Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Pastor Sunhee Gwark’S Sermons By Using Hermeneutic Methods Of Practical Theology For Improving Sermon Paradigm, Jinhyu Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to analyze the sermons of Sunhee Gwark, the former senior pastor of So-Mang church, into hermeneutic methods of practical theology for improving sermon paradigm. The relationship between the world of Scripture and the world of audience was investigated and the world of audience was valued equally with the world of Scripture in sermon. In order to analyze Gwark's sermons, the standards of evaluating sermon were provided. An improved sermon paradigm was suggested and the author wants this study to contribute to refreshing sermons to be balanced between the world of Scripture and that of …

Church Growth Through Social Welfare In South Korean Churches: Its Situation And Reformation Plan, Insu Kang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to help church's growth by observing, analyzing and applying the situation of Korean church's social welfare programs. Korean churches are getting interested in social welfare and operating social welfare programs voluntarily to help the neighbors. They are spreading gospel of Jesus and growing through social welfare activities. However, many churches are struggling to find suitable social welfare programs for them. The author will examine the meaning of church social welfare and biblical basis and compare social welfare situation of Korean churches and American churches to research and apply for suitable programs for Korean churches.

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 Study Of The Conflicts Within Churches That Lead To The Termination Of Pastors Within The Southern Baptist Convention, Accompanied By A Proposal Of Preventive And Interventional Solutions, Donald Quentin Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since 1984, LifeWay of the Southern Baptist Convention has collected data through the Pastoral Ministries division of LifeWay from state conventions to determine how many pastors were being fired each year from their churches. They discovered that approximately two hundred pastors were being fired from their churches each month. Leader Care was formed in 1996 in order to find solutions to this problem. Throughout the last decade some progress has been made educating and helping churches and ministers in conflict, as well as ministers and their families who were terminated from the churches they served. In 2008, LifeWay disbanded LeaderCare, …

Developing A Strategy Of Worship For Evangelical Believers Born From 1945 To 1955, Rodney Dale Whaley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project researched the need for developing a worship ministry strategically designed to meet the cultural, spiritual, musical, and emotional demands of early senior adults, those born from 1945 to 1955. The research question is, "How can the evangelical church meet the worship needs of her members born from 1945 to 1955?"

Study To Show Thyself Approved: The Case For Continuing Clergy Education, Dan R. Jividen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There has been little study focused upon the role of the pastor's personal growth and how it may relate to growth or the lack thereof in the local church. Although the problem of ministerial competence as a whole can not be fully addressed in the limited scope of this project, it is this writer's contention that much of the plateau in church growth experienced in Southern Baptist Churches today may be predicated by the lack of ministerial training in the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention as a whole. It is the intent of this project to determine if there …

Evaluation Of Pastoral Peer Learning Groups And The Application Of Principles In A South Florida Context, Dale R. Faircloth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The choice of peer learning groups by the Florida Baptist Convention as the primary leadership development approach for pastors is documented and examined. Surveys, Delphi Panels, and questionnaires were utilized to examine the perspectives of peer learning group participants and leaders regarding the effectiveness of the peer learning group method. Additionally, highly effective pastors in South Florida were surveyed to formulate their perspective of what characteristics are needed for a pastor to be effective in South Florida. Results were compared and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the peer learning groups. Practical suggestions are then offered for improvement.

You Could Say That Again: Examining The Probability Of Parallels Between Stephen And Moses In Acts 6-7, Samuel Cooper Smith

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis posits the idea that the author of Acts intentionally creates a literary parallel between Stephen and Moses. Comparative analysis seemingly confirms that Stephen is being portrayed as a parallel of Christ. However, little scholarly attention has been given to the possibility that the author of Acts 6-7 intentionally creates a connection between Stephen and Moses. Following an attempt to provide an objective foundation for asserting such parallels, the Stephen-Moses connections will be presented. Two implications follow from this parallel which impact the Stephen episode as well as the larger Acts narrative. The pertinent literature involves commentaries on the …

Paul’S Contextualization Of The Gospel Before The Areopagus In Acts 17, Philip J. Luca

Senior Honors Theses

The following thesis is an analysis on Paul’s presentation of the gospel to the Areopagus as recorded in Acts 17:22-31. The reasons behind his drastic permutation of the kerygma will be scrutinized by studying the exposition of the main components of the speech in parallel with an analysis of his audience. The objective of the thesis is to investigate the Apostle’s consistency with the orthodox kerygma as well as his interaction with the Gentile listeners. In conclusion, consequences for a relevant gospel presentation today will be proposed in light of Paul’s homily to the Areopagite Council.

Education For Woman’S Ministries: A Rationale For And Review Of Woman’S Ministries For The Beginning Of The 21st Century, Monica Dawn Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of programs for women in the church and Christian ministries. The author will approach this project by first defining women’s ministries as well as presenting the two predominant evangelical views of women in ministry. This project will also provide an overview of issues women encounter and the needs women have in today’s culture. After presenting a need analysis, the author will provide an overview of academic institutions training women in the field of women’s studies and/or ministries as well as curriculum being used to equip women …

A Strategy To Equip Youth Leaders Into Developing Strategic, Balanced, And Strong Local Church Student Ministries, Richard Stanley Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide a strategy for a youth leader to comprehend the needed administrative elements of a successful local church student ministry so thoroughly that the youth leader can equip his leaders. The sources used are the Word of God, personal youth ministry experience, and external research. The key phrase used is “building a strategic, balanced, and strong” student ministry. The metaphor used is the construction of a building as it correlates to building a local church student ministry. The project emphasizes two major areas needed in student ministry: the necessary foundational components and the …

The Role Of Preaching In Revitalizing Declining Churches, Jammie D. Vance

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates that very little material is available to assist Pastors in declining churches, develop a preaching plan to effect turn around in their church. The purpose of this project is to explore various styles of preaching and decide what style is biblical and most effective in reviving a declining church. This project also explores the causes and needs of the declining church so as to determine what subjects need to be addressed by the pastor of the declining church.

The Twenty-First Century Pastor: His Calling, Character And Competencies, Seth Nathan Polk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This paper defines modern ministry utilizing timeless and unchanging biblical principles, thereby providing a guide that pastors can utilize in fulfilling their God given responsibilities. It discusses, outlines, and synthesizes the calling, character, and competencies of the twenty-first century pastor. Directives related to calling and character come primarily from biblical and historical research. Based on surveys sent to pastors of middle sized churches, the project researches how modern ministry is being practiced related to the competencies of preaching, pastoral care, and church administration. Directives are then given concerning how modern ministry should be practiced based on the Word of God.

Professional Soccer Ministries: The Deconstruction Of Secularization Through The Globalization Of Soccer In Conjunction With The Biblical Worldview, Aaron Matsuo Tredway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is an attempt to present the ministry of, conceptual/theological impetus for, and assessment of Professional Soccer Ministries as it pertains to the deconstruction of secularization. This will be accomplished by one presenting the inception of Professional Soccer Ministries. Secondly, a review of the cultural/societal shift from Christendom to Enlightenment thought and its implications for the church of the modern era will be discussed. Third, the methodology and pragmatic implementation of Professional Soccer Ministries will be reviewed and conclusions drawn based upon its effectiveness as an avenue of the church for the proactive deconstruction of secularization.

Developing A Purpose Driven Model For Today’S Korea Evangelical Holiness Church Pastors-Teachers, Seung Min Chang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis is to develop a purpose driven model for the pastors-teachers of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church. This project explains that being a purpose driven education ministry means following the biblical principles behind the movement rather than copying specific characteristics that are unique to the Saddleback Church. In that view, this paper discusses how to implement Rick Warren's paradigm in the educational setting of the KEHC that has its own theological and cultural distinctives. Two kinds of surveys show that the denominational educational needs can be effectively covered through the results of the implementation.

Strategy For Equipping The Laity In The Cell Group Korean Church, Tae Young Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to prepare a strategy for equipping the laity of GaSan Baptist Church as a cell group church in Korea. This project examines four Korean churches as cell models. These churches are analyzed in eight parts on the basis of Mallory & Smith's equipping system. Gasan Baptist Church is also examined by the natural church development. The principles obtained from four model churches are applied for equipping the laity of Gasan Baptist Church through the results of NCD's research.

This project develops a strategy for equipping ministry in the Gasan Baptist Church in Korea.

Today’S Challenges And Resolutions Regarding Church Music, Philip R. Mcfarland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to first affirm the fact that music is one of the most powerful mediums that can control and influence people today. By emphasizing music’s impact, the objective for churches and pastors is to understand that although music plays a major part within church worship, it is only one of many functions of the church. This thesis will serve the purpose of helping pastors, church leaders, and Christians to understand the influence of music that can lead to potential challenges and problems, and to give biblically based, historical, and practical resolutions. Christians must not let …

Developing A Spiritually-Formative Leadership Mentoring Ministry At Southwood Community Church, Aaron David Rock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mentoring is increasingly being recognized as a tool for advancing the God-initiated life-long quest for spiritual formation in newer believers. The purpose of this project is to develop a mentoring ministry at Southwood Community Church in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The project first explores biblical, historical and contemporary mentoring principles and strategies, develops mentors through a training course, and couples them up with a mentee. The mentor and mentee engage in a mentoring relationship with an assessment tool administered before and after a three-month mentoring process to evaluate the impact of the relationship upon the mentee.

A Consideration Of Church Planting Through Radio Broadcasting In Thailand, Byung Jo Chang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation focuses on the meaning of church planting, and the successful church planning through radio broadcasting and its benefit in Thai missions. Radio broadcasting is the best way of opening up the door for spreading the gospel to start church planting. The research focuses on founding and organizing the broadcasting station in the hopes of giving non Christians opportunities to hear the gospel for the first time, and helping them to become Chris like.

The potential radio broadcasting missions carry, the meaning of it all, and the efficiency behind planting a church through the broadcasting missions is examined. These …

The Complexities Of Training National Leaders During The Twentieth Century That Led To A Vast World-Wide Shortage Of Trained Leaders For The Twenty-First Century Church, Francis O. Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is worldwide evidence of a severe modern-day shortage of trained leadership in the church. The purpose of this thesis project is to understand the reasons for the shortage and suggest achievable solutions. Yes, the army of missionaries deployed around the world has accomplished great things for Christ. However, this vast shortage of qualified national leaders came about due to a lack of vision and poor recruitment of theologians and missionary candidates. While missionaries have done a great job planting churches, most were unprepared to train national leaders for these churches. Further, for the last thirty-five years, missiologists have debated …

Toward The Establishment Of A Worship Theology In The Presbyterian Church Of Korea, Jong Bin Rhee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the existing problems of worship in the Presbyterian Church of Korea and develop worship theology with biblical, historical and liturgical insights. The biblical foundation for an understanding of worship theology is laid by examining a representative cross section of classic passage and pertinent liturgical tests. A brief sketch is made of the Reformed tradition. especially Calvin and Presbyterian in the British Isles and America. It will also analyze current problems in the worship of the Korean Presbyterian churches, and includes some suggestions for establishment of worship theology in the Presbyterian Church …

An Evaluation Of The Moody Bible Institute Ministry Based Partnership As A Ministry Training Tool, Danny Ray Cochran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility of churches partnering with theological institutions to offer college-level ministry training in the local church. The Ministry Based Partnership of Moody Bible Institute that was a ministry at Holly Creek Baptist Church for four years is used as the model for evaluation. Student questionnaires are used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. The Biblical basis for an equipping ministry in the local church is examined. The effectiveness of distance learning programs is examined using literature from the field of education. Conclusions are developed using information from the previous processes.

Understanding The Glory Of God Through The Expository Preaching By Young Sun Park, Young Han Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to understand the glory of God through the expository preaching by Young Sun Park. The reason I write this thesis is that I was called and challenged to be a preacher and pastor by God, after listening to the sermon by my pastor, Young Sun Park.

What does it mean to bring Glory to God?

How can it be realized? God the Father took glory through the ministry and personality of His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. God receives glory by saving sinners and by our obedient living which can be demonstrated through worship …

Developing A Measuring Instrument To Determine The Level Of Discipleship Commitment Attained By Individual Christians, Henry D. Styron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The writer’s personal experience, consultations with clergy and laity, and a review of current literature reveal a lack of genuine discipleship in the modern church. The purpose of the project is to develop a usable Biblical model of a disciple, and to develop a measuring instrument by which conformity to this model may be determined in the lives of individual Christians. The project details the creation of the model and the instrument, and then documents the field testing of the instrument in various churches and other venues, with resulting evaluation and improvement to the instrument.

Creative Preaching: How Multi-Sensory Preaching Connects The Word Of God To The Twenty-First Century Culture, Mark D. Cummins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to identify the benefits of creative preaching for the purpose of connecting the 21st century to the Word of God. The project will reveal the media reformation that brought about a cultural shift from hearing words to seeing words. By examining the scriptures, the reader will discover that creative preaching through multiple sensory inputs is not a new idea. Finally, research-based practical advice and transitional resources will be given to help today’s preachers creatively connect the Word of God with the 21st century.

An Evaluation Of The Windsor Institute For Theological Studies Of The Campbell Baptist Church Of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Donald Bruce Mckay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A number of churches today are utilizing the vehicle of a local church theological institute to equip lay people. The purpose of this project is to evaluate one such institute that operates in conjunction with the Campbell Baptist Church in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The project first examines other lay institute programs as well as current literature that can aid in developing a school of this nature. This helps provide a standard for comparison. After delineating seven essential ingredients for lay institutes the evaluation is made. This study can serve to help other churches develop a quality lay institute program.

The Spirit-Filled Christian Life, Curtis Wayne Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Scriptures teach that Christians are to be "filled or controlled" by God, the Holy Spirit. This thesis will define what the Bible teaches regarding how the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within a person, what is involved in continually submitting the heart to the Holy Spirit's filling or control, and what are the behavioral and attitude manifestations in a Christian when controlled by the Holy Spirit. The filling of the Holy Spirit will be discussed in the life of the individual Christian, his family and the local church as seen in Ephesians 5:18- 6:17, Galatians 5:22-23, Romans, I Corinthians …

Enabling Leaders - Empowering Church Transformation, Jack L. Eades

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Director of Enabling Leaders - Empowering Church Transformation was given the responsibility for developing a transformational process which would be used in the West Virginia Baptist Convention churches and shared with other regions in American Baptist Churches, USA. The challenge was to develop an effective process that would enable selective congregational leaders transform a plateaued or declining church to a vibrant healthy congregation. The transformation process happened in six stages: (1) the Developmental Stage, (2) the Invitational Stage, (3) the Leadership Training Stage, (4) the Congregational Cycle Stage, (5) the Coaching Clinic Cycle Stage and (6) the Evaluation Stage.

A Study Of The Leadership To Improve The Discipleship Class In Sungkyul University, Kwang Sun Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project examines the discipleship classes of Sungkyul University in Seoul, South Korea, which are disciple-making classes to convert unbelieving students to Christianity. Non-Christian students are not just a concern there, but to other Christian universities. Therefore, these universities may profit from a study of this approach. This thesis uses the four phases of disciple making presented by Bill Hull in Jesus Christ, Disciplemaker as a standard for comparison. A study, by means of a survey, was conducted of the leadership and the discipleship classes and the results were compared with Hull's phases. Finally, recommendations for improvement are given.

The Considerations Of Interpretation Through The Function Of Imagery In The Song Of Songs And Its Application To The Current Believing Community, Sanggeol Lyu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Song of Songs parallels with the synthetic method of literary criticism. This criticism places value on the text because it is literature for the believing community to maximize the celebration of delight and consummation of love within marriage and it deemphasizes the search for the hidden meaning beyond the text. Literary criticism demonstrates not only the function of the literary message but also the aesthetic effect, and is suitable and adaptable to explain and help determine the identity of today's young adults. The study focuses on the wisdom of others and how it is adapted for today. It also …