Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Cultivating Cultural Competence Among The Leadership Of A Multi-Ethnic Congregation For Zion Lutheran Church, Oneida Wisconsin, Mark Schumm

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Schumm, Mark E., “Cultivating Cultural Competence Among the Leadership of a Multi-Ethnic Congregation for Zion Lutheran Church, Oneida, Wisconsin.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 164 pp.

Zion Lutheran Church is a congregation composed of Native American and Anglo members serving a multi-ethnic community. A group of leaders from Zion took part in a learning community designed to explore Biblical understanding of church, mission, culture, and the history of the community. The Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory was administered at the beginning and conclusion of the project to assess growth in cultural competence.

Proposals For The Development Of Strategies, Including Workshops, To Advance Unity And Harmony Concerning Charismatic Gifts Of The Holy Spirit In The Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Hailu Bulaka

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Bulaka, Hailu Yohannes “A Proposal for the Implementation of Workshops and Other Strategies That Will Advance Unity and Harmony Concerning Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 122 pp.

The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) is the largest Lutheran Church in Africa with 8.35 million members, which proclaims the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. The church is experiencing what many see as the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. This sometimes causes conflict and division among members. For our unity and harmony …

Empowering A Local Church To Reflect Revelation 7_9 Unity Through Multi-Ethnic, Bilingual, Combined Worship, Mark Bowditch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Bowditch, Mark “Empowering a Local Church to Reflect Revelation 7:9 Unity Through Multi-Ethnic, Bilingual, Combined Worship.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 347 pages.

The purpose of this MAP was to carry out field research specifically designed to answer the research question: “Can multi-ethnic, bilingual, combined worship services be developed at Mt. Calvary that will foster Christian unity and fellowship among two different cultures?” This effort presupposed that it is God’s will for His people, the Church, to be joined together in unity and fellowship on earth—as they will be in heaven (Rev 7:9). The basic problem …

Spiritual Leadership Training Model: Using Learning Communities To Disciple Leaders In A Congregational Setting, Kent Pierce

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Pierce, Kent D. “Spiritual Leadership Training Model: Using Learning Communities To Disciple Leaders In A Congregational Setting.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 209 pp.

Over the past few decades a significant shift has taken place in the cultural landscape of the United States and, as a result, in how congregations live out Christ’s mission in their unique local context. This project seeks to address the need for spiritual leadership among the laity of the Church. Specifically, the purpose of the project was to develop a model of spiritual leadership formation that will foster a discipling culture within Campus …

A Congregational & Legal Study In The Practice Of Hospitality At Faith Community Center, Lacey, Washington, Matthew Henry

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Henry, Matthew R. “A Congregational and Legal Study in the Practice of Faith Community Center.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 171 pages.

Churches that practice hospitality by operating community centers must remain faithful in their confession and abide by anti-discrimination laws. This project provides the necessary theological and legal guidance for community center ministry in morally diverse settings. Surveys conducted before and after a congregational presentation at Faith Lutheran Church, Lacey, WA, reveal opinions of both limits and freedoms as to what activities and groups may be permitted or disallowed. As an expression of love for …

The Culture Of Life And Life’S Resources: A Study Of The Effects Of Intentional Whole Life Stewardship Education On The Stewardship Culture Of St. John Lutheran Church Of Plymouth, Wisconsin, Nathan Meador

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Meador, Nathan M. “The Culture of Life and Life’s Resources: A Study of the Effects of Intentional Whole Life Stewardship Education on the Stewardship Culture of St. John Lutheran Church of Plymouth, Wisconsin.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 248 pp.

Stewardship is a concept that can bring confusion and consternation for those who teach it and learn it. Pastor Nathan Meador undertook a study of the effect of intentional whole life stewardship education on the adult Bible class at St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Using an initial questionnaire to assess the baseline culture of …

“Developing An Effective Divorce Recovery Ministry”, Kirk Hille

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hille, Kirk A. “Developing an Effective Divorce Recovery Ministry.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 184 pp.

A divorce recovery ministry was initiated in a church setting using the video-based Divorce Care curriculum. Over the course of thirteen weeks, participant scores on the Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale increased an average of 53.6 points, and a final focus group interview elicited positive evaluations from all the participants. The steps taken to initiate the group and the results are discussed in detail, including eight factors cited by participants as contributing to the effectiveness of the ministry. Issues involved in …

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 …

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.

The Importance Of Ritual In Helping Heal Veterans Who Suffer With Ptsd/Moral Injury: A Chaplain’S Role In The Body Of The Church, Matthew Prince

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

As an active duty Navy chaplain, endorsed by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, I wondered where did these purification rites from these societies have their roots. Had some of their ideas come from the purification rituals in the Pentateuch? Did the early or medieval church have any purification rites? Had the early church fathers written concerning this issue?

Doctrine As Pastoral Care At Bethel Lutheran, Gurnee, Illinois, To Support Members Who Are In Multi-Denominational Settings, Benjamin Squires

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The “doctrine as pastoral care” formation experience process developed for Bethel, and possibly for use by other Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations, will encourage a faithful, confessional, Lutheran perspective for those members who are engaged in conversation and mission with people taught according to different Christian systematics. While the steps of this process might be duplicated with other members for a similar goal of “doctrine as pastoral care” to support multi-denominational engagement, the actual content—and perhaps even specific formation activities—will differ according to the themes from the initial interviews of future participants.

The Deaf Can Hear The Word Of God, John Reinke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of my MAP is to develop a set of rubrics that will be available to everyone working in the area of adapting materials for Deaf people. This set of rubrics will be used to guide the training of people wanting to work in the adaptation process, providing structure and reliability to the process. These rubrics will also bring validity to the adaptation of the religious materials as we will have an objective tool to measure the quality to the adapted materials.

Partners In The Gospel: A Study In Dual And Multi-Parish Ministry, Paul Winningham

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Problem: Since it has not been researched how the members of Grace Lutheran Church of Uniontown (MO) and Zion Lutheran Church of Longtown (MO) understand and value their partnership in the Grace-Zion Joint Lutheran Parish, this project seeks to gain increasing clarity as to the vision Grace and Zion Lutheran Churches have of themselves, and of the partnership they share.

This study employed both questionnaire and focus groups to gather both quantitative and qualitative data in this dual parish or multiple parish about the perception participants have of their own congregation, as well as the partnership they share.

Reaching The Community Through Childcare: A Plan To Use Early Childhood Centers To Assimilate Members Into Resurrection Lutheran Church In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Christopher Ascher

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Ascher, Christopher D. “Reaching the Community Through Childcare: A Plan to use Early Childhood Centers To Assimilate Members into Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.” DMin Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, [2014]. [207] pp.

Churches have for some time operated early childhood programs. Often times the stated reason is to reach out to those in their community, and the unstated reason is to bring members and growth into their congregations. This project is a descriptive study that surveyed congregations operating an early childhood center. Follow up interviews were then conducted with church staff whose congregations saw some growth …

Becoming Lutheran: Exploring The Journey Of American Evangelicals Into Confessional Lutheran Thought, Matthew Richard

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this Major Applied Research Project was to examine the journey of American Evangelicals into Lutheran thought. Otherwise stated, the research project studied the emotional struggles, linguistic confusion, worldview changes, and epistemological shifts that happen during the pilgrimage between two theological traditions.

The research findings are intended to identify valuable insights and provide avenues of comfort for those who are making this transition. Furthermore, the findings of this research are intended to aid Lutheran pastors as they care for and shepherd individuals who are coming into Lutheranism from American Evangelicalism.

The primary components of this study were the …

Pastor Is As Pastor Does – 2kf Ministry Model, Martin Brauer

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The primary purpose of this project was to introduce to pastors The Pastor Is As Pastor Does 2KF Ministry Model. This model has been implemented in the principle researcher’s congregation over the past six years. This model delineates between 2 Kinds of Functions in the church: pastoral and operational. The operation functions are then delegated to nonclergy paid and volunteer staff. This ministry model has improved the performance of both functions while also diminishing role confusion in and about the pastoral office. The secondary purpose of this project was to assist pastors in adapting this ministry model to their circumstance. …

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 …

The Effect Of Study Bibles On Bible Study, Matthew Hoehner

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hoehner, Matthew J. "The Effect of Study Bibles on Bible Study." D. Min. MAP, Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, 2012. 170 pp.

The purpose of this project is to gain a clearer understanding of the impact study Bibles have on the application of Scripture. Along with identifying what study Bible resources are being used, this study provides greater insight into how students are using study Bibles. The process of this project begins with a theological study of the nature and function of Scripture in the context of 2 Tim. 3:10-17. The project continues to examine these theological principles of the Scriptures in …

Short-Term Overseas Mission Trips An Opportunity For Training In Local Outreach, Paul Biber

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Acts 1:8 says that mission of the church is to be “witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Conventional wisdom would say to start in your Jerusalem – your immediate community – and go out from there. However, many congregations have forgotten how to connect with their own community. In order to learn how to reconnect with their immediate community, a congregation can participate in a short-term overseas mission trip as a catalyst and training for their local outreach efforts.

Engaging Ecclesia: A Model For Training And Leading Circuits To Engage In Mission As Ecclesia, Jeffrey Shearier

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Shearier, Jeffrey E. “Engaging Ecclesia: A Model for Training Circuits to Engage in Mission as Ecclesia.” DMIN MAP., Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, 2012, 110 pp.

This Major Applied Project sought to measure if attitudes and understandings about what the church (ecclesia) is theologically and to apply that definition to the ecclesiology of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The author recounts his personal quest to match ecclesiology with the mission of the church. He also tells the story of recent attempts to encourage church planting in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod at large and specifically within the Rocky Mountain District (a part of the …

Aligning Mission Expectations And Practice In A Denominational Context, John Mehl

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

John L. Mehl. "Aligning Mission Expectations and Practice in a Denominational Context.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2012.

In an era when inexpensive travel and communication have flattened the world and made it possible for everyone to be involved in mission in foreign lands, denominations struggle to maintain a unified mission effort. This study included survey work of major stakeholders in the foreign mission effort of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, including partner church leadership from around the world, in an effort to identify points where mission efforts lacked alignment. The results showed that besides agreeing on mission tasks, stakeholders …

A Virtue Ethic For The Twenty-First Century Warrior: Teaching Natural Law Through The Declaration Of Independence And The Gettsyburg Address, Ryan Rupe

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

It is to those who do not believe in natural law that this project was targeted. The goal of my training was to get into the hearts of amoral men and women and, through the use of two valuable historical documents, help them to begin to synthesize these truths and, as a result, be better citizens. All five services have at least three core values that they want each of their members to know. While the emphasis may be a bit different with each branch they all share one: ethical integrity. They may label it as simply “integrity” or “honor,” …

When Vocations Collide_ A Study Of The Process Of Developing A Military Mobilization Agreement, Mark Moreno

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The ministry of reserve military chaplains has an impact on their civilian ministry setting, the church in particular. Questionnaires were administered and interviews conducted with reserve chaplains and congregations that have already experienced a mobilization and had a mobilization agreement. Findings reveal that the process of developing a mobilization agreement is indicative of the healthy relationship between the reserve chaplain and their congregation.

Autonomy Or Multi-Site? A Policy Capturing Study Of Two Models Of Church Planting For The Guidance Of Future Site Planting At Ascension Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kansas, Michael Bingenheimer

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this study was to produce a set of reasoned recommendations for future site planting for Ascension Lutheran Church, Wichita, KS. Ascension unintentionally became a multi-site congregation in 2002. This study looks at thirteen Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod congregations. Six congregations planted independent congregations (daughter sites). Six congregations planted multi-site venues (sister sites). One congregation has used both models of church planting. The primary component for information gathering was a survey seeking information from each of these churches on how they decided which model to follow. Understanding the reasoning and assumptions made by these churches, I developed …