Practical Theology Commons^™

The Impact Of Visual Aids On Memory In Preaching, Curtis Deterding

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Are hearers able to better retain what they have heard preached if visual aids are used? This is the central question answered by this thesis. A primary presupposition of this project is that when we involve the use of sight during the sermon event, our ablitity to remember what was said increases. In this study, the theoretical and theological analysis of remembering and memory are discussed in connection with the use of visuals for retention. Those who participated in the project as hearers were asked to evaluate some sermons that used visual aids and some that did not. Based on …

The Effectiveness Of The Ascension Bible Institute In Preparing Lay People For Ministry In The Church, Charles Spomer

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

What I will evaluate in this project is whether the ABI accomplishes its stated purpose in the lives of those who participate. Do they find themselves equipped and motivated to serve in their congregations with greater confidence? Do they feel adequately equipped to function outside of their congregations in the community for the spread of the Church of Jesus Christ? What needs to be strengthened in the ABI? What needs to be changed in the ABI? What can the ABI do to reach more people within the Church? What kind of mechanism can best be used for periodic evaluation of …

Living With Dying — A Pastoral And Congregational Guide, Kristian Kincaid

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The death of a loved one impacts the grieving emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Interviews were conducted with members of the congregation experiencing loss to ascertain insights into the grieving process as well as pastoral and congregational acts deemed significantly helpful. Findings reveal both pastor and congregation have much to offer the grieving. A pastoral and congregational guide will help focus these offerings.

The Recovery Of Memorization In Confirmation: A Study Of Junior Confirmation At Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo, Illinois, Daniel Olson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project was to address the problem of junior confirmation students not retaining long term the material they were being assigned to learn. The project employed the use of various active teaching methods in order to include the different learning styles of the students. The project demonstrates that the use of these active learning methods did result in a reduction in rote memorization and a significant improvement in the student's ability to retain what they were being taught. The conclusion of the project is that there is a need for greater implementation of these active learning techniques.

Toward Better Hearing Of The Word In The Sermon, Darrell Zimmerman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project was to equip some members of the congregation to be discerning receivers of the sermon by improving their active and intentional listening capabilities. The methodology of the project included the development and teaching of a course of instruction on the theology and practice of preaching, a period of participant implementation, and interviews of participants in the study toward an evaluation of the project. Participant response showed a greater or lesser benefit depending on willingness and ability to apply the learnings. Recommendations for enhanced future effectiveness of the course are included.

Lutheran Day School Operation: Financial Stewardship Implications, Thomas Radtke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

In addressing this problem as it faces Trinity Lutheran Church, the writer will survey other schools and determine the method that each congregation uses to fund the operation of its day school. My premise from the outset is that some of these day schools use the traditional means of funding through congregational offerings while others use member tuition as a major factor in the funding of their day schools. The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate the methods used and make application to Trinity for the best method of funding their day school operation.

The Mentor Method Of Evangelism: A Study In The Use Of Interrogatives, Luther Biggs

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a need to increase the effectiveness of the training process currently used to introduce members of Messiah Lutheran Church to the practice of what I call "the mentorship method" of evangelism. This project represents an effort to assess how graduates from a fifteen-week training course in mentorship-evangelism are able to perform a technique that is central to this method. Specifically, the technique under assessment is that of interrogative bridge-building in which evangelism practitioners are trained to use a series of questions to build a cognitive bridge between the evangelized spiritual questions and specific scriptural resources.

The Theological Principles Underlying Parish Records With Particular Application To Their Role In The Design And Evaluation Of Computer Software, Chris Hinkle

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This paper will document the theological and pastoral underpinnings of LCIS and its immediate successors as a reminder that how we say things and what we do should flow from what we believe. However, these theological and pastoral considerations have more than historical importance. For, although the forms and programs congregations use to keep their records may change, unless our beliefs change, the principles behind their selection and use will remain the same. Clarifying these principles should be helpful to those who wish to understand how they can best utilize their current system for keeping records. Understanding them will help …

Military Imagery In Preaching: An Effective Means Of Nurturing A Lutheran Identity In The Military, Mark Steiner

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This major applied project consisted of two parts: a research component addressing the theoretical application of military imagery in preaching to a Lutheran military audience and an evaluative process, which tested the application of military imagery in preaching. The theoretical component, based upon the contributions of literature on cross cultural studies, leadership, strategic planning, rhetoric, and homiletics, recommended a homiletical strategy for preaching military imagery. The evaluative component validated the application of military imagery in preaching and recommended a strategy for promoting organic unity of military imagery with the other elements of the worship service.

A Theology Of Ministerial Practice, Paul Kelm

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Competing agendas and changing culture create a need for churches to consciously determine why they will do what they do the way they do.

This project develops four doctrinal bases for a theology of ministerial practice. It summarizes literature on philosophy of ministry. Research in five Lutheran churches identifies gaps in the way people view ministry. Chapter four provides a comprehensive rationale and definition for a theology of ministerial practice.

One church's experience demonstrates the value of thinking through and developing "guiding principles" that apply a church's theology to its culture in shaping ministerial practice.

Systemic Catechesis, Kevin Wyssmann

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Systemic Catechesis is designed to merge several academic disciplines into a new catechetical model. Learning theories, systemic psychology, and a distinctive Lutheran approach to confirmation are combined in an effort to catechize whole family systems while specifically targeting junior high youth. This multifaceted program utilizes class time, home work, periodic evaluations, camps and retreats to maximize learning. The results of this project is a two-year curriculum that fully integrates educators, congregation, and the family into the catechetical process.

Pastoral Care Groups, Donald Stein

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project examines the use of pastoral care groups to help members of a congregation to overcome obstacles caused by painful experiences in their lives. In the course of this project the pastor worked with small groups of individuals who share similar painful experiences. The pastor solicited feedback from those individuals and evaluated his ministry to them in these small groups. The pastor supported the work with scripture and used biblical principles to develop the application of pastoral care groups.

Enriching Families In The Parish Through The Use Of Musical Drama, Wallace Becker

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Healthy families are important for the health of the congregation. Many churches see the need to focus energy on strengthening families.

Musical drama based on the life of Jesus has its roots in the liturgy. The musical dramas presented at Zion Lutheran, Litchfield, Illinois, involved families and provided opportunities for their enrichment.

By developing and implementing a plan for musical drama to enrich families at Redeemer Lutheran, Springfield, Missouri, the author sought to strengthen these families, providing opportunities to build positive assets or building blocks into their lives. Participants who filled out surveys confirmed growth in positive assets.

Growing Up As A Pastor's Child-The Pressures And Positives Of Living In A Clergy Family System, Stephen Juergensen

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Through research and personal interviews, this project explores the lives of pastors' children and their responsibilities in light of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, the pressures they face in the clergy family system, and positive aspects of their lives that come with their unique lifestyle. Included is a retreat for pastors' teenage children which has been developed as a method of helping pastors' children cope with their lives in constructive ways, understand the pressures they experience, celebrate the positive aspects of being pastor's children, and grow personally and spiritually as they reaffirm their essential identity as baptized children of God.

Dying Well: A Christian Perspective, William Morris

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project assists pastors in preparing parishioners to confront the realities of suffering and dying with a God-given identity in a world that seeks to cure pain and suffering by killing. A survey of the pastors and laity of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was conducted to identify their understanding of dying well and to ascertain whether or not they have been influenced by our postmodern society. On a whole the pastors and laity viewed dying in Christ as dying well. A Bible study was developed to assist pastors in preparing parishioners to die well.

Helping Contemporary People Use Historic Liturgy, Richard Wolfram

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project proposes that contemporary people need help understanding and utilizing historic liturgy. It shows how historic liturgy is contemporary by nature, and can be used in a modern and relevant way. Educational tools were developed for use in both the worship and classroom settings. Survey results provide information toward tool development and effectiveness. The result of the project and its implementation in a parish setting waste elimination of the request for a "contemporary" worship from those exposed to the project tools.

"An Evaluation Of Praise Music As A Genre For Incorporation Into Lutheran Worship", Randy Schultz

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Luther was truly a great liturgist. Along with his reform of the Mass, which included his Formula Missae and his Deutsche Messe, he also produced two baptismal rites, an Order of Marriage, an Order for Confession, a German and Latin Litany, and an Ordination Rite. He also contributed commentary on worship in general, wrote several hymns, and produced music. For the purpose of this project we will focus primarily on his reform of the Mass and his selection of hymns.

Stewardship Educational Program Based On The Lukan Pericopes (Pentecost Season - Series C), Glen Borhart

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project seeks to enable the members of the congregation to grow in the stewardship of all that the Lord has entrusted to their care. Through regular and ongoing scriptural education the members of the congregation will mature in their faith. As faith grows, Christian stewardship grows. The scope of this Major Applied Project is limited, yet the principles utilized here will serve as a model for any pastor or congregation to better implement a program of year-round stewardship education. By its connection to the weekly Gospel readings, the program addresses the Christian's role as steward in the …

Developing A Congregational Committee On Communication, Mark Bangert

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project had the purpose of examining the communication that happens in a congregation and the communication that comes from a Christian congregation. Emphasis in the paper is on how communication skills must be used in-service of the Gospel.

Components of the paper include a theological and confessional examination of communication; a look at current communication theory; the development of a "Committee On Communication" in a local parish; and the specific results of that committee's work.

This paper is for anyone desiring to better develop the communication skills of their congregation in service of the Gospel.

The Relationships We Live By, Craig Du Bois

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

"The Relationships We Live By" is an examination of the relationship-centered life whereby many of the traditional hierarchical ordering of relationships are evaluated and challenged. This is an analysis of the prioritization of relationships as discerned from the Scriptures.

The Attitudes And Experiences Encountered In Developing A Minority Student Program At Concordia University Wisconsin, Kermit Ratcliffe

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The question which this Major Applied Project seeks to answer is this: "What can a Minority Director do to encourage the university he serves to become aware of the barriers blocking minority students' persistence?" I intend to identify the growing needs that minority students have by (1) presenting a purpose and design for this project; (2) presenting a historical background on African American life, their difficulties on American colleges and LC-MS colleges; (3) focusing theologically and culturally on the barriers; (4) planning and implementing a minority support program on CUW campus that will create identity, meaning, and security in the …

Adapting And Field-Testing The Ancient Catechumenate At Hope Ev. Lutheran Church, Saint Louis, Missouri, Dennis Lucero

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project is to adapt and field test the catechumenate in a way that is theologically consistent with the Lutheran Confessions and employs excellent teaching methodology and practice. Through my research I intend to do the following: to demonstrate a higher level of understanding of the process of catechetical formation in the early church, to develop a higher level of theological understanding of the basis for the catechumenate process, to appreciate the theological formation of the process of catechesis, to heighten awareness of the impact of theological education in the life of the Christian congregation, to make …

A Model For Transition Of Ministry In Declining Congregations, Charles Snow

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A model for transition of ministry in declining congregations: There are many congregations in changing communities that are declining in membership, resources, and ministry. I propose that a congregation that places priority on fulfilling the Great Commission, Prayer, Biblical Stewardship and the Means of Grace can stop the decline and transition ministry to an emphasis on discipleship and outreach to the local community. I will present a discussion of the understanding of the "Missio Dei," the role of the pastor, the struggle between ministry versus numerical membership, and the use of community resources. I will give the transitional history of …

A Theological And Sociological Analysis Of The Family Dropout Problem Following The Rite Of Confirmation And Graduation Of Children From Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School, Springfield, Illinois, Micheal Strong

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project analyzes the problem of dropouts at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Springfield, Illinois, by a four step process.(1) First a strict confessional position will be articulated in this paper. (2)Then, while examining two current sociological trends, Church Growth and systems theory, some aspects of both movements will be found to be deficient for a confessional Lutheran while others usable. (3) Former or lapsed members are then surveyed and interviewed to determine their perceived reasons for becoming dropouts. (4) Finally, incorporating all of the above material, recommendations are made to the congregation and pastor of ways that …

Using The Word Of God To Build The Self Esteem Of Adult Children Of Alcoholics, Scott Fiege

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

USING THE WORD OF GOD TO BUILD THE SELF-ESTEEM OF ADULTCHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS. This project will describe the Adult Children of an Alcoholic (ACoA), the problems they face in life, particularly the issue of self-esteem. The ACoA will be directed to the Word of God to encourage, support, and strengthen them in life as redeemed children in Christ. A daily devotional with Scripture readings and prayers, along with Bible studies, will be provided. This project is for the ACoA who is confused about the issue of identity and self-esteem.

A Look At The Authority Of The Parish Pastor, Martin Koeller

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Changes in society, misuse and abuse of authority in the pastoral office and changes in congregations concerning the role of the pastor, have all led to a need for defining and identifying what authority in the church is, and what authority the pastor has.

The scope of this project was to look at the Scriptural and Confessional foundations of Pastoral Authority along with discussions with the Board of Elders, Constitution Committee and Bible Study groups, to draw a basis for: 1) a definition of “Pastoral Authority"; and 2) the right use of that authority in the office of the parish …

A Model For Small Group Development And Enrichment At St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Timothy Wenger

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A MODEL FOR SMALL GROUP DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT ATST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSINBY TIMOTHY E. WENGER

The project was begun with the assumption that a greater use of small group ministry could strengthen the congregation as a whole and provide better opportunities for individuals to experience spiritual growth and a deeper sense of fellowship within the church. The approach to this project included research into the theological foundation of small groups and research into the utilization of small groups in society. The observance and appraisal of current small group ministry at St. Luke’s and the enrichment and development …

The Stewardship Of The Gospel In The Local Congregation, Wayne Braun

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The question which this Major Applied Project seeks to answer is this: "What can a pastor do to lead the congregation he serves to become a more faithful steward of the Gospel?" I intend to demonstrate that congregations which are growing as stewards of the Gospel are led by their pastor to (1) have a biblical understanding of Christian stewardship, (2) work together in a God-created partnership as stewards of the Gospel, and (3) carefully develop and implement a plan for how they will seek to be faitfhful stewards of the Gospel, a plan they will continuously evaluate and revise …

Witnesses For The Defense A Lenten Worship Series For Holy Cross Lutheran Church Davenport, Iowa, Frederick Schuster

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project is the preparation of a Lenten Midweek Worship Series based on the Gospel according to St. John for use at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa.

The project investigates the Lutheran theology of worship, the concept of worship in the Lutheran Confessions, the place, practice and purpose of Lent in the church, and the relevance of the Gospel according to St. John as the basis for the series.

The study culminates with nine sermon studies, one for each of the six Wednesdays of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

A Study Group Examines A Paradoxical Vision Of The End Times, Peter Kurowski

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this study was to show how the use of paradox is a valid, essential tool for the expression of certain Christian truths in general, and for end-times teachings in particular. In light of the approaching millennium, Biblical end-times paradoxes will help counter prophets who seize this moment to tickle ears and generate fears. A congregational study group served as the means to test these assertions. Questionnaires filled out by this study group served as an evaluative tool. The findings reveal the correlation between the right use of paradox and a Gospel-centered view of the end-times.