Practical Theology Commons^™

The Development And Implementation Of A Pilot Training Course In Pastoral Diagnosis For Six Pastors In The Lake Region Conference, Richard D.B. Sylvester

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This study was an examination of the counseling style of six pastors and to determine if they have a clearly defined method of informing their interventions.

Method

The task of this dissertation was to design a curriculum to train a pilot group of six pastors in the Lake Region Conference to do spiritual diagnoses and assessments and to have a better psychological understanding of diagnosing in their pastoral ministry. They learned how to integrate spirituality and psychology into their counseling. They were also taught some DSM-IV concepts and how to use the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale.

I …

A Strategy For Revitalization And Growth Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Iceland, Jorgen Eric Gudmundsson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Topic

This dissertation analyzes the growth pattern of the Adventist church in Iceland from its inception about a hundred years ago to the present and presents an objective portrayal of the future possibilities of church growth on the island and develops a practical strategy of revitalization of the church.

The Purpose

The proposed strategy presented in this project aims at increasing the quality of life of the Icelandic Adventist churches, raising their self-identity and sense of mission, and strengthening their ability to reach the community and to grow.

The Sources

A Biblical theological rationale for this program is set …

Manos A La Obra: Un Seminario Para Fomentar El Trabajo En Equipo En La Iglesia Adventista Maranatha De Grand Rapids, Michigan, Basado En El Modelo De Liderazgo De Nehemías, Antonio M. Rosario

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The purpose of this dissertation was to promote the use of work teams in the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. A team is defined as a group of individuals who keep a reciprocal relationship and coordinate their tasks regularly in order to achieve a common goal. Unilateral decision-making and unidirectional communication are incompatible with the basic nature of the church.

This project develops a training program for team leaders at the local church, based on the leadership principles derived from the life and ministry of Nehemiah. In the study of the literature, Nehemiah stands out as a model …

A Strategy For Developing Holistic Churches In London: A Case Study Of North Wembley Seventh-Day Adventist Community Church, Steve A. Thomas

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The lack of space for growing membership and to house ministries had allowed the members and officers to live with no clear picture of what they were supposed to be doing and where they were going as a church. The concept of developing a strategic plan and planning for progress was almost foreign to many. Because of these learned habits it was increasingly difficult to gain support for an increase in planned activities. Scheduled programs and activities were not supported. The laity was lacking in motivation for gospel work and had not been adequately trained for mission work. Members …

Building A Place Of Worship: The Journey Of The Downsview Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Toronto, Kenneth Roy Campbell

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Purpose

The purpose of this dissertation is to outline the process of constructing a new place of worship for the Downsview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Toronto, Canada. It can also serve to help other church congregations design and build appropriate places of worship.

Problem

The Downsview Church had been renting worship space for more than sixteen years. The use of rented space made fulfilling the mission of the church difficult for a variety of reasons. A new physical place of worship for the church was essential.

Method

In this dissertation, I examine biblical and theological principles for building places of …

Recurso 01-Evangelismo Relacional, Linc-Dallas

Evangelismo

Recurso 01-Evangelismo relacional

2005 - 87th Annual Bible Lectureship, "Since You Have Been Risen With Christ", Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christianity University

Lectureship and Summit Programs

No abstract provided.

Liberation Theology Of Disability And The Option For The Poor, Scot Danforth

Education Faculty Articles and Research

A liberation theology of disability provides a spiritual discourse that unites a critical analysis of the economic dimensions of disability oppression with an appreciation for the lived experience of disabled persons. This paper builds from prior liberation theology scholarship and the Catholic theological concept called the preferential option for the poor to articulate a liberation theology of disability marked by critical social analysis, humility, hope, and love.

A Survey And Analysis Of Marital And Religious Perspectives Among First-Generation Chinese Seventh-Day Adventists In North America, John Kam-Hong Lee

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Most Chinese immigrants have experienced a great cultural shock in North America, and have been influenced by Western materialism and secularism. Their marriages and families are also affected by the environment and the secular society. Since Chinese Adventists in North America are exposed to secular influences, the traditional perception of marriage is undermined.

Method

Surveys were mailed to approximately a thousand individuals in Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Churches and Companies in North America. Additional surveys were hand-delivered to Church members. There was no attempt made to select a sample from the population in a random fashion. Consequently, the findings should …

Desarrollo De Una Escuela De Discipulado En La Iglesia Del SéPtimo DíA De Chino, California, Misael De La Cruz

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The biblical concept of discipleship consists in training and equipping people so they can become responsible Christians. The idea of equipping church members for the ministry appears often in the New Testament. According to Paul, the work of equipping is a joint effort between the Deity and the Christian leader: “And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:11, 12, NIV). The word “equipping” comes from the Greek katartizo, which means to prepare, equip, or perfect, as translated in other Bible …

Equipping The Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Zimbabwe For Grief Ministry: A Culturally Sensitive Approach, Simbarashe Nyasha Musvosvi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Problem

Zimbabwe faces a predicament in which the mortality rate is rising while support for grieving people is declining. At the same time the Zimbabwean culture is rapidly changing because o f the impact of Christianity, urbanization, Western influences, and HIV/AIDS. Church leaders are not always in agreement on what rites are appropriate for Christians. These factors often result in inadequate support from the extended family, the community, and the church.

Method

This dissertation discusses the challenges that confront the Seventh-day Adventist church in Zimbabwe in ministering to the bereaved. My purpose was to design a training program for …

Development Of An Evangelism Model For The Silver Springs Shores Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Creaton Leopold Francis

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

From 1994 to 2003, the Silver Springs Shores Seventh-day Adventist Church in Florida had difficulty attracting and retaining members despite yearly evangelistic crusades and other efforts at soul winning. The purpose of this project was to develop and introduce a plan designed in response to this challenge, one tailored toward the specific needs of the Silver Springs Shores Church.

Method

In order to develop a model that would specifically address the needs of Silver Springs Shores Seventh-day Adventist Church, a thorough demographic study of the local community was conducted. The project entailed a feasibility study of the community and …

A Discipleship Model For Evangelism In Northeast Brazil, Emilio Abdala Dutra

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Churches in Northeast Brazil (NB), including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, have been growing rapidly. Their numerical growth is phenomenal by any estimation. However, these churches are growing numerically and not in depth. We see a discipleship deficit among new believers in the form of a high rate of backdoor losses, unawareness of the meaning and duties of discipleship, spiritually undisciplined members, absence of intentional relationships to share faith, biblical illiteracy, and lack of church fellowship. How can churches in Northeast Brazil grow in quality, reproducing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ?

Method

Current literature related to the problem was reviewed, …

A Pilot Grief Ministry Program To Equip Grief Ministry Facilitators In The Local Adventist Churches, Joyce Marie Hatchett

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

There is a need for a visible and effective Seventh-day Adventist Grief Ministry Training Program that is theologically sound and culturally sensitive that will serve the bereavement needs of both the local Seventh-day Adventist congregation(s) and others in the community.

Method

For this study, I used formative evaluation, sometimes referred to as pilot testing. Formative Evaluation has two goals: (1) To gain understanding through observation and soliciting responses of participants concerning how the curriculum and instructional processes might be improved; and (2) to develop strategies for improving the curriculum and instructional process. This pilot training program was held September …

Developing A Deeper Understanding Of God: A Strategy For Revitalizing The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Croatia, Miroslav Didara

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Adventism in Croatia will soon celebrate its one hundredth anniversary. The church is becoming increasingly traditional and formal. Baptisms have been in decline for the last ten years. Gradually the less important issues such as life style, worship style, music, and food have become a focus. It seems that many members have lost sight of what genuine Christianity is all about, not knowing the difference between form and meanings and unconsciously moving towards formalism and legalism. Therefore, there is a need for personal and corporate spiritual renewal which can only come through a deeper understanding of God and by …

Ministry To The Black Middle Class: Strategies For Churches In Transition, Dedrick L. Blue

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Between 1944 and 1997 over 1 million Black people in the United States rose from poverty to middle class status. Increased upward mobility has brought an increased social mobility. Middle class Blacks are moving into close proximity to predominantly White suburban Seventh-day Adventist churches. Simultaneously, the out-migration of the Black middle class from urban areas to suburbia has created not only an economic drain, but also has fostered class tensions within the Black urban church. If churches are to be successful in the recruitment and retention of the Black middle class, then ministry approaches must be developed to address …

Have Adventists Abandoned The Biblical Model Of Leadership Of The Local Church?, P. Gerard Damsteegt

Faculty Publications

This paper describes the development of leadership of the local church since the days of the early Adventist pioneers till today. It compares this development with the New Testament model of leadership and draws conclusions how to bring the current situation in harmony with the biblical model of local church leadership.

Living Waters: An Invitation To Contemplative Spirituality For The Quail Springs Church Of Christ, Wyatt E. Fenno

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project addressed an acknowledged need for ministry action to promote and facilitate communal spiritual formation in the present and future life of the Quail Springs Church of Christ. The focus of the project was to present a model of contemplative spirituality determined to be accessible to the ministry context at Quail Springs. In addressing the problem of community fragmentation at Quail Springs, this model was offered as a means of grace to deepen faith and strengthen relationships in church life at Quail Springs. A pilot group of six women and six men served as the working group for this …

“God’S Unswerving Purpose”: Session One Manhattan Christian College, October 1981, Donald Mcgavran

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In 1981, Donald McGavran presented a series of lectures at Manhattan Christian college. Over the next few journals, we will publish this series in a continuing effort to honor McGavran and his legacy of Church Growth Missiology. —Editor

The Mother Church And Church Planting, J. D. Payne

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

In this article, I will address several issues related to a much neglected area of church planting. First, I will discuss three reasons why churches are not involved in church planting. Second, I will address this problem in light of the Scriptures and missiology. Third, I will list and respond to the most common objections to becoming a mother church. Fourth, I will discuss several ways in which established churches can become involved in church planting. Finally, I will address the significance of church leadership in the churches planting churches process.

The Need For A Biblical Theology Of Holistic Mission, Wagner Kuhn

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Twisted Kisses (The President's Page), Larry L. Lichtenwalter

Perspective Digest

No abstract provided.

Toward A Collision With Eternity? (The President's Page), Larry L. Lichtenwalter

Perspective Digest

No abstract provided.

Creation And The Adventist Church (The Associate Editor's Desk), Gerhard Pfandl

Perspective Digest

No abstract provided.

The Divine Authority Of Preaching And Applying The Word: Ellen G. White's Perspective In Relation To Evangelical Viewpoints, Nestor C. Rilloma

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

No abstract provided.

La Depresión En El Ministro Adventista Del Séptimo Día, De Las Uniones Interoceánica Y Sur De México: Una Aproximación De Sus Causas, Incidencia Y Posibles Soluciones, David Manuel Pacheco Cocom

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Today depression affects millions. Its causes include social and psychosocial factors, as well as physical problems. The adverse atmosphere of the large cities, together with the speed of change and the stress of modem life, foster depression It has been recognized that persons in helping professions, ministers among them, are more prone to depression than others. Much is expected of pastors, both by their parishioners and their superiors. Often they work long hours and thus forego the support of their families. With these factors in mind, I studied depression among Seventh-day Adventist pastors in southern Mexico, looking for its frequency …

Planting Adventist Communities Of Faith Among Muslims In Unentered Areas Of The Balkans, Milan Bajic

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The purpose of this research was to develop and equip the church for the implementation of a workable strategy for reaching a large population of about eight million secular Muslims in the Balkans who have never been systematically confronted with the gospel.

Method

This study describes the history, culture, and religion of the Balkans, analyzes socioeconomic and political developments of its Muslim population, examines methods of evangelism and suggests a strategy based on sound biblical and missiological principles for work among the Balkan Muslims.

Results

The outcome of this project will be the development of a contextualized method for …

Increasing Pastoral Job Satisfaction And Efficiency In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Hungary, Andras Szilvasi

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The number of pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hungary increased significantly since 1989. In 2002, 70 percent of the pastors had less than fifteen years in ministry. The members’ expectations of their pastor have changed and become widely polarized. Since there is not an evaluation and affirmation system in place, many of the pastors struggle to find satisfaction in pastoral work. One of the major premises of this project is that pastors are central figures in the church and the success of God’s work is largely dependent on how effectively pastors function.

Method

A Myers-Briggs Type Indicator …

A Strategy For The Motivation Of The Uninvolved Church Member: A Pilot Project In The Gloucester Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Michael G. Hamilton

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

In the average Seventh-day Adventist church in the South England Conference the pastor is often not equipped with the time and the resources to conduct an adequate training and education program for the uninvolved member. Spiritual Gifts seminars, outreach, and witnessing seminars are often conducted away from the local church and are largely supported only by those who are already deeply committed, but the shy, introverted, and uninformed member is increasingly uninvolved in the work of soul winning and the local ministries, and is not involved in the training activities of the church.

Method

A church involvement survey was …

The Multi-Site Movement, Dave Ferguson

Journal of the American Society for Church Growth

There are now at least 1500 multi-site churches in the United States. No longer does a church have to only have one branch, one location, or one campus. This article presents and analyzes data collected by Leadership Network in a survey they conducted with over 1000 multi-site churches.