraged and the energy of revival may be harnessed in the evangelism of large numbers of people.

The thesis project is composed of two parts. The first part surveys an evangelical theology of revival and evangelism. Here the author surveys biblical and historical data relevant to the subject. He then defines or describes; (1) revival, (2) evangelism, (3) personal conversion, (4) people movements, (5) the relationship between …