Digital Commons Network^™

Revive Us Again : Intergenerational Ministry As A Strategy For The Revitalization Of Bongshin Church In Seoul, Korea, Jung Jun Kim

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Church Health On Mergers : A Study Of Two Merging United Methodist Congregations, Andrew Stephen Adams

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Stewardship In The Church : The Theology And Practice Of Tithing, Offerings, And Stewardship In Evangelical Churches Of Russia, Sergey Chervonenko

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Overflow In Young Christian Leaders : Factors Leadng To Emptiness Or Fullness, Carey D. Akin

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Connecting The Dots : Role Of Storytelling In Character Development And Leadership Practice Of One Rock Mentors, Associates And Mentees, Joanna E. Williamson

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Before God And These Witnesses: An Evangelistic Guide To Weddings, David Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Every year, according to the Center for Disease Control, an average of 2.3 million couples wed in the United States, while nearly 900,000 divorces occur. One fourth of couples marry outside of a church. Though most ceremonies take place in a church building, the church’s presence is small. An opportunity exists to reach receptive engaged couples and provide needed counseling services to those marrying outside of the church. Premarital counseling reduces the risk of divorce approximately 30 percent. To impact marriages and see growth, the church must take a proactive and evangelistic role in providing premarital counseling and weddings services …

A Study For Training And Building Up Worship Leaders For Spiritual Maturity And Revival In South Korea, Kyuhyuk Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Worship leaders have become important ministers in worship since the 1990s in South Korea. However, South Korean churches rarely train and build up worship leaders because of the lack of recognition of the importance and expertise about worship leading. They have a false belief that the only role of worship leaders is to lead worship with musical skills. The purpose of this thesis project is to help worship leaders and their congregations to worship God correctly by presenting the concept and necessity for God-centered worship and principles for spiritually mature worship leaders. This study will examine the Bible and literature …

From The Father’S Heart To Our Hands: Christian Responsibility In The U.S. Foster System, Amelia Tam

Selected Honors Theses

Nearly half a million children are currently served by the child welfare system in the United States. This overwhelming strain on state departments and non-profit placement agencies is compounded by the fact that there are not enough available homes. There appears to be a shortage of capable and resilient foster and adoptive parents. Thousands of children who are ready to be adopted do not have anyone to take them in, and thousands more float in the system until new families agree to foster. This seeming shortage of homes is absurd considering the wealth of compassion and capability within the American …

The Rationale For Canonical Theology: An Approach To Systematic Theology After Modernism, John C. Peckham

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

What should systematic theology look like after modernism? Many recent answers to this question revolve around the communitarian turn, advocating the retrieval/ressourcement of Christian tradition in order to address the situation after the failure of modernity. While advancing a cogent criticism of modernism, however, communitarianism may jeopardize the functional priority of Scripture as canon. This article introduces and explains the rationale for canonical theological method as an alternative for the theological landscape after modernism.

Whereas communitarian approaches adopt a community-determined, normative, and extra-canonical interpretive arbiter of doctrine, canonical theology views the biblical canon as the uniquely authoritative and sufficient …

2017 Otterbein University Academic Honors Convocation Program, Otterbein University

Honors Convocation

No abstract provided.

“Where Two Or Three . . .”: Shekhinah And Matthew 18:20: Foundations For Jewish-Christian Dialogue And Beyond?, Joseph Sievers

Claritas: Journal of Dialogue and Culture

The term shekhinta, in Hebrew Shekhinah (“dwelling,” “[Divine] presence”), is quite common in the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible (Targumim) and in other parts of rabbinic literature. It originates from the idea of God’s dwelling in a sanctuary, especially the Jerusalem Temple, and is based on longstanding biblical traditions, but the term itself is perhaps first attested in the Greek text of 2 Maccabees 14:35. God’s dwelling, however, was not imagined as limited to the Temple, particularly at times when there was no functioning temple. The Divine presence was attributed also to other contexts, such as a …

The Ethics Of God, Jimmy Lewis

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Textual or Investigative

Music Of The Protestant Reformation: A Pedagogical Analysis Of Hymns, Hattie H. Bays

Student Scholar Showcase

During the Protestant Reformation (1517-1600) reformers influenced music through the progression of Roman Catholic to Protestant principles. With the intent of improving music pedagogy, the purpose of this research is to investigate the music of the Protestant Reformation (1517-1600). Problems addressed in this research include: 1) to trace the origins of the Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anglican Church, 2) to discuss protestant reform as it relates to music, and 3) to identify reformation hymns included in the Disciples of Christ, Southern Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian hymnals.

The Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anglican church developed during the late Renaissance (sixteenth century) as …

The Characterization Of Tobit In The Light Of Tobit 1:1-2, Emmanuel Nshimbi

Jesuit School of Theology Dissertations

In Hebrew –el means ‘God,’ and the reader or hearer of the Book of Tobit learns that, Tobit, the character after whom the narrative is named, lacks that –el ending in his name. He remains faithful to Jewish religious practice when the rest of his tribe secedes from the temple in Jerusalem, but he experiences exile. He risks execution by burying corpses of fellow Israelites in exile, whom the king of Assyria murders. He loses his sight after sparrows excrete onto his eyes in his courtyard at night after burying the dead.

This dissertation characterizes Tobit in the light of …

The Metaphorical Use Of Marriage In Scripture: A Pentecostal Exploration, Stetson Glass

Masters of Theological Studies

The biblical writers utilize the metaphor of marriage to describe the relationship between God and humanity. Within this imagery, the people of God are often depicted as a bride. This thesis contributes to an understanding of the metaphor of marriage in Scripture by analyzing the socio-historical wedding practices of ancient Judaism. The use of the metaphor in both Old and New Testaments is examined, followed by an analysis of bridal language in early Pentecostal periodical literature. It concludes with a constructive Pentecostal ecclesiology structured on the characters and the stages found within the typical Jewish wedding.

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 52 No 1 - April 2017), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

From the Editor: Karin Maag - 7 / Articles: The Self-Revelation of God in Jesus by Daniel Boerman - 9 / The Heart and Soul of Abraham Kuyper: Reflections on His Meditations by James A. De Jong - 37 / A Grotesque Attack: Reading Ezekiel 16 as Satire to Address Feminist Critiques by Erin Risch Zoutendam - 63 / Sermon: “Live!”—A Sermon on Ezekiel 16 by Scott Hoezee - 85 / Book Reviews - Scripture and Interpretation: Allen, Michael, and Jonathan A. Linebaugh, eds., Reformation Readings of Paul: Explorations in History and Exegesis, reviewed by …

Toward The Abolition Of "Race", Bendi Benson Schrambach

World Languages and Cultures Faculty Scholarship

Inspired by France’s decision to strike the word “race” from the nation’s law books, this essay describes an investigation into the biblical, etymological, historical, sociological and scientific evidence related to the term. It commences with an examination of biblical verses for which some translators haven chosen the word “race.” The article demonstrates that, in each case, the passage in question does not denote phenotypic peculiarity but something else. It next looks at biblical characters whose physical features are highlighted as being distinctive and finds that “race” is conspicuously absent from all English translations of these passages. The origins of the …

Meaning-Making As A Formational Pathway For Christian Adolescents, Timothy C. Prewette

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation claims that Christian adolescents will flourish when using a narrative approach to both scripture and life as part of an intentional meaning-making process. Narrative theology offers the controlling story (worldview) needed by adolescents and aids in meaningfully framing life experiences. Chapter 1 identifies the problem of Christian adolescents abandoning the church and/or their faith as they move into young adulthood. Nuances of this exodus are explored, and a particular brand of adolescent faith is articulated, one which is lacking in both substance and relevance. Meaning-making is then characterized as an intentional, guided process in which Christians construct meaning …

Missional Virtues In Leadership : Assessing The Role Of Character Strengths Of Christian Social Entrepreneurs In Creating Missional Organizations, William Eric Manuel

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Banking And Finance For The Modern Christian, Robert Sheppard

Masters Theses

The purpose of this paper is to help Christians to better understand what the Bible teaches with regards to banking and finance as it relates to mortgage lending by applying biblical theological categories and a diachronic analysis of usury from the reformation period until now for the purpose of enriching the lives of Christians everywhere while drawing attention to the cause of Christ. The author will present an analysis of the Christianization of usury in early modern Europe. The author also discusses the biblical principles of lending, Christian debt in the modern era, and biblical lending in the present day.

Touched By Love: Florence As Christ-Figure In Dombey And Son, Sarah Flenniken

Masters Essays

No abstract provided.

A Study On The Church Growth Method Through The Vitalization Of Small Groups In Traditional Korean Churches: The Case Of Daegu Dong-Sung Church, Byung Min

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nowadays, Korean society is faced with social issues, like individualism arising from fast growth. The traditional society has become dominated by individual interest and intention, as well as by new social aspects such as the loss of community ethics at large. This can also be seen in Korean churches; we have noticed an increase in Sunday service visitors and unregistered members. This change has brought a number of spiritual crisis into churches and is even a huge crisis in and of itself. In this regard, through research on church growth through small group ministry in traditional Korean churches, this study …

A Study On The Principles And Methods Of A Retreat Program For The Spiritual Growth Of Youth With A Focus On The United Retreat Ministry In South Korea, Eunho Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to help Korean churches create more effective retreats for the spiritual growth of their youth. Most of the youth in Korean churches participate in spiritual retreats during their summer and winter vacations. In the past, many of the youth converted or recovered their faith through retreats. Nowadays, the Korean youth are exposed to all sorts of secularized culture and media, which result in the deterioration of their spirituality. Therefore, it is a major challenge for youth ministry in Korean churches to have their youth experience personal spiritual growth at retreats. The writer has organized …

Dead Bones Rising: A Strategic Plan For Revitalizing Declining Churches By Creating Small Groups, Jeffrey Chappell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Approximately, 1000 churches disappear from the Southern Baptist Convention database annually because of their dissolution. Scholars state that churches will continue to close at the progressive rate of 25% by the year 2030. The unacceptable denominational response is to plant a church, whether on a local, state, or national level, offering little support for declining or dead churches toward a renewal and revitalization effort. Research was acquired by surveying pastors whose churches belong to the Sandy Creek Baptist Association of the North Carolina State Baptist Convention. The thesis project employs quantitative and qualitative data available along with variety of published …

A Study On The Development Of Professional Young Adult Pastors For Korean Churches, Hyeong Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

At the end of the twentieth century, young adult ministries experienced abundant revivals through the churches and campuses of colleges, but are now much reduced. One of the causes is that there were not enough professional pastors for the young adult ministries. The revival and growth of young adult ministries in Korea is largely dependent upon the leaders who lead the ministries. This research emphasizes the importance of young adult ministries in Korean churches and aims to develop concrete manuals for pastors who can appropriately perform their ministries. In doing so, it will point out the roles for young adult …

Successful Libraries Survey, The Tcl Editorial Team

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

The Blessing Of Spiritual Mentoring, S. Joseph Kidder

Faculty Publications

Paul’s core argument for spiritual mentoring includes that to be effective mentors, our teaching must be backed by the witness of our own lives. We are to demonstrate all that we teach. What is laid upon us is the tremendous task of not only talking to men about Christ but showing Him to them through our lives. The experienced and exemplary Christian creates a responsible atmosphere for spiritual growth, sharing life experiences and skills and sacrificing time and energy.

As part of the mentoring process, Christians are to take every opportunity to teach younger people about God. This can be …

The Central Event View Of Human History Model (Cem): An Apologetic For A Christ-Centered Christian View Of Human History, Gordon Harris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Thesis: The Central Event view of human history is the only sufficient view of human history. The Central Event (CE) view of human history is a view of human history that holds that a single, Central event within human history possessed certain aspects and characteristics at such a level that, when it occurred, all of human history, both before, during, and after, were forever impacted. The impact of the Central Event was so great and complete, that it defined how humankind is to view and understand all of human history. The event that the CE view declares is the Central …

Churches Working Together: Four Keys In Serving One Community, John Parks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The growth of many small churches tends to be stunted as they lack necessary resources that encourage growth. Church elders are responsible to God for the growth of the local church. Recent conversations among local ministers in Greenbrier County have revealed that, in addition to prayer, they want to know what needs done – and what they themselves can do – in order to reach their community. Their intent is to discover the resources within their churches that can address their community’s needs while also reaching and helping the unchurched. The potential value in personal ministry is their desire to …

New Heights Christian Community Center: An Effective Strategy Of Outreach For The Local Church, Marc Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

New Heights Christian Community Services offers an outreach ministry that creates a viable bridge between two local churches and their neighboring communities. Many churches are declining in their influence and are no longer recognized as a valuable part of their community. Small churches often struggle to find ways to serve their neighbors. The author of this project has dedicated over twenty-five years ministering to disadvantaged youth and families and desires to help churches to effectively connect to the families in their community. This project will investigate the effectiveness of the New Heights program by surveying fifty sets of parents of …