Practical Theology Commons^™

Church Hospitality: A Biblical Model For Growth Based On The Seven Churches In Revelation, Gesner Noel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Church growth seeks both to actualize the precepts of the "Great Commission", to attract new members and sustain current congregation. One of the fundamental problems is the inability to preserve hospitality. The pertinence of hospitality to the Church originates from Scriptures that clearly exemplify Christ's deeds and teachings of hospitality. This thesis project will investigate the seven churches in Revelation and reveal factors of outstanding and inhospitable practices in relation to Church growth and hospitality. Surveys will be based on unregulated interactions among pastors. Twenty pastors across five denominations, Evangelical Lutheran, Charismatic, Pentecostal, Seven-Day Adventist, and Roman Catholic will demonstrate …

Addressing Apathy In The Church: Moving People Towards A Biblical Healthy Discipleship Model, Kevin Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul speaks to the giving of spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to individuals at the time of conversion. However, current statistics reveal that a large majority of church members are not actively serving their current ministry. The purpose of this project is to investigate the problem of apathy in the church, the failure of God's people to use their spiritual gifts and also present an effective model for solving the issue. A ministry filled with servants instead of spectators will help unify the body and more effectively reach the community for Christ. Research …

Observations On The Performative Force Of The Qyama And The Ihidaye, And Its Pertinancy Today, C. A. Chase

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

Using contemporary social and art theory, with particular emphasis on the notion of performative, this paper examines the historical and theological context of a unique social and ecclesial phenomenon in 4th century Syria—the Sons and Daughters of the Covenant. By observing these committed laity as a ‘living performance,’ an exploration of the identity of the faithful, both severally and as a community, may be undertaken. This paper focuses on the relation of such a performative to notions of Christology and anthropology, with an eye towards today’s laity and their seeking for identity in a complex world of competing shifting …

Stand Firm: 48 Life-Guides From Philippians, Dave Branon

Alumni Book Gallery

The book of Philippians may be 2,000 years old, but throughout its pages Paul gives us clues about living that are just as valid for us today as they were for the believers in the ancient city of Philippi. “We need to hear from a guy who was beaten, jailed, shipwrecked, threatened, and mistreated due to his allegiance to Jesus as he tells us how to stand firm and experience peace,” says author Dave Branon.

Digging into the meaning and teaching of Paul’s letter, Stand Firm

• Provides easy-to-read and engaging narrative
• Challenges Christians to secure their faith and experience God’s …

Concordia Seminary Magazine | Summer/Fall 2014, Jeffrey Kloha

Concordia Seminary Magazine

God’s Rest in a Restless World.

Creemos 1-Proclamando La Verdad, Ilc Chile, Lcms

Confesiones Luteranas

Creemos 1-Proclamando la verdad

A Theology Of Ordination: An Integration Of Bible And Ellen G. White’S Writings, P. Gerard Damsteegt

Faculty Publications

A theology of ordination should begin with investigating what is God’s testimony about ordination in the Scriptures. In this study, insights into the Old and New Testament history from the writings of Ellen G. White will be referred to whenever they shed light on the biblical passages and their relevance for today. In addition, the study has tried to investigate how ordination is connected to the truth as it is in Jesus, the Head of the church. Ordination and its authority will also be related to Jesus’ model of leadership in the church. The biblical examples of appointment, consecration, or …

Seminary Promotes Healthy Lifestyles, Eloise Ravell

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

The Efficacy Of Christian Devotional Meditation On Stress, Anxiety, Depression, And Spiritual Health With Korean Adults In The United States: A Randomized Comparative Study, Jinse Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of Christian devotional meditation (CDM) versus progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on stress, anxiety, depression, and overall spiritual health among a sample of nonclinical Korean Christian adults in the United States. Seventy nine individuals at two churches in the northern Virginia area completed the study. At each church, the subjects were randomly assigned to a two-hour session of CDM training or PMR training. Each participant then was asked to practice the technique at home at least once a day for two weeks with audio recorded instructions. The participants' perceived level of stress, anxiety, depression, and …

Idealism & Reality: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Pastoral Expectations & Ministry Realities Experienced By Protestant Church Planting Pastors, Dwayne Bond

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the majority of literature focused on reducing clergy stressors, there is a need to explore how pastors respond when ministry idealism dissipates, while familial and congregational expectations increase. When idealized expectations fade, how do clergy experience resiliency? The purpose of this study was to explore how idealism affects clergy resiliency and their responses, coping, and longevity in ministry. Ten new church-planting Protestant pastors were selected using snowball sampling. Each pastor was interviewed. Data from the two-hour in-depth interviews was collected, organized and analyzed. The findings for each interview were compared and contrasted, and themes were identified - a) utilizing …

Mcgavran’S Family Heritage, Gary L. Mcintosh

Great Commission Research Journal

Mission was the natural expression of Donald McGavran’s heritage. This article traces the ancestral history of Donald McGavran’s family line from James and Agnes Anderson, his maternal grandparents, and John and Helen McGavran, his mother and father. His connection to the Stone-Campbell Movement and William Carey’s Baptist Missionary Society is discussed.

Reaching The Nations Through Our Cities, Chris Clayman

Great Commission Research Journal

While the American public perceives New York City to be a post-Christian environment, reality is that the city is moving into a post-secular existence largely influenced by religious immigrants. These immigrants are symbolic of a new era in pioneer missions—one in which migration, transnationalism, globalization, and urbanization pose newer challenges and opportunities than uncharted geographies, isolated societies, and foreign cultures. “Reaching the Nations Through Our Cities” proposes that the next challenge for missionary pioneers is reaching busy, hidden, influential unreached peoples who have migrated to cities. Based on several years of research on the immigrant populations in Metro New York, …

The Church Of The Nazarene And Church Growth: Better Together?, Duane H. Boady

Great Commission Research Journal

The essence of the article is to offer a fresh look at Church Growth to the Church of the Nazarene. Perhaps the Church of the Nazarene is one of many denominations that struggle with plateaued and declining churches. It seems to this writer that we have failed to ask difficult questions about what we are doing and why we do those things. If we are part of the Body of Christ, then we ought to be flourishing. Instead the converse is often more true. The Church Growth movement may have brought out some people hoping to sell their latest and …

Why Multiply Healthy Churches?, Charles Van Engen

Great Commission Research Journal

This article examines biblical motivations to multiply new, healthy churches. Such motivations emerge from the following five biblical truths: a) God the Father seeks and finds the lost, b) The love of Christ obligates us, c) God sent the Holy Spirit for all human beings, d) The local congregation is the primary locus of the rule of the King, and e) Multiplying churches is for the glory of God. Our loving and compassionate triune God desires that all women and men become disciples of Jesus Christ, active participants in a local Christian church, and committed agents of the transformation of …

Book Review: The Bridges Of God: A Study In The Strategy Of Missions By Donald A. Mcgavran, Ivan Yu

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Replant: How A Dying Church Can Grow Again By Mark Devine And Darrin Patrick, Garrett R. Eaglin

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Nehemiah's Bricks And Mortar Story: Strategy For A Successful Building Project, Carla Antoine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nehemiah was given a task to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His leadership was effective, essential, strategic, and successful. Nehemiah's methodology provides a perfect model for completing church construction projects. This thesis project will examine aspects of Nehemiah's leadership and its effects on the various facets of construction. This project will review the theological, sociological, and philosophical views of Nehemiah, as well as the vision elements of a project, mobilization of workers, provision, and a structured guide for successfully completing the project. Research will be conducted on 100 church leaders, and congregations who have started a building project, completed a …

Five Types Of Multicultural Churches: A New Paradigm Evaluated And Differentiated, Bob Whitesel

Great Commission Research Journal

This article puts forth a comprehensive and reconciliation-based paradigm through which to view multicultural congregations as one of five models or types. It updates the historical categories of Sanchez, adds contemporary models, and then evaluates each through a ten-point grid of nomenclature, mode of growth, relationships, pluses, minuses, degree of difficulty, creator complex, redistribution, relocation, and reconciliation. The five models are 1) the asset sharing Multicultural Alliance, 2) the collaborative Multicultural Partnership, 3) the asymmetrical Mother-Daughter model, 4) the popular Blended approach, and 5) the Cultural Assimilation model. The result is a comprehensive five-model paradigm that includes an assessment of …

Why Is There A Silent Exodus Of English-Speaking Adults From Western Canadian Chinese Churches?, Matthew Todd

Great Commission Research Journal

This study recommends solutions towards the retention through empowerment of Canadian Born Chinese (CBC) adults in Chinese bicultural churches. To address retention, the key risk factors and common dynamics that contribute to a “silent exodus” of CBC adults were established through qualitative research, including a survey of participants from diverse church affiliations. Based on an analysis of the literature review and survey results, this study advocates working toward the retention of English-speaking adults from Chinese Canadian churches through associated parallel independent English congregational models; this recognizes a link between the process of acculturation and the imperative to leverage mission.

The Ecclesiology Of Training For Trainers: The Issue Of Method And I Timothy 3:6, John Henry Serworwora

Great Commission Research Journal

The implementation of the Church Planting Movement (CPM) and Training for Trainers (T4T) by the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention missions life is not without challenge. Southern Baptist missiologists and seminary professors have written numerous papers and articles supporting or contesting this methodology. The majority of criticisms focus on the emphasis in the rapidity and “mass production” of churches, fearing the theological alteration among the new believers and their churches. This article argues that the leadership process in T4T/CPM violates the Baptist ecclesiology, since 1 Timothy 3:6 essentially excludes a new believer from pastoral leadership.

My Pilgrimage In Church Growth, Ray Ellis

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Embracing Shared Ministry: Power And Status In The Early Church And Why It Matters Today By Joseph H. Hellerman, Paul Gritz

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st Century Model For Church And Ministry Leaders By Aubrey Malphurs, John Sun

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Planting New Churches In A Postmodern Age By Ed Stetzer, Joseph Mun

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Coffee Shop That Changed A Church: Discovering The Net Effect By Steve Parr, Peter Varosky

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Consideration Of The Church's Identity And Mission, Predicated On The Church Be-Ing 'Ligamen' (Bond), C. A. Chase

School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses

In 1965, the Roman Catholic Church, in Gaudium et spes, declared to the world: this community realizes that it is truly linked with mankind and its history by the deepest of bonds (GS 1). Shifting her identity from being one in opposition to the modern world, she announced the possibility of becoming the very bond (ligamen) binding diverse human communities and nations of the world, whilst existing as a function, a light, an energy (GS 42). Framed against the classical understanding of ecclesia as a perfect society, and the fact that this was no longer realistic in …

Joshua & Judges And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Alice Camille, Sean Mcdonough

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Joshua and Judges
2. Conquest (Joshua 1-12)
   • Joshua (Joshua 1)
   • The Land (Joshua 2-12)
     • Working the Land (Joshua 5)
     • Conquering the Land (Joshua 6-12)
     • Remembering God’s Presence in the Land (Joshua 4:1-9)
3. Coordination (Joshua 13-22)
4. Covenant (Joshua 23-24)
5. Chaos (Judges 1-21)
   • Failing the Driving (Out) Test (Judges 1-2)
   • The Judges (Judges 3-16)
     • Deborah (Judges 4-5)
     • The Economic Effects of War (Judges 6:1-11)
     • Gideon’s Ambivalent Leadership (Judges 6:12 – 8:35)
     • The Judges’ Failure of Leadership (Judges 9-16)
   • Israel Falls Apart (Judges 17-21)
     • The prosperity gospel unmasked in early form (Judges 17)
     • Human depravity and the complicity of religious authorities unveiled …

Psalms And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Duane Garrett, Lindsay Wilson, Russell Fuller

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Psalms
2. Book 1 (Psalms 1–41)
   • Personal Integrity in Work (Psalm 1)
   • Obedience to God (Psalm 2)
   • Foes and opponents (Psalms 4, 6, 7, 17)
   • Authority (Psalm 8)
   • Business ethics (Psalms 15, 24, 34)
   • Trusting God in the face of institutional pressure (Psalm 20)
   • God’s presence in our struggles at work (Psalm 23)
   • God’s guidance in our work (Psalm 25)
3. Book 2 (Psalms 42–72)
   • God’s presence in the midst of disaster (Psalm 46)
   • Anxiety when unscrupulous people succeed (Psalms 49, 50, 52, 62)
4. Book 3 (Psalms 73–89)
   • The workplace consequences of personal failings (Psalm 73)
   • The economic consequences of …

Embracing Poverty Of Spirit In College Life, April L. Donovan

Obsculta

In this essay I will first be addressing the relation between Johannes Baptist Metz’s Poverty of Spirit and college life. This will lead into an examination of how embracing poverty of spirit influences interpersonal relationships, and finally a call to the Church to encourage healthy dating relationships to foster spiritual development and poverty of spirit within romantic relationships. This paper will explore a Christian understanding of what it means to embrace poverty of spirit in college, and how the Church can show how poverty of spirit should affect dating relationships.

Samuel, Kings & Chronicles And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Jill Baker, Brian Housman, Alice Matthews

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Samuel, Kings and Chronicles
   • The historical background of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles
2. From Tribal Confederation to Monarchy: 1 Samuel
   • The perils of inherited authority (1 Samuel 1-3)
   • The perils of treating God like a good luck charm (1 Samuel 4)
   • The opportunities that arise from working faithfully (1 Samuel 5-7)
   • When children disappoint (1 Samuel 8:1-3)
   • The Israelites ask for a king (1 Samuel 8:4-22)
   • The Task of Choosing a King (1 Samuel 9-16)
   • David's rise to power (1 Samuel 17-30)
     • Abigail defuses a crisis between David and Nabal (1 Samuel 25)
3. The Golden Age of the Monarchy: …