Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Consensus Of Pure Lutheran Liturgies: A Comparison And Analysis Of The First German And First English Service Orders Of Holy Communion In The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, Mark Kufahl

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the source or sources upon which the "Order of Morning Service or the Communion" of the Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book is based.1Issued by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in 1912, the Hymn-Book was the first English hymnal of this type published by the Missouri Synod. This particular publication, rather than a more recent hymnal, has been chosen as representative of the present liturgical usage of the Missouri Synod for two reasons. First, it is the first “official" English hymnal used by the Synod. Second, the communion liturgies currently employed by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod …

Principles To Assist The Introduction Of Change In Congregational Worship, Paul Borgman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Change affects people, which is also evident in worship. Helping them to assimilate change in worship is this project’s purpose.

Two examples of change were considered. The first was quality improvement. This addressed those responsible for the conduct of worship. While significant changes did not result, it did prove that people are more responsive when interest is shown in them.

The second was introducing a new setting of the Divine Service. The results indicated that, with proper planning, change can be introduced positively.

Change does not have to be disruptive. It can be spiritually beneficial if handled sensitively.

Terapia Del Corazón, Marcos Kempff

Matrimonio y familia

Terapia del corazón

An Exegetical, Historical And Practical Study Of New Testament Terms For Pastor And People At Trinity Lutheran Church, Memphis, Tennessee, Ronald Wiese

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a confusion among clergy and laity over their precise function in a congregation. This is an exegetical, historical and practical study of ten New Testament terms used for pastor and people at Trinity Lutheran Church, Memphis, Tennessee. The conclusions were that the pastor's primary role is the public administrtion of the Word and Sacraments, that the laity hold a high calling of the Lay Apostolate, and that the office of deacon should be reinstated in the congregation.

A Vacation Bible School Curriculum With Special Emphasis On Mission Work In Kazakhstan, Thomas Baker

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of the study is to demonstrate a specific technique in teaching a Vacation Bible School course for the purpose of increasing cognitive and affective learning. In the cognitive area, the students are to learn more about what the Bible reveals as well as the opportunities for mission work in Kazakhstan. In the affective area, the students are not only to become aware of the reason for their own inner struggles but also to become concerned about reaching out to those who have as yet not heard the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the area …

The Christology Of Feminist Theology-Exploration And Critique, Michael Miller

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The primary focus of this thesis is feminist Christology. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to begin with a general introduction to feminist theology and an exploration of its fundamental teachings. The general introduction will first explore the historical roots of feminist theology in America, briefly tracing both its nineteenth century roots and its more contemporary roots. Second, it will explore and set forth the situation from which feminist theologians have written feminist theology. Finally, the general introduction will explore the basic goal of feminist theology.

Using Parents In Preparing Their Children For Confirmation And First Communion, Wayne Wentzel

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The theme of this paper is the involvement of parents in the spiritual life of their children as they prepare for confirmation and first Communion. A problem exists in most churches where these very vital steps are left to the pastor and the church. Through a study of the Scriptures, the writings of Dr. Martin Luther, and the history of the Christian Church, the extent to which parents are to be involved in this process is determined, as well as the age at which the child is ready to begin. Several surveys were conducted at Faith Lutheran Church to determine …

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 …

Recognizing The Law, The Gospel, And Gospel Application In The Sermon: A Seminar On Preaching, Gilbert Duchow

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The importance of making the proper distinction between Law and Gospel clear in the sermon is nothing new for Lutheran pastors, especially in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, thanks to Walther's theses on Law and Gospel. However, the people in the pew still do not generally recognize that distinction in the sermon. There is also considerable confusion among the laity about the proper relationship between the Gospel and the application of the Gospel in a sermon. In addition, pastors often fail to include or keep in balance all three components in the sermon (Law, Gospel and Gospel application). Therefore, I designed …

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.

Effective Leadership In Small Group Ministry Through The Application Of Family Systems, James Knill

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The premise of this project is that small group leaders can become more effective and caring through the application of family systems theory, specifically Bowenian theory, to the leadership process. The author developed a four-part training manual that provides a general orientation to family systems thinking for group leaders, with a specific focus on self-differentiation, homeostasis or balance, and emotional triangles. All leaders indicated improved ability to work with groups and in other settings as self-differentiated persons, though some wanted to understand the concepts more completely. All felt they were more effective leaders following the training process.

Internal And External Factors That Hinder Or Help Effective Ministry To Divorced Lutherans: Why They Stay Away/What We Can Do To Bring Them In", Paul Peckman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that hinder or help ministry to divorced people.

Questionnaires to divorced members and pastors, addressing attitudes and perceptions, were the chief tools. Suggestions were solicited to ascertain what promotes meaningful ministry.

Perceptions of pastors and divorced members are often different. The divorced have more intense feelings about the issues and are more lenient in their understanding of grounds for divorce than pastors. Pastors are more inclined to credit internal factors, the divorced external, for what hinders effective ministry.

Pastors need to be more understanding of the dynamics of the divorce …

5 Liderazgo, Rodolfo Blank

Liderazgo

Liderazgo

A Study Group Examines The Doctrine Of Election And Its Relation To The Ministry Of Word And Sacraments, Ralph Rokke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Rokke, Ralph M. A Study Group ermines the Doctrine of Election and Its Relation to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments. Does a pastor’s view of the doctrine of election influence his ministry? Two different forms of the doctrine of election have long been taught among Lutherans. The first form leads pastors to preach the Gospel and to administer the sacraments trusting that God works through them to save sinners. The second form, the intuitu fidei form, encourages pastors to believe that sinners have free wills and that it is a pastor’s job to persuade sinners to become Christians.

Sanctification As Confessed By Luther In His Catechisms, Ernest Bernet

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The problem with the doctrine of sanctification is multifaceted. However, Senkbeil, in the above material, has identified for us two main facets in the problem: 1) speaking of justification without properly addressing sanctification, and 2) speaking of sanctification without properly addressing justification. The respective results of these problems are: 1) the whole matter seems to be God’s doing, or 2) the whole matter seems to be our doing.

In order to sift through these issues in sanctification which Senkbeil identifies, I propose for this study that we begin with a semantic method rather than speaking immediately in the traditional doctrinal …

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 …

The Eucharist: Center Of The Church's Worship And Life, David Stohlmann

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

THE EUCHARIST: CENTER OF THE CHURCH'S WORSHIP AND LIFE. I will develop a seminar of four modules which provides assistance for pastors and worship committees in the practice of Lutheran liturgical worship centered in word and sacrament and its effect on daily living. The modules (theological foundation, annual planning, the basics of chant, and suggestions for occasional services) offer resources and rationale for use of the standard liturgical material as found in the Lutheran service books.

A Systemic View Of Collaborative Leadership-A Partnership Of Joy, Dale Kleimola

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project (MAP) recognizes the relationship between the office of the public ministry and the priesthood of all believers. The thesis is that ministry is enhanced, and joy grows when the partnership between pastor and people is appreciated and celebrated.

To accomplish this goal, the project looks at the doctrine of church and ministry, as understood by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and applies to it, systems theory.

Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in understanding church and ministry, the MAP looks at church and ministry from two systemic view points: the church as a complex organizational …

A Study Of The Formation Of A Mission Study Task Force As It Relates To The Planning Process Of A Congregation, Paul Hoffman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A STUDY OF THE FORMATION OF A MISSION STUDY TASK FORCEAS IT RELATES TO THE PLANNING PROCESSOF A CONGREGATION

The purpose of this project is to form a Mission Study Task Force to gather suitable information for the Planning Committee. The group used statistical reports, interviews, and surveys with the theological framework of kairos, God’s decisive time, to present pertinent data for the congregation's plans. The data, together with the concept of kairos, motivated the Planning Committee to design challenging goals. The members of the Task Force grew in their appreciation of the church's opportunities for mission; however, the members …

The Bursting Of Old Wineskins: An Investigation Into Luther's Withdrawal From Augustine And The Scholastics As Evidenced In His Treatment Of Opus Operatum And Opus Operantis, Joel Brondos

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In the Heidelberg Theses, we are confronted with the Augustinian Martin Luther who touted Augustine as Paul's most faithful interpreter. Later, however, we come to know a Luther who withdrew from Augustine: "At first I devoured, not merely read, Augustine. But when the door was opened for me in Paul, so that I understood what justification by faith is, it was all over with Augustine. This paper hopes to sail forward with Luther in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, steering cleanly between the Scylla and Charybdis of synergism and determinism, a way which neither Occam nor Augustine had …

When God Becomes Your Enemy- The Theology Of The Complaint Psalms, Ingvar Floysvik

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The experience of being forgotten, rejected or even attacked by God has been very real for people of all times. An untimely death in the family, prolonged sickness, unfair treatment in the community or in court, or on the larger scale, natural disasters, war and persecution, these and other catastrophes may make individuals or whole communities experience God as an enemy. Readers of the Bible recognize that income psalms the psalmists share these experiences. They complain to God that he has abandoned them or that he is angry with them. The present dissertation is an investigation into the theology of …

Κοινo͂Nia: The Biblical Proclamation Of Κοινo͂Nia And Its Relationship To The Proclamation And Celebration Of The Lord's Supper, Gregory Seltz

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

"Fellowship." What does it mean? How is one to “achieve" it? Or, does one achieve it at all? What are the modern views concerning koin ͂οnia and do they parallel Paul’s use of the term in his writings? Where is the koin ͂οnia hall in the church? Pastors, theologians and lay people alike are challenged to answer these questions, either overtly or subtly, for true faith looks to root itself on solid, common, KOINON, ground. The task of this study is to pursue clarity regarding koin ͂οnia which may help in recognizing when it is spoken of in lesser, other, …

A More Effective Use Of The Early Childhood Development Center For Evangelistic Outreach, Henry Biar

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This paper showed that the Early Childhood Development Center can be an effective outreach tool for Evangelism through staff members' involvement. This explanation was accomplished by giving an historical background of why the day center was created in the first place, and the way the center can be used for effective outreach by a staff trained for this purpose. This vehicle can be used as one of them any avenues for outreach. The staff members, when properly trained, will accept this possibility of assisting in Evangelism on behalf of the parish.

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.

An Examination Of Educational Principles As Applied To An On—Going Congregational Program Of Childhood And Adult Education, James Keuch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The role of education within the parish context has long been recognized as a necessary and integral component of parish ministry. The scores of confirmation and Sunday School materials available on the market today illustrate the variety of techniques and approaches used to educate children. But education does not, or should not, end with the onset of puberty. Education, and Christian education in particular, needs to be an ongoing facet for the adult as well. To that end, this project will seek to present some of the philosophical foundations and practical methods of adult education within the parish.

Marriage And The Image Of God As It Is Reflected In Paul's Understanding Of Women And The Ministry In Four Passages: 1 Cor. 11:2-16; 14:33b-36; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Tim. 2:11-15, Lane Burgland

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This study proposes to examine the Pauline texts which bear most directly upon the subject of women and their involvement in the ministry of word and sacrament. Several evangelical feminist6writers will be engaged in the study at specific points in the interpretation. The primary goal of this paper, however, is to produce an exegesis of these four passages which identifies the basis of Paul's comments and demonstrates their unity. This work is intended to answer the question: "how does what Paul's says about women in four passages reflect his understanding of the image of God and Christology?"

The contribution this …

Integrity And Integration In Ecclesiastical Historiography: The Perspective Of Mosheim And Neander, Paulo Buss

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This investigation attempts to apply the motif of integrity and integration in an examination of Lutheran ecclesiastical historiography. This is not a comprehensive survey involving all the significant Lutheran historians of the past but rather focuses on selected Lutheran historians of different centuries to determine possible tendencies in their views of integrity and integration. Although these terms themselves are not employed as such by the theologians/historians analyzed here, this study starts with the hypothesis that the concepts expressed by these terms are not unfamiliar to them.

In a study of Lutheran historiography the question about Luther's view of history deserves …

The Missiological Significance Of The Doctrine Of Justification In The Lutheran Confessions, Klaus Schulz

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

Generally the Lutheran Confessions are understood in the traditional sense as the normative sources for Lutheran doctrine; in addition, they are also documents which offer valuable missiological insights. To support the latter observation the following study attempts to read the Lutheran Confessions with a heightened missiological perspective. Such a reading takes up the interests and concerns frequently raised by Lutheran theologians who in light of the increasing changes in mission see the theological integrity of Lutheran mission endangered. Consequently, they plea for a return to the Book of Concord from which guiding principles for Lutheran mission m Confessions, though, should …

Hebrew Narrative: Theory For Proclamation, Alan Toenjes

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

While acknowledging (enthusiastically!) the close relationship between homiletics and exegesis, this paper will approach Hebrew narratives from the vantage point of the exegete, specifically, that of the Lutheran exegete who confesses Scripture as God's Word of both Law and Gospel. From this point of view, this thesis will posit a hermeneutical understanding of Hebrew narratives as Scripture that will be of value for the preacher.

A fundamental presupposition that this paper shares with the likes of Thompson, Gowan and others, is that it is important to preach on Old Testament texts. It is no secret that this assumption has not …

The Eusebian Canons: An Early Catholic Approach To Gospel Harmony, Edward Engelbrecht

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This paper focuses on one approach in this debate, that taken by Eusebius of Caesarea. The thesis is that the Eusebian Canons met exegetical, theological, and practical needs of Catholic Christianity by providing a sophisticated system of Gospel harmony. Eusebius' approach was designed to satisfy philosophical expectations as well as the rigors of classical, literary criticism. As a result of its many uses, the system became embedded in the manuscript traditions of virtually every language into which the four Gospels were translated in Late Antiquity.