Practical Theology Commons^™

Ukrainian Theology, War, And Human Transformation: Reflections On The International Conference ‘Transfiguration: Tradition And Eschatology, Vladyslav Fulmes

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

On June 11, 2026, the Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy (Lutsk, Ukraine) hosted the international theological conference “Transfiguration: Tradition and Eschatology”, bringing together scholars, clergy, philosophers, chaplains, psychologists, and researchers from several countries. This report examines the conference’s principal theological and interdisciplinary themes, including deification, eschatology, ecclesiology, ecological responsibility, pastoral care, military and medical chaplaincy, digital technologies, and the Church’s response to war and post-war reconstruction.

Mixed Messages, Moms, Nuns, And Missionaries: Women In Christian Higher Education In Canada, Ellen Duffield

Consensus

Addressing institutional gender disparities in theological education, this study employs Participatory Action Research at a Canadian seminary to foster culture-shaping change. Anchored in a relational Trinitarian theology, the paper presents a model for institutional transformation focused on Kenotic Community, Connected Learning, and Collaborative Leadership to create environments where women and men thrive.

I Cry At Night Before You: Theologies Of Depression In The Psalms, Travis Spillum Osb

Obsculta

This work looks to the Psalms to discover theologies that resonate with experiences of depression. If one struggling with depression feels as if God is angry with them, that their condition is oppressing them, that loved ones have abandoned them, or that God's love for them is wavering, they can utilize the psalmist's words to voice their feelings and express their anguish in prayer to a God who is seemingly deaf to their groaning.

The Fellowship Of Christ's Sufferings: Toward A Practical Philosophy Of Worship For Missions In The Latin American Church, Moriah Hope Joseph

Senior Honors Theses

Within Latin America, evil and suffering are ever-present realities that cannot be concealed, and the Hispanic society is aching for relief. Liberation Theology and the prosperity gospel – and their accompanying worship practices – have been offered as tools to help alleviate the experience of suffering. But these theological perspectives and practices have accomplished little in edifying the Church by way of truth. Thus, the call for the modern missionary is to instead preach worship that is a response to the incarnate Christ in suffering. The missionary must advocate for worship practices that provide space for biblical lament, reveal a …

Asynchronous Theologetics For A Digital Church, William Ck Yomes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The world is currently living through a digital reformation. The advent of the smartphone has forever changed the way people share information and communicate. In the same way that the technological advancement of Gutenberg's printing press fueled the Protestant Reformation, the widespread rapid adoption of the smartphone has begun a digital reformation. Just as academia has proven education can be accomplished online, so too can the local church adopt online teaching strategies. Teaching has always been foundational to formation in the faith. Now, in the era of digital reformation, the local church can take full advantage of tools like asynchronous …

The Decline Of Theology And Apologetics Teaching For Laity In Church: A Portfolio, A. Marquis Faison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Theology and apologetics are fundamentally invaluable assets to the believer. This sentiment is not only true of modern Christians; theology and apologetics have been a pivotal ingredient in the formation of the Christian faith since the time of Christ. From the birth of the Church in Acts to the present, believers have looked to church leaders for guidance and understanding of the tenets of the faith and how best to use that understanding when engaging with an often hostile, unreceptive, and unaccepting world. For the believer, proper theology and apologetics are the tools necessary for hammering out orthodoxy—right belief, orthopathy—right …

The Theological Tradition Of The Orthodox Church In The Aspect Of The Formation Of Military Leadership In Ukraine, Olga Dobrodum, Andrii S. Zborchyi, Tetyana Kondratyuk-Antonova, Oleksandr L. Kolomiiets

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Analysis of the Orthodox theological tradition as a moral foundation for military leadership in the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the full-scale war. The study moves beyond pragmatic managerial models, exploring Orthodox categories such as service (diakonia), sacrifice, and spiritual warfare. Drawing on patristic heritage and modern theologians, the authors examine leadership motivation, the role of faith in professional resilience, and the integration of Orthodox anthropology into military training. Special emphasis is placed on the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's chaplaincy as a key mechanism for actualizing these values while addressing challenges like secularism and multiconfessionalism.

How Personality Type Can Inform Strategic Discipleship, Jonathan Andrew Cline Ii

Masters Theses

Despite many Americans growing up in the church, there is a wide disparity gap in how many of those Christians are heading down a path of greater intimacy with God. Rather than this gap being a result of lackluster desire for something more, research shows that the disconnect stems from a lack of understanding in how to connect with God beyond the theories and philosophies individuals have acquired in church. Churches and discipleship programs, therefore, should consider developing strategies for spiritual development informed by the range of personality types based on Jung’s psychological types. Each person has a God-given way …

Women Deacons In The Catholic Church: Servants To The Servant, Elizabeth A. Screnock

Master of Theological Studies Honors Theses

Even as recently as this past fall at the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the question of women serving as deacons in the Catholic Church is being internationally studied and discussed. This thesis repudiates arguments against women deacons and provides historical and Biblical evidence that support the argument to include women in the diaconate. A theology of the Holy Spirit is examined, presenting a way to perceive of the Sacrament of Holy Orders by including the Virgin Mary. It concludes that women discerning the “call” to be “servants to the Servant” should be ordained deacons. …

Establishing Traditional Methodism : Teaching Free Methodist History, Theology, And Practices To A Former United Methodist Congregation, D. Stanley Cushing

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Rude Awakening : Divine Disruption And Human Dynamics In Revival And Spiritual Renewals, Ruben Cervantes Jr.

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Ecclesiological Support For Veterans Suffering From Moral Injury: A Phenomenological Study, Douglas Guy Wood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For many military service members, the cost of their service is through the psychological, physiological, emotional, sociological, and spiritual scars from the trauma of conflict. This trauma is most associated with the diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Moral Injury (MI). Existing literature primarily focuses on a humanistic underlying philosophy to symptoms and patient care or uses a non-specific definition/categorization of religion/spirituality (e.g., Ames et al., 2019; Hill et al., 2000; Sharma et al., 2017). Studies have addressed psychological, physiological, emotional, and sociological healing (e.g., Åkerblom et al., 2020; Drescher et al., 2011; Gray et al., 2012; Nash & …

Reading, Rending, And Queering The Web Of Story With The Lenses Of “Con-Creation” And Process Theology, Cameron Bourquein, Nick Polk

Mythopoeic Society Seminar Proceedings

“Sub-creation” within Tolkien’s narrative and extra-narrative works is routinely exhibited not as monolithic but rather as (literally and figuratively) polyphonic. In this joint paper Bourquein proposes that the Legendarium can be read through the lens of “con-creation” (total, continuous, collective, creative activity) both internally (as events in the Secondary World) and externally (as both a text and a pseudohistory in the Primary World). This approach levels the playing field between all actors in—and readers of—“The Drama,” providing a queer approach to interpretive-creative activity when compared to “orthodox” doctrines of creation. Polk further argues that con-creation resonates with process theologies of …

Teologia A Serviço Da Missão: Uma Análise Da Conexão Entre A Teologia E A Prática No Seminário De Teologia Do Unasp Campus Engenheiro Coelho, Evandro Carlos Favero

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This dissertation investigates the possible dichotomy between academic theology and pastoral practice, questioning whether there is, in fact, a separation between the role of the theologian and that of the pastor, as well as between the formative ideals of the seminary and ministerial reality. If such a division is confirmed, formal theological study could be considered secondary for the exercise of pastoral ministry. However, if theory and practice are understood as integrated and inseparable dimensions, theological training becomes essential for all who aspire to ministry, requiring training institutions to provide preparation that unites knowledge, vocation, and mission. -- Assuming …

Incorporating Families Experiencing Disabilities Into The Rhythm Of Small Groups At Saturn Road Church Of Christ, Robby John

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the critical gap in the inclusion of families experiencing disabilities within small groups at Saturn Road Church of Christ. The primary aim is to develop a curriculum that raises awareness among small group leaders about this significant issue. To provide a theological reflection on the necessity of such a venture, I explored the topic through the lens of four theological pillars: the image of God, the incarnation, ecclesiology, and eschatological hope. This exploration revealed several key themes that serve as foundational building blocks for the awareness curriculum. Ultimately, the final artifact is an awareness curriculum designed to …

Evaluating Bad Theology And Making A Case For The Ethical Priority Of Religious Diversity In Tolkien Studies, Nick Polk

Journal of Tolkien Research

Presented at Oxonmoot in 2024, the aim of this paper is to present a selection of theological Tolkien criticisms for the purpose of evaluating them through practical theologian Leah Robinson’s definition of bad theology. The point is argued that bad theology in Tolkien Studies needs to be identified and understood as unethical and replaced with the openness of theologian John Thatamanil’s criteria for religious diversity. Concluding will be a promotion of religious diversity as an ethical priority and evaluative tool for future theological engagements within Tolkien Studies.

Traditions, Doctrine, And Polity : The Paradigm Of The New Orleans District Of The Louisiana Conference Of The United Methodist Church, Andryl Spikes

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Formation Of Planting Teams : An Exploration Of Great-Commandment Intelligence, Mark Tanner

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Autism And The Body Of Christ: Understanding, Accommodating, And Accepting Autistic Believers In The Church, Kaitlyn Cook

Senior Honors Theses

Autism is a neurotype that causes a different set of strengths and weaknesses and thus should be embraced and accommodated within the church. Not only are autistic believers able to grasp Christian concepts, but they also have different perspectives and skills that can be instrumental in building up the church. Promoting a correct view of autism and accommodating neurodiversity within the church will allow autistic believers to follow God’s command to be part of a body and build up the church. The church can employ several strategies to create an accessible environment for believers on the spectrum, including creating sensory-safe …

Faithful Integration: The Importance Of Worldview, Hermeneutics, And Theology For Christian Counseling, Nicole C. Biller

Salubritas: International Journal of Spirit-Empowered Counseling

Efforts to integrate faith with psychological science and counseling have been present within Christian graduate programs for decades; however, questions remain about how to do this effectively. A brief review of integration efforts and a survey of the experience of graduate students within these programs reveal a desire to further model this practical integration within the classroom. Possible solutions emphasize a biblically informed worldview, intentionally crafted hermeneutics, and well developed theology, which can lead to faith-informed counseling practices.

Renouncing The Dominant Script: Weaving Together Mysticism, Monasticism, And Sacramental Theology To Create A Pentecostal Model Of Spiritual Formation, Hilton Burkholder

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

From political division and culture wars to moral failures, it has become increasingly evident over the last few decades that the Church in North America has a formation problem. This project aims to tackle the issue of discipleship and formation by exploring the development and application of a practical, spirit-led model of spiritual formation for the 21st-century North American Church. By drawing on the rich traditions of monastic, mystical, and sacramental spirituality, this project seeks to create a Pentecostal model of spiritual formation that is communal, charismatic, and embodied, revealing that discipleship is not an end in itself but a …

4c Strategy For Discipleship : Effective Discipleship Model For The Assembly Of God Church Bengali Section, Sudip Das

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Finding Your Voice : Recapturing A Pauline Theology Of Equipping In The Ministry Of Preaching, William T. Rambo

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Practical Application Of Biblical Theology To Christian Apologetics, Matthew T. Johnson

Liberty Theological Review

Many Christians are skeptical regarding the practical relevance of theology for the common believer. Exploring how the subdiscipline of biblical theology can be applied can effectively dispel this misconception. In particular, the apologetic applications of biblical theology’s primary deliverances underscore the relevance theology has to the average Christian. Given the growing need for effective Christian apologetics, it would be wise for the Church to further explore biblical theology and to incorporate it into the defense of Christianity. Existing scholarship has largely overlooked biblical theology’s apologetic potential. Thus, there is a need to explore this relationship for the benefit of the …

"Politics After Christendom: Political Theology In A Fracturedworld" [Reivew] / Vandrunen, David., Nicholas P. Miller

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This is a book review

"Five Things Biblical Scholars Wish Theologians Knew" [Review] / Mcknight, Scot., Gerardo Oudri

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This is a book review

"The Problem Of The Old Testament: Hermeneutical, Schematic& Theological Approaches" [Review] / Garrett, Duane A., Kolia Afamasaga

Andrews University Seminary Studies (AUSS)

This is a book review

Symposium: From Coming Out To Coming In: Roundtable Conversation Among Southeast Asian Queer Theologians, Michael Sepidoza Campos, Jayeel Cornelio, Erich Von Marthin Elraphoma, Joseph N. Goh, Jerlo M. Jaropillo, Joshua Marasigan, Kristine C. Meneses, Irene Nainggolan, Kakay Pamarán, Lizette Tapia, Amadeo Devin Udampoh, Wan Wei-Hsien

Development Studies Faculty Publications

Through a roundtable conversation via Zoom, teachers, pastors, and graduate students discussed the place of gender, citizenship, and faith in their identity formation and social accountability to articulate a hermeneutical lens specific to Southeast Asian contexts that shape and critique queer identities. These participants—primarily ministers, theological students, and seminary formators—engaged in organic, fluid, and multifocal turns to capture experiences that undergird the realities of women and LGBTQIQ+ people of faith in the region.

Emulating Jonah : Intertextual Portrayal Of The Disciples In Mark 4:35-8:21, Donghyun Kang

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Central Task Of Theology: Authenticity In Relationship With God, Lydia Mattern

Obsculta

This work is a reflection on the beautiful mystery of Theology and what it means to be in authentic relationship with God. It is a cumulative piece of noteworthy ideas taught by Dr. Kristin Colberg in Thinking Theologically, a class that changed Lydia's life. It demonstrates that Theology is a vehicle used to come to understand God.