Digital Commons Network^™

Pathways To Foster, Develop, And Measure Unity In A Diverse Church Setting, Timothy I. Parsons

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Although there is still a long way to go, the Christian church in America is growing more and more diverse. In the same timeframe of the shift to more diversity, America has grown more divided politically, socially, and religiously. Throughout scripture, and especially in the New Testament, God speaks of the power and purpose of a unified church. The early church was required to grow in its diversity while also pursuing unity among all the differences that existed. The church of the twenty-first century and beyond is under the same mandate. This project’s purpose is to uncover, by surveying current …

Evangelship: Mobilizing A Culture Of Discipleship That Leads To Evangelism In A Multiethnic Latino Context, Lawrence D. Perez

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Discipleship and evangelism in America today are eroding. Where traditionally the church sees discipleship and evangelism as separate entities, this research project argues for the unification of the two. This project explores “Evangelship,” the uniting of evangelism and discipleship, to see if the combined approach and perspective could offer a better way to engage the North American population. The driving question for this project is “Can the integration of evangelism and discipleship create a culture that accelerates and advances the Great Commission at U-Turn Covenant Church (U-Turn)?” To answer this question, the study aims to establish a discipleship framework that …

Multiply Alabama: Moving From Church Planting To Church Multiplication By Multiplying Leaders And Churches In The Alabama Ministry Network, David P. Strahan

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The Alabama Ministry Network has had anemic success in planting over 150 churches since 1980. However, there has still been a ten percent decline in the total number of churches due to churches closing, churches withdrawing, or churches merging. This project studies how AMN can move from addition (church planting) to multiplication (church multiplication) to avoid further regression. The Biblical literature review examines the scriptural premise to multiply. It also discovers the church planting models of Jesus, the early church, and Paul The project used mixed research methods to develop a pathway towards church multiplication within AMN in four phases. …

The Queen Mother Of Israel And Her Role In Christian Devotion, Matthew Hegarty

Theology Graduate Theses

In this chapter, I will provide an overview of the status of Mariology in modern Theology, including what I believe to be most lacking. My proposal will be to turn to the traditional spiritual sense of reading Scripture. I will highlight each of the senses and their rise and fall in popularity through history. This is in order to show that the literal sense of reading Scripture has become the norm in modern scholarship, but to the detriment of the spiritual sense.

Historically these methods have shifted in popularity among scholars and church leaders, and it will be important to …

Biblical Leadership Development: Essential Components In Servant Leadership, André T. Moore Sr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There was a need for a biblical leadership development program at Anointed To Minister Ministries (ATMM). This researcher assessed the effectiveness of the current leadership and concluded that a biblical leadership development program was paramount to the foundation of the church. Furthermore, Henry and Richard Blackaby, argue in their book Spiritual Leadership “failing to develop leaders in an organization is tantamount to gross failure by the leader, whether by design or by neglect.” The purpose for this DMIN action research project was to develop a strategy and to implement a biblical leadership training program for educating, equipping, and empowering selected …

Emulating Paul’S Ministry Leadership In A Diverse And Changing Cultural Landscape, Mark J. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry project is to train ministry leaders by studying the cross-cultural leadership characteristics of Apostle Paul. Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church is part of the sad statistic of traditional churches that have been declining for the past thirty years. This will continue unless leaders of the church embrace the diverse culture and nature of the surrounding community. Cross-cultural leadership is needed in this time of multi-cultural communities and there is no one better than Paul to demonstrate this indispensable cross-cultural ministry paradigm. If leaders at Central are trained and motivated to embrace Paul’s cross-cultural …

Review Essay: Mitri Raheb On Christian Zionism, Loren D. Lybarger

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Understanding Karai Kasang And Nats: A Basis For Dialogue With Kachin Traditional Religion And Spirituality, Than Naing Lin

Loyola Papers

This article investigates the theological foundations of Kachin traditional religion and its engagement with Christianity. Focusing on Karai Kasang as the Kachin understanding of the Creator, this paper evaluates early inculturation efforts that appropriated the term for the Christian God. It critically identifies both historical and ongoing limitations in these approaches. The study proposes a renewed dialogue grounded in discerning the activity of the Spirit within indigenous traditions, offering a pathway toward an authentically Asian pneumatology.

Full Issue, Volume 5, Issue 1

Loyola Papers

No abstract provided.

Training The Volunteer Technical Artist For Their Role In Worship Ministry, Stephanie Wilkinson

Masters Theses

Church technical artists have an integral role in modern worship services due to the use of technology in church production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of different aspects of the role a technical artist has in worship ministry, as well as to explore current training practices and determine effective ways to train the volunteer technical artist holistically beyond their technical role. Church technical directors, technical volunteers, and worship pastors were interviewed and surveyed to collect data used to determine the level of importance of a volunteer’s different roles and responsibilities and how they affect worship …

Ministry And Diversity In The City, William Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri trains and develops men and women to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and His church. The church of Jesus Christ, biblically, is a multi-ethnic body comprised of men and women of every tribe, nation, language, and tongue. God’s intention is for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Though the mission of the church is clear, go and make disciples of all nations, Christian colleges have not always developed classes to equip ministry students to effectively minister across lines of racial, cultural, and socio-economic differences. This …

A Mixed Methods Study To Evaluate The Nature Of The Lead Pastor's Psychological Capital And The Impact On Leading Church Revitalization, Toney Allen Cox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In response to the substantial amount of church revitalization that is necessary to cause a noteworthy decrease in the 70 percent of churches in America that are declining or plateauing (Rainer, 2019, para. 4), lead pastors carry a biblical responsibility to lead churches into growth and spiritual health (Jamieson, 2011, para. 15-16). While church planting is a respectable portion of the macro solution, revitalizing declining or plateaued existing churches is an equally significant part of the solvent. However, a substantial majority of revitalization literature and education focuses on the practical methodology of implementing church renewal and emphasizing the lead pastor’s …

Shepherds Leading The Flocks: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Church Leaders Managing Church Membership During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rbetrice Phillips

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe experiences of church leaders adapting the Scarneo (2019) intrapersonal and interpersonal socioecological influences while managing membership during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methodology: This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach with a socioecological justification with open-ended interview questions investigating the lived experiences of the participants. This study aimed to gather data from sample size 10 church leaders in Los Angeles County, California plus a snowball sampling of referred church leaders who managed during COVID-19. In this study, the collection of narratives through semi-structured interviews provided the data which was analyzed …

The Beacon, February 16, 2024, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2023-2024

A day in the life of Jodi Grant; Sunday nights are wing nights; Delightfully messy, slow paced album; "Undercooked" action film hits big screen; NEXT students' experiences performed; Remembrance and anticipation of Easter; The importance of clubs on NW's campus; Grant welcomes all who enter the theatre; Adulting 101 prepares students for post-college; Students enjoy wing night; Religious intolerance at NW; Our worship leaves some out; Fifth year student athletes dominating; Raider athletic band provides energy at games; Young student-athletes show great promise; Family Feud returns for a second year;

Some Aspects Of The Theology Of The City In Ane Literature And Biblical Protology And Eschatology: A Comparative Study, Vlatko Dir

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The city is an essential accomplishment that is embedded in the foundations of human civilization. From its mature appearance in Sumer and its developed forms throughout the ANE world, the city held a high place in cosmology, cosmogony, and anthropogony. The ideology and theology of the city created by the ANE peoples were built around and presented through the interplay of the triangle of influences and dependencies formed by the city, the temple, and kingship in conjunction with the gods. The question is whether the same construct is ingeminated in the Bible. This dissertation strives to provide an appropriate context …

Equipping Equippers: Training Alaska Bible College Students For Equipping Ministry Through Mentorship, Justin Glenn Archuletta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research project strived to improve the Christian Ministry Training program at Alaska Bible College, by adding a multi-generational equipping mentorship focus to the already existing program. The addition of the multi-generational mentorship is modeled after the exhortation found in 2 Timothy 2:2. Adding the primary goal of equipping to the mentorship program is founded in Ephesians 4:11-16. There were a total of 28 participants in the research project, which included recent graduates, faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students as of January 2023. The research project seeks to equip students of Alaska Bible College to begin equipping mentorship as student …

Discipleship: A Biblical Approach And Alignment To The Spirit Of The Ministry At Kingdom Collegiate Academies Early Childhood Program, Ella Louise Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the spiritual practices of early childhood teachers at Kingdom Collegiate Academies Early Childhood Program at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church. The research study was designed to develop a professional training program to increase staff effectiveness and alignment with the Spirit of the Ministry traits at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church. The program was delivered through a biblically based discipleship and Spirit of the Ministry training program. Through the Bible study, each trait was examined and discussed to solicit adherence to the various traits. During the study, early childhood teachers grew in …

Reconsidering The Apologetic Purpose Of Luke-Acts, James C. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles are two critical works in the Bible. Together, these two books make up approximately twenty seven percent of the New Testament. Their literary contribution to what is known about the origins of Christianity and its rapid spread in major cities of the Roman Empire is immeasurable. It is appropriate that so much has been written regarding these two key books’ origins, genre, and purpose. Yet, with all that has been written, there is still much debate about this subject. Should these two books be treated separately, as two different genres, or …

The Beacon, February 2, 2024, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2023-2024

Pros and cons of raider relationships; Day in the life of Dr. Koerselman; A bloated project with little innovation; "Mean Girls" musical exceeds expectations; Senior Spotlight: Artist Naomi Lief; What to expect during music's biggest night; Book study to give post-college advice; Students opinions on Relationships in college; New eatery option graces Orange City; Dr. Koerselman's fashionable day; Horsegirls verses cowgirls; Finding my identity in Christ; Van Kalsbeek shatters two school records; Softball and baseball to start spring season; Raider cheer standing out at season opener; The importance of black history; Latino Raider Day: inclusivity made priority;

Finding Your Voice : Recapturing A Pauline Theology Of Equipping In The Ministry Of Preaching, William T. Rambo

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Ecclesial Identity And Mission : Perspectives From Three North Indian Churches And 1 Peter, Matthias Phurba Sonam Gergan

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Are The Church Fathers Relevant In A 21st Century Inculturated And Contextualized Asian Theology?, Emmanuel C. Marfori

Landas

Is Patristics still relevant in the 21st century? This paper examines the decline of Patristic studies in the 19th–20th centuries and their brief revival before Vatican II, followed by a postconciliar downturn. It proposes that the Church Fathers remain vital for theology today, especially in Asia, where faith and culture intersect in inculturation. As witnesses to Tradition, the Fathers offer models for contextual theological reflection. The paper highlights Tertullian’s Adversus Marcionem, where he defends the unity of Scripture through the Transfiguration. Two key terms—contubernium (friendship) and repromissio (fulfillment of promise)—are translated into Tagalog as pagkakaibigan and katuparan ng pangako, bridging …

The Ethical Lawyer: Beyond The Rules, Nick Badgerow

St. Mary's Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics

Does being a lawyer mean more than the mere pursuit of a client’s cause and resulting (hoped for) financial success and professional standing, while avoiding discipline? This article invites a consideration of what it means to be a true “professional” in the practice of law. First, the article explores the definition of the term “professional,” and proceeds to examine the obligations undertaken by lawyers (a) in their oath of admission, and (b) in codes of professional conduct. However, the author posits, should not the true professional aspire to more than the mere compliance with these minimum standards? In answer, the …

"A Friend Of Tax Collectors And Sinners": An Intertextual Reading Of Luke's Jesus According To Divine Identity And Yhwh Shepherd Language, Dottie H. Rhoads

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Luke’s Gospel has been heralded as the Gospel for the outcast. This study suggests a biblical-theological approach to Luke’s depiction of Jesus that may guide an interpretation of Jesus’ person and activity. This study assumes an intertextual reading of Luke and identifies qualities and activities that he possesses and assumes according to Old Testament texts. Old Testament prophetic texts and Second Temple Jewish texts detailing YHWH’s intentions to return as Shepherd to his scattered and exiled people are examined. Luke’s birth narrative and accounts of dynamic moments in Jesus’ ministry (Lk 15:1-7; 19:1-10) are read in light of this intertextual …

Annotated Bibliography Part 2

Liberty Theological Review

Beale, Gregory Kimball. Union with the Resurrected Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023. 576 pages. $49.99. ISBN-13: 978-1540960429

Cessario, Romanus. The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023. 304 pages. $32.99. ISBN-13: 978-1540962546

Hernández, Dominick S. Engaging the Old Testament: How to Read Biblical Narrative, Poetry, and Prophecy Well. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023. 320 pages. $21.99. ISBN-13: 978-1540962836

Laird, Benjamin P. Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2023. 272 pages. $30.00. ISBN-13: 978-1514001103

Marsden, George Mish. An Infinite …

The Practical Application Of Biblical Theology To Christian Apologetics, Matthew T. Johnson

Liberty Theological Review

Many Christians are skeptical regarding the practical relevance of theology for the common believer. Exploring how the subdiscipline of biblical theology can be applied can effectively dispel this misconception. In particular, the apologetic applications of biblical theology’s primary deliverances underscore the relevance theology has to the average Christian. Given the growing need for effective Christian apologetics, it would be wise for the Church to further explore biblical theology and to incorporate it into the defense of Christianity. Existing scholarship has largely overlooked biblical theology’s apologetic potential. Thus, there is a need to explore this relationship for the benefit of the …

An Appeal To Mystery Without "Punting": Revisiting Molinism’S Biblical Problem In Light Of Ephesians 1:4–11 And Romans 11:33–36, Jeffrey S. Kennedy

Liberty Theological Review

Molinists maintain that middle knowledge is the best candidate for settling the historical debate on God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. The philosophical sophistication of the view can be alluring, and the efforts of Molinists to rationally defend it against criticisms have been impressive. But does Molinism still have a biblical problem? Proponents argue that the doctrine is compatible with the Bible's teaching on God's knowledge of counterfactuals, though admittedly, it is not explicitly taught in Scripture. But this claim is more problematic than advocates for the theory have alleged. The present study maintains that in the absence of a …

Forward Pointing Introductory Formulas In The Gospel Of Matthew: A Solution To One Of Matthew’S Most Problematic Scripture Citations, Donald C. Mcintyre

Liberty Theological Review

This paper will seek to interpret one of the most problematic passages in intertextual studies. Matthew 2:23 does not have a clear Old Testament referent, and this presents a problem. How can an unknown prophecy be fulfilled; where is the text cited to be found? However, by keeping the original in mind during interpretation, it seems that Matthew was intentionally creating a hermeneutic of suspicion creating a deliberate rhetorical effect. This paper will seek to determine how Matthew artistically arranged and derived the significance of the Old Testament for his contemporary readership in light of the Christ event. It will …

Extending חָ֑סֶד (Hesed) To The Poor As An Obligation In The Psalter And Matthew 25, Clement Chen

Liberty Theological Review

Psalter has much to contribute to the biblical theology of missions and the biblical theology of socio-economic justice. Through an examination of Psalm 109 and the Psalter, this paper will demonstrate that the theological motif of Yahweh caring for the poor, specifically showing חָ֑סֶד (hesed) to the poor, is found in the Psalter; furthermore, it will be argued that the Psalter also features a missiological aspect, in harmony with the prophets and the rest of the Psalter, exhorting and obligating Israel to participate in practicing חָ֑סֶד (hesed) towards the poor with the consequence of not practicing …

Editorial Board & Table Of Contents

Liberty Theological Review

Table of Contents for Volume 7, Issue 2 (Fall 2023).