Practical Theology Commons^™

Education Evangelism: Sixteen Best Practices For School Outreach, Paul Steinberg

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students from non-Christian homes are coming in unprecedented numbers to Christian schools in the Milwaukee area due to the unique school voucher program begun in 2001. Each of the Christian schools in the voucher program, including the one where this writer serves, is searching for the best evangelism tactics. This new frontier can learn from the outreach efforts of Milwaukee's Lutheran voucher schools.
Pioneering experience, articles and interviews will reveal the history and practice of ministry in the voucher program and look toward the future. Surveys of ministry leaders will explain the results of different strategies. Surveys and interviews of …

Some Historical Perspectives On The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Homosexuality, H. Peter Swanson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Finance Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Leonard D. Van Drunen

Theology of Work Project

1. What Finance Is
2. God’s Purposes for Finance
   • Finance Helps Reveal the Glory of God’s Creation
   • Finance Helps Us Fulfill the Creation Mandate to Be Good Stewards
   • Finance Can Be a Means of Justice and Love
3. The Foundations of Finance are Created by God
   • We are Timebound
   • We are Social
   • We are Heterogeneous
   • We Act as Agents
   • We Make Promises
   • We Are Not Omniscient
   • We Create Resources for a Future that We Do Not Know
   • We Are Risk Takers
   • Conclusion to the Foundations of Finance are Created by God
4. Financial Institutions
   • Currency
   • Intermediaries
     • Can we really love someone through intermediaries?
   • Instruments …

Insights From Growing Churches In North America, S. Joseph Kidder

Faculty Publications

This article attempts to outline some of the challenges the Adventist Church in the North American Division (NAD) faces today and then develop an effective model for evangelistic ministry to overcome these challenges.

A House For Sale, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

This presentation is intended to elucidate the fact that Christ is in heaven preparing a home for us, which is free of charge. However, there is an obligation on the part of each human being of choosing to accept this free gift. This PowerPoint outlines what the prerequisites and guidelines are to be able to receive a home in heaven, and eternal life.

The Equipping Church Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Alistair Mackenzie

Theology of Work Project

1. What is God’s Mission in the World?
2. How does human work connect to God’s work?
3. What does this mean for people’s daily work?
4. How can we equip our people for God’s work in the world?
   • Equipping churches have a vision of God at work where their people work
   • Equipping churches actively hunt for examples and resources
   • Equipping churches connect daily work to worship
   • Equipping churches address the opportunities and challenges their people face at work
   • Equipping churches invest resources in equipping people for daily work
   • Equipping churches create structures to sustain this ministry
   • Equipping churches empower and collaborate with people …

Differentiation Of Self And Leadership Effectiveness In Christian Clergy: A Mixed Methods Study., Gregory D. Wasberg

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"The present study utilized a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between self-differentiation and leadership effectiveness among 97 pastors in leadership positions from a variety of Christian religious denominations. Participants completed the Differentiation of Self and Role for Clergy and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Results of this study suggest that pastors performing in leadership roles have higher levels of self-differentiation than pastors performing in non-leadership roles and that self-differentiation was moderately and positively correlated with the transformational leadership components of intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. For the qualitative portion of the study, fourteen pastors participated in telephone interviews about their …

From The Other Side: Funeral Directors Talk About The Changing Face Of Funerals, Mark A. Granquist

Faculty Publications

This report of interviews with funeral directors will provide pastors with insight on funeral trends from the side of these professionals. More, it might serve as an impetus for useful conversations between pastors and funeral directors in their areas.

Corporate Worship’S Pedagogy, Cullyn Curtis

Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Papers

No abstract provided.

The Sanctified Life: Modesty Is Not The Best Policy, Ali C. Ferin

Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Papers

No abstract provided.

"Another Way": The Pneumatology Of Deleuzean Minoritarian Communal Interpretation In Scripture, The 16th Century Radical Reformation, And Alternative 21st Century Anabaptist Community, Jeremy Garber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation proposes a constructive theology of the Holy Spirit called the "pneumatology of minoritarian communal interpretation," the alternative creation of meaning within an oppressive majority context. It illustrates the convergence of Deleuzean philosophy with Anabaptist pneumatology and media communal interpretation theory in three particular locations: 1) selected mentions of the Holy Spirit in the Hebrew Bible and Christian New Testament; 2) the 16th century Radical Reformation; and 3) "Another Way," a 21st century alternative Anabaptist group focused around the spiritual discussion of art and popular media. Chapter One outlines the three theories. Chapter Two examines the Holy Spirit in …

Developing Servant-Leaders Through Service-Learning At A Southwest Christian University: A Quasi-Experimental Study., D. B. Meinecke

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"this study investigated the effectiveness of service-learning as pedagogy for developing servant-leaders. Participants included 97 students at a faith-based southwest christian university. Fifty-seven of the participants were enrolled in a 15-week servicelearning course (experimental group) and 40 participants were enrolled in similar non-service-learning courses (comparison group). all participants completed the Servant Leadership Questionnaire (SLQ) as a pretest and posttest during the semester. Demographic information was collected in order to determine the participants’ age, gender, grade level, major, previous leadership training, and previous number of service-learning courses. Findings indicated that a student’s major or group (experimental or comparison) made no significant …

The Bottom Line: Friend Or Foe? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Gunter was reeling. The board of Mastech had brought him in as CEO to move the company forward. He had been selected not only because of his proven business skills, but because he cared about people. Now the board was adamant: “You’re just being soft, Gunter. You care about people so much you’re not making the tough decisions. You’ll never improve the bottom line of this company unless you start swinging the axe. Get to it, or…um…the axe may fall on you!” The directive hit Gunter right in the gut. For a year he had been trying to build a …

Appropriating The Principles Of L'Arche For The Transformation Of Church Curricula, Nathan Goldbloom

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates several of the principles on which L’Arche is based, which are articulated in Jean Vanier’s writings: belonging, vulnerability, peace, spirituality, communion, and celebration. These six principles are analyzed with the objective of ascertaining their relevance for the Church as a whole and how they might be used to enrich and enhance programs of Christian education and spiritual formation in local congregations.

Responses To A Sunday School Curriculum On Mental Illness In The Church, Megan M. Hamshar

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores perceptions and attitudes toward mental illness in the church through a literature review of existing research in psychology, supported by a qualitative study of participants in a Sunday School series on mental illness. The four-week course was taught in a class of adults in their twenties and thirties in a Free Methodist church. The results from the study largely support the empirical literature that suggests the church holds primarily negative perceptions and attitudes toward mental illness and the persons it affects. However, the study also suggested that education may encourage self-analysis of negative attitudes and behaviors toward …

When Work And Family Collide (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Maria had been preparing for this day for several months, and now her Saturday morning piano recital was nearly here. Best of all, her daddy would be coming! Her excitement helped her overlook all the times he’d had to miss such events because of his work. Then, just a day before the recital, her dad’s boss called. Would history repeat? Would he be called out of town again? From what Maria overheard, she knew her dad was doing his best to get out of making the trip. But as soon as he hung up it was obvious he was unsuccessful. …

The Multiethnic Church As A Reflection Of God's Image: A Focus On Reconciliation In A Local Congregation, Jodi C. Gatlin

Seattle Pacific Seminary Projects

This thesis seeks to discover whether or not a focus on reconciliation in a local church can prompt the congregation to engage their multiethnic neighborhood and become a more diverse church. It argues that in the midst of a broken and hurting world the multiethnic congregation offers a reflection of the image of God and a message of hope to the world. Specifically, this project will explore the question, “Can a focus on reconciliation in the local church lead to an increase of social and cultural engagement by its congregants that produces positive change in the surrounding community?” As a …

Accountability In A Compassionate Enterprise (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Dr. Gonzales was a highly skilled dentist who came across to his patients as unusually caring and compassionate. He took extra time so clients were reassured and understood the procedures they were walking through. He occasionally provided services without charge for those who couldn’t afford them, and followed up to make sure his patients were making good progress. However there was a problem with some members of his staff. They took advantage of their boss’s tender nature, cutting corners in ways that would never be permitted in a demanding, no-nonsense workplace. They didn’t feel accountable. Dr. Gonzales needed to make …

The Frustrated Customer (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

It had been one of those long, aggravating days—the kind where the nerves of everyone in the company were on edge. At least it’s almost over, thought Carlos, the customer service representative for Ace Windows and Doors. Just as he reached for his coat, his phone rang. “I’ve tried for half an hour, and I can’t get your Model SD 92 storm door to lock properly,” said the frustrated customer. Carlos knew this complaint and knew instantly the caller hadn’t even cracked the owner’s manual. “Listen,” said Carlos, “I’ll just bet anything you haven’t read the instructions that came with …

Can You Love Your Employees? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Samantha thought the advice of her grad school professor was a little unusual—words given her as she was about to launch her career: “Don’t get too close to your co-workers,” he said. “You never know when you’re going to have to fire someone, and you don’t want to fire your close friends.” Soon Samantha was moving up the ranks at Agile, a large pharmaceutical firm, and had several associates reporting to her. Reading a book on leadership, she was drawn to the story of Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach of Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers in the late ’50s. She …

When Do You Fire Your Customer? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

The senior management of Software Dynamics, Inc. had just completed its Business Roadmap, spelling out SDI’s Vision, Mission, Values and Guiding Principles. One section described the company’s position toward its customers: “We realize we are dependent on close relationships with our clients, and will go the extra mile to assure we are meeting their requirements and serving their needs.” Shortly after, the purchasing agent for one of SDI’s largest customers asked to meet privately with Paul, SDI’s sales manager. It was soon clear he wanted more than good service, delivery and competitive pricing. He wanted a personal “commission,” a percentage …

Faith: How Open Can You Be? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Findlay debated with himself for some time, and then made a conscious decision to leave a Bible on his desk at work. Since becoming a believer he wanted to let others know about his newfound faith, and had concluded this small step could open some doors. It didn’t take long for Findlay to get a response. Into his office walked the Manager of Human Relations: “My friend, what is that? Have you become one of those?” A chill went down Findlay’s spine. He knew his next words were important, so he lifted a quick prayer for what to say. “Ahh, …

Seeking Peace, Lmu Center For Ignatian Spirituality

Books

No abstract provided.

Recovered Memories And Accusations Of Sexual Abuse: A Review Of Scientific Research Relevant To Missionary Contexts, David R. Dunaetz

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

Childhood sexual abuse of missionary children is a tragedy that mission organizations are seeking to prevent. A second tragedy concerns missionaries falsely accused of sexual abuse. Psychotherapy that generated false memories of sexual abuse was common in the 1980s and 1990s and still continues to some degree today in Christian circles. This chapter reviews scientific evidence that such false memories exist and provides guidelines that Christian organizations may use to help sort true memories of childhood sexual abuse from false memories of childhood sexual abuse.

Thinking With Nostra Aetate: From The New Pluralism To Comparative Theology, Mathew N. Schmalz

Religious Studies Faculty Scholarship

A consideration of the Vatican II document Nostra Aetate specifically in relation to comparative theology and theologies of religious pluralism. The article discusses two noted Catholic theologians: Paul Griffiths and Francis X. Clooney. The article also considers Pope Francis and the implications of his washing the feet of non-Christians. The article was published in Asian Horizons, a peer reviewed journal published by Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram in Bangalore, India

Professional Missionary, Amateur Father: Using Missiological Principles And Family Systems Theory To Raise An Emotionally Healthy Family., David R. Dunaetz, Stephen S. Lambert

Selected Faculty Publications

Missionary fathers are sometimes better equipped to undertake the missionary task than to be successful husbands and fathers in stressful, cross-cultural contexts. This paper examines several missiological principles which are congruent with family systems theory that can help missionary fathers ensure the success of their family life.

Book Review Of Family Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide, 2nd Ed., By Diana Garland, 2012., David Sedlacek

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

1 Corinthians 11:2 - 16 And The Ordination Of Women To Pastoral Ministry, Teresa Reeve

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to explore what guidance the instruction of Paul to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 may give regarding the ordination of women to pastoral ministry.

Dropping Out: An Examination Of Missionary Attrition Phenomena Within The Africa Gospel Church, Reuben Kipkirui Langat

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Piecing It Together: Spiritual Tinkering From An Orthodox Perspective, R. C. Miessler

All Musselman Library Staff Works

Book Summary: Churches in the U.S. are grappling with unprecedented change. Financial challenges, globalization, the digital revolution and church-dividing topics are taking a toll on the institution and membership. Americans are increasingly not affiliating themselves with any religion, including one third of adults under 30.

In light of all this, what is the future of the churches? In For Such a Time as This: Young Adults on the Future of the Church, Christian young adults offer an invigorating, new, and timely word on issues such as eco-justice, immigration, interfaith relations, peace and justice, and inclusivity of those on the …