Digital Commons Network^™

A Strategy For Ministry To Widows In The Local Church, Richard Watson Sadler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In examining current literature, very little research has been done in the area of caring for widows in the local church. The biblical mandate, present social conditions, and the results from questionnaires sent to pastors and widows of Southern Baptist Churches of West Virginia validate the need to assist the church in developing and implementing a strategy in ministering to widows. Deacons, the servant-leaders, are the responsible agents for ministry to widows and the catalyst in getting others involved. This project is an instrument to awaken and equip God's people for the tremendous ministry privilege in serving widows.

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.

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.

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.

The Foundational Principles And Policies Of A Local Church Operations Manual, Daniel John Grabill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The administration of a local church often so occupies a minister's time that less than appropriate time remains for study of the Word. An administration manual that would objectify and standardize procedures would help alleviate this problem. The purpose of this project was to design a manual that would answer the need for what to do but would go beyond that to provide a theological base for the procedures. A comprehensive survey of Grace Brethren Churches was conducted to ascertain what has been done and what needs remain. This project has incorporated the best insights and hopefully met the remaining …

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.

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 …

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.