Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Practical Implications Of Resurrection Theology At Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois And Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa, David Jacob

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Jacob, David K. “PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF RESURRECTION THEOLOGY AT ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILLINOIS AND RISEN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, DAVENPORT, IOWA” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2020. 145 pp.

In some Christian churches there exists a tension between the resurrection of the body and a cultural view of an immaterial heaven as the endpoint of eternal life. This MAP examines this tension and shows the biblical teaching of the resurrection from the dead in a bodily form on this present perfected earth as the endpoint of eternal life for the Christian. A multi-part Bible study was written to …

Deepening Our Welcome- Embracing Relational Hospitality In Our Homes, Rance Settle

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Settle, Rance A. Deepening Our Welcome: Embracing Relational Hospitality in Our Homes. Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2019. 162 pp.

A benchmark for success in the service industry is effective hospitality. The implication is that the service industry business model must create an environment where people feel welcome. This practice fosters a surface level hospitality but would not necessarily foster deep relationships. My goal for my ministry context was not only to give tools to show hospitality but to go deeper and show biblical hospitality – which is not only about making people feel welcome but is …

Exploring What It Means To Be A Faithful Christian In Twenty-First Century America, Scott Busacker

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Busacker, Scott, M. “Exploring What It Means To Be a Faithful Christian in Twenty-First Century America.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 187 pp.

This Major Applied Project seeks to explore what it means to be a faithful Christian in Twenty-First Century America. It explores the Biblical and Confessional Lutheran understanding of faithfulness. It then surveys the unique history of religion in America, highlighting the importance of both religious zeal and individual liberty. Christianity in America is going through a period of change. It is no longer culturally established. Thus, Christians need to deliberately consider how to …

Training Pastors As Steward Leaders, Wayne Knolhoff

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Knolhoff, Wayne J. “Training Pastors as Steward Leaders.” D. Min. MAP, Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, 2017. 187 pp.

The major purpose of this project is to design training for pastors that will equip them to lead ongoing, intentional, systematic, whole life Biblical stewardship education in their congregations. Attention will be given to the biblical metaphor of steward as an appropriate image for pastors as they lead stewardship ministry. In addition, pastors will be encouraged to adopt the model of “steward leadership” as they function in every area of pastoral ministry.

The central component of the research for this project is a …

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 …

Christian Navy Chaplains And The Challenge Of Expanding Religious Pluralism, Timothy Oswald

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Oswald, Timothy J. “Christian Navy Chaplains and the Challenge of Expanding Religious Pluralism.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary – St. Louis. 2013. 245 pp.

Navy chaplains are expected to facilitate for the religious needs of those from other faiths. For chaplains who believe in the exclusivity of the Christian religion, this can create theological and even personal tensions about support for religious practices which the chaplain believes to be false.

This project explores those tensions and proposes ways to help exclusivist Navy chaplains navigate them. The final ministry product is a Power Point® brief. It draws from bibliographic research, …

A Discipleship Workshop For Trinity Lutheran Church, Walnut Creek, California, David Moore

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Moore, David R. “A Discipleship Workshop for Trinity Lutheran Church, Walnut Creek, California.” D.Min diss., Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, 2013, 150 pp.

Trinity Lutheran Church was established as a congregation of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) on November 19, 1946 in Walnut Creek, California, and is located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay. Over the last thirty years the culture in this area has been changing from a culture that was relatively sympathetic to the church’s values and message to a culture that is indifferent or hostile to the church. The activities that once attracted people …

Fishing For Men While Fishing With Men- Relationships Built Through Recreational Experiences As A Tool For Effective Evangelism In Contemporary American Culture, Jonathan Rockey

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Rockey, Jonathan R. "Fishing for Men while Fishing with Men: Relationships Built through Recreational Experiences as a Tool for Effective Evangelism in Contemporary American Culture." D.Min Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, 2008.316 pp. with Appendices.

The stated goal of this project is "to evaluate a program for the equipping of volunteers for sharing the good news of God's love in Jesus in a recreational setting, and to evaluate the results of that equipping in the lives of these participants by looking at their willingness to witness and the effects they describe that arose from the experience and the process …

A Witness Workshop Based On The Christian Doctrine Of Vocation And Informed By The Two Kinds Of Righteousness, Dean Rothchild

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The specific purpose of this Major Applied Project is to develop a Witness Workshop which would embolden people to bring up Christianity to others, to invite them to church, and even to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. This workshop is based upon the Christian doctrine of vocation, informed by the distinction between the two kinds of righteousness, and directly shaped by the information gathered from the initial questionnaire.

Fifth Commandment You Shall Not Murder! Catechesis- A Pastoral Care Strategy For The Lutheran Marine Recruit, Mark J. Logid

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This major applied project was conceived and came to fruition in the practice of ministry to United States Marine Corps recruits in training. Recruits attending the Lutheran Communion Service and catechetical instruction at MCRD, San Diego, CA, expressed grave concern over the morality of killing in combat. This project explored the pastoral care of Marine recruits using Luther's explanation of the Fifth Commandment, the Fourth Commandment, and the historic just war tradition. The project confirmed the utility of the Catechetical Module of the Fifth Commandment to inform the Christian's moral reasoning and ethical decision making in his God pleasing vocation …

The Use Of Children's Liturgy In Teaching Worship To The Preliterate, Scott Lemmerman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The goal of this project is to teach the preliterate child to worship. To reach this goal it is necessary to assist and to reinvigorate spiritually delinquent baptized member parents so they can be nourished with Word and Sacrament. I believe adjusting an existing order of worship into a preliterate child's liturgy can do this. This would lead parents to engage regularly with the Word in the congregation's worship, as well as become the primary education provider for their children by assisting them with learning the actions, gestures and spoken words at church. I need to research the viability of …

Introducing “Gospel Care” Small Groups Into A Lutheran Congregation, W. Mart Thompson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Spiritual care in Lutheranism has been viewed primarily as the responsibility of the pastor. The small group movement has challenged this assumption, encouraging laity to participate.

This project investigates small groups in light of Lutheran theology. It studies pertinent Biblical passages, the history of Pietism, contemporary small group sources, and several congregations with small group programs. Research is also done on Zion Lutheran Church of Pevely, Missouri.

Results indicate that with the proper theological distinctions and applications lay-led small groups can provide spiritual care in a Lutheran context in a way that complements the work of the pastor.

Military Imagery In Preaching: An Effective Means Of Nurturing A Lutheran Identity In The Military, Mark Steiner

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This major applied project consisted of two parts: a research component addressing the theoretical application of military imagery in preaching to a Lutheran military audience and an evaluative process, which tested the application of military imagery in preaching. The theoretical component, based upon the contributions of literature on cross cultural studies, leadership, strategic planning, rhetoric, and homiletics, recommended a homiletical strategy for preaching military imagery. The evaluative component validated the application of military imagery in preaching and recommended a strategy for promoting organic unity of military imagery with the other elements of the worship service.

Dying Well: A Christian Perspective, William Morris

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project assists pastors in preparing parishioners to confront the realities of suffering and dying with a God-given identity in a world that seeks to cure pain and suffering by killing. A survey of the pastors and laity of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was conducted to identify their understanding of dying well and to ascertain whether or not they have been influenced by our postmodern society. On a whole the pastors and laity viewed dying in Christ as dying well. A Bible study was developed to assist pastors in preparing parishioners to die well.

Helping Contemporary People Use Historic Liturgy, Richard Wolfram

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project proposes that contemporary people need help understanding and utilizing historic liturgy. It shows how historic liturgy is contemporary by nature, and can be used in a modern and relevant way. Educational tools were developed for use in both the worship and classroom settings. Survey results provide information toward tool development and effectiveness. The result of the project and its implementation in a parish setting waste elimination of the request for a "contemporary" worship from those exposed to the project tools.

Adapting And Field-Testing The Ancient Catechumenate At Hope Ev. Lutheran Church, Saint Louis, Missouri, Dennis Lucero

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project is to adapt and field test the catechumenate in a way that is theologically consistent with the Lutheran Confessions and employs excellent teaching methodology and practice. Through my research I intend to do the following: to demonstrate a higher level of understanding of the process of catechetical formation in the early church, to develop a higher level of theological understanding of the basis for the catechumenate process, to appreciate the theological formation of the process of catechesis, to heighten awareness of the impact of theological education in the life of the Christian congregation, to make …

Using The Word Of God To Build The Self Esteem Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Scott Fiege

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

USING THE WORD OF GOD TO BUILD THE SELF-ESTEEM OF ADULTCHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS. This project will describe the Adult Children of an Alcoholic (ACoA), the problems they face in life, particularly the issue of self-esteem. The ACoA will be directed to the Word of God to encourage, support, and strengthen them in life as redeemed children in Christ. A daily devotional with Scripture readings and prayers, along with Bible studies, will be provided. This project is for the ACoA who is confused about the issue of identity and self-esteem.

Welcome To Life! Knowing God And The Truths Of His Word, James Witt

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Welcome To Life is a Bible Information class intended to be used as a Christian instruction course for those seeking to join or reenter the church and as a refresher course in Christian doctrine for members who wish to be renewed and strengthened in faith. The course was developed over a 15-year period to address a need for a clear, comprehensive, orthodox and practical study of the biblicalChristian faith. Welcome To Life aims to present the major truths of God's Word in an informative and engaging manner so that learners will readily understand the Bible’s life-giving teachings and apply these …

A Study Of Bioethics For Christian Students At A Secular University, Edward Krauss

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The tenets of humanism have been incorporated into classes that deal with bioethical issues at public universities. Christian students are faced with the dilemma of maintaining their Biblical ethics or adapting tithe philosophy of humanism when studying genetics, or matters of abortion, or suicide, or euthanasia.

This study examines secular humanism and ethical systems and presents a Biblical focus for Christian students when confronted with opposing views. A series of Bible studies and discussion questions on these bioethical issues follows each of the chapters for use in small groups on college campuses.

Marriage Beyond Hierarchy-How To Keep Building A Better Partnership Marriage, George Zoebl

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The debate over the statue of women represents a large clash between venerable religious beliefs and social movements that have affected the understanding of what a "true Biblical marriage” should be. This paper explores "Marriage Beyond Hierarchy...How To Keep Building a Partnership Marriage."

Chapter one deals with an exegetical study of Ephesians 6:22-33, I Peter 3:1-7, I Corinthians 7 and looks at the Lutheran Confessions and what they say about marriage, roles, responsibilities, submission and headship. Chapter two examines the "chain of command" model of marriage in comparison with the "equal partnership" model. Finally, chapter throe presents a method for …

Improving The Communication Of The Gospel Through Preaching: A Systematic Congregational Process, James Lamb

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The message of Christian preaching, then, is unique because of the content of the message and who has revealed it. But the distinctiveness does not stop there. This particular form of rhetoric carries its own power to bring about change.

Designing A Member Development Process For Our Redeemer Lutheran Church In Delavan, Wisconsin, David Lieske

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a need for having more Christians active in building Christ's church. The procedure was to design a process to encourage more people to be active. There was a survey of needs and a personal study of leadership that equips. A small group Bible study was designed and taught to teach the priesthood of all believers, to help people discover spiritual gifts, and to learn personality type. Fifteen people participated in the Bible study. Awareness was increased. An organizational system was designed for helping people begin to serve. Implementation and revision of the process are ongoing.

Rekindling Your Spiritual Life At Age 65 And Beyond, Dennis Pegorsch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a necessity to focus on the changing needs of people in the church and in society. Our nation has moved from a youth-oriented society to an aging society. For fulfillment, joy, and peace in the retirement years, the church has the opportunity to provide educational models enabling older adults to "reposition" themselves for the lifelong challenge God gives to His people. This paper will provide a rationale and a model for older adults to appreciate their continued God-given calling for meaningful service in Christ's Church by continued growth and a better understanding of their talents, gifts, and opportunities.

Arriving At A Preferred Doctors Referral List For Use In Pastoral Counseling, Daniel Kriefall

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project consists of a series of steps carried out by the candidate in order to arrive at a Preferred Doctors Referral List. The list consists of the names and locations of a select group of health care professionals in the St.Louis/West County area. The complete list (along with explanatory information) is included in the final section of the report.

The candidate selected this area for growth and development out of a heartfelt need for such a record of professional persons in his everyday work and ministry. As Director of Family Care and Counseling at St. John's Lutheran …

Some Implications And Applications Of Gestalt Therapy For Use In Pastoral Counseling, Lawrence Zimmermann

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Some implications and applications of Gestalt therapy for use in the pastoral counseling. An evaluation of its theory in relation to principles of pastoral counseling, the person of the therapist, and selected approaches and their applicability to pastoral counseling. The Gestalt holistic view of man is not broad enough for the full range of pastoral concerns in terms of man's spiritual needs. Its approaches can be applied by the pastor in keeping with the integrity of his office. In keeping with the creative stance of Gestalt therapy they can also be applied to personalize the gospel.

Faith Development And Self-Directed Reading Of Christian Literature: A Key To A Maturing Faith, Raymond Schiefelbein

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Christians need continuing education to develop their faith. Too often, youth and adult Christians complete confirmation instruction but fail to continue learning, fail to have a positive attitude about the necessity of Christian learning as a lifelong process, and even fail to understand that faith can indeed grow in strength and maturity or diminish and die.

This Doctor of Ministry research project is a test of the hypothesis that Christians who engage in self-directed reading of Christian literature are more likely to develop a more integrated, mature faith than those who do not engage in self-directed reading. The six key …