Practical Theology Commons^™

Barriers In Traditional Ashanti Religion To Membership In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Amofah-Anane Asamoah

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The persistence of traditional belief and practice among about 30 percent of Ashanti traditionalists presents a great challenge to the Ashanti SDA Church on how to engage the traditionalists' with the gospel. The darker side of the Ashanti world is characterized by fear and insecurity. While Christianity presents an attractive doctrine of salvation in a transcendent sense, its emissaries have failed to provide satisfying ways of dealing with the forces of the spirit world. In addition, the Ashanti institution of chieftaincy involves closely connected socio-political and religious rites. The chief is both the central officiant in rituals of tendence …

An Analysis Of Growth In The Euro-Asia Division (1985-1995) Leading To A Strategy For Developing Home Churches, Galina I. Stele

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Euro-Asia Division is experiencing many challenges due to rapid growth in membership during the decade of 1985-1995. This study shows some of the main needs of the Division and suggests a strategy for developing home churches in order to meet the present challenges.

Method

A church-growth analysis of the Euro-Asia Division was conducted for the years 1985-1995 to discover problems and challenges. The advantages that a home-church approach would bring in solving many of the challenges is discussed. Guiding principles for organizing house churches and training home-church leaders are suggested.

Results

The church-growth analysis showed that the main …

The Role Of The Pastor In Lay Development In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Papua New Guinea, Aaron M. Lopa

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Statement of the Problem

The task of this study was to rethink the role of pastors as shepherd-equippers of lay leaders in view of the explosive growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea.

Method

The dissertation has two parts. Part One covers: (1) institutional factors which provided the background for this study, (2) biblical and theological dimensions as the basis for the new pastoral paradigm in PNG, and (3) cultural and sociological factors as means to understand the local cultures in order to contextualize ministry to make it more relevant to the people. Part Two synthesizes the …

Strategy To Develop Small-Scale Income-Generating Programs Among Seventh-Day Adventist Lay Members In Ghana, David Sarfo Ameyaw

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The call for self-reliance and self-support in the operation and mission of the SDA Church worldwide presents a great challenge to the churches in developing countries. Many of the members in developing countries such as Ghana are unemployed and fall within the low-income bracket. In order for such membership to contribute to support the church, there must be a program to improve members' standard of living and their contributions and commitment to the church. Making the church in Ghana self-reliant and self- supporting is not a matter of how to motivate members to sacrifice and give, but how to empower …

Marketing Strategies For Seventh-Day Adventist Literature In Brazil, Mario Paulo Martinelli

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

There is a great need for the publishing work in Brazil to use different methods. Although several changes have occurred with the advance of technology and urbanization, the methods employed to distribute SDA literature have remained practically the same as those used in earlier times. Literature evangelists are facing greater difficulties in personally talking with people. The traditional door-to-door sales method is reaching fewer and fewer people and new approaches are required to support colporteurs in their work. In addition, sales of literature to church members in Brazil are low and give evidence to the fact that strategies are …

Improving The Assimilation Of New Members In Small Adventist Churches In Central Pennsylvania, Robert C. Williams

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The failure of many of our small Seventh-day Adventist congregations to fully welcome new members into their midst has been of pastoral concern for many years. This project is an attempt to build awareness among established church members of the need to assimilate and sacrifice for new members.

Method

The first part of the project involved research into the assimilation of new members in ten small Adventist congregations in central Pennsylvania. New members who had joined the church during a six-year interval were studied to see if they had maintained active membership status during that time. Interviews were also …

A Training Program For Grief Ministry For Singapore Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors, Chor Kiat Sim

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Many Seventh-day Adventist church pastors in Singapore are not trained in grief ministry. This results in some pastors who are insensitive to the grieving. Consequently, theirs and many church members' grief has been unresolved. This study was undertaken to develop a holistic pastoral perspective regarding grief and to compose a training program in grief ministry that will help pastors understand their own grief dynamics and that of their parishioners.

Method

This project attempts to present the principles of grief ministry through the following dimensions: (1) Singapore's need of grief ministry in the midst of socioeconomic development; (2) the study …

A Series Of Sermons And Growth Experiences In Marital Covenant Love Relationships In The Ottawa East Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Vaudré Pierre Jacques

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

In my interactions with my church members or more precisely with married couples, I have become aware of their idiosyncrasies in the realm of marital conflicts. It is hoped that this project will help to salvage marriages. However, this project is written from a preventive stance.

Method

In this project, a theological basis for marital covenant relationship was developed. Second, a series of five sermons and five growth seminars were conducted with some married couples and persons contemplating marriage. Third, pre- and post-questionnaires were distributed in order to assess the understanding of what is being discussed.

Results

From the …

Enthusiasm And Charismatic Manifestations In Sabbatarian Adventism With Applications For The Seventh-Day Adventist Church Of The Late Twentieth Church, James Michael Wilson

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Task

It was the purpose of this study to discover what charismatic manifestations were extant among the Sabbatarian Adventists and to determine why those manifestations deceased. This information was then analyzed in the light of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of the late twentieth century in order to find ways of stimulating spirituality and a healthy approach to the Holy Spirit and charismatic manifestations.

Method

The historical section of this project focused on the charismatic manifestations and enthusiasm of the Sabbatarian Adventists between the Great Disappointment of 1844 and the development in formal organization in 1861. The types of experiences of …

Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Seminar On Positive Resolution Of Interpersonal And Substantive Conflict In The Hazelton, British Columbia, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Bruce B. Boyd

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Some form of conflict is associated with virtually every human relationship, including relationships involving Christians. Negative conflict situations frequently injure Christians, and sometimes conflicts are severe enough to cripple churches. The purpose of this project was to study whether the teaching of concepts and skills that are, first, related to the management and resolution of interpersonal and substantive conflict, and second, congruent with biblical principles will have a positive impact upon how parishioners understand conflict and, as a result, upon how they behave in conflict situations so that the negative results of conflict are reduced and the positive results …

Seventh-Day Adventist Worship: A Course For Pastoral Students At Montemorelos University, Mexico, Hector Enrique Ramal

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an undergraduate course in Seventh-day Adventist worship. Chapter 1 states the purpose, justification, and expectations of the project. Chapter 2 states the origins and development of worship as these are revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Chapter 3 considers worship from Ellen G. White’s perspective. The concerns, issues, and principles of true worship are found in her writings. Chapter 4 deals with contemporary issues in worship.

The first part of this chapter has to do with the literature review and centers in the Pentecostal Movement and its influence on the Christian …

Stewardship Practices In Kenya With Proposed Solutions, Absalom N. Birai

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Although the Seventh-day Adventist church in Kenya has over three hundred thousand believers, the annual statistical reports indicate that its return of tithes and offerings does not correspond with its large membership. This study was undertaken to survey its giving patterns so as to discover possible weaknesses, to find ways of overcoming such weaknesses, and to promote faithful stewardship.

Method

To create a better concept of the stewardship of tithes and offerings an attempt was made to examine how tithes and offerings were practiced during the Old Testament era, intertestamental period, New Testament period, and by Ellen G. White. …

Improving The Understanding And Practice Of Country Living In The Georgia Central Korean Sda Church, Martin Byung Cho Rho

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The message of country living has been repeatedly stressed throughout the Spirit of Prophecy counsels, and there has been a problem in understanding and applying the message of country living among Korean SDA members in Korea and North America. The effect of this misunderstanding has produced many problems in the area of church growth and church leadership.

Method

This project report examined the historical background of Ellen G. White’s counsels of country living and studied the writings of Ellen White regarding country living in relation to city mission. This study involved a workshop and survey for evaluation. This project …

Premarital Education: A Model For The Toronto Perth Avenue Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Steve David Cassimy

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Statement of Project

Every pastor is involved in performing marriages. Pastors are also spending a considerable amount of time in post-marital counseling. This project sought to design and implement a Premarital Education program to help prepare couples for marriage and to reduce the number of hours pastors spend with post-marital care. The sessions in the model may prepare couples for life's challenges as they learn to develop communication and coping skills. It is hoped the sessions will aid the couple in handling marital adjustment and in dealing with conflict.

Method

This project report explores a brief history of Premarital Education …

A Church Seeking Vision: A Study To Determine Which Stage Of Its Life Cycle The La Sierra Collegiate Church Is In, To Help The Church Clarify Its Purpose And Goals And Grow Numerically, Bradley K. Whited

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Attendance at the La Sierra Collegiate Church worship services declined for several years, then membership began to decline. Programs, finances, and morale were negatively impacted. The church had lost any evangelistic fervor it may have had in the past. The Collegiate Church lacked a focus for ministry other than the education of the children of the members, in spite of efforts at worship renewal by a new senior pastor after his arrival in 1988. There was no mission or purpose. There was no vision and work for God’s redemption in the world.

Method

A questionnaire based on David Moberg’s …

Theological Education In Context: A Pilot Extension Program For The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Rwanda, Robert G. Peck

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

One of the most important concerns that presents itself to the Adventist Church in Rwanda is how to adequately cope with the rapid growth of new members. There are too few pastors equipped to care for the growing membership. It was the purpose of the present pilot project to design a strategy that would provide theological education and training for pastors currently employed and training for those mature church leaders who are motivated to improve their leadership abilities and skills.

Method

Theological Education by Extension (TEE) was the proposed solution to the problem. A two-tier approach was suggested. The …

The Methods Of Selected British Pastors Evaluated In The Light Of The New Testament And Ellen G. White For Their Usefulness To The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Paul R. Smith

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Since the early 1950s immigrants have been arriving in Britain in large numbers from the Caribbean and from Asia. Some immigrants from the West Indies have joined Seventh-day Adventist churches. Currently, statistics indicate that although Seventh-day Adventist membership has increased in Britain since 1950, the Black percentage has risen considerably while the White percentage has dramatically declined. This study was undertaken in the hope that by examining the methods of four successful non-Seventh-day Adventist pastors in England and comparing their approaches with instructions found in Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White we could find pointers which could help …

Towards Understanding Distinctive Seventh-Day Adventist Preaching, John Harold Hobart Mathews

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

As early as 1957 there has been concern by some church members that Seventh-day Adventist preaching has lost its uniqueness or as some have said, "the old Adventist ring." Are SDA preachers losing the church's mission in their preaching? That assertion continues to be a voice within Adventism.

Method

A study from the Bible, writings of Ellen G. White and other church publications helped me understand the mission of the SDA church and preaching's relationship to that mission. An analysis of sermons by J. N. Andrews, W. A. Spicer, and H. M. S. Richards, Sr. demonstrate how leading SDA …

Implementing And Evaluating A Model Of Pastoral Counseling In A Church District, Don Miller

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The Topic

Programs in my churches do not seem to be helping members that have ongoing problems. It is important to find ways to resolve problems to help people and thus help prevent their leaving the church.

The Purpose

The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a systematic approach to pastoral counseling in the setting of a church district. It also purposed to develop a theology/philosophy of counseling and to adapt a counseling model, using it in working with church members. Positive changes were expected, evidenced by changes from negative behavior patterns. Another goal was to learn …

The Process Of Developing And Implementing A Statement Of Mission In A Church-Owned Institution Using The De-Vau-Ge Gesundkostwerk As An Example, Wolfgang Manfred Witzig

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

An organization will only succeed if all its entities contribute to its purpose. With time these entities tend to develop their own objectives, sometimes counteracting the overall mission of the organization. Religious organizations especially seem to encounter this issue. This study examines, in an exemplary way, the purpose of a health-food factory that is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany and attempts to rewrite their statement of mission.

Method

The project examines the historical background of the factory. It indicates the reasons that led to its founding and the changes that took place in the understanding of …

A Spiritual Model For Recovery Of Pastors Suffering Burnout (The Pine Springs Retreat), Charles Martin Liu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors fill increasingly complex job expectations in the 1990s. Many pastors perceive they suffer from greater stressors than have any other generation of SDA pastors. Many claim burnout is hurting their job performance. It is the purpose of this study to measure the perceived levels of burnout among a cross section of SDA pastors in Southeastern California Conference of SDA (SECCSDA), plan and initiate an intervention to treat the symptoms of burnout, and analyze the effectiveness of the intervention.

Method

An original perception-test instrument was used to measure the perceived feelings of burnout among approximately eighty …

A Design For The Establishment Of A Resource Center For Pastoral Skills Development In The Carolina Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists: Based Upon A Pastoral Skills Needs Inventory, Ralph Arthur Hollenbeck

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The drop-out rate for pastors is and has been alarming. One reason for pastors leaving the ministry is their lack of opportunity and the knowledge of knowing where and how to enhance their pastoral skills. The objective of this project is to develop a design for the implementation of a resource center for pastoral skills development based upon a pastoral skills needs inventory.

Method

Methods used in this project varied. A research of literature was conducted. A personal interview with Mark Rouch resulted in the possession of the mailing list of the "Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education …

A Study Of The Causes Of Membership Dropout Among Selected Churches In The East Jamaica Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Horace A. Russell

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This project attempts to investigate the causes of membership dropout among selected churches in the East Jamaica Conference of SDA. Several New Testament examples are explored in an effort to determine the church's responsibility in behalf of the missing member. The role and function of the church as a loving, caring community in reclaiming and restoring dropouts is discussed. Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians, Romans, and Ephesians concerning the church as a body and Christ the head also are examined.

A review of literature gives an overview of the dropout problem from the perspective of various Christian churches in an …

A Proposed Strategy For Evangelizing The Hindus Of The Republic Of Trinidad And Tobago, Wynall F. Kerr

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Substantial investments been made in the evangelization of Hindus in Trinidad, but have resulted in little success. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trinidad has not yet developed a well-defined approach to assist pastors and laity in evangelizing Hindus. The purpose of this study was to develop a biblically informed strategy of evangelism that can be used in designing appropriate evangelistic methods.

Method

The New Testament and other selected literature have suggested a strategy and methods of evangelism that were used for evangelizing particular peoples or groups of people, and these might inform the mission of the Seventh- day Adventist …

Development Of A Coping Mechanism Seminar For Single Parents Within A Seventh-Day Adventist Context, Elliott Claude Osborne

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

One of the fastest growing groups in American society is the single-parent household. There are four areas of concern that single parents have identified repeatedly at the Juniper Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is the purpose of this study to address these concerns through the development and field testing of a seminar with suggested coping skills to aide single parents in rearing their children within a Christian environment.

Method

A questionnaire was developed to secure pertinent information to aide the researcher to ascertain the specific content to be included in the coping-skills seminar for single-parents. A syllabus was developed …

An Approach To Motivation For Volunteer Church Ministries, A Wayne Owen

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

One of the important aspects of the minister's work is that of motivating his parishioners in the work of ministry. This involvement is not only necessary to the work of the church but also for the development of the parishioners' faith and growth in Christian maturity. It is the purpose of this study to determine the results of the implementation of psychological and sociological principles outlined in the literature of business and education in the administration of a local church.

Method

The principles of motivation that would apply to volunteer ministries were implemented in the various departments of the …

Strategy For Holy Week Incarnational Evangelism For The West Puerto Rico Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Efren Pagan

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Most of the people living in Puerto Rico claim or are claimed to be Catholics by the Catholic leadership of the Island. Most of them have only a form of religion, having lost sight of the power of Christ's religion. They need to be led back to Christ, even though they are unconscious of their situation or of their spiritual need.

Method

Each person is unique, but some characteristics are similar to most of the people in a specific group. Catholics constitute a large group in Puerto Rico. To reach them, one must understand them and approach them in …

Towards A Model Of Congregational Evangelistic Campaigns In The Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In West Germany, Ekkehardt Muller

Doctor of Ministry Projects

In the Western world it is a great challenge for churches to reach secular persons. This is true especially for West Germany where only an almost insignificant percentage of the population attends church regularly. Traditional methods to win people for Christ usually focus on this small percentage of people instead of on the vast majority of the unchurched people. Reaching the unchurched is a situation in which the laymen of the church are of special importance, for they are able to be in touch with persons clergymen will almost never reach. Thus laymen need to have a larger sphere of …

An Experiment In Ministering To Felt Needs Of A Small Church Through Contemporary Sabbath Services, Dwayne Toppenberg

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Jesus came to give fullness of life and yet people leave the church because of unsatisfying interpersonal relationships. It was the task of this project to measure the effects of Sabbath services upon the interpersonal relationships between church members.

Method

Ten Sabbath services were specifically designed to improve the interpersonal behaviors of inclusion, control, and openness, and to stimulate the interpersonal feelings of significance, competence, and love. The Schutz Measures instrument was administered before and after the ten services to determine whether these behaviors and feelings had improved.

Results

The scores on the Schutz instrument revealed that improvements were …

A Biblical Preaching Strategy For The Ministers Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Central Dominican Conference, Ramon Araujo C.

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The problem of preaching in the Central Dominican Conference seems to be one of sermon content. Weaknesses in hermeneutical principles as well as rules applied to the biblical sermon can be detected. Even when preachers quote the Bible and try to explain the message, the biblical text is not properly discussed or explained. This situation results in poor sermon content. To correct this anomaly, this study provides a guide on Biblical Preaching to help the minister produce a better sermon to feed the church.

Method

In order to investigate the content of sermons and the principles applied to preaching …