Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Advancing The Cause Of The Gospel Pastoral Blogging By Luther’S Heirs, Robert Stroud

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Stroud, Robert C. “Advancing the Cause of the Gospel: Pastoral Blogging by Luther’s Heirs.” D.Min. diss., Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, [2016]. [353] pp.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether provision of a digital Handbook for Pastoral Blogging would be of value to pastors who had never before blogged. A draft Handbook was provided to thirteen LCMS clergy from across the United States who were serving in parish ministries. They proceeded to begin blogs and maintain them over a period of three months.

Data was collected from the participants at three points. The first was an online survey prior …

Recurring Characters As Benefits In Applying God’S Word, Daniel Hahn

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hahn Jr., Daniel A., Recurring Characters as Benefits in Applying God’s Word. D.Min. MAP., Concordia Seminary, 2016. 166pp.

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of recurring characters in sermon stories as tools for connecting hearers to Biblical concepts. The report tells the story of a six-week series of sermons which were developed for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Millvale, Pennsylvania. The project aimed to determine if the two contemporary characters, created for this series, would become increasingly beneficial over time as hearers became more familiar with them. The report explains the rationale behind the project and …

The Household Prayers Of Doctor Martin Luther And Daily Devotion At Zion Lutheran Church In Wausau, Wisconsin, Steven Gjerde

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Gjerde, Steven, K. “The Household Prayers of Doctor Martin Luther and Daily Devotion at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin.” Doctor of Ministry, Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2016. 145 pp.

This major applied project explores the use of Martin Luther’s household prayers in Christian devotional practice. Published in the Small Catechism of 1529, the household prayers (morning, evening, and table prayers) have enjoyed varying usage since that time. This study researches whether or not they may serve as a devotional resource for contemporary believers. After addressing the Biblical and theological foundations of home devotion, the literary background of the …

Using World Café Methodology For Affective Change, Stephen Rynearson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Rynearson, Stephen P. “Using World Café Methodology for Affective Change” D.MIN MAP., Concordia Seminary, 2016. pp.142.

The purpose of this MAP is to evaluate the usefulness of using the “World Café” methodology in changing attitudes. In particular, the participants went through a World Café to see if any change was made from the previous apathetic service to the Lord into a joyful service. Also tested was the usefulness of the World Café methodology for congregational decision making.

Among the topics discussed are: what constitutes joyful service in the Scriptures; what other means are often used in making decisions; and how …

Worship And Devotion, Eric Tritten

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project is to examine how devotional practices of prayer and meditation on God’s Word can complement the corporate services of a congregation in an intentional manner that edifies a Christian’s life of faith and worship. This study looks at ten participants from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH who used devotions rooted in the pericopes for the worship service. Data was gathered via two semi-formal interviews, a focus group, and weekly journals. The findings of this study may help pastors foster a life of devotion to God’s Word connected to corporate worship.

Formulating An Effective Means Of Bringing More Adult Males Into Active Participation In The Church, Nicholas Salifu

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this Major Applied Project (MAP) is to interview active Lutheran male adults to discover why men perceive Christianity as a “White man’s religion” and further discuss how to effectively teach people about what Christ has done for all mankind. This study, I strongly hope, will provide resources to teach Kusasi men why they should stop their worship of idols or ancestors, fear witchcraft, and also accept monogamy as the God pleasing design of marriage.