Practical Theology Commons^™

Prosperity Gospel In Liberia: A Theological Alternative To The Gospel Of Jesus Christ, Jerome A. Newman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many indigenous Liberian pastors are not theologically grounded on a solid biblical foundation. As such, many Liberian Christians lack foundational knowledge of the truths of the Gospel of Christ for salvation. The prosperity gospel or “Faith, Wealth, and Health” theology in Liberia is a significant deviation from the Gospel of Christ that undermines sound hermeneutical interpretation of Scripture. This study examines why a growing number of pastors in Liberia are replacing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the prosperity gospel. An anonymous survey research study of 12 pastors from Unity Light Ministry Network (Unity Community Church) in Kakata, Liberia, West …

Giftive Dialogue: An Analysis Of The Use Of The Giftive Metaphor In The Pluralist Context Of The Lutheran University Of Brazil, Maximiliano Silva

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Silva, Maximiliano Wolfgramm. “Giftive Dialogue: An Analysis of the Use of the Giftive Metaphor in the Pluralist Context of the Lutheran University of Brazil.” Ph. D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2019. 189 pp.

Modernity’s secularization project and specific characteristics of Brazilian history have promoted pluralism to the status of a moral demand, especially in the academic context. Such a situation posits challenges and opportunities for ULBRA’s campus pastors. That is so because ULBRA’s chaplains’ pastoral ministry is the most visible and symbolic expression of ULBRA’s confessional identity. Because of the claims made by Christianity, that identity has exclusivist traits. Therefore, it …

Lived Kardecism - A Phenomenological Approach To Understanding Brazilian Spiritism, William Miller

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Miller, William D. “Lived Kardecism: A Phenomenological Approach to Understanding Brazilian Spiritism.” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2019. 327 pp.

This dissertation addresses a problem that faces the researcher of Brazilian Spiritism, namely that there is a need for a particular kind of account that takes the lived experience of religion as its foundation; an account of the lived experience of Spiritists who practice Spiritism as a religion in the Brazilian context and find value in it for their spiritual journey. This study answers the question as to how Spiritists articulate what is spiritual, relate to religion, and experience spiritual significance …

Theological And Financial Integrity In Church Budgeting: A Study Of The Effects Of Budget Theory Education Using A Two Kinds Of Righteousness Framework, R. Brian Stolarczyk

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Stolarczyk, R., Brian “THEOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY IN CHURCH BUDGETING: A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF BUDGET THEORY EDUCATION USING A TWO KINDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FRAMEWORK.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2019. 182 pp.

The operating budget at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Port Charlotte, FL emphasized the management of God’s gifts but did not adequately emphasize their primary relationship with God during the budgetary process and did not strongly connect the budget with their congregational mission. A three-hour seminar was developed to teach budget theory and the Lutheran doctrine of the two kinds of righteousness in …

Records Of The Office Of The President: Julian C. Mcpheeters Arc 210-002 - Finding Aid, Ats Special Collections And Archives

Finding Aids

No abstract provided.

Best Practices In Lcms Congregational Mergers Into Multisite Ministries, Brian Hesse

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hesse, Brian J. “Best Practices in LCMS Congregational Mergers into Multisite Ministries.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 171 pp.

In this MAP the process of a church merger is evaluated for the development of Best Practices in LCMS Congregational Mergers into Multisite Ministries. These best practices aredeveloped with special considerations towards LCMS ecclesiology, missiology and Martin Luther’s Distinction of God’s Two Kingdoms. Best practice recommendations are included for LCMS church mergers, especially for those congregations considering multisite ministry.

The Historic Liturgy: Important Or Adiaphoron? Yes, John Tape

Theological Symposia

I humbly submit to you today that this is the current problem in our beloved synod, concerning the proper role of the historic liturgy. If we are going to begin to have an accurate understanding of the liturgy, we must carefully stay on the tightrope and avoid falling to one side or the other.

Today I would like to focus on two polar elements concerning the historic liturgy and suggest several specific ways they can be kept in balance. In all of this, I hope to present five theological principles (or if you are Waltherian—theses) which will help guide us …

The Historic Liturgy: Important Or Adiaphoron? Yes

Theological Symposia

>p>I humbly submit to you today that this is the current problem in our beloved synod, concerning the proper role of the historic liturgy. If we are going to begin to have an accurate understanding of the liturgy, we must carefully stay on the tightrope and avoid falling to one side or the other.

Today I would like to focus on two polar elements concerning the historic liturgy and suggest several specific ways they can be kept in balance. In all of this, I hope to present five theological principles (or if you are Waltherian—theses) which will help guide …

Just Play: On Being Fully Human In Sport, Amy Gray Bird

Master of Art Theology Thesis

Bird, Amy, S.G. “Just Play: On Being Fully Human in Sport.” Master’s thesis, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 73 pp.

Is competing in competitive sport worthy of a Christian’s time, energy, and resources? If so, how does one compete in a God-pleasing way? Certainly, several factors are at work here, but to gain a theologically faithful understanding of sport this paper considers two concepts as vital: the Lutheran doctrine of vocation and the concept of leisure as articulated by Catholic moral theologian Josef Pieper. This thesis considers both vocation and leisure and explores how when taken together vocation and leisure clarify the …

Stimulating Growth In Missional Understanding And Participation, David Benson

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Benson, David M. “Stimulating Growth in Missional Understanding and Participation.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2018. 195 pp.

The purpose of this project was to initially assess the understanding of and attitude toward the mission of the Church among the active membership of Faith Lutheran Church in Springfield, Missouri. Then, through the implementation of a six week, biblically based course of study about the missio Dei and the mission of the Church, a sampling of the membership were given in-depth instruction to increase their missional awareness. This same group was then reassessed to see if there had …

Spiritual Leadership Training Model: Using Learning Communities To Disciple Leaders In A Congregational Setting, Kent Pierce

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Pierce, Kent D. “Spiritual Leadership Training Model: Using Learning Communities To Disciple Leaders In A Congregational Setting.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 209 pp.

Over the past few decades a significant shift has taken place in the cultural landscape of the United States and, as a result, in how congregations live out Christ’s mission in their unique local context. This project seeks to address the need for spiritual leadership among the laity of the Church. Specifically, the purpose of the project was to develop a model of spiritual leadership formation that will foster a discipling culture within Campus …

“Developing An Effective Divorce Recovery Ministry”, Kirk Hille

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hille, Kirk A. “Developing an Effective Divorce Recovery Ministry.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2017. 184 pp.

A divorce recovery ministry was initiated in a church setting using the video-based Divorce Care curriculum. Over the course of thirteen weeks, participant scores on the Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale increased an average of 53.6 points, and a final focus group interview elicited positive evaluations from all the participants. The steps taken to initiate the group and the results are discussed in detail, including eight factors cited by participants as contributing to the effectiveness of the ministry. Issues involved in …

A Theological Dialogue With And Evaluation Of Erik H. Erikson’S Theory Of Identity Development In Light Of Pauline Baptismal Theology In Romans And Some Implications For Pastoral Care, Walter Steele

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Steele, Walter R. “A Theological Dialogue with and Evaluation of Erik H. Erikson’s Theory of Identity Development in Light of Pauline Baptismal Theology in Romans and Some Implications for Pastoral Care” Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2017. 304pp.

The Issue of identity and identity development, or actualization, is both a psychological and a theological issue. Among psychologists who have been concerned with identity, the name of Erik H. Erikson is at the forefront. His psychosocial theory has been appropriated by several people in the field of pastoral care, yet his theory has not been adequately subjected to a robust and thorough …

Recurring Characters As Benefits In Applying God’S Word, Daniel Hahn

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hahn Jr., Daniel A., Recurring Characters as Benefits in Applying God’s Word. D.Min. MAP., Concordia Seminary, 2016. 166pp.

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of recurring characters in sermon stories as tools for connecting hearers to Biblical concepts. The report tells the story of a six-week series of sermons which were developed for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Millvale, Pennsylvania. The project aimed to determine if the two contemporary characters, created for this series, would become increasingly beneficial over time as hearers became more familiar with them. The report explains the rationale behind the project and …

The Household Prayers Of Doctor Martin Luther And Daily Devotion At Zion Lutheran Church In Wausau, Wisconsin, Steven Gjerde

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Gjerde, Steven, K. “The Household Prayers of Doctor Martin Luther and Daily Devotion at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin.” Doctor of Ministry, Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2016. 145 pp.

This major applied project explores the use of Martin Luther’s household prayers in Christian devotional practice. Published in the Small Catechism of 1529, the household prayers (morning, evening, and table prayers) have enjoyed varying usage since that time. This study researches whether or not they may serve as a devotional resource for contemporary believers. After addressing the Biblical and theological foundations of home devotion, the literary background of the …

Grassroots Asian Theology: Thinking The Faith From The Ground Up. By Simon Chan, Henry Rowold

Concordia Journal

He states his purpose as “to force a rethink on the way Asian theology is currently undertaken and in so doing to show the distinctive contributions of Asian grassroots Christianity to the wider church’s theological endeavors.”

“A Gospel-Based Budgeting Of Theology’S Resources”, Dale Meyer

Concordia Journal

“Lead with the gospel” does, and that is our focus as we offer you our faculty’s time, learning, and energies for your ministry.

Implications Of Brain Research For The Church:What It Means For Theology And Ministry By Allen Nauss, Bruce Hartung

Concordia Journal

It is certainly true that “seminaries and the church’s clergy in the field can certainly become more effective in their ministry as they combine emotion with cognition, work to balance the activity of both hemispheres, become aware of their biases and the virtues of Christ’s model, develop their empathy, translate their theology into meaning, and apply it in their worship and their lives”

Becoming Lutheran: Exploring The Journey Of American Evangelicals Into Confessional Lutheran Thought, Matthew Richard

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this Major Applied Research Project was to examine the journey of American Evangelicals into Lutheran thought. Otherwise stated, the research project studied the emotional struggles, linguistic confusion, worldview changes, and epistemological shifts that happen during the pilgrimage between two theological traditions.

The research findings are intended to identify valuable insights and provide avenues of comfort for those who are making this transition. Furthermore, the findings of this research are intended to aid Lutheran pastors as they care for and shepherd individuals who are coming into Lutheranism from American Evangelicalism.

The primary components of this study were the …

Christian Navy Chaplains And The Challenge Of Expanding Religious Pluralism, Timothy Oswald

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Oswald, Timothy J. “Christian Navy Chaplains and the Challenge of Expanding Religious Pluralism.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary – St. Louis. 2013. 245 pp.

Navy chaplains are expected to facilitate for the religious needs of those from other faiths. For chaplains who believe in the exclusivity of the Christian religion, this can create theological and even personal tensions about support for religious practices which the chaplain believes to be false.

This project explores those tensions and proposes ways to help exclusivist Navy chaplains navigate them. The final ministry product is a Power Point® brief. It draws from bibliographic research, …

The Effect Of Study Bibles On Bible Study, Matthew Hoehner

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Hoehner, Matthew J. "The Effect of Study Bibles on Bible Study." D. Min. MAP, Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, 2012. 170 pp.

The purpose of this project is to gain a clearer understanding of the impact study Bibles have on the application of Scripture. Along with identifying what study Bible resources are being used, this study provides greater insight into how students are using study Bibles. The process of this project begins with a theological study of the nature and function of Scripture in the context of 2 Tim. 3:10-17. The project continues to examine these theological principles of the Scriptures in …

Aligning Mission Expectations And Practice In A Denominational Context, John Mehl

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

John L. Mehl. "Aligning Mission Expectations and Practice in a Denominational Context.” D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2012.

In an era when inexpensive travel and communication have flattened the world and made it possible for everyone to be involved in mission in foreign lands, denominations struggle to maintain a unified mission effort. This study included survey work of major stakeholders in the foreign mission effort of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, including partner church leadership from around the world, in an effort to identify points where mission efforts lacked alignment. The results showed that besides agreeing on mission tasks, stakeholders …

When Vocations Collide_ A Study Of The Process Of Developing A Military Mobilization Agreement, Mark Moreno

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The ministry of reserve military chaplains has an impact on their civilian ministry setting, the church in particular. Questionnaires were administered and interviews conducted with reserve chaplains and congregations that have already experienced a mobilization and had a mobilization agreement. Findings reveal that the process of developing a mobilization agreement is indicative of the healthy relationship between the reserve chaplain and their congregation.

Baccalaureate Service (May 21, 2000), Asbury Theological Seminary

ATS Chapel Services

No abstract provided.

Preparing Thinking Christians To Survive And Thrive In A Culture Of Choice, Scott Sommerfeld

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Sommerfeld, Scott G. "Preparing Thinking Christians To Survive And Thrive In A Culture Of Choice." D.Min. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary—St. Louis, 2007. 211 pp.

Youth are ill-prepared to think and live as Christians in our post-modern world. A retreat for high school seniors and graduates is one way of preparing youth to survive and thrive in a culture of choice, where perhaps the greatest challenge regards rationality for choosing ones religion. Here youth are introduced to the real truth regarding the Bible, choosing God, and living as disciples. While youth were assisted in thinking theologically through the retreat, this …

The Use Of Children's Liturgy In Teaching Worship To The Preliterate, Scott Lemmerman

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The goal of this project is to teach the preliterate child to worship. To reach this goal it is necessary to assist and to reinvigorate spiritually delinquent baptized member parents so they can be nourished with Word and Sacrament. I believe adjusting an existing order of worship into a preliterate child's liturgy can do this. This would lead parents to engage regularly with the Word in the congregation's worship, as well as become the primary education provider for their children by assisting them with learning the actions, gestures and spoken words at church. I need to research the viability of …

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.

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 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 …

A Study Group Examines A Paradoxical Vision Of The End Times, Peter Kurowski

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The purpose of this study was to show how the use of paradox is a valid, essential tool for the expression of certain Christian truths in general, and for end-times teachings in particular. In light of the approaching millennium, Biblical end-times paradoxes will help counter prophets who seize this moment to tickle ears and generate fears. A congregational study group served as the means to test these assertions. Questionnaires filled out by this study group served as an evaluative tool. The findings reveal the correlation between the right use of paradox and a Gospel-centered view of the end-times.