Practical Theology Commons^™

Small Groups: Growing In The Lutheran Church, Alan Bachert

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this major applied project is threefold. First, through a study of the Scriptures, the history and use of small groups will be traced, and the text will demonstrate that it is God's will that His Church grow and be brought into a relationship with Himself. Secondly, the necessity and strategy for persons to be brought into a relationship with one another as they grow in discipleship will be emphasized and discussed in a chapter which reviews not only biblical data, but also provides a search of related literature from the fields of both theology and social psychology. …

The Educational Needs Of The Adult Layperson Concerning The Mission Of God_Research Towards Writing An Introductory Adult Mission Education Course, Stephen Gaulke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

What are the educational needs of an adult layperson concerning world mission? What ought an introductory adult mission education study course attempt to teach? This thesis endeavors to answer the question in three chapters.

Chapter One articulates a concise theology of mission. Rooted in Scripture, especially the mission commands of the risen Savior, and drawing on the Apostles' Creed, The Book of Concord, and Martin Luther, Chapter One sketches the "who, what, where, when, why, and how" of God's mission.

Chapter Two surveys mission professionals to discover what they believe an introductory adult study course on world mission ought to …

A Study Of German Lutheran Communion Hymnody The Early Years, Paul Becker

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The goal of this thesis is to demonstrate that in the early years of Lutheranism, what the faithful sang and confessed about the Sacrament of the Altar is dangerously close to being forgotten by American Lutherans in the latter half of the twentieth century. What Christians sing about as they are given the body and blood of their risen Lord reveals both their confessional stance and their piety. By digging into the treasure-store of German Lutheran Communion hymnody, the theology of the Sacrament as confessed in the early years of Lutheranism will be brought to light and offered to the …

A Scriptural Stance Toward Undocumented Hispanics And Selected Methodologies For Reaching Them With The Gospel, Fred Pankow

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is the contention of this dissertation that all the approaches presented above, which shall be discussed in detail, are inadequate. They do not incorporate sufficiently the beliefs, attitudes, motivations, and mindset brought from Spain and imposed on or merged with those of native Americans. In fact, this chapter contends that two or three million Hispanics illegally enter the United States from Latin America each year, in part at least, 1) because the seven-century-long Moorish occupation of Spain changed the Spanish character and society; and2) because the Reformation was crushed in sixteenth-century Spain.

Some may call this contention quite preposterous, …

The Theology And Practice Of Individual Confession And Absolution And Its Application To Pastoral Care From An Early North American Lutheran Perspective, Breno C. Thome

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The two subjects of this study^ namely, pastoral care and Individual confession and absolution, have traditionally been seen as closely connected. Each has also a unique character. In this study both subjects will be focused on from the perspective provided by the historical analysis of their development within the Lutheran context, specifically that of North American Lutheranism in the nineteenth century. Pastoral care has been greatly developed, particularly in the area of pastoral counseling, in the last fifty years. This parallels the increasing development of the behavioral sciences in this century. The causes and consequences of such rapid growth in …

Demonic Possession, Exorcism, And Pastoral Care, Paul Sherouse

Master of Divinity Thesis

The objective of this research paper is to understand the phenomena of demonic possession in the light of Scriptural teaching and Lutheran theology, in order to evaluate the place of exorcism in pastoral care. To achieve this objective, the following research is employed: (1)Lutheran involvement in the 1949 case in terms of pastoral care provided, (2) Scriptural references to Satan, demons, and demonic possession, (3) references to the same in significant Lutheran theological literature, (4) insights from other literature on demonic possession, and (5) evaluation of exorcism in the practice of pastoral care.

Secularization And Challenges Which Confront Contemporary Brazilian Lutheranism: Some Insights In The Light Of Boaventura Kloppenburg And Some Lutheran Theologians, Gerhard Grasel

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In order to find out some answers to the issues, problems, challenges and questions, the writer of this study chose to study the universal phenomenon of secularization based on many different scholars; the Brazilian culture; Boaventura Kloppenburg's view of secularization, and some responses based on Luther and some Lutheran theologians to the issues which appeared in this study.

Pastoral Care In Lutheran Rural America-Its Uniqueness And Challenge, Stephen Nickodemus

Master of Divinity Thesis

The subject of this research paper deals with the topic, Pastoral Care in Lutheran Rural America: Its Uniqueness and Challenge. The paper will be divided into four chapters as follows: (1) Pastoral Care in general, a Lutheran definition and what this entails for the Lutheran pastor; (2) Rural America, the unique American sub-culture: what it is and how it is changing; (3) Lutheran Rural America, a definition and how it is changing; and (4) Pastoral Care in Lutheran Rural America its uniqueness and its challenge to the Lutheran Pastor. Each of these chapters might involve an entire research paper, but …

An Effort To Sample Scientifically The Attitudes Of Pastors Toward Alcholism In A Section Of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, James Hallerberg

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

What attitudes do pastors have toward alcoholics? Specifically, do parish pastors of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod have positive or negative attitudes in their ministry to alcoholics? Are the attitudes of pastors a significant factor in an effective ministry to alcoholics? What attitudinal factors can be specified as having particular significance? These are the fundamental questions which this study addresses.

The Confirmation Manual For Instruction In The Word, Edward Koehler

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis contains a proposed course of instruction in the Word of God for catechumens of the Lutheran Church. It presents the Old Testament as a self-contained unit of study primarily for pupils twelve to fourteen years old. Ultimately, the course is designed to include the New Testament as the basis for a second year of study. The aim of the course is to help the student understand and apply the basic teachings of the Christian faith. The Bible is used as the source-book, and Martin Luther's Small Catechism is used as a supplement to guide the pupil toward a …

Motivation To Prepare For Ministry, Kent Hunter

Master of Divinity Thesis

These examples, like many others in the history of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, indicate that there are some channels of recruitment which appear to be more effective than others. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit is selective with regards to effectiveness. Rather, it indicates that the Spirit moves through some channels better than others. It is important, from a recruitment point of view, to know the areas of motivation among those who have decided to prepare for the ministry. The prime motivators, when indicated, will serve as targets for effective recruitment activity. To define those targets is the …

The Changing Objectives And Philosophy Of Campus Ministry In The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, Marcus D. Pera

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It is the intention of this paper to be part of the process of reevaluation and rearticulation. Chapter II will provide a brief history of campus ministry in the LCMS in order to place in perspective and offer a setting within which to consider the development of the objectives and philosophy of campus ministry in the LCMS. Chapter III will then detail that development. It is to be noted that all information relating specifically to campus ministry in the LCMS is limited to the information contained in official documents of the LCMS such as the minutes from the annual University …

The Use Of The Word In The Counseling Process, Leonard E. Stahlke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the problem of what is meant by pastoral care and pastoral counseling, and by the counseling process, the techniques used in that process, and the place of the pastoral counseling process in the practical ministry of the pastor; then, to relate these findings to a sound scriptural approach of the use of the Word in the counseling process.

The Process Of Developing A Programmed Course In Christian Doctrine For Catachumens, Philip Bohlken

Master of Divinity Thesis

This paper summarizes research into the area of programmed instruction, sometimes also referred to as programmed learning or as teaching by machine. This research is primarily an investigation of the principles and techniques of programmed instruction with the view of using these principles and techniques to write a sample learning program. The research which went into this paper is used in the paper to adapt the principles and techniques discovered for use in programming a course in Christian doctrine. The programmed course is intended for use by catachumens in their early years of adolescence as they approach the time when …

The Common Service: A Study In The Adoption And Use Of The Common Service Between 1891 And 1941 In The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod And The English Evangelical Lutheran Synod Of Missouri And Other States, Alvin Lange

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study proposes to document how the Common Service came to be adopted first by the English Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri and Other States and then by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Missouri, Ohio and other States, and to show how extensive the use of this order has been between the years 1912, the date the first official English hymnal which included the Common Service was published by the Missouri Synod, and 1941, the year in which the 1940 revision of The Lutheran Hymnal was published.

First Communion And Confirmation, Berthold Von Schenk

Concordia Theological Monthly

The decision concerning the right age for First Communion is the prerogative of the pastor in the setting of his congregation. Every baptized child of God should receive the sacramental grace imparted in Holy Communion.

The New Indian Militancy: Its Roots, Its Message, And Its Significance For The Church, Victor Willmann

Bachelor of Divinity

The term "'Indian militancy" will immediately bring to mind in some readers the images of Black militancy and Black power. For others, Indian militancy may create impressions of direct-action groups, violence and intimidation. However, in using the term "Indian militancy" or its correllary term, "Red Power," this paper does not attempt to limit them to the narrow meanings ascribed to the corresponding terms of the Black civil rights movement. For the purposes of this study, Indian militancy and Red power will include those who advocate direct action through peaceful or disruptive means as well as those who are now beginning …

The Diakonis Function Of The Church In Hong Kong, Manfred Helmuth Berndt

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The burden of the study was an attempt to answer the general question of the church's servant attitude by answering specific questions, within the limited framework of one methodology.

The Lectionary And The Church Year: A Study Of The Historic Lectionary Of The Western Church Leading To A Revised Gospel Lectionary, Karl Cron

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The goal of the study is to provide a modest starting point for a revised lectionary with understandable, meaningful and relevant lessons that relate to one another and that are organized in a church year pattern which is helpful to the worshiper's devotion. Of course, the lectionary itself cannot overcome the human factors of inattentiveness, lethargy, and disinterest. More than a lectionary is required to overcome these factors.

Evaluation Of Current Lutheran Materials Training The Congregation To Worship, Duane Brunette

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The initial approach of this paper is to define worship as a basis for the evaluation of the materials. Its premise is that worship is an action on the part of the Christian.

Reading Programs In Theology: Forms Of Church And Ministry, Erwin L. Lueker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The study of the church can begin with almost any point of philosophy or theology. The church is Christology-Christ taking form in the world. The church is anthropology - people growing into the full stature of manhood. The church is sociology-the really beloved community forming as the body of its Lord. The church is wisdom-the pillar and ground of truth. The church is semantics-the Word taking form not in sign or sound but in flesh and blood. The church is eschatology-the little flock which has received, is received, and will receive the Kingdom. The church is family-a mother nourishes her …

Theological Education: Crisis And Renewal, Arthur Carl Piepkorn

Concordia Theological Monthly

In the course of the confessional revival in the Church of the Augsburg Confession during the 19th and 20th centuries, Lutheran theologians interpreted the statements of the Symbolical Books about the sacred ministry in three typical ways.

The Gospel And Political Structures, Jobst Schoene

Concordia Theological Monthly

The situation which suggests this theme is unique in more than one respect. Hardly ever in the history of theology has there been such intensive and impassioned questioning and contention concerning the relations between the gospel and political structures as today. That this is true also of the discussion within the Lutheran churches becomes evident the moment one investigates the problems posed by the concepts "gospel'' and "political structures." The rapid change of the political structures all over the world renders the answers from the Lutheran tradition, which have only too often been identified with the statements of Scripture and …

A Lutheran Evaluation Of Arguments Against The Use Of Musical Instruments In Public Worship, Mark P. Bangert

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to present those arguments which have been advanced against the use of musical instruments in public worship, to analyze them for purposes of clarification and categorization, and to evaluate them from a Lutheran point of view.

The Plight Of Man: A Study In Contemporary Preaching, Lary Misner

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This study comprises an examination of sermonic material for clues to the plight of man. Initially the research involves an assessment of the signs of man's plight and places these signs into significant categories of man's existence. After locating and classifying the plight of man, the analysis shifts to the meaning of the plight of man in all of the plight's dimensions. After summarizing various aspects of man's plight and its meaning, the analysis moves to detect the implications of plight and meaning for man and for the preaching task. Finally, several areas for further study are suggested on the …

The Single Non-College Young Adult And The Church, Paul Hofer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The scope of this study comprises first of all a brief examination of past approaches of the church to youth, followed by an analysis of the single young adult according to his world, needs, self-perception, problems, attitudes, and requests. Assessment is also made of some selected current and projected programs for church work with the single young adult, plus the implications of the church's unique task in understanding and reaching this age group.

Liturgical Reform At Vatican Ii- A Lutheran Appraisal, Philip Stephan

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In order to update the liturgy and the rites of worship, the Church cannot afford to assume this task of renewal in a haphazard way because she has been entrusted with the truth of the Gospel. The truths of the Gospel are the substance of the Holy Scriptures and the Eucharist, and are contained particularly in the primary liturgy of the Church. A reformation of the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, with which this study is concerned, must retain the substance of the Gospel in the liturgy. The problem this thesis will investigate and seek to answer is: Is it …

The Hermeneutics Of Johannes Christian Konrad Von Hofmann With Special Reference To His Influence On Georg Stoeckhardt, Richard Baepler

Bachelor of Divinity

The purpose of this thesis is to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of sacred Scriptures and revelation, and of the development or the view of sacred Scriptures and revelation dominant in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod through a study of the hermeneutical principles of Johann Christian Konrad von Hofmann with special reference to his influence on Georg Stoeckhardt. These two men have been selected for study not only because of the teacher-student relationship which existed between them but also because both men were giants of conservative confessional Lutheran scholarship and both have exerted an enduring influence, the …

Private Confession: A 20th-Century Issue Seen From A 16th-Century Perspective, Theodore Jungkuntz

Concordia Theological Monthly

Every knowledgeable theologian today is aware of the resurging interest in the question of private confession, i. e., auricular confession, or more precisely, the individual nature of confession. From professional theological journals to professional journals of psychology and psychiatry, from popular Time and Newsweek magazines to well-documented monographs and religious encyclopedia articles the question is being raised and answered in a variety of ways. The following is an attempt to permit the results of a thorough discussion of the issue more than four centuries ago in the decade from 1530 to 1540 to be of service in the contemporary search …

Principles For The Development Of Adult Premembership Instruction, Robert L. Conrad

Concordia Theological Monthly

The need for a study was brought forcibly to the author's attention by his membership on a subcommittee of the Board of Parish Education of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The responsibility of the subcommittee is to formulate principles for adult premembership instruction in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The subcommittee could find no existing statement of principles, so it was forced to make a beginning on such a formulation.