Practical Theology Commons^™

Heaven's Cellphone Service, Adrienne J. Royo, Cheryl Foll

Faculty Works

I our 21st C. world there are multiple cellphone companies and multiple plans to which one can subscribe, in order to facilitate communicate; however, God's communication plan is singular, always available, and unlimited. God is always ready to communicate with human beings; it is our responsibility to choose to access Heaven's cellphone service. God is open to any and all communication, but we must understand that He will not always answer our petitions, according to our desires; because He knows the end from the beginning. He answers our prayers with either yes, no, later, we must have faith that He …

God's Promises, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

This presentation is designed to encourage and uplift in today's world of chaos and unrest surrounding humanity on every side. The goal is for humankind to discern that the Scriptures is the ultimate answer to coping with this world, while planning for a new and perfect world.

God-The Answer, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

During the past year and a half, with COVID-19 raging across the globe, there have been many instances when there could be doubt as to where God is, queries as to what He is doing, and musing as to how we are going to get out of this situation. But, we must be constantly turning to the Word of God, and His promises, to have the assurance that; even though, sin is raging, God is still in charge and working things out in the best way Anxiety and fears can be turned over to God, knowing that He is the …

For Our Sakes: An Incarnational And Systemic Approach To The Challenge Of Poverty, Alan Parker

Faculty Works

How do Christians face the challenge of poverty? This paper proposes a grace-based approach to poverty. By recognizing our poverty and how God has shown grace to us, we are inspired to care for the poverty of others. The problem of the poor, which includes us, is not material poverty but broken relationships. Solving poverty requires that one enter into the world of the poor person and to see the richness that they have, even in their material poverty. The entire system of broken relationships must be repaired and the goal must be the restoration of shalom. We will therefore …

Gratitude Attitude, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

As a member of this world's community we must be aware of other's needs, look for ways to make a difference, and pay attention to God's ongoing blessings. Our talents and skills can make a difference in other people's lives.

Witnessing At Work When It's Taboo To Talk About Religion, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article explores an alternative to traditional approaches to evangelism in the workplace. it presents an approach based on using the language of business alone in conversations with coworkers, suppliers and customers. While it is often taboo to talk about religion in secular organizations, opportunities exist for believers to be not just silent witnesses but rather explicit verbal witnesses to Jesus Christ. Business conversations naturally present opportunities to champion the theological identity and character traits of Jesus Christ without mentioning his name.

The Ecclesiological Implications Of The Priesthood Of All Believers, Alan Parker

Faculty Works

The Protestant Reformation encouraged the "priesthood of all believers" but how does that concept impact the local church in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination? The lack of a clear ecclesiology has hampered the growth and effectiveness of Adventism. Both Exodus 19:6 and 1 Peter 2:9 provide a theological hermeneutic for how to reframe our ecclesiology in a way consistent with the Protestant principle of every believer serving as a priest. Priests are teachers, holy representatives, and mediators. The practical implications of these three aspects are examined. Luther's struggle with papal power structures are examined in the light of his radical understanding …

Redemption, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article reviews the biblical concept of redemption and explores its implications for business practice.

Bridging The Gap Between Religion And Business: A Conversation, Michael E. Cafferky, Doug Jacobs

Faculty Works

This article explores some of the tensions that congregational pastors experience in terms of business and religion. It is a dialogue regarding the perceived gap between pastors and business professionals.

“Bridging the gap between religion and business: A conversation" by Michael Cafferky and Douglas Jacobs published in the December 2016 issue of Ministry,® International Journal for Pastors, www.MinistryMagazine.org. Used by permission.

Scriptural Foundations For Academic Disciplines: A Biblical Theme Approach, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This article presents the thesis that major themes of the Bible can form the biblical foundation for academic disciplines as taught in Christian primary schools, secondary schools and undergraduate and graduate studies in higher education. The Bible is not a comprehensive encyclopedia of knowledge; however, its perspective offers a deeper theological and philosophical basis for any academic discipline.

This article is reproduced/used/uploaded with permission from The Journal of Adventist Education®.

The Contributions Of Faith-Based Organizations To Development And The Humanitarian Field: An Adra Case Study, Alexandra Raney, Joel Raveloharimisy

Interdisciplinary Journal of Best Practices in Global Development

The purpose of this paper is to explain the contributions of faith-based organizations (FBOs) to development and the humanitarian field. To do this we used mixed methods research to conduct a case study of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), evaluating its mission, mandate, organizational resources, and activities conducted in 136 countries around the world. We argue that the contributions of FBOs to development and the humanitarian field are explained by the interplay of their identity, resources, and opportunities to do good. The paper concludes with recommendations for FBOs as we move toward the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, while …

Keeping Sabbath During The Week, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

Would Sabbath-keeping be less meaningful if, on the other six days, our work disrupted human well-being or otherwise failed to honor the Sabbath Giver? This article is an abridged version of the longer peer-reviewed article "Sabbath: The Theological Roots of Sustainable Development" published in the Journal of Biblical Integration in Business available at http://cbfa-jbib.org/index.php/jbib/article/view/108/108 .

A House For Sale, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

This presentation is intended to elucidate the fact that Christ is in heaven preparing a home for us, which is free of charge. However, there is an obligation on the part of each human being of choosing to accept this free gift. This PowerPoint outlines what the prerequisites and guidelines are to be able to receive a home in heaven, and eternal life.

Sabbath & Management, Theology & Application, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

Without detracting from the importance of setting aside one day of worship each week some scholars believe that the meaning of Sabbath contains broader principles. This paper presents a summary of Sabbath theology based on two biblical themes: Creation and Covenant. It provides support for why managers should consider applying Sabbath principles in their work. Part III shows some of the ways in which this might play out in managerial work.

Towards Heterogeneous Faith Communities: Understanding Transitional Processes In Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In South Africa, Alan Parker, Ph.D.

Faculty Works

This dissertation examines racial transition toward heterogeneity in three Seventh-day Adventist congregations in South Africa. This dissertation aims to uncover social factors involved in this change as well as to set forth a theological direction with application to the local faith community.

The first section examines recent studies and literature on multiracial congregations, indicating a possible breakdown between theory and practice. Using insights from Kuhn, Gadamer, Habermas, and Geertz, a critical correlational approach is proposed using narrative, community-based praxis, dialectical thinking, and eschatological vision. The theological methods of Groome and Browning are combined to suggest a four-phase approach to practical …