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Articles 211 - 240 of 387
Full-Text Articles in Practical Theology
A Study On The Development Of Professional Young Adult Pastors For Korean Churches, Hyeong Kim
A Study On The Development Of Professional Young Adult Pastors For Korean Churches, Hyeong Kim
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
At the end of the twentieth century, young adult ministries experienced abundant revivals through the churches and campuses of colleges, but are now much reduced. One of the causes is that there were not enough professional pastors for the young adult ministries. The revival and growth of young adult ministries in Korea is largely dependent upon the leaders who lead the ministries. This research emphasizes the importance of young adult ministries in Korean churches and aims to develop concrete manuals for pastors who can appropriately perform their ministries. In doing so, it will point out the roles for young adult …
A Study On The Comparison Of Pastoral Succession Cases In Korean Churches, Chang Choi
A Study On The Comparison Of Pastoral Succession Cases In Korean Churches, Chang Choi
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this thesis is to study invitation and succession cases of senior pastors in Korean churches. This thesis is written as Korean churches are currently facing major issues concerning the succession of senior pastors from the first generation to the second generation. The study deals with the biblical backgrounds and theological foundations of the Old and New Testament in relation to pastoral succession. It also compares and analyzes various pieces of data. The investigation of the invitation types is designed to contribute toward discovering what may be the most desirable invitation system for senior pastors. Surveys were distributed …
The Formation Of A Church Community United With A Local Community: The Case Of Vision Village In Changwon, Kyungsangnamdo, Hang Cho
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this thesis project is to build a platform for a united community of church and local residents. In the community, the church expands its boundaries so as to become embedded in the local resident community. Nowadays, Korean churches have lost the public character and the ability to fulfill their social roles and functions in the community. As a result, the churches have low reputation and influence in society, and they face the crisis of reductions in the number of churches and its members. For the sake of overcoming these problems of Korean churches, the thesis studies biblical …
Developing An Effective Biblical Method For The Rediscovery Of Accountability In Christian Discipleship, Jamie Archer
Developing An Effective Biblical Method For The Rediscovery Of Accountability In Christian Discipleship, Jamie Archer
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The emphasis on individualism in Western society has undermined the importance of accountability in human relationships. Many individuals see themselves as their own moral authority and are accountable to no one else. This idea has infiltrated the Western evangelical church. Western church members demonstrate a low level of accountability to their local church by failing to remain committed and involved, and by living lifestyles incompatible with church teachings. In response, few churches practice any form of church discipline, or even communicate expectations to church members. The result is a culture of self-centered and uncommitted church members. This project will argue …
New Heights Christian Community Center: An Effective Strategy Of Outreach For The Local Church, Marc Jones
New Heights Christian Community Center: An Effective Strategy Of Outreach For The Local Church, Marc Jones
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
New Heights Christian Community Services offers an outreach ministry that creates a viable bridge between two local churches and their neighboring communities. Many churches are declining in their influence and are no longer recognized as a valuable part of their community. Small churches often struggle to find ways to serve their neighbors. The author of this project has dedicated over twenty-five years ministering to disadvantaged youth and families and desires to help churches to effectively connect to the families in their community. This project will investigate the effectiveness of the New Heights program by surveying fifty sets of parents of …
A Study On The Church Growth Method Through The Vitalization Of Small Groups In Traditional Korean Churches: The Case Of Daegu Dong-Sung Church, Byung Min
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Nowadays, Korean society is faced with social issues, like individualism arising from fast growth. The traditional society has become dominated by individual interest and intention, as well as by new social aspects such as the loss of community ethics at large. This can also be seen in Korean churches; we have noticed an increase in Sunday service visitors and unregistered members. This change has brought a number of spiritual crisis into churches and is even a huge crisis in and of itself. In this regard, through research on church growth through small group ministry in traditional Korean churches, this study …
The Importance Of The Culturalization Process For The Transition From A Traditional Church To A Small Group-Focused Church, Young Lee
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this research is to clarify the importance of the process of culturalization, which takes place before a full-scale transition, to Korean churches that are attempting to change the direction of their ministries from traditional to small group-oriented ministries. Since the introduction of the small group ministry, Korean churches have been trying to convert to small group churches. Many churches, however, are struggling with the transition due to hastiness instead of following the right philosophy and roadmap. Having led cell group and small group ministries for the last ten years in Korean churches in both the United States …
The Central Event View Of Human History Model (Cem): An Apologetic For A Christ-Centered Christian View Of Human History, Gordon Harris
The Central Event View Of Human History Model (Cem): An Apologetic For A Christ-Centered Christian View Of Human History, Gordon Harris
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Thesis: The Central Event view of human history is the only sufficient view of human history. The Central Event (CE) view of human history is a view of human history that holds that a single, Central event within human history possessed certain aspects and characteristics at such a level that, when it occurred, all of human history, both before, during, and after, were forever impacted. The impact of the Central Event was so great and complete, that it defined how humankind is to view and understand all of human history. The event that the CE view declares is the Central …
Churches Working Together: Four Keys In Serving One Community, John Parks
Churches Working Together: Four Keys In Serving One Community, John Parks
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The growth of many small churches tends to be stunted as they lack necessary resources that encourage growth. Church elders are responsible to God for the growth of the local church. Recent conversations among local ministers in Greenbrier County have revealed that, in addition to prayer, they want to know what needs done – and what they themselves can do – in order to reach their community. Their intent is to discover the resources within their churches that can address their community’s needs while also reaching and helping the unchurched. The potential value in personal ministry is their desire to …
Dirty Discipleship: The Essential Nature Of Recovery Ministry In Fulfilling The Great Commission, Richard Nichols
Dirty Discipleship: The Essential Nature Of Recovery Ministry In Fulfilling The Great Commission, Richard Nichols
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Christians are commanded to bear one another’s burdens with the specific purpose of restoring them in fellowship with God and others. One of the greatest areas of slavery in America is found within issues related to abuse, abandonment, and addictions. Recovery ministries seek to help people who have been broken by these issues. The Great Commission commands believers to make disciples of every nation. Recovery ministry is discipleship in the hardest areas of life and is dirtier and messier than many Christians wish to get. The purpose of this project is to present the need for every church to be …
Starving Marriage: Seven Recipes For Nourishing Intimacy, Richard Daniel
Starving Marriage: Seven Recipes For Nourishing Intimacy, Richard Daniel
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Connecting with your spouse has become a demanding undertaking in a world full of commotion. Marriage relationships are bleeding to death because of the lack of time that couples spend together. Husbands and wives are starving themselves of the much-needed social, psychological, physical, and spiritual provisions that nourish a vigorous bond. The marriage relationship is difficult and often described as the most important earthly relationship that one can have. In this flawed world, the objective of marriage should be to strive to perfect the imperfection of two souls who have been joined by God to fulfill their mission of glorifying …
Identification, Intervention, And Implementation Of A Church Substance-Abuse Program For Twenty-Six To Forty-Six Year Olds, Michael Schmidt
Identification, Intervention, And Implementation Of A Church Substance-Abuse Program For Twenty-Six To Forty-Six Year Olds, Michael Schmidt
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Peer-reviewed empirical research indicates that the church can improve how it equips ministers to reach out to twenty-six to forty-six year olds suffering from substance abuse. This thesis project will help ministers evaluate, rethink, and implement better addiction-outreach programs. It is the intent of this thesis project to guide ministers and church workers, to give them levelheaded, real-world, hands-on, sensible solutions in order to see clear-cut positive progress in their outreach program to substance abusers. This thesis will answer the question: Is the church doing a good job of identifying and ministering to substance-abusing addicts? This doctoral thesis will provide …
A Study On The Principles And Methods Of A Retreat Program For The Spiritual Growth Of Youth With A Focus On The United Retreat Ministry In South Korea, Eunho Lee
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this thesis is to help Korean churches create more effective retreats for the spiritual growth of their youth. Most of the youth in Korean churches participate in spiritual retreats during their summer and winter vacations. In the past, many of the youth converted or recovered their faith through retreats. Nowadays, the Korean youth are exposed to all sorts of secularized culture and media, which result in the deterioration of their spirituality. Therefore, it is a major challenge for youth ministry in Korean churches to have their youth experience personal spiritual growth at retreats. The writer has organized …
The Dying Of The American Church: Five Biblical Principles For Revival, Stan Mars
The Dying Of The American Church: Five Biblical Principles For Revival, Stan Mars
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The majority of churches in America continue to suffer a numerical plateau or a decline in church growth. As a result of disobedience to God to follow His commandments in the making of disciples, the church also suffers from a flat lined, virtually non-existent, adult conversion rate. People of the world who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are not being evangelized by the church using the first century process of discipleship and therefore, the numbers of conversions to Christ are dismal. The modern day American Church needs to return to the first century process of …
The Church Is Familial And Is Built On Spiritually Strong Families, Yat Lau
The Church Is Familial And Is Built On Spiritually Strong Families, Yat Lau
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Christ’s headship of the church has strong parallels to the husband’s headship of the family unit. As postmodernism, socio-economic factors, egalitarianism, globalization and shifts in the communicational processes drive inter-generational issues to greater heights, insidiously tear families apart—relationally, intellectually and spiritually. On the other hand, the church models the world through its discipleship programs, organization structures and has asserted itself as the spiritual head of the home. This paper will survey Christian young adults to identify key influences on their spiritual formation and family ministries the church provide to support families. The paper will provide a critique on family-equipping ministries …
Spiritual Formation: A Model To Strengthen The Mission, Operation, And Commitment Of African American Churches, Anthony Bailey
Spiritual Formation: A Model To Strengthen The Mission, Operation, And Commitment Of African American Churches, Anthony Bailey
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Spiritual formation, the practice of intentional spiritual disciplines like fasting, silence, studying, and fellowship, should be the heart of growth in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina small churches. This practice assists congregants in developing closeness with God and relationships with others. Amidst a steady decline in national church attendance since 1992, few of today’s African-American Church ministries address the need for spiritual formation. This thesis explores this critical issue at the local level through interviews with pastors and church leaders, who describe their churches’ current efforts to foster spiritual formation in congregants. The findings are used to propose a model for local …
A Non-Voluntarist Theory: An Alternative Evangelical Apologetic For Dealing With The Euthyphro Dilemma, Evan Posey
A Non-Voluntarist Theory: An Alternative Evangelical Apologetic For Dealing With The Euthyphro Dilemma, Evan Posey
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This dissertation presents an alternative response to the Euthyphro dilemma that will be referred to as the Non-Voluntarist Theory. It offers a critical evaluation of contemporary evangelical divine command theories to demonstrate the inherent ambiguity as they relate to Divine Command Theory, and their lack of apologetic force for answering the Euthyphro dilemma. To accomplish this task, it is important to understand how the Euthyphro Dilemma relates to theology and apologetics in general, and the contemporary attempts to ground objective moral values and duties in particular. The topic relates to theology, since one’s response to the Euthyphro Dilemma can implicitly …
Equipping A Local Congregation For Saturation Evangelism At The Emmaus Missionary Baptist Church, Willie David Mcclung Ii
Equipping A Local Congregation For Saturation Evangelism At The Emmaus Missionary Baptist Church, Willie David Mcclung Ii
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of the research project was to determine if a local church has failed to equip the congregation with the tools needed to share their faith, and saturate the local community with the Gospel message; and if so, to provide immediate training and test the results for its effectiveness at the Emmaus Missionary Baptist Church, Owings Mills, Maryland. Participants heard four consecutively evangelistic sermons, which were preached during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. In addition, after each sermon the participants attended a workshop that covered: (1) The biblical mandate, biblical definition, and meaning of evangelism; (2) The biblical method …
The Study On The Problems Of The Current Korean Churches, Hai Lee
The Study On The Problems Of The Current Korean Churches, Hai Lee
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Christianity in South Korean experienced unusually rapid growth for almost 100 years: The revival of church members, the growth of prayer, worship, and evangelism. However, current Korean churches face many problems that have stopped the growth, and actually put the Korean church in a decline. The problems, but are not limited to, are unethical aspects of pastor; including tax problem, huge church constructions, and loving materials. Korean churches should know why these kinds of problems occur and what the solutions are. There are many studies regarding the development of Korean churches but there are few studies examining the problems of …
The Transitioning Of A Non-Functional Church Into A Functional Church: The Great Commission Commandment Mandate, Charlie Williams
The Transitioning Of A Non-Functional Church Into A Functional Church: The Great Commission Commandment Mandate, Charlie Williams
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
From conception, America has embraced the Christian church as its cornerstone. However, as noted by Barnes and Lowry, “Church attendance has decreased substantially in recent years in comparison to the 1950s and 60s. The majority of Americans do not attend church on a regular basis.” This thesis project will research churches with regards to their effectiveness and will both isolate and analyze the characteristics of churches that fit into operative categories. A survey using a quantitative research instrument, such as the Likert Measurement Scale, will examine the New Hope Missionary Baptist Association of North Carolina. The survey’s purpose will be …
Leadership Principles And Applications For Establishing A Christ-Centered Church In South Korea, Dongho Cho
Leadership Principles And Applications For Establishing A Christ-Centered Church In South Korea, Dongho Cho
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this project is to provide a Christ-centered, biblical Great Commission model for Presbyterian Church pastors in South Korea. Pastor Hanhum Ok said that there are many programs and forms without the spiritual vitality in the Korean Church. Many attractional churches attract people by relying heavily on programs that often alter the focus of believers onto the programs themselves and prevent them from focusing on Jesus Christ. To ensure that the church—the body of Christ—remains faithful to its biblical mandates, thesis project argues that the pastors must have leadership principles and applications in accordance to the Christ-centered biblical …
Are Christian College Students Equipped To Share Their Faith With Their Muslim Friends?: A Plan Of Action, Tim Orr
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
According to Pew Research Center, the U.S. Muslim population will double by 2030. Training the church to reach this group of people is vital. This project proposes that the Christian college is the best resource to train students to reach their Muslim friends and neighbors for Christ because these institutions have at their disposal a rich reservoir of resources that are vital to providing the biblical, theological, missiological, sociological, and cross-cultural knowledge that is necessary to be effective witnesses for Christ. The project also identifies four important components to successful ministry to Muslims. The four components include spiritual vitality, cultural …
An Analysis Of Causes And Impacts Of Depression In Pastors, Derienzia Johnson
An Analysis Of Causes And Impacts Of Depression In Pastors, Derienzia Johnson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Depression is becoming more common in pastors because of the stress and strains of ministry, as well as other personal issues. Therefore, this analysis looks into how different mechanisms such as social support and traditional religious values tend to function across different groups of the religious community. The purpose of this study is to understand the issues that would cause a pastor to become depressed and also to devise a plan of action that will provide alternatives to dealing with depression in a positive and healthy manner. This analysis will expand on existing literature and reports that argue on both …
A Compassionate And Caring Guide For Those Suffering With Hiv/Aids In The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Sandra Gripper
A Compassionate And Caring Guide For Those Suffering With Hiv/Aids In The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Sandra Gripper
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This project will develop a hands-on practical Train- the-Trainer Resource Guide to implement caring HIV/AIDS ministries for the local churches in the Carolina Region of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. It will become an evangelistic tool to reach and empower the most marginalized in society that will provide resources leading to transformative ministries. Many lack understanding regarding those who suffer with HIV/AIDS, and winning over those who possess judgmental attitudes and fears keeps the church at odds with those living with this disease. Nonetheless, appropriate exposure to caring HIV/AIDS ministries can empower the disenfranchised and strengthen the faith community …
Spiritual Innovation: A Faith-Based Model To Equip Men To Become The Spiritual Leaders For The American Family In Crisis, Leonard Kitchens
Spiritual Innovation: A Faith-Based Model To Equip Men To Become The Spiritual Leaders For The American Family In Crisis, Leonard Kitchens
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The American culture is experiencing the degradation of the family. James Dobson describes this as “America in peril.” This is not solely because of lack of spiritual leadership in the household, but the lack of which is a prominent factor for the American family in crisis. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of 203 Christian men, this doctoral project identifies shortfalls, provides evidence of biblical responsibility, and develops a model to assist Christian men to lead their families spiritually, which is the mandate of God. Proposing a faith-based approach to preserving the Christian family, this thesis underlines the importance of the …
A Strategic Plan To Develop A Healthy Church, Jeffrey Hackley
A Strategic Plan To Develop A Healthy Church, Jeffrey Hackley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Not all churches are healthy; however, to be effective, churches must be healthy. The purpose of this thesis project is to assist pastors in developing strategies for church health. When the work of evangelism is a stated goal, the greatest catalyst for the community is the presence of a healthy church. This thesis project will clarify the biblical definition and purpose of the church and describe the characteristics of church health as suggested by experts. This thesis project will also share a brief history, vision, and ministry example of church health, and analyze and evaluate the current condition of Mount …
A Call To Excellence: Leadership Training And Mentoring Manual For Women In Ministry In The Twenty-First Century, Verna Mazak
A Call To Excellence: Leadership Training And Mentoring Manual For Women In Ministry In The Twenty-First Century, Verna Mazak
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The growth of women in leadership within the local church is at an all-time high. These women face tremendous obstacles as they seek to lead the twenty-first century church. This thesis investigates the role of African American women in the Black Baptist church to identify skills necessary for successful leadership within the denomination. Going beyond analysis and exploration, it answers the question of how to develop a training and mentorship program specifically designed to prepare African-American women for excellence in leadership. A survey of fifty church staff and members of various Black Baptist churches was conducted to determine the perspective …
A Manual For An Evangelical State Prison Chaplaincy, Aaron Mobley
A Manual For An Evangelical State Prison Chaplaincy, Aaron Mobley
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This thesis will include the practical guidelines for prison chaplaincy in local state Department of Corrections. The goal would be to develop an instruction manual for new evangelical ministers entering into the State Prison Chaplaincy. Prison chaplains are frequently unprepared for ministry to incarcerated individuals. Chaplaincy is a difficult position and the prison environment adds to the difficulty. Too often Chaplains are under trained which magnifies the complexity of the position. In the prison environment they are trained in security issues but the religious issues are left untouched. This manual will assist newly hired Chaplains to become better acquainted with …
Five Challenges To Disciple Making And Strategies To Address Them, Leonard Baldwin
Five Challenges To Disciple Making And Strategies To Address Them, Leonard Baldwin
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
In today’s society, the church has missed an opportunity to make a definite impact on the lives of the congregations. Disciple making has all but disappeared from the life of the church. This has left the church with a lot of members but very few disciples. The purpose of this project is to develop five strategies to help pastors and lay leaders address the discipleship challenges in the church. The five areas that will be addressed are theology, tradition, training, time, and transparency. Each challenge will be addressed individually and a strategy developed for that challenge. This project will provide …
Spirit-Empowered Discipleship In Acts, Yan Chai
Spirit-Empowered Discipleship In Acts, Yan Chai
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Discipleship study had unavoidably been focused on the Gospels, and rightfully so. Whereas missions and church planting tended to occupy centre stage in the study of the book of Acts, and discipleship was often overshadowed. Nevertheless, Spirit-empowered discipleship, undoubtedly, had played a crucial role in the explosive growth of the early church. The purpose of this project is to utilize the four “E” principles of discipleship implicit in Acts: empowerment, exhortation, encouragement and exaltation to galvanize growth in Faith Hope Love Chinese church. It shall investigate the discipleship pattern that existed, apply the underlying principles given, and subsequently, analyze the …