Practical Theology Commons^™

New Pericopal-Based Hymnody For Lutheran Corporate Worship, Wilfred Karsten

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There are gaps where the corpus of hymnody in Lutheran Worship fails to support the lectionary used by that hymnal. This project produces thirteen new hymn texts which seek to fill part of that gap.

An analysis of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 shows that there may be a variety of congregational song used in the Divine Service, but this song must always be didactic in character. An examination of the hymnody of the Reformation shows that congregational song was meant to serve a liturgical purpose. An appendix compares Lutheran Worship hymn text scriptural allusions with its lectionary.

Enhancing The Congregation's Appreciation For The Scriptural Doctrine Of Angels, Mark Smith

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The goal of this Major Applied Project is to present a year-long program of emphasis on the Doctrine of Angels for use in the local congregation that is both theologically consistent with the Lutheran Confessions, gives comfort to God’s people and glory to Christ and His Gospel.

This program of emphasis was field tested at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Crestwood, Missouri. Its contents include Bible study and sermon outlines, theological essays, hymnody and liturgical suggestions, illustrations for worship leaflets, activities for children, newsletter articles and various other items.

A Theology And Structure For Multiple Ministry In A Large Lutheran Church, Perryville, Mo, Donald Loesch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

How can a staff of multiple ministers in a large Lutheran church be organised in a way that is harmonious with the Biblical doctrine of the office of pastor? First, key Scripture passages and Lutheran writings on the pastoral office were studied; second, a congregational survey gleaned thoughtful opinions from parishioners; and third, information was obtained from experts on multiple ministry in other growing churches. A mediating view of the pastoral office both preserves the uniqueness of the office and allows for ministers, ordained and unordained, generalist and specialist, to share the office. A congregational handbook is offered as a …

Applying Strategic Planning Toward The Development Of An Effective And Joyful Ministry Team In The Local Church, Robert Kasper

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This study chronicles the activities of the ministry team of St. Peter Lutheran Church and School with respect to the implementation of the strategic planning process. The greatest benefit of strategic planning for the congregation and its ministry team is focus. The stage is set to be proactive rather than reactive in an ever changing environment. The future no longer brings fear, but challenges faith. The past becomes arch heritage, marked by God's grace; serving as fertile ground for roots of faith in a faithful God who will also guide and provide in the years to come.

The Indirect Method Of Preaching, John Davidson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Indirect Method: A study of the potential effectiveness of the indirect method of preaching. The study examines the Biblical and practical components of the indirect method. A sample sermon is presented together with an evaluation of the sermon by selected members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Ohio. The evaluation will measure the method's effectiveness in the proclamation of Law and Gospel from a Lutheran context. The proclamation of the Law exposes the hearer's sinfulness and need of a Savior. The proclamation of the Gospel reveals Jesus Christ as Savior and offers forgiveness and salvation to all who believe in …

An Entry Level Lutheran Liturgy For Members And Guest, David Preuss

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Influences inside and outside the Lutheran Church are pressing for change in worship style from liturgical to some free form alternative. Often the purpose is to make it easier for guests without a liturgical background to participate. How can Lutheran congregations and pastors make their worship service more "user-friendly” without abandoning their liturgical link with the church of all ages and places?

First, establish the essence of Lutheran liturgical worship. How did the Lutheran Reformation deal with the need for changes? How are pastors today attempting to resolve the issue? How do we evaluate these endeavors?

One resolution is to …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

The Sandwich Generation Caring For Aging Parents, Keith Johnson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Sandwich Generation involves adult children, primarily women, responsible for the caring of aging parents. Adult children find themselves attempting to balance concern for their parents, their children, and their careers. With little or no understanding of elder care before it is thrust upon them, adult children need to learn about the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that accompany the aging process. This project revealed a wealth of information not readily recognized by caregivers. One way to provide this information is through a congregation sponsored workshop focusing on the above needs and on the needs of the caregivers.

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.

"The Use Of Training In Advanced Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Care At Lakeside Lutheran Church, Venice, Florida,", Randy Winkel

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project explores the role of the pastor as counselor and traces the development of family therapy. The "family as the patient" emphasis is explained, and contrasted with the more traditional psychoanalytical approaches that center on the individual. Specific case studies are presented which illustrate the application of system theory. The author relates his experience in a counseling practicum and his subsequent growth and development as a pastoral counselor.

The Biblical Office Of Deacon: Its Nature And Application In The Lutheran Congregation, Timm Griffin

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This resource guide has been developed for the express purpose of aiding lay elders in the understanding and fulfillment of their service within the local congregation. By design, this booklet contains twelve study guide sections. Each section examines different aspect of either the nature of the man who is to serve as a lay elder, or the function of that office. These study guides are to aid the lay elder (either privately, as an individual study, or corporately, as a board or group) to examine representative portions of the Word of God which directly speak to the ministry to which …

The Empty Womb: A Christian Perspective On Infertility, Carl Lilienkamp

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This paper will discuss how couples can learn to cope with their infertility, some of the problems facing couples as they try to deal with it, and give biblical encouragements to you as you try to find and follow God’s will in your life in the area of children and family. Each chapter will begin with a brief scenerio of a couple’s struggle with infertility, based on the situations of many couples I have known, pastored, or who have agreed to be interviewed. The names and situations are altered to protect their privacy.

Pastoral Emphases In Premarital Counseling, Paul Bramstedt

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Many things in life start out as being something that is optional, but as time passes they soon become a necessity. Premarital counseling is one aspect of ministry which forty years ago was considered an optional service by many pastors. Today it is viewed as a necessity.

Premarital counseling which is conducted by a Christian minister is rooted in the Word of God. Teachings of Holy Scripture in respect to marriage are at the heart and core of the counseling process. While the premarital counseling which a Christian minister conducts may cover various topics, there are distinct pastoral emphases which …