Biblical Studies Commons^™

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: Pentecostal Leaders' Attitudes Towards Pentecostalism., Franklin A. Markow

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article reveals the often self-disparaging perceptions Pentecostal leaders have of the movement and the psycho-social strategies they use to position themselves within it. Qualitative and quantitative research conducted among seasoned Pentecostal leaders and renewal-oriented seminary students reveals how these leaders both identify with and distance themselves from Pentecostal identity.

Remembering The Past: The Origins Of The Pentecostal Church In South Travancore, Viju Wilson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Early Pentecostals in the Thiruvananthapuram district (South Travancore) of Kerala state, India, embraced the Pentecostal faith in a context where traditional denominations held enormous power, resources, and social recognition. C. Manasseh played a significant role in spreading the Pentecostal faith and establishing the first congregation in the region. This forms an important part of the global Pentecostal heritage. Remembering the life and ministry of Manasseh, as well as the past and present journey of the first congregation, carries significant implications for the witness of Pentecostals today. Remembering the past is both a biblical and theological act, calling believers to participate …

A Globally Informed Theological Method For Locally Lived Pentecostal Theology: Worship, Witness, And Work, Kenneth J. Archer

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article advocates for a globally informed yet locally experienced “Pentecostal theology” rooted in a specific theological approach. This Pentecostal approach shapes and re/shapes lived theology. Lived spirituality-theology is relational, emphasizing proper worship of the living God (orthodoxy), effective witness (orthomartus), and productive work (orthoergon). This represents a lived theology that is both personal and communal. All of this is expressed through labor (orthoergon) and witness (orthomartus), which form our “missional work” with the Lord God for the betterment of all creation. It proposes a method focused on worship, witness, and work, which are organically connected to the spirituality of …

Editorial: A Journal Impacting The “Uttermost Most Bounds” Of The Global Spirit-Empowered Movement, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Editorial by Daniel D. Isgrigg for Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology 11, no. 1 (2026).

Front Matter, Spiritus Editors

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Spiritus 11, No. 1 (2026), Spiritus Editors

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This is the full Spring issue of Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology 11, no. 1 (2026).

The First Murder: An Analysis Of Genesis 4:1-16 Toward An Understanding Of The Old Testament's Perspective On The Ethics Of Killing, Henry Kreiter

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 contains the first biblical account of one human killing another yet provides a markedly terse description of the murder itself. This suggests the author's primary concern was not the details of the killing, but the characters and events surrounding it. An analysis of early Jewish interpretations, Christian commentaries, and intra-biblical teachings reveals a common understanding that the author of Genesis 4 was predominantly focused on the character traits of Cain and the damage his heart of self-absorbed wickedness caused himself and those around him. The Genesis 4 narrative presents a God …

A Kingdom-Centric Spiritual Formation Model: Developing Churchwide Strategies For Forming People Into Christlikeness, Justin Adams

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

This dissertation explores how churches can better form people by examining the central research question: “What strategies can churches use to develop a Kingdom-centric spiritual formation model that prioritizes shaping individuals into Christlikeness as the church’s primary vision and mission?” Drawing on Paul’s desire to see Christ formed in the Galatian church (Gal 4:19), as well as exploring Jesus’s mandate in Matt 28:19 in connection with Acts 2:42-46, these texts show the connection between the spiritual formation of early believers and the Church. The researcher employed a quantitative methodology at The Worship Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Research revealed significant perceptions …

The Theological Tradition Of The Orthodox Church In The Aspect Of The Formation Of Military Leadership In Ukraine, Olga Dobrodum, Andrii S. Zborchyi, Tetyana Kondratyuk-Antonova, Oleksandr L. Kolomiiets

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Analysis of the Orthodox theological tradition as a moral foundation for military leadership in the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the full-scale war. The study moves beyond pragmatic managerial models, exploring Orthodox categories such as service (diakonia), sacrifice, and spiritual warfare. Drawing on patristic heritage and modern theologians, the authors examine leadership motivation, the role of faith in professional resilience, and the integration of Orthodox anthropology into military training. Special emphasis is placed on the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's chaplaincy as a key mechanism for actualizing these values while addressing challenges like secularism and multiconfessionalism.

Review Of A Visible Unity: Cecil Robeck And The Work Of Ecumenism. By Josiah Baker., Michael A. Donaldson

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

A Visible Unity: Cecil Robeck and the Work of Ecumenism. By Josiah Baker. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2024. xii + 265 pp.

Review Of Martyrs, Monks And Mystics. By Michael J. Mcclymond., Eric N. Newberg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Martyrs, Monks, and Mystics: An Introduction to Christian Spirituality. By Michael J. McClymond. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2023. xi + 396 pp.

Review Of Romans. Word And Spirit Commentary On The New Testament. By Sam Storms., Michael Blythe

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of Romans. Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament. By Sam Storms. Eugene, OR: Word and Spirit, 2024. 272 pp.

Review Of Puzzles, Parables, & Paradox: Understanding The Mysteries Of God’S Kingdom. By Randall Feller, Cletus L. Hull Iii

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Review of Puzzles, Parables, & Paradox: Understanding the Mysteries of God’s Kingdom. By Randall D. Feller. Tulsa, OK: Randall D Feller, 2022, 214 pp.

Types, Shadows, And Spiritual Experience: Theological Interpretation As A Pentecostal Approach To Song Of Solomon, Audrey E. Mccormick

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

An allegorical interpretation of the Song of Solomon has been central in Pentecostal spirituality. This approach was unique for its time as it demonstrated a break from modernity, which prized historical-grammatical biblical interpretive methods. This essay argues that, knowingly or not, early Pentecostal engagement with the Song of Solomon exhibited affinities with ancient practices of biblical interpretation known as theological interpretation. Additionally, it reveals theological interpretation to be a key for understanding early Pentecostalism and guiding the ongoing developments of a uniquely Pentecostal hermeneutic.

An Unfolding Vision Of Transformation: A Comparison Of The S/Spirit Motif In Romans 8 And Jubilees 1:19-26, Lemuel J. Godinez

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This study compares the role of the s/Spirit motif in Paul’s writing and that of a Second Temple Jewish theologian’s. The books of Romans and Jubilees, respectively, appear to develop their language of renewal within a developing trajectory motifs in the Hebrew Scriptures, including “heart circumcision,” “new covenant,” and “the s/Spirit.” One would be hard-pressed to prove intertextuality between Romans and Jubilees (which this study does not claim). Yet, the renewal description in Romans 8 is evocatively similar to Jubilees 1:19–26. Paul may therefore have developed his portrayal and narration of the Spirit in the vein of Second Temple thought. …

Lacunas In Spirit-Empowered Leadership, Eric N. Newberg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

This article addresses three issues that are lacunas not adequately addressed in the domain of Spirit-empowered leadership. These three lacunas of pressing concern in Spirit-empowered leadership are (1) spiritual formation, (2) moral integrity, and (3) power distance. These lacunas impinge directly on the viability and sustainability of Spirit-empowered leadership. If we conceive leadership as a gift given and sustained by the Holy Spirit, it follows that it is endowed and empowered by the Spirit, rather than acquired by human effort and skill. However, those who are entrusted with stewarding the process of developing leaders must at times hold accountable those …

Guest Editorial, Wonsuk Ma, Daniel D. Isgrigg

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Editorial for Spiritus 10, nos. 1-2

Front Matter Spiritus 10, Nos. 1-2 (2025), Spiritus Oru Journal Of Theology

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

No abstract provided.

Full Issue Spiritus 10, Nos. 1-2 (2025), Spiritus Oru Journal Of Theology

Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology

Full issue of Spiritus 10, nos. 1-2 (2025) guest edited by Wonsuk Ma and Daniel D. Isgrigg.

Authentic Relationships Among The Body Of Christ: Naming The Obstacles That Hinder Authentic Relationships And Expressing A Gospel-Centered Path Toward Overcoming Them, Luke J. Anderson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Anderson, Luke J. “Authentic Relationships among the Body of Christ: Naming the Obstacles that Hinder Authentic Relationships and Expressing a Gospel-centered Path toward Overcoming Them.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2025. 157 pp.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin, recently underwent a vision process in which they proposed five values to define their congregational living. One of these values is authentic relationships. Those who crafted this vision, as well as the entire body who adopted it, recognized this value as primarily aspirational in nature. While some relational connectedness existed, all sought to better define this value …

A Roadmap For Equipping Saints For The Work Of Ministry At Sugar Land Church Of Christ, Lewis Anthony Parker Iv

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to create a roadmap for a process that invites and equips saints at Sugar Land Church of Christ to work in ministry. As part of the research process, a design team was empaneled and met for eight sessions, during which participants offered valuable insight into Sugar Land’s ministry context. This data informed the final roadmap. Ephesians 4, which discusses the importance of every member getting involved in ministry, serves as the foundation of this project. The work of every member is for the edification of the entire group, and the calling and gift of …

A Faith-Based Approach To Mental Health Challenges, Patrick Leblanc

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This project sheds light on mental health issues within the Black community and the need for faith communities to intentionally address mental health issues in communities of color. Black men are oppressed by an interplay of cultural, historical, societal, and economic factors that impact their well-being. Racial discrimination and oppression are non-medical drivers exacerbating mental health disorders among Black men. The influences of culture and faith fabricate barriers to help-seeking behavior, and mistaken perceptions of masculinity cause many men to suffer in silence. To begin erasing derogatory perceptions of mental health disorders, faith communities need to increase mental health …

The Spiritual Care Of Hospice Patients With Cognitive Deficits, Shane Sullivan

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT How can a hospice chaplain know whether their presence and ministry make a meaningful difference when visiting patients with dementia or other serious cognitive impairments? This project thesis seeks to answer that question conclusively. The theological foundation of this project centers on the doctrine of the imago Dei—the image of God—as it relates to individuals who are dying with cognitive deficits. Specifically, it explores how a person who is helpless and near death continues to reflect the image of God. The project intervention described here is the creation of a specialized training guide for hospice chaplains at Bridge Hospice …

Sermones 1-Año Eclesiástico, Héctor E. Hoppe

Ayudas para sermones

Sermones Año Eclesiástico

Sermones 3-Para Niños, Héctor E. Hoppe

Ayudas para sermones

Sermones para niños

Sermones 2-Ocasiones Especiales, Héctor E. Hoppe

Ayudas para sermones

Sermones ocasiones especiales

Stewardship, Generosity, And Percentage Giving Changing Attitudes On Financial Generosity Through Bible Study Concerning The Tithe For The New Testament Christians Of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church In Kingman, Az, Timothy A. Barkett

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Church today finds itself navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, generational shifts, and a growing sense of spiritual indifference. Within this context, generosity continues to serve as a profound expression of both faith and mission. The research presented in this project affirms that when generosity is taught with a spirit of grace, rooted in Scripture, and exemplified by leadership, it has the power to bring renewal—not only to individual believers but also to entire communities. In an era characterized by financial anxiety and spiritual consumerism, the biblical and theological foundations of stewardship and generosity provide both a necessary …

Biblical Church Governance: Returning To Plural-Elder Congregationalism From Policy-Based Governance Models, Jacob R. Ray

Liberty Theological Review

This paper critiques the growing adoption of policy-based governance models in local church contexts and argues for a return to plural-elder congregationalism as the most biblically faithful and historically rooted model of church government. While policy-based governance, derived from John Carver’s framework for nonprofit leadership, offers administrative strengths such as consistency, accountability, and efficiency, its application within the church often results in the diminishment of biblically mandated roles—particularly the deacon—and fosters a corporate rather than ecclesial culture. The author contends that such models misunderstand and misapply the New Testament offices of elder and deacon, violating the biblical pattern of shared …

Deuteronomy And Ane Worldview Apologetics In A Postmodern Context, Eric Mcconnell

Liberty Theological Review

Postmodern Christianity seeks to divorce the miraculous and divine elements from Scripture and shape biblical morality in a way that relates to postmodern culture. Responding to Postmodern Christianity’s errors requires a consistent literal hermeneutic in one’s exegesis and a sound biblical framework in one’s apologetic method. The message of Deuteronomy presents a possible paradigm for this task, as its contents present a culturally-relevant polemic against false maxims and errant religion that God’s people faced within their own milieu. Moses’ polemic in Deuteronomy 4 presents a paradigm that would be employed by the prophets to counter the faulty syncretistic worldview that …

Sermones Para Bodas, Rodolfo Blank, Marcos Kempff

Ayudas para sermones

Sermones para bodas