Practical Theology Commons^™

Apostolic Church Planting: Birthing New Churches From New Believers. By J. D. Payne, Anderline Brady

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

APOSTOLIC CHURCH PLANTING: BIRTHING NEW CHURCHES FROM NEW BELIEVERS. By J. D. Payne. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press (2015). Softcover, 126 pages.

The heart of Apostolic Church Planting is understanding and establishing how church planters define the local and universal church. In the words of the author, “ecclesiology is supremely important. It shapes everything” (p. 21). Over his years of training church planters, Dr. J. D. Payne encountered questions that were not addressed in his previous work Discovering Church Planting. Thus Apostolic Church Planting, in Payne’s words, “is my attempt to respond to some of those questions and …

Worship And Devotion, Eric Tritten

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project is to examine how devotional practices of prayer and meditation on God’s Word can complement the corporate services of a congregation in an intentional manner that edifies a Christian’s life of faith and worship. This study looks at ten participants from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH who used devotions rooted in the pericopes for the worship service. Data was gathered via two semi-formal interviews, a focus group, and weekly journals. The findings of this study may help pastors foster a life of devotion to God’s Word connected to corporate worship.

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 51 No 1 - April 2016), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

Articles: Neo-Calvinism: A Theology for the Global Church in the Twenty-first Century by Richard J. Mouw - 7 / Casting out Hagar: Anti-Judaism in the Sermons of Augustine by Wendy Elgersma Helleman - 20 / The Discipline of Missiology in 2016: Concerning the Place and Meaning of Missiology in the Theological Curriculum by Stefan Paas - 37 / Reformed Orthodoxy and Gendered Authority: The Christian Reformed Church 1945–1984 by Tamara J. Van Dyken - 55 / The Threats of the Gospel: John Owen on What the Law/Gospel Distinction Is Not by Ryan M. McGraw - 79 / Hair Length …

Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor's Guide To Helping Korean Youth In Crisis, Jeong Kook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many Korean teenagers are suffering from physical and psychological abuse, anxiety, and depression due to dysfunctional family life. Korean Christian pastors and counselors need to be educated and trained in order to guide these families through such crisis. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis, the author surveyed over fifty troubled families. The findings were alarming and led the author to build a pastoral counseling model based on the biblical definition of the role of pastoral counseling using adept research of key scriptural principles. This pastoral counseling model provides a well-balanced biblical strategy to guide the troubled teenager through such crisis.

Discipleship: Encouraging Haitian Churches In The United States To Fulfill The Great Commission Mandate, Lony Antoine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project makes a comparative analysis between the way discipleship was performed by the first century Christians with the way it is accomplished by the Haitian-American churches today. Extant studies in this field demonstrate that there is a lack of participation in missionary work and discipleship among Haitian-American Christians. They are failing to fulfill the command of Jesus Christ in Matthews to “Go and make disciples” (28:19-20). This project surveyed Christians in twenty-five Haitian American churches in order to evaluate their understanding of the Great Commission. The author also consulted religious and historical documents with the goal of conducting …

Preaching John 8:31-36: Reforming Contexts Then And Now, Karoline M. Lewis

Faculty Publications

The Gospel reading for Reformation Sunday is always John 8:31–36, yet preaching on this passage tends to overlook the critical contexts in which this pericope is located. Preaching John 8:31–36 on Reformation now will demand a careful analysis of the role of the passage in the Fourth Gospel, both as a means by which to respect its literary integrity as well as invitation to how it might shape a new hermeneutic for a new day.

For The Flock: Impetus For Shepherd Leadership In John 10, Nathan H. Gunter

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Following the prophets’ declarations concerning the need for right-hearted shepherds, the four Gospels portray Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Shepherd to save Israel (Ezek. 34:23). John’s Gospel extends the pastoral imagery of the Old testament, most notably in the Good Shepherd discourse (John 10:1-21). John’s development of the shepherd motif presents Jesus both as the Good Shepherd who will lay down his life for his sheep and as the model after whom other shepherds ought to pattern their leadership. contrary to contemporary conversations concerning christian leadership, though, John’s gospel places greater emphasis on the shepherd’s …

Reflections On Mentoring And Multi-Generational Ministry, Gordon Macdonald

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

" I would challenge the multi-generational leaders. I would ask the young people to engage the older people and say, “tell me your story.” I would say to the older people, “You need to listen to the young people because they will build enthusiasm into you. they will give you fresh ideas. and tell them your story. Let them ask you questions. Don’t give them advice unless they ask for it, so we can bring this all together.'”

The Essential Nature Of Humility For Today's Leaders, Jerry D. Breedlove Jr.

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Using socio-rhetorical criticism and analysis, the author explores the inner-textual and intertextual texture of 1 timothy 3:1-7. In particular the author draws out how the apostle Paul’s leadership requirement of not being a recent convert is less about the timing of a conversion to christianity and more about the adverse effects of pride on the ability of a leader to lead in a healthy manner. In so doing, the author provides support and insight into the ways in which humility as an essential virtue is applicable to leadership in secular settings as well as christian environments. Furthermore, the author strengthens …

Adventist Women Clergy: Their Call And Experiences: Part 2, Leslie Bumgardner

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

This article describes “what happened” to the female pastors whose ministry experiences were reported in the previous JACL issue. Today, only one remains in pastoral ministry. Others are experiencing their “call” in new situations or are retired. They describe challenges related to gender as well as supports. Ordination did not dominate the interviews although the women were clearly disappointed by the vote against ordination of women in pastoral ministry at the General Conference session of the Seventh-day Adventist church in July 2015.

The Pastor As Leader: Assessment, Change, And Growth In Pastoral Leadership Style And Ability, David C. Crawford

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

D.Min. dissertation, Asbury Theological Seminary, 2014.

Full Text of the Dissertation

This study explored the leadership perceptions of a sampling of Nazarene pastors who were predominantly newer in ministry in terms of years of service in the Southwest Ohio District. This qualitative analysis sought to measure their self-reported leadership style and self-described leadership ability both prior to and following a leadership seminar devoted to the development of pastoral leaders.

All Things New: A Holistic Theology Of Major Depression And Pastoral Care, T. S. Giovanetto

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

M.A. Thesis, Trinity International University, 2015.

Full Text of the Thesis available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

This study approaches the topic of mental illness within the church, integrating biblical theology and clinical psychology to propose a model of pastoral care for the severely depressed. Examining the history of distrust between the church and the social sciences, and criticizing prominent models of pastoral care built upon the chastisement of mentally ill individuals, the thesis proposes a model of care built upon the acceptance and validation of persons facing psychological distress. In this model, ministers teach sufferers to …

Mentoring Emerging Leaders Toward Holistic Health And Longevity: A Guide For Seasoned Leaders To Intentionally Invest In And Influence The Next Generation Of Ministry Leaders, Stanley Curtis Grant

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

D.Min. dissertation, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, 2014

Full Text of the Dissertation available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

This study gathered input from long-term, seasoned pastors, former pastors, and emerging young leaders, then analyzed which of their activities and behaviors prove to enhance the opportunities for success in ministry. The study also examined the effects of mentor/protégé relationships on the success of young leaders.

Spirituality And Leadership: Integrating Spirituality As A Developmental Approach Of Improving Overall Leader Effectiveness, George Gregory Houston

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Ph.D. dissertation, Antioch University, 2014

Full Text of Dissertation

This study explored the relationship between spirituality and leadership effectiveness, particularly seeking to identify whether spirituality as an additional factor may contribute to the effectiveness of leaders. Findings led to a proposed definition of spirituality: Spirituality is accessing a universal understanding that life can be greatly enhanced in all relationships by developing our inner wholeness and other connectedness.

On Developing A Deeper Understanding Of Authentic Leadership: Interpreting Matthew 3:11-5:48 Using Intertexture Analysis And Social And Cultural Texture Analysis, Stephen L. Kalaluhi

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Ph.D. dissertation, Regent University, 2015

Full Text of Dissertation

This inductive, qualitative study explores the construct of authentic leadership within the context of organizational leadership as demonstrated within the Matthew 3:11-5:48 pericope. The study asks how this periscope, describing Jesus’ baptism, temptations, subsequent start of ministry, and initial teachings, contributes to our current understanding of how organizational outcomes are affected by leader morality when applied from within the intrapersonal, interpersonal, developmental, and pragmatic perspectives of authentic leadership.

Success Stories Of Korean Christian Female Leaders: Practicing Authentic Leadership, Kyungmi Joyce Seo

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Ph.D. dissertation, Biola University, 2015.

Full Text available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global

This study makes a scholarly contribution to understanding how toptier KCFLs of Christian organizations explain their leadership in a Korean context. It contributes to the empowerment of KCFLs’ leadership development in Christian organizations and helps Christian parents and church leaders to teach their girls and women to be leaders both at home and at church. The study may broaden male leaders’ perspectives toward female leaders so that they can work cooperatively in a balanced way. Lastly, it informs mentors, practitioners, and executive Christian leaders …

Spiritual Leadership In Religious Organizations: A Grounded Theory Study, Kenyon S. Washington

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

Dissertation Notice:

Psy.D. dissertation, The University of the Rockies, 2016

Full Text available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global

The results of this study suggested the presence of five themes related to pastoral effectiveness in non-denominational Christian churches: communication, personal development, business acumen, religious practices, and relationships. A key finding pointed to the integration of spiritual leadership theory and transformational leadership theory for use in religious organizations. The integration of the components of the two leadership theories may provide pastors with a means and common framework for understanding the process of leadership effectiveness.

Ministry Partners: Ten Key Characteristics Of A Healthy Marriage In Ministry, Arlen Pfenninger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the beginning, God created a partner for man to have as they live their lives together. This partnership was created so they could work together for the kingdom God created. There has been literature written about the unhealthiness of some marriages in ministry because the pastor has neglected his or her family for the cause of Christ. There are others who have advocated a partnership in marriage ministry where the husband and wife work together as a ministry team. This thesis project presents an understanding of the healthy characteristics couples portray as they partner together in the ministry in …

The Pastor's Theology Of Uncertainty In Lila, Ben Lehnardt

Criterion: A Journal of Literary Criticism

Marillynne Robinson’s most recent novel Lila depicts a preacher, John Ames, whose personal theology is studded with uncertainty. Rather than being a weakness to his faith, however, his insecurity is actually his greatest strength. This unusual theological trait becomes especially applicable when placed in the context of the philosophical struggle between scientific positivism and humanistic reasoning. This article explores the nuances of Ames’ theology of uncertainty and expands its philosophical importance in a greater context.

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: March 2016, Julius T. Medenblik, Cory Willson, Mary Vanden Berg, Sarah Schreiber

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Articles
3 - From the President: How Now Shall We Live? by Jul Medenblik
4 - Every Believer Called to Mission by Cory Willson
6 - Prayers from the Missional Conference by Mary Vanden Berg and Sarah Schreiber
8 - Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics by John Bolt
9 - Meet Herman Bavinck by Jessica Driesenga
12 - Fostering Formation for Mission in Our Classrooms by Kristy Manion
15 - Is There a Future for Sacrifice? by Erin Zoutendam
16 - Taste and See Israel Trip by Paula Seales
18 - Church Growth and Its Challenges in Ethiopia by Fikre Norcha

Formulating An Effective Means Of Bringing More Adult Males Into Active Participation In The Church, Nicholas Salifu

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this Major Applied Project (MAP) is to interview active Lutheran male adults to discover why men perceive Christianity as a “White man’s religion” and further discuss how to effectively teach people about what Christ has done for all mankind. This study, I strongly hope, will provide resources to teach Kusasi men why they should stop their worship of idols or ancestors, fear witchcraft, and also accept monogamy as the God pleasing design of marriage.

A Biblical Strategies For Optimizing The Disciple Training Ministry (Dtm) Within Korean Churches, Keeyoung Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to provide biblical strategies for optimizing the Discipleship Training Ministry (DTM) within Korean churches, which will transform and equip their laity to live incarnationally for Christ in the church and the world. Many different forms of DTM have developed within Korean churches during the recent decades, playing both positive and negative roles in church growth, but many unfortunately digressed into marketing programs that do not transform and equip the laity to follow Christ in every sector of their lives. This thesis project will examine, through a comparative analysis, diverse growth and health factors …

Consider The Lilies., Hyveth Williams

Faculty Publications

"Life in Christ ought to be a banquet of spiritual delights; there’s more than enough gourmet nourishment for everyone. However, in these days of political, religious, and social polarization, many believers are starving to death.The reason can be summed up in one word: anxiety, the kind of chronic distress or unease of mind caused by fear that distracts us from that which is real."

Reframing The Imperative Of The Great Commission In The Haitian Context: Discipleship Strategies To Impact Haiti For Christ, Dieufort Dieujuste

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Haitians generally identify themselves as Christians. According to World Factbook, Haiti is 80% Catholic and 16% Protestant; however, nearly all the population practices or believes in Voodoo, which is now a national religion. Idolatry permeates every segment of life while the Haitian Protestant Church remains powerless and disengaged. The purpose of this thesis project is to develop key strategies of discipleship for Haiti in view of Matthew 28:18-20. The author proposes to survey 300 Haitian pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders in order to gauge the status of discipleship and to identify hindrances to the gospel in Haiti. The survey will …

Balancing Rhythms Of Rest And Work (Overview), Theology Of Work Project, David Kim, Leah Archibald

Theology of Work Project

• Created to Rest: Entering Into Joyful Communion With God
• Commanded to Rest: The Impact of the Fall
• Why People Can’t Rest – Human Nature Revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures
• How Rest is Restored – Sabbath & Jesus’ Redemption in the New Testament
  • Is a Weekly Sabbath Observance Expected of Christians?
• How Christians Can Experience Deeper Rest
• Rest and Work: Conclusions

What Is Religious Freedom?, Brent Hege

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Last year's passage of Indiana's Religious Freedom Act set off a storm of controversy about the nature of religious freedom and the status of LGBT rights in Indiana. In this presentation, Dr. Brent Hege from the Department of Philosophy, Religion, and Classics will discuss the meaning of religious freedom, offer some historical context for understanding the RFRA, and challenge the theological assumptions supporting this new law.

Embracing Life Listening Guide, Heidi Goehmann

Miscellaneous Seminars/Lectures

All of the slides from the presentation.

Embracing Life In Ministry, Heidi Goehmann

Miscellaneous Seminars/Lectures

A worksheet that goes with the presentation.

Persuasion And Public Theology, James K.A. Smith

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Terminal Authority As A Function Of Community, Stanley E. Patterson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.