Digital Commons Network^™

Gospel Catechesis:Transformative Discipleship, Jonathan Powers

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Family Development: Discipleship And The Home, Chris Kiesling

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Church History - One, Zaida Perez

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Leading Change, Wilmer Estrada

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Church Growth Theory And Practice, Philip Meadows

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Twenty-First Century Church Planting, Walter (Jay) Moon

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Holistic Mission, Stephen Bailey

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Mission And Biblical Theology, Lalsangkima Pachuau

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Potential Mental Disorder Symptoms In The Prophet Elijah: An Exegetical And Psychological Analysis Of Selected Episodes From 1 Kings 18–19, Dariusz Iwański, Thomas G. Plante

Psychology

This interdisciplinary study examines the prophet Elijah’s experiences as depicted in 1 Kings 18–19 through a multidisciplinary lens, combining theological, literary, and psychological perspectives. Drawing on literary and historical–critical methods, a biblical scholar analyzes the narrative’s linguistic and cultural dimensions, while a psychologist evaluates these findings using contemporary mental health frameworks, including the DSM-5 and models of spiritual struggle. By synthesizing these approaches, the study explores Elijah’s emotional challenges, highlighting their resonance with modern understandings of mental health and spirituality. The findings suggest that Elijah’s profound struggles—marked by triumph, despair, and renewal—offer valuable insights into the interplay of faith, vulnerability, …

The Beacon, January 31, 2025, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2024-2025

Inequality in men's and woman's retreat; NW advice on adulting for students; A journey through Mac Miller's mind; Bob Dylan biopic deemed underwhelming; NW forgoes foreign language requirement; Faculty art exhibit displays diverse styles; The paths of maximum efficiency; Men's vs. women's retreat; College campus snow days policies; Adulting 101; TikTok ban: double-edged sword; Unity in the body of Christ; Cheer and dance kick off competitive season; A deeper look into the NW vs. Dordt rivalry; Women's soccer welcomes new head coach; What happened with TikTok; NW Students stand out at KCACTF;

How The Flock Falters: An Analysis Of Apostasy In The Shepherd Of Hermas, Justin R. Bamba

Masters Theses

This study provides a detailed analysis of apostasy as it is expressed in the Shepherd of Hermas. Drawing from the work of B.J. Oropeza, the study offers a threefold analysis that identifies the Christian community in danger, the nature of apostasy as it pertains to this community, and the consequences of such apostasy. Special attention is devoted to Vision 3 and Similitudes 8-9 for their vivid Tower motif, a unique literary device by which the author expresses the hope and limitations of repentance, community identity, and the causes and consequences for separation from this community—all of which contribute to a …

Theological Themes And Musical Influences Of Worship In Indonesian Immigrant Churches In The United States, Agnes Keren Bale

Masters Theses

Beyond evoking emotional experience, theologically sound songs are crucial for evangelizing, edifying the church, and congregational spiritual growth. This study examines worship in Indonesian immigrant churches in the United States, analyzing recurring theological themes in the most regularly featured songs in the worship repertoire. Additionally, it explores the influence of Western worship music which shapes the blended identity of these churches. Via the data gathered through worship service observations from a few churches and a survey for platform ministers, twenty-two congregational songs were coded and analyzed for their theological themes. Findings included the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, victory/battle, faith, …

Witchcraft, Demons, And Spiritual Death: An Apologetic For The Bible's Prohibition Against Witchcraft, Joshua Dean Wrenn

Masters Theses

This paper attempts to apologetically defend the Bible's intolerance against witchcraft and other related activities that are prohibited in the Old Testament. It does so by showing that Witchcraft and other related activities gets one involved with demonic entities. It shows how demonic entities are deceitful, and how they are actually the ones behind the power of witchcraft. The paper starts by studying the history of ancient witchcraft, which is something that is useful for understanding the witchcraft of today. It then builds a profile of demons. The paper shows what demons physically do and what they attempt to get …

The Judgment Seat Of Christ: Motivation For Faithfulness And Eternal Rewards, David R. Gaines

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation analyzes the topic of the judgment seat of Christ to show that it is an event when Christians will have their lives come under the scrutiny of the Lord Jesus, resulting in the receiving or loss of eternal rewards. While this subject can be overlooked and misunderstood, the judgment seat of Christ encompasses the fear of the Lord as a constant reminder that what Christians do with their lives matters and has dire consequences. The judgment seat of Christ has been interpreted as a time when Christians will have their eternal destination determined. However, this dissertation argues that …

Arguments For The Sovereignty Of God In The Book Of Job, Elizabeth J. Welch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The book of Job is a complex piece of wisdom literature studied for centuries using various methodologies to elucidate theological doctrines, biblical themes, and literary motifs. This dissertation aims to demonstrate that a midrashic form of exposition significantly expands the understanding of the Joban arguments for and against the sovereignty of God within the context of the ancient views of divine retribution and human suffering. Encapsulated in the legal motif, the disclosure and discussion of these views with associated themes, such as theocracy, theodicy, justice, and theophany, identified God’s sovereignty as the most prevalent doctrine in the book. The three …

A Philosophical, Theological, And Biblical Defense Of The Hebrew Concept Of Resurrection, Daniel M. Danciu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project challenges the consensus view on the origins, hermeneutics, and validity of resurrection hope in Hebrew thought. It provides a scientific, philosophical, theological, and historical defense against minimalist and moderate perspectives. The case against the minimalists offers empirical evidence for an afterlife. It demonstrates that the Hebrew Bible discloses the afterlife and that early passages express the Hebrew concept of resurrection. New scientific data for near-death experiences, as well as the existence of the soul, which contradict specific neuroscience perspectives, support this argument. The practices such as necromancy and the resurrection of Jesus provide additional evidence for an afterlife, …

Exploring The Concept Of Cultural Divinity In Supporting Religious Moderation In Indonesia, Andi Suhardiyanto, Tutik Wijayanti, Hendri Irawan

Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan

As a diverse nation, Indonesia often experiences clashes regarding diversity in life. The culturally embedded concept of divinity is believed to be a driving force in supporting religious moderation in Indonesia. This concept is crucial in religious pluralism in Indonesia, a country with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This study adopts a qualitative approach through a literature review referencing national and international journals indexed in Scopus. The research findings indicate that maintaining harmony among religious communities and religious moderation serves as a strong foundation. Culturally embedded divinity refers to understanding cultural and religious diversity, a noble heritage of the Indonesian …

Toward A Christology (Masīḥiology) With Islam, Renato T. طيب Oliveros

Landas

The divinity of Jesus (Eisa) is the Christological stumbling block in the Muslim-Catholic Dialogue of Theological Exchange. It is noteworthy to note that outside the New Testament, the Qur’ān is the only sacred scripture that mentions Jesus the-Christ (Eisa al-Masīḥ) by name. This shared Christological revelation is not accidental but divinely intended, serving as a challenge to both Muslims and Christians, for it is through Jesus that they are bound in a unique relationship of nearest affection (Q5:82). In the Qur’ān there are two identical Christological ayat (or verses تايآ ): Surah 3 (Al-Imran) 3:45a and Surah 4 (An-Nisa) 4:171a …

The Bride From Bethany, Adonis G. Saclolo

Landas

This study explores the nuptial motif as a hermeneutical key to interpreting the Gospel of John, emphasizing its theological and narrative significance. One figure that arises in this spousal theme is Mary of Bethany, whose intimate actions and symbolic gestures position her as a representative of the ecclesial bride. The Gospel’s portrayal of Jesus as both the Lamb of God and the Bridegroom Messiah reveals a deliberate intertwining of Passover and nuptial imagery, which the anointing at Bethany prefigures. Through detailed exegesis and intertextual analysis—particularly with the Song of Songs and other Old Testament texts with marital symbolisms—the paper demonstrates …

Full Issue, Volume 37, Issue 2

Landas

No abstract provided.

Michal’S Legacy: Bridging Biblical Narratives With Advocacy For Women, Rodel D. Magin

Landas

This article explores biblical narratives, focusing specifically on Michal’s story from the books of Samuel (1 Sam 14:19, 18:20-28, 19:11-17, 25:44, 2 Sam 3:12- 16, and 6:16-23), the daughter of King Saul who became David's wife, to shed light on women’s challenges. Through narrative analysis and feminist interpretation, it highlights the relevance of Michal’s story in addressing contemporary societal issues. By drawing on insights from these narratives, the study advocates for societal transformation and gender equality, emphasizing the urgent need for action to alleviate the struggles women face. As the Church upholds the dignity of every individual, regardless of their …

“Incline Your Ear To My Cry” (Psalm 88): Walter Brueggemann’S Theology Of Lament In/And The (Post)Pandemic World, Maverick Angelo M. Pelayo

Landas

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically disrupted the usual course of doing things by which the world and individuals are accustomed, and it continues to do so as many individuals and, five years on, sectors are still reeling from the multi- faceted effects of the pandemic. It is on this account that this contribution seeks to offer the role and relevance of lament when people and communities face various forms of crises. This contribution explores how the practice of lament according to Walter Brueggemann’s theology can be understood, applied, and appropriated in difficult times like this as exemplified in Psalm 88, …

Instructional Theory & Development, Ellen Marmon

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Measuring Change Readiness In Congregations Searching For A Pastor During A Pastoral Vacancy, Paul Hennings

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed the problem of measuring change readiness in Midwestern LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) congregations searching for a pastor during a pastoral vacancy. Measuring change readiness is important because it reflects an organization’s willingness and preparedness to change, which is especially crucial for aligning congregations and new pastors. This qualitative study utilized a collective case study approach examining four congregations. The call committees of each congregation completed an online survey and an interview with the researcher in order to collect data regarding congregational change readiness and personal change resistance. The research included a biblical and theological …

Emotional Health As A Preventive Measure To Reduce Abuse In Evangelical Ministries, Tammie Jean Haveman

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addressed the relationship between emotional health and abuse in Evangelical ministry contexts in the United States. A mixed-methods design explored how the emotional health of leaders contributed to organizational dynamics within ecclesiastical and nonprofit ministry settings. The theological review examined Pauline epistles, emphasizing emotion’s role in leadership and the biblical expectation that Christian leaders exhibit Spirit-led, Christlike character and emotional maturity. A conceptual heuristic was developed to interpret Pauline teachings on emotionally unhealthy dispositions such as selfishness, domineering tendencies, and irascibility. While not labeled as abuse in Paul’s context, these traits correspond to emotional patterns that often underlie …

The Fear Of God: The Foundation Of The Divine Covenants Through The Blood Sacrifice And Meal Of Exodus 24:4–11 And 1 Corinthians 11:23–32., Matthew Taylor Propst

College of Theology and Ministry Dissertations, Projects, & Theses

The Fear of God and its relevance to establishing the Old Covenant and the New Covenant is vital in understanding the nature of the role of sacrificial blood and meal in Exodus and 1 Corinthians. The Fear of God acts to establish and maintain proper covenantal relations with God and a covenant community’s cohesion. There is also an element where those that participate in covenants are required to live under its commandments by self-sacrificial behavior.

Chapter 1 introduces the issue of this thesis within certain parameters and boundaries alongside the purpose and objectives this issue wishes to address. Chapter 2 …

Bridging The Gap: Overcoming Barriers To Church Attendance And Ministry Engagement Between Millenials And Baby Boomers In The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lavoris Williams

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the generational divide within the AME Church and propose actionable solutions for bridging this gap. Chapter 1 has introduced the problem, its context, and its significance, along with the guiding research question. Subsequent chapters will build on this foundation, exploring biblical, theological, and historical perspectives, as well as practical strategies for fostering intergenerational collaboration.

Chapter 2 will delve into the biblical foundations of unity and intergenerational collaboration, examining scriptural principles that emphasize mutual respect and cooperation. Chapter 3 will provide theological and historical insights, highlighting examples of successful intergenerational ministry within …

The Calvin Forum: Winter 2025, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 35., WINTER 2025

Main Features: 2 - Letter from the President

6 - Where are the Pastors?

10 - Formation of Leaders in a Liminal season

16 - Where do Pastors come from?

23 - The minister as a manager of the mysteries of God

29 - Pastors are there and will be there

34 - Who will disciple the next generation of Disciple-makers?

39 - Raising up Ministry Leaders from the next generation

42 - Training Ministry leaders from the next generation

48 - Hope in the ruins

55 - A journey through Seminary in …

“Upon Thy Belly Shalt Thou Go”: The Garden Of Eden Serpent Symbology Based On The Concept Of Seraphim, Noel Hudson

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

The concept of the serpentine seraphim from biblical iconography is discussed in the context of biblical serpent symbology. The association of the seraphim with Ancient Near Eastern kings, deities, and temples is noted. The concept of the seraphim as members of the Council of God is explored, and the possibility of the seraph as a symbol of Christ is discussed. These concepts are applied to the story of the snake in the Garden of Eden, and the additional explanatory power of the seraph symbol in connection with the snake is explored. Specific serpentine attributes are discussed in the context of …

Full Issue

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.