Practical Theology Commons^™

Towards Understanding Distinctive Seventh-Day Adventist Preaching, John Harold Hobart Mathews

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

As early as 1957 there has been concern by some church members that Seventh-day Adventist preaching has lost its uniqueness or as some have said, "the old Adventist ring." Are SDA preachers losing the church's mission in their preaching? That assertion continues to be a voice within Adventism.

Method

A study from the Bible, writings of Ellen G. White and other church publications helped me understand the mission of the SDA church and preaching's relationship to that mission. An analysis of sermons by J. N. Andrews, W. A. Spicer, and H. M. S. Richards, Sr. demonstrate how leading SDA …

Theological Education In Context: A Pilot Extension Program For The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Rwanda, Robert G. Peck

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

One of the most important concerns that presents itself to the Adventist Church in Rwanda is how to adequately cope with the rapid growth of new members. There are too few pastors equipped to care for the growing membership. It was the purpose of the present pilot project to design a strategy that would provide theological education and training for pastors currently employed and training for those mature church leaders who are motivated to improve their leadership abilities and skills.

Method

Theological Education by Extension (TEE) was the proposed solution to the problem. A two-tier approach was suggested. The …

A Training Program For Lay Evangelists In The Principles Of Communication, Carl Fletcher

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many dedicated lay people who are involved in evangelism often lack good communication skills. Consequently their effectiveness is impaired and the gospel work does not advance as it should. This study is undertaken to discover some of the principles of communication which can help lay evangelists to communicate the gospel more effectively.

Method

With the help of Biblical resources and selected literature on the subject, the project, in part one, examines some of the modes of Biblical communication found in both the Old and the New Testaments. In part two, the project presents a training program in the principles …

Implementing And Evaluating A Model Of Pastoral Counseling In A Church District, Don Miller

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Topic

Programs in my churches do not seem to be helping members that have ongoing problems. It is important to find ways to resolve problems to help people and thus help prevent their leaving the church.

The Purpose

The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a systematic approach to pastoral counseling in the setting of a church district. It also purposed to develop a theology/philosophy of counseling and to adapt a counseling model, using it in working with church members. Positive changes were expected, evidenced by changes from negative behavior patterns. Another goal was to learn …

The Process Of Developing And Implementing A Statement Of Mission In A Church-Owned Institution Using The De-Vau-Ge Gesundkostwerk As An Example, Wolfgang Manfred Witzig

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

An organization will only succeed if all its entities contribute to its purpose. With time these entities tend to develop their own objectives, sometimes counteracting the overall mission of the organization. Religious organizations especially seem to encounter this issue. This study examines, in an exemplary way, the purpose of a health-food factory that is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany and attempts to rewrite their statement of mission.

Method

The project examines the historical background of the factory. It indicates the reasons that led to its founding and the changes that took place in the understanding of …

A Spiritual Model For Recovery Of Pastors Suffering Burnout (The Pine Springs Retreat), Charles Martin Liu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors fill increasingly complex job expectations in the 1990s. Many pastors perceive they suffer from greater stressors than have any other generation of SDA pastors. Many claim burnout is hurting their job performance. It is the purpose of this study to measure the perceived levels of burnout among a cross section of SDA pastors in Southeastern California Conference of SDA (SECCSDA), plan and initiate an intervention to treat the symptoms of burnout, and analyze the effectiveness of the intervention.

Method

An original perception-test instrument was used to measure the perceived feelings of burnout among approximately eighty …

A Design For The Establishment Of A Resource Center For Pastoral Skills Development In The Carolina Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists: Based Upon A Pastoral Skills Needs Inventory, Ralph Arthur Hollenbeck

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The drop-out rate for pastors is and has been alarming. One reason for pastors leaving the ministry is their lack of opportunity and the knowledge of knowing where and how to enhance their pastoral skills. The objective of this project is to develop a design for the implementation of a resource center for pastoral skills development based upon a pastoral skills needs inventory.

Method

Methods used in this project varied. A research of literature was conducted. A personal interview with Mark Rouch resulted in the possession of the mailing list of the "Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education …

Comparing Audience Perceptions Of Constructs Presented Expositorily With Those Presented Topically When The Same Method Of Bible Study Is Used, Rollin Laverne Shoemaker

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

As the literature shows, every preacher needs to develop his own guidelines for presentation of theological constructs (preaching). The literature also shows the importance of the letter to the Galatians for the church, especially during and since the Reformation. Thus, this study attempts to compare audience perceptions of theological constructs (derived from my study of Galatians) presented expositorily with those presented topically when the same guidelines are used.

Method

This study was undertaken to: (1) develop guidelines for exegesis, that would be useful for preaching, starting with the Greek text, (2) develop guidelines for audience and community analysis, (3) …

A Design For A Segment Based On The Methods Of Selected Old Testament Preachers To Be Included In A Course In Homiletics, Vilmar E. Gonzalez

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This project attempts to discover some criteria (or characteristics) that can be used in contemporary preaching, based in the Old Testament. So I selected seven Old Testament preachers (prophets) and analyzed seven of their sermons (or messages) or parts thereof. Somehow they cover the history of Israel as a nation starting with Moses down to Haggai. The other five are; Joshua, Solomon, Elijah, Amos and Jeremiah. Once I discovered the contents of their messages, I tried to relate them to contemporary preaching. I believe it is useful and contains helpful materials for the use of ministers and preachers. Also, it …

The Development And Implementation Of Role Negotiation Between The Pastor And The Members Of The Anoka/Maple Plain, Minnesota Seventh-Day Adventist Multi-Church Parish, Bruce Teel Juhl

Doctor of Ministry Projects

There is a great need among pastors for clarification of roles in light of the rapid changes in society and the increased expectation of parishioners that he/she be skilled in an ever widening range of pastoral function. There is also a need for pastors to develop skills in negotiating their roles with the congregation(s) they serve so that differences may be narrowed.

The project includes an extensive review of Old Testament conceptual models (priest, prophet, king, and shepherd) and New Testament orders (apostolate, deaconate, and elder) for the purpose of discerning the biblical foundations for modern pastoral roles. It also …

A Study Of The Causes Of Membership Dropout Among Selected Churches In The East Jamaica Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Horace A. Russell

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This project attempts to investigate the causes of membership dropout among selected churches in the East Jamaica Conference of SDA. Several New Testament examples are explored in an effort to determine the church's responsibility in behalf of the missing member. The role and function of the church as a loving, caring community in reclaiming and restoring dropouts is discussed. Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians, Romans, and Ephesians concerning the church as a body and Christ the head also are examined.

A review of literature gives an overview of the dropout problem from the perspective of various Christian churches in an …

A Proposed Strategy For Evangelizing The Hindus Of The Republic Of Trinidad And Tobago, Wynall F. Kerr

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Substantial investments been made in the evangelization of Hindus in Trinidad, but have resulted in little success. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trinidad has not yet developed a well-defined approach to assist pastors and laity in evangelizing Hindus. The purpose of this study was to develop a biblically informed strategy of evangelism that can be used in designing appropriate evangelistic methods.

Method

The New Testament and other selected literature have suggested a strategy and methods of evangelism that were used for evangelizing particular peoples or groups of people, and these might inform the mission of the Seventh- day Adventist …

Development Of A Coping Mechanism Seminar For Single Parents Within A Seventh-Day Adventist Context, Elliott Claude Osborne

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

One of the fastest growing groups in American society is the single-parent household. There are four areas of concern that single parents have identified repeatedly at the Juniper Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is the purpose of this study to address these concerns through the development and field testing of a seminar with suggested coping skills to aide single parents in rearing their children within a Christian environment.

Method

A questionnaire was developed to secure pertinent information to aide the researcher to ascertain the specific content to be included in the coping-skills seminar for single-parents. A syllabus was developed …

Formation And Development Of Caring Ministries Based On Neighboring Evangelism Model Model, Lloyd I. Munson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

For more than a decade leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have encouraged various programs under the slogan "caring Church." This new and welcome concept and its corresponding "caring ministries" are in tension with traditional programs and philosophy of lay ministry. There is a need to clarify and articulate the underlying shift toward a more "relational" approach so that truly "caring" ministries may emerge. In addition there is a confusion from the local Church all the way to the General Conference as to how various departments are coordinated.

Method

This study documents one attempt to articulate a biblical concept …

The Training Of Lay Persons For Careproviding Ministries Among Hispanics, Eliezer Castanon

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This study attempted to develop a program that would provide Hispanic laypersons with skills and techniques for careproviding. Laypersons should be able to identify their gifts and particular ministries and use behavioral methods to minister to the members of the church and their respective community. Laypersons have been well-trained to do traditional evangelism, but no one has developed a program to train Hispanic laypersons in the careproviding ministry. Many pastors have multichurch districts, so their time to counsel and care for the flock is limited. In addition, pastors are not usually accessible. Laypersons, who live in the immediate area, once …

Lessons On Spiritual Growth And A Pilot Test Of Their Effectiveness, Delbert W. Dunavant

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

A congregation's primary expectation of their pastor is his/her ability to provide competent guidance in spiritual formation. My education never offered me a class in spiritual formation and this deficiency has not been eliminated since my formal theological education. Therefore, I felt inept when I tried to provide spiritual guidance.

Method

This study began first with the Bible and included literature on spiritual formation. The selected materials were summarized into seventeen lessons. The ii first eleven lessons explain the obstacles to spiritual formation, the holiness of God, and how Christians can experience holiness. The last six lessons explain the …

Strategy For Holy Week Incarnational Evangelism For The West Puerto Rico Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Efren Pagan

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Most of the people living in Puerto Rico claim or are claimed to be Catholics by the Catholic leadership of the Island. Most of them have only a form of religion, having lost sight of the power of Christ's religion. They need to be led back to Christ, even though they are unconscious of their situation or of their spiritual need.

Method

Each person is unique, but some characteristics are similar to most of the people in a specific group. Catholics constitute a large group in Puerto Rico. To reach them, one must understand them and approach them in …

An Approach To Motivation For Volunteer Church Ministries, A Wayne Owen

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

One of the important aspects of the minister's work is that of motivating his parishioners in the work of ministry. This involvement is not only necessary to the work of the church but also for the development of the parishioners' faith and growth in Christian maturity. It is the purpose of this study to determine the results of the implementation of psychological and sociological principles outlined in the literature of business and education in the administration of a local church.

Method

The principles of motivation that would apply to volunteer ministries were implemented in the various departments of the …

A Program For Training In Personal Christian Witnessing To The Muslim Of Indonesia, Dumas Tambunan

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This project was designed to develop a program of instruction for training layman in their personal Christian witnessing to the Muslims of Indonesia. The lay people involvement is very important at this time. Sharing Christian witnessing is a challenge to the lay people of Indonesia. They need to give their countrymen the good news of Jesus Christ. They need instruction to equip them for this great and rewarding service. The first chapter reviews passages from Scripture and from the writings of Ellen G. White about the functions of lay people in the church. The participation of the laity in the …

Rationale And Suggested Program For Workshop On Congregational Singing For Use In Local Church Or District, Christopher Ederesinghe

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Congregational singing represents the part of corporate worship in which the entire group of worshipers present participates. It is therefore a vital and integral part of public worship. However, despite the availability of broad general guidelines at denominational level, these have not always been implemented in an effective manner at the level of the local church or pastoral district.

Method

This project report is presented in two parts. Part 1 comprises a position paper which which serves as the theo retical component of the project. This includes a biblical/ theological rationale for congregational singing, a denominational perspective, an historical …

Designing And Implementing A Curriculum For Developing The Prayer Life Of The Piedmont Park Church Congregation, Frank Albert Tochterman

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

While prayer is vital to every aspect of the Christian life, both laity and clergy fail in its practice. This may be due, in part, to a lack of understanding its importance, potential, and meaning. A study of the nature of prayer reveals that its primary intent is communion with God, not merely the means of registering requests. The task of this project was to lead the members of the Piedmont Park Church into developing stronger habits of personal prayer. To achieve this objective, a curriculum was designed and implemented to communicate four aspects of prayer: importance, meaning, potential, …

A Biblical Preaching Strategy For The Ministers Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Central Dominican Conference, Ramon Araujo C.

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The problem of preaching in the Central Dominican Conference seems to be one of sermon content. Weaknesses in hermeneutical principles as well as rules applied to the biblical sermon can be detected. Even when preachers quote the Bible and try to explain the message, the biblical text is not properly discussed or explained. This situation results in poor sermon content. To correct this anomaly, this study provides a guide on Biblical Preaching to help the minister produce a better sermon to feed the church.

Method

In order to investigate the content of sermons and the principles applied to preaching …

A Program For "Caring Church Ministry" In The Eugene, Oregon, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Robert L. Heisler

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Caring Church Ministry is a strategy for church growth which was developed by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. How that strategy might be implemented in the Eugene Seventh-day Adventist Church was the basic concern of this research project. How theology and management philosophy inform a caring church membership, how to implement a program involving the church membership, and dynamics of that church which favored or inhibited church growth were questions that had to be addressed.

Method

A theological investigation and an examination of contemporary concepts of caring in management literature form a basis for the study. Two …

Nurturing The Pastor's Spiritual Discipline Of Prayer Through The Dynamic Of Spiritual Direction, Derek John Morris

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Current research demonstrates that we cannot assume that seminarians have received sufficient guidance in spiritual formation prior to the completion of their Seminary training. Therefore, there is a great need to explore ways of nurturing spiritual formation for those involved in pastoral ministry. It was the purpose of this present study to explore the potential of spiritual direction as a dynamic for nurturing the pastor's spiritual discipline of prayer.

Method

A spiritual friend, who had received training in spiritual direction, was selected with guidance from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. A twelve-month case study was established with the author …

Preaching To An Institutional Congregation: An Analysis Of The Needs And Expectations For Preaching In The Newbury Park Adventist Church, Daniel G. Smith

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Purpose

The impetus for the research was a transfer from a rural parish to the Newbury Park Seventh-day Adventist Church on the campus of Newbury Park Adventist Academy. Because a majority of the congregation are employed by denominational institutions, it was presumed that the institutional character of the congregation would influence their needs and expectations for preaching. Therefore the research was designed to ascertain those needs and expectations, and to find any difference between institutional and noninstitutional members.

The Case for a Congregational Analysis

The study presents a case for congregational analysis. The first line of argument is based upon …

Towards A Model Of Congregational Evangelistic Campaigns In The Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In West Germany, Ekkehardt Muller

Doctor of Ministry Projects

In the Western world it is a great challenge for churches to reach secular persons. This is true especially for West Germany where only an almost insignificant percentage of the population attends church regularly. Traditional methods to win people for Christ usually focus on this small percentage of people instead of on the vast majority of the unchurched people. Reaching the unchurched is a situation in which the laymen of the church are of special importance, for they are able to be in touch with persons clergymen will almost never reach. Thus laymen need to have a larger sphere of …

An Experiment In Ministering To Felt Needs Of A Small Church Through Contemporary Sabbath Services, Dwayne Toppenberg

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Jesus came to give fullness of life and yet people leave the church because of unsatisfying interpersonal relationships. It was the task of this project to measure the effects of Sabbath services upon the interpersonal relationships between church members.

Method

Ten Sabbath services were specifically designed to improve the interpersonal behaviors of inclusion, control, and openness, and to stimulate the interpersonal feelings of significance, competence, and love. The Schutz Measures instrument was administered before and after the ten services to determine whether these behaviors and feelings had improved.

Results

The scores on the Schutz instrument revealed that improvements were …

Development, Teaching And Evaluation Of A Course In Church Leadership And Administration For The Theological Seminary, Marienhoehe, Germany, Johann H. Gerhardt

Doctor of Ministry Projects

One of the most important concerns of the clergy and the laymen of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany is the future of the local congregations. There may be many reasons for the dwindling of a church's attractiveness and relevance in a given situation. One is how the local church lives its organizational life. Adequate church leadership and administration proves to be an important instrument for a healthy development of a congregation. That is why prospective ministers need special training in this field.

It was the purpose of the present study to develop adequate administrational strategies and to apply them …

A Study Of The Meaning Of "Works" In The Book Of Revelation With A Syllabus For Applying The Findings In Religious Instruction, Vel Eric Kotter

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This paper represents an attempt to clarify the significance of the term ergon ("work") in the book of Revelation. The first part investigates the word group ergon ("work") as used throughout the Scriptures, and especially in the book of Revelation. Special attention is given to the word as used in the Gospel of John, since this study accepts John, the Son of Zebedee, as the author of both the Gospel and the Revelation. The second part presents five studies representing a practical application emerging from the investigation. Not only is there a lack of discussion of the word ergon in …

A Needs Assessment Of A Continuing Education Program For Korean Pastors In The North American Division Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kei Hoon Shin

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Continuing education for NAD Korean SDA pastors' ministry has been conducted since 1981. To make this continuing education program relevant a needs assessment was necessary. This study attempted to assess the specific needs of Korean pastors in knowledge and professional skills. Method All Korean SDA pastors in the NAD were included. Data were gathered through a written questionnaire. A graphic comparison method and other complementary instruments were adopted in terms of a discrepancy model.

Results

Among ten general subject-matter areas, the results from the survey show the area of biblical knowledge as most in need of continuing education. This …