Digital Commons Network^™

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.

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 …

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 …

The Chinese View Of The Ideal Family Life As Seen In The Light Of The Bible, Esther Lo Wu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

No abstract provided.

Methodologies For Ministries In The Criminal Justice System, William L. Simmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

No abstract provided.

Elmer L. Towns, A Biographical And Chronological Presentation Of His Writings, Stephen Richard Towns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation/project is to analyze the contribution Elmer L. Towns has made to the area of Church Growth through his various writings. Towns has published over 40 books in the general area of religion including contributions in religious education, Sunday School, Church Growth, Bible commentaries, Christian life, and church history. Perhaps his best known book is The Ten Largest Sunday Schools and What Makes Them Grow, Baker Book House, 1969, which was eventually listed as a best seller in the Christian Book Seller magazine.

Not all of the publications of Towns have been in the area of …