Practical Theology Commons^™

Covid. Crisis, Conflict, And The Cross: Making Disciples During A Pandemic, Omwocha Nyaribo

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Intimate desires characterize one’s last moments with family, friends, or colleagues, often expressed verbally to the hearers. John 17 is one such moment. Jesus passionately, through prayers, shared the desire that His followers be united, for unity in Christ is the essence of soul-winning— the world believing in Jesus (Jn 17:21,23). The disciples of Jesus also contended among themselves concerning greatness. In the history of the Christian Church, unity among the brethren has been elusive. Within the Seventh-day Adventist church, we have witnessed strife among the brethren because of divergent views throughout our history. Such strife is not an emerging …

Focus Groups: A New Opportunity: Youth And Young Adult Ministry Through Covid And Beyond

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

180° Symposium 2022 Focus Group—Practitioners, Ron Pickell

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Participants: Ricardo Bain (Pastor, Maranatha SDA Church), Steve Case (President, Involve Youth), Benji Ferguson (Youth Pastor, Carmichael SDA Church), Akram Kahn (Business Manager, Center for Youth Evangelism), Myoung Kwon (Pastor, Waukesha SDA Church).

Hanging Out On The Block(Chain): Decentralized Autonomous Organizations For Small Groups And Faith Communities, Lyle Notice

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

T he future of organizations is changing from a top-down leadership model to a shared autonomous approach. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) will revolutionize governance structures, groups, and organizations of any kind. In what way could this influence and improve churches and ministries within those churches such as small groups? This paper explores the impact that Blockchain Technology, cryptocurrency and DAOs can have on small groups and faith communities.

180° Symposium 2022 Focus Group—Administrators, Tracy Wood

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Participants: Brad Forbes (President, AdventSource), Vandeon Griffin (Assoc Youth Director, NAD), Lyle Notice (Youth Director, Alberta Conf), Andrew Nugent (Assoc Youth Director, Florida Conf), David Salazar (Youth Director, Washington Conf), Ron Whitehead Youth Director, Lake Union).

Introduction To The Journal Of Adventist Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Tracy Wood

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

Ministry Through Covid And Beyond

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

A Overview Of The 180° Symposium

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Virus: A High Level View, Steve Case

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

No abstract provided.

Purposely Changing Church Culture When A Pandemic Forces Church Change: How The Covid Pandemic Impacted One Large Sda Church, Steve Case, Benji Ferguson

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

T he Carmichael SDA Church, located in the suburbs of Sacramento, California, seemed to be a gem in the Northern California Conference, with the largest membership, highest tithe, and largest pastoral staff. The pandemic put a halt to most of this church’s ministry, exposing some weaknesses and preventing the ministry it had developed over the years. Simultaneously, new forms of ministry sprung forth because of the sudden changes. The long-term impact of the pandemic challenges this church to move forward in new ways rather than attempting a restart as though nothing happened. This is a case study of how one …

From Loss To Hope: A New Story For A Generation, Rogelio Paquini

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Certain events in history change the story of a generation. Wars, terrorist attacks, and COVID-19 are examples of such events. For this generation of young people, already suffering from the highest levels of depression and anxiety in history, the pandemic carved on their minds a narrative of despair and a dim future. Members of Generation Z, especially those in high school during the pandemic and younger members of the generation, had been affected the most. Studies on neuroscience have discovered the ability of the brain to be re-molded. Through the Scriptures God had shown his intention to change the story …

180° Symposium 2022 Focus Group—Academicians, Rogelio Paquini

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Participants: Steve Case (President, Involve Youth), Jasmine Fraser (Professor, Andrews University), Andrew Francis (Pastor, Restoration Praise Center), Omwocha Nyaribo (Graduation Student, Andrews University), Nestor Osman (Youth Evangelism Director, Center for Youth Evangelism), Endi Stojanovic (Professor, Southwestern Adventist University)

A New Opportunity: Transforming Trauma, David Sedlacek

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Researchers and church administrators have a long-term interest in the stresses experienced by clergy and how these stressors relate to the ability of the clergy to minister effectively. Many of these stressors occur in pastors’ families of origin prior to ministry. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are forms of trauma that have long-term negative effects on one’s physical, mental/emotional, spiritual/relational, and behavioral health. This article describes research on the effects of ACEs and reports the preliminary results of the first three years of a longitudinal study of ACEs on Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) seminary students. It makes recommendations designed to positively affect …

Grieving Losses: It Takes Time, David Sedlacek, Beverly Sedlacek

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

God's Promises, Adrienne J. Royo

Faculty Works

This presentation is designed to encourage and uplift in today's world of chaos and unrest surrounding humanity on every side. The goal is for humankind to discern that the Scriptures is the ultimate answer to coping with this world, while planning for a new and perfect world.

Adventist Spirituality In A Post-Modern World, Monthusi Legodi

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

The Adventist movement, which originated in the 19th century, has long placed a strong emphasis on the study of biblical prophecy and the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. As the world continues to change and evolve, Adventists are faced with the challenge of maintaining their traditional spiritual practices while also adapting to the realities of a postmodern society. The challenge of maintaining their traditional spiritual practices while also adapting to the realities of a post-modern society. This research paper aims to explore the role of tradition and innovation in Adventist spirituality in the 21st century.

The Role Of Young People On The Future Of Adventism On Health, Education, Socio- Economic Growth, And Spiritually., Jerimiah Rogito

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adventism is a unique global faith that seeks to ensure wholistic growth of an individual. The faith seeks to build an individual socially, economically, spiritually, and physically leading to a thriving and fulfilling lifestyle. This paper, through a theoretical review of thematic literature of various articles and books, seeks to highlight the role of young people in the future of Adventism on health, education, socio-economic growth, and spirituality with a focus on the role of faith in healing and thriving.

Developing A Research Agenda: Collaborative And Impactful Research For Adventist Ministry And Education In Australia And New Zealand, Tracie Mafile'o, Erika Puni Dr, Michelle Ralston Dr, Daniela Brown Ms, Branimir Schubert Dr

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Adventist human-subject research ought to have a positive impact and to address real-world challenges. This presentation reports on a current qualitative study which aims to develop a research agenda for collaborative and impactful research for the Adventist ministry and education in Australia and New Zealand.

We Are Kamea Christians Not Because We Sing Like Berrien Springs Christians: Towards A Methodology Of Developing A Biblical Theology In Context, Unia Api

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This paper attempts to demonstrate a methodological approach to doing theology in context. A lot of homogenizations of Western Christianity have very much impacted the way we do church in Melanesia (Pacific Islands). This trend motivated me to ride on the wave of Melanesian thinkers to make theology relevant in the Melanesian context. Title: Exploring

Laughable At Best, Criminal At Worst: Why Adventist Clergy Leave Pastoral Ministry, René Drumm, Petr Cincala

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

This presentation highlights Findings from a qualitative, study of former Adventist pastors. The analysis reveals a number of conditions that lead clergy to leave pastoral ministry for other endeavors. These findings are important in stabilizing the pastorate in North America. We conclude with recommendations to Church administrators and educational institutions.

Faith Experience Of African Students In Secular Universities In Russia: A Narrative Inquiry, Pavel Zubkov

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

For decades young Africans to come to study in Russian universities. Apart from social issues the Adventist students face a faith challenge in observing Sabbath and confronting secular worldview. This study will explore the life stories of African students to identify the reasons, why some keep Adventist faith and others give up.

Becoming Who You Already Are In Christ: An Eight-Week Discipleship Plan To Equip Members Of Crossline Church To Live Out Their Identity In Christ, John Paul Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action-research project focused on equipping members of Crossline Community Church to live out their identity in Christ. The intervention was an eight-week discipleship plan, “Becoming who you already are in Christ.” The action-research project aimed to evaluate the impact of equipping believers with their identity in Christ upon their transformation into Christ-likeness. The project incorporated biblical, theological, and devotional content with a comprehensive pedagogy designed for maximum influence toward progressive sanctification. The twelve participants in the intervention engaged in sermons, training classes, small groups, and personal Bible studies as a part of the action research. Triangulated evaluation tools were …

The Prophets’ Use Of The Shepherd Motif And Its Contribution To Their Presentation Of The Character Of God, Deanna L. Huff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The shepherd motif provides one of the most significant portraits of God in the Old and New Testaments. Various research on the historical metaphor within these studies frequently focuses on the relationship between rulers and leaders in the ancient Near East. The shepherd motif provides a tangible picture of the characteristics of deities and kings in their world. Therefore, it is a natural step for the prophets of the Old Testament to utilize a commonly used metaphor. In modern research, numerous studies in Ezekiel 34 have explored different facets of the shepherd motif. Several studies are related to leadership roles. …

A Phenomenological Study Of The High-Tech, High-Touch Pastor: Maximizing Personal Ministry In A Digital Age, Shirley Groce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore how high-tech, high-touch senior pastors who practice servant leadership establish and maintain personal contact with their church members and lead them using digital technology. This research was particularly relevant in an era of social distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical framework for this study was Greenleaf's servant leadership theory. Ten experienced pastors were interviewed to determine how they balanced the impersonal nature of streaming worship services while maintaining personal contact with their congregations. These interviews were transcribed, and important themes were identified to determine best practices for using technology while maintaining …

Authentic Credible Leadership: An Examination Of Jesus’S Leadership In The Farewell Discourses, Joshua D. Henson, Samuel Hemby

Selected Faculty Publications

This is a study of authentic credibility as demonstrated through John’s description of Jesus’ words and actions in the Farewell Discourses (John 13-17). Identifying the need for further research on the relationship between authentic leadership and credibility (Williams et al., 2018) and building from Kouzes and Posner’s (2011) six disciplines of leader credibility—discover yourself, appreciate constituents, affirm shared values, develop capacity, serve a purpose, and sustain hope—and Hemby’s (2007) on leader credibility, we espouse that moral foundations of authentic leadership promote leader credibility while not dimensioning the need for competence. After a thorough literature review on authentic leadership, the study …

The Development Of The Holistic Pastoral Wellbeing Assessment: A Mixed Methods Study, Timothy Captain

Dissertations

Some pastors are clearly in crisis. Research has indicated that clergy struggle to cope with the stressors of their profession. While pastoral work is overtly spiritual in nature, day-to-day tasks include interactions with God, themselves, congregants, and the world at large. Without multi-dimensional tools to consider their wellbeing, specifically assessments that reflect their worldview and role, pastors may remain unaware of dangerously low levels of wellbeing until they reach a place of crisis. Therefore, in this mixed methods study, the Holistic Pastoral Wellbeing Assessment (HPWA) was developed and tested to offer a validated, useful tool for pastors and those who …

Hospitality: Areas That Are Effective In Creating A Desire For A Visitor To Connect To Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Brent M. Hartwig

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This major applied project explores hospitality offered by the local congregation. Biblical hospitality is implicitly and explicitly commanded in scripture. Balancing the Missio Dei and two kinds of righteousness will keep us on the straight and narrow theologically when pursuing hospitality.

When churches offer hospitality, we are feeding, clothing, visiting, providing, and welcoming our neighbor. Our Redeemer wants to continue serving the community as a family-oriented, mission focused, hospitable congregation. We are doing the feeding, clothing, and providing through many efforts in the community. We are active with the local homeless shelter and crisis center. For the MAP, we wanted …

Positive Factors Related To The Decision To Study For The Office Of The Ministry By Men Of The Lutheran Synod Of Nicaragua (Iglesia Luterana Sínodo De Nicaragua/Lutheran Church—Canada), Edmund Auger

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Auger, Edmund D. “Positive Factors Related to the Decision to Study for the Office of the Ministry by Men of The Lutheran Synod of Nicaragua (Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua / Lutheran Church—Canada).” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2023. 128 pages.

The Lutheran Church throughout the world needs a continuing supply of men to serve as faithful pastors in the public ministry of the Gospel. The identification and spiritual formation of candidates for Word and Sacrament ministry is critical for the young national church body, Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua (Lutheran Synod of Nicaragua).

This project is …

There Is A Place For You And Your Little Ones: Homiletics And Liturgy In View Of Pregnancy Loss, Joseph Michael Baumgarten

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Baumgarten, Joseph M. There is a Place for You and Your Little Ones: Homiletics and Liturgy in View of Pregnancy Loss. Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2022. 81 pp.

Pregnancy loss and the grief that follows is more common than most people think. However, there is a gap in resources, discussion, and care for those who have experienced such losses. This is true in wider culture as well as in the church. While there are a few resources available, they are limited. This project addresses the church’s ability to provide proper recognition of pregnancy loss, the validation …

Embodied Superintendence: The Person Of The Preacher In Lutheran Homiletics Especially In Relation To Cultural Identity, Dennis Matyas

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Over the past several decades, the greater homiletical academy has progressed from questions of authority to dialogics to identity, both of the preacher and of the hearers. Within this timeframe, modern Lutheran homiletics has stayed relatively silent on considerations of the person of the preacher, opting instead for certain foundational homiletical truths including the efficacy of the Word of God, the proclamation of justification, and the authority of the Ministerium. After recovering the consideration of the person of the preacher as a foundational Lutheran homiletic, this work explores the formational significance of the preacher’s cultural identity by offering a theoretical …