Practical Theology Commons^™

Developing A Congregational Committee On Communication, Mark Bangert

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project had the purpose of examining the communication that happens in a congregation and the communication that comes from a Christian congregation. Emphasis in the paper is on how communication skills must be used in-service of the Gospel.

Components of the paper include a theological and confessional examination of communication; a look at current communication theory; the development of a "Committee On Communication" in a local parish; and the specific results of that committee's work.

This paper is for anyone desiring to better develop the communication skills of their congregation in service of the Gospel.

The Relationships We Live By, Craig Du Bois

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

"The Relationships We Live By" is an examination of the relationship-centered life whereby many of the traditional hierarchical ordering of relationships are evaluated and challenged. This is an analysis of the prioritization of relationships as discerned from the Scriptures.

Adapting And Field-Testing The Ancient Catechumenate At Hope Ev. Lutheran Church, Saint Louis, Missouri, Dennis Lucero

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this project is to adapt and field test the catechumenate in a way that is theologically consistent with the Lutheran Confessions and employs excellent teaching methodology and practice. Through my research I intend to do the following: to demonstrate a higher level of understanding of the process of catechetical formation in the early church, to develop a higher level of theological understanding of the basis for the catechumenate process, to appreciate the theological formation of the process of catechesis, to heighten awareness of the impact of theological education in the life of the Christian congregation, to make …

A Theological And Sociological Analysis Of The Family Dropout Problem Following The Rite Of Confirmation And Graduation Of Children From Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School, Springfield, Illinois, Micheal Strong

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This project analyzes the problem of dropouts at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Springfield, Illinois, by a four step process.(1) First a strict confessional position will be articulated in this paper. (2)Then, while examining two current sociological trends, Church Growth and systems theory, some aspects of both movements will be found to be deficient for a confessional Lutheran while others usable. (3) Former or lapsed members are then surveyed and interviewed to determine their perceived reasons for becoming dropouts. (4) Finally, incorporating all of the above material, recommendations are made to the congregation and pastor of ways that …

A Model For Small Group Development And Enrichment At St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Timothy Wenger

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

A MODEL FOR SMALL GROUP DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT ATST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSINBY TIMOTHY E. WENGER

The project was begun with the assumption that a greater use of small group ministry could strengthen the congregation as a whole and provide better opportunities for individuals to experience spiritual growth and a deeper sense of fellowship within the church. The approach to this project included research into the theological foundation of small groups and research into the utilization of small groups in society. The observance and appraisal of current small group ministry at St. Luke’s and the enrichment and development …

The Stewardship Of The Gospel In The Local Congregation, Wayne Braun

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The question which this Major Applied Project seeks to answer is this: "What can a pastor do to lead the congregation he serves to become a more faithful steward of the Gospel?" I intend to demonstrate that congregations which are growing as stewards of the Gospel are led by their pastor to (1) have a biblical understanding of Christian stewardship, (2) work together in a God-created partnership as stewards of the Gospel, and (3) carefully develop and implement a plan for how they will seek to be faitfhful stewards of the Gospel, a plan they will continuously evaluate and revise …

Witnesses For The Defense A Lenten Worship Series For Holy Cross Lutheran Church Davenport, Iowa, Frederick Schuster

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Major Applied Project is the preparation of a Lenten Midweek Worship Series based on the Gospel according to St. John for use at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa.

The project investigates the Lutheran theology of worship, the concept of worship in the Lutheran Confessions, the place, practice and purpose of Lent in the church, and the relevance of the Gospel according to St. John as the basis for the series.

The study culminates with nine sermon studies, one for each of the six Wednesdays of Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

New Pericopal-Based Hymnody For Lutheran Corporate Worship, Wilfred Karsten

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There are gaps where the corpus of hymnody in Lutheran Worship fails to support the lectionary used by that hymnal. This project produces thirteen new hymn texts which seek to fill part of that gap.

An analysis of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 shows that there may be a variety of congregational song used in the Divine Service, but this song must always be didactic in character. An examination of the hymnody of the Reformation shows that congregational song was meant to serve a liturgical purpose. An appendix compares Lutheran Worship hymn text scriptural allusions with its lectionary.

Enhancing The Congregation's Appreciation For The Scriptural Doctrine Of Angels, Mark Smith

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The goal of this Major Applied Project is to present a year-long program of emphasis on the Doctrine of Angels for use in the local congregation that is both theologically consistent with the Lutheran Confessions, gives comfort to God’s people and glory to Christ and His Gospel.

This program of emphasis was field tested at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church of Crestwood, Missouri. Its contents include Bible study and sermon outlines, theological essays, hymnody and liturgical suggestions, illustrations for worship leaflets, activities for children, newsletter articles and various other items.

Applying Strategic Planning Toward The Development Of An Effective And Joyful Ministry Team In The Local Church, Robert Kasper

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This study chronicles the activities of the ministry team of St. Peter Lutheran Church and School with respect to the implementation of the strategic planning process. The greatest benefit of strategic planning for the congregation and its ministry team is focus. The stage is set to be proactive rather than reactive in an ever changing environment. The future no longer brings fear, but challenges faith. The past becomes arch heritage, marked by God's grace; serving as fertile ground for roots of faith in a faithful God who will also guide and provide in the years to come.

The Indirect Method Of Preaching, John Davidson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Indirect Method: A study of the potential effectiveness of the indirect method of preaching. The study examines the Biblical and practical components of the indirect method. A sample sermon is presented together with an evaluation of the sermon by selected members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Ohio. The evaluation will measure the method's effectiveness in the proclamation of Law and Gospel from a Lutheran context. The proclamation of the Law exposes the hearer's sinfulness and need of a Savior. The proclamation of the Gospel reveals Jesus Christ as Savior and offers forgiveness and salvation to all who believe in …

Principles To Assist The Introduction Of Change In Congregational Worship, Paul Borgman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Change affects people, which is also evident in worship. Helping them to assimilate change in worship is this project’s purpose.

Two examples of change were considered. The first was quality improvement. This addressed those responsible for the conduct of worship. While significant changes did not result, it did prove that people are more responsive when interest is shown in them.

The second was introducing a new setting of the Divine Service. The results indicated that, with proper planning, change can be introduced positively.

Change does not have to be disruptive. It can be spiritually beneficial if handled sensitively.

An Exegetical, Historical And Practical Study Of New Testament Terms For Pastor And People At Trinity Lutheran Church, Memphis, Tennessee, Ronald Wiese

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a confusion among clergy and laity over their precise function in a congregation. This is an exegetical, historical and practical study of ten New Testament terms used for pastor and people at Trinity Lutheran Church, Memphis, Tennessee. The conclusions were that the pastor's primary role is the public administrtion of the Word and Sacraments, that the laity hold a high calling of the Lay Apostolate, and that the office of deacon should be reinstated in the congregation.

From Invocation Through Creed: A Historical And Doctrinal Analysis Of The Service Of The Word In The Common Service, Timothy Roser

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Cursory study of the text of this liturgy reveals that it was not assembled according to some academic standard. Perhaps a better word for its development would be "organic," as over the centuries it grew to meet the needs of the time. Each addition was tested, tried, and proven not by a single congregation nor even a group of congregations acting in concert, but by the Church at large working over the course of decades and centuries. This is not to suggest that these words are the only way3to receive God's service to us and return our service to Him. …

Using Parents In Preparing Their Children For Confirmation And First Communion, Wayne Wentzel

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The theme of this paper is the involvement of parents in the spiritual life of their children as they prepare for confirmation and first Communion. A problem exists in most churches where these very vital steps are left to the pastor and the church. Through a study of the Scriptures, the writings of Dr. Martin Luther, and the history of the Christian Church, the extent to which parents are to be involved in this process is determined, as well as the age at which the child is ready to begin. Several surveys were conducted at Faith Lutheran Church to determine …

Recognizing The Law, The Gospel, And Gospel Application In The Sermon: A Seminar On Preaching, Gilbert Duchow

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The importance of making the proper distinction between Law and Gospel clear in the sermon is nothing new for Lutheran pastors, especially in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, thanks to Walther's theses on Law and Gospel. However, the people in the pew still do not generally recognize that distinction in the sermon. There is also considerable confusion among the laity about the proper relationship between the Gospel and the application of the Gospel in a sermon. In addition, pastors often fail to include or keep in balance all three components in the sermon (Law, Gospel and Gospel application). Therefore, I designed …

A Study Group Examines The Doctrine Of Election And Its Relation To The Ministry Of Word And Sacraments, Ralph Rokke

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Rokke, Ralph M. A Study Group ermines the Doctrine of Election and Its Relation to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments. Does a pastor’s view of the doctrine of election influence his ministry? Two different forms of the doctrine of election have long been taught among Lutherans. The first form leads pastors to preach the Gospel and to administer the sacraments trusting that God works through them to save sinners. The second form, the intuitu fidei form, encourages pastors to believe that sinners have free wills and that it is a pastor’s job to persuade sinners to become Christians.

Marriage Beyond Hierarchy-How To Keep Building A Better Partnership Marriage, George Zoebl

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The debate over the statue of women represents a large clash between venerable religious beliefs and social movements that have affected the understanding of what a "true Biblical marriage” should be. This paper explores "Marriage Beyond Hierarchy...How To Keep Building a Partnership Marriage."

Chapter one deals with an exegetical study of Ephesians 6:22-33, I Peter 3:1-7, I Corinthians 7 and looks at the Lutheran Confessions and what they say about marriage, roles, responsibilities, submission and headship. Chapter two examines the "chain of command" model of marriage in comparison with the "equal partnership" model. Finally, chapter throe presents a method for …

A More Effective Use Of The Early Childhood Development Center For Evangelistic Outreach, Henry Biar

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This paper showed that the Early Childhood Development Center can be an effective outreach tool for Evangelism through staff members' involvement. This explanation was accomplished by giving an historical background of why the day center was created in the first place, and the way the center can be used for effective outreach by a staff trained for this purpose. This vehicle can be used as one of them any avenues for outreach. The staff members, when properly trained, will accept this possibility of assisting in Evangelism on behalf of the parish.

Improving The Communication Of The Gospel Through Preaching: A Systematic Congregational Process, James Lamb

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The message of Christian preaching, then, is unique because of the content of the message and who has revealed it. But the distinctiveness does not stop there. This particular form of rhetoric carries its own power to bring about change.

Designing A Member Development Process For Our Redeemer Lutheran Church In Delavan, Wisconsin, David Lieske

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a need for having more Christians active in building Christ's church. The procedure was to design a process to encourage more people to be active. There was a survey of needs and a personal study of leadership that equips. A small group Bible study was designed and taught to teach the priesthood of all believers, to help people discover spiritual gifts, and to learn personality type. Fifteen people participated in the Bible study. Awareness was increased. An organizational system was designed for helping people begin to serve. Implementation and revision of the process are ongoing.

Rekindling Your Spiritual Life At Age 65 And Beyond, Dennis Pegorsch

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

There is a necessity to focus on the changing needs of people in the church and in society. Our nation has moved from a youth-oriented society to an aging society. For fulfillment, joy, and peace in the retirement years, the church has the opportunity to provide educational models enabling older adults to "reposition" themselves for the lifelong challenge God gives to His people. This paper will provide a rationale and a model for older adults to appreciate their continued God-given calling for meaningful service in Christ's Church by continued growth and a better understanding of their talents, gifts, and opportunities.

"The Use Of Training In Advanced Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Counseling For Increased Competency For Pastoral Care At Lakeside Lutheran Church, Venice, Florida,", Randy Winkel

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project explores the role of the pastor as counselor and traces the development of family therapy. The "family as the patient" emphasis is explained, and contrasted with the more traditional psychoanalytical approaches that center on the individual. Specific case studies are presented which illustrate the application of system theory. The author relates his experience in a counseling practicum and his subsequent growth and development as a pastoral counselor.

Celebrating God's Grace: An Adult Information Course Which Teaches The Doctrine Of The Church As It Is Expressed In The Worship Of The Church, James Heining

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The writer did a thorough study of the ongoing relationship of worship and doctrine as an influence in the formation of Lutheran worship practices.

He developed a class entitled "Celebrating God's Grace," which summarized the basic teachings of the church as they are expressed in the worship of the church. This was part of a revamped adult education program in his congregation.

In addition to the obvious benefits for those attending the class, the writer came to better understand the centrality of grace in the Christian faith and is now better able to plan and lead worship.

An Exploration Of A.A.'S Twelve Step Spirituality For The Purpose Of Communicating A Right Understanding Of Law And Gospel To Recovering Lutheran Alcoholics, Gary Galen

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This study addresses presenting Law and Gospel to recovering Lutheran alcoholics in the Twelve Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Twelve Steps offer a spirituality which has often caused confusion among confessional Lutherans. This involved interviewing recovering Lutheran alcoholics, non-alcoholic Lutherans and clergy. The Twelve Steps were evaluated according to Law and Gospel. A brief study of the influence of American Civil Religion and Two Kingdom Theology gave a backdrop in which to place the Twelve Steps. Practical ways in which pastors and congregations could better minister to recovering Lutheran alcoholics were included.

Jesus Is The Key To Freedom, Maurice Alms

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The need exists for more trained prison and jail ministry volunteers in a correctional system bulging with inmates.

The manual training program is directed by a prison and jail ministry trainer for one or two individuals and is made to be adaptable to a variety of settings.

The training program is a step-by-step program and is based on a(T) Teaching (Education), (T) Training (Experience), and (R) Reaching(Recruiting other volunteers) model.

Following the training program the trainee should have an awareness of his/her desired area of service and a degree of comfortability in his/her volunteer ministry.

Pastoral Care For The Family Affected By Chemical Dependency, Michael Eckelkamp

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis hopes to offer a contribution in terms of providing a starting point for the Lutheran pastor assisting the family struggling with chemical dependency. It is my suggestion that a pastor using his Lutheran training along with a basic understanding of the Family Systems approach will be able to assist many of the chemically dysfunctional families under his care.

Faith Development And Self-Directed Reading Of Christian Literature: A Key To A Maturing Faith, Raymond Schiefelbein

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Christians need continuing education to develop their faith. Too often, youth and adult Christians complete confirmation instruction but fail to continue learning, fail to have a positive attitude about the necessity of Christian learning as a lifelong process, and even fail to understand that faith can indeed grow in strength and maturity or diminish and die.

This Doctor of Ministry research project is a test of the hypothesis that Christians who engage in self-directed reading of Christian literature are more likely to develop a more integrated, mature faith than those who do not engage in self-directed reading. The six key …

Some Implications And Applications Of Gestalt Therapy For Use In Pastoral Counseling, Lawrence Zimmermann

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Some implications and applications of Gestalt therapy for use in the pastoral counseling. An evaluation of its theory in relation to principles of pastoral counseling, the person of the therapist, and selected approaches and their applicability to pastoral counseling. The Gestalt holistic view of man is not broad enough for the full range of pastoral concerns in terms of man's spiritual needs. Its approaches can be applied by the pastor in keeping with the integrity of his office. In keeping with the creative stance of Gestalt therapy they can also be applied to personalize the gospel.

Developing A Program For Interpersonal Ministry In The Liturgy For St. Paul Lutheran Church Shreveport, Louisiana, Wesley Toncre

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

This major applied project explores the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, the tradition of the Fathers and contemporary ecclesiastical thinking in an attempt to discover and begin to define the contributory role of the individual worshiper in Lutheran corporate liturgical worship today. Further, it develops a workshop structure that is designed to provide members of one particular congregation with the knowledge, attitudes, skills and opportunities to execute those roles by serving one another effectively in response to God's ministry to them while they are gathered around Word and sacrament.

It is noted that neither Holy Scripture nor the Lutheran Confessions restrict …