Practical Theology Commons^™

Black History Month 2020, Michael J. Pryse

Consensus

No abstract provided.

A Mentoring Ministry For The Spiritual Development Of Youth In Rural Congregations Of North Central And Northeast Arkansas, Glen Knabe

Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Christian Liberty, Harry Allotey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian liberty is freedom from the law, made possible through the finished work of Christ. This project seeks to present a biblical and theological explanation of Christian liberty and develop concepts that apply to the believer’s everyday experience. It is important to address the ever-present dangers of legalism and libertinism and their impact on the Christians and churches. The project focuses on a New Testament explanation of Christian liberty, drawing lessons from both the deliberations of the Jerusalem Council of 49 A.D. and the Pauline thesis to the Galatians. What happens after a person has been freed from the demands …

Bringing Millennials Back To Church, Katherine Noell Parrish

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study is focused on the millennial age group at Mechanicsville Baptist Church in Gordonsville, Virginia. The overall purpose of this study is to increase the attendance of the millennial age group at MBC. If the church gains a better understanding of the dropout problem, increases communication, and improves discipleship, then it should increase millennials at MBC by 20% over four weeks. There were several events planned, along with increased communication, in the hope of meeting this goal. Some of these events had to be modified or cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic limits for any gatherings in Virginia. The unforeseen …

Review Of A Little United States. Book For New Preachers: Why And How To Study Homiletics By Matthew D. Kim, Downers Grove, Il, Intervarsity Press, 2020., Rodney A. Palmer

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

George Macdonald Collection Finding Aid, Taylor University

Finding Aids

The George MacDonald Collection features a variety of rare books, letters, and serialized fiction written by MacDonald, as well as scholarship and articles written about him.
Last Updated: August 29, 2022

Seeking The Wellspring: Exploring Generosity In A Financial Drought, Laurie Ann Johnson

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This action research project utilized transformative qualitative methods to explore the concept of generous giving by examining the attitudes of a small non-random sample of participants within a congregation before and after an intervention consisting of a seven-part sermon series. Theoretical lenses included generosity, adaptive change, and emergence theory. Biblical lenses included Isaiah 43:18-21 and Isaiah 58:6-12 (wellspring in the desert), John 4 (the Samaritan woman at the well), and John 7:37-39 (living water). Theological lenses included missional pneumatology and the missio Dei, the Christian steward, and the holy currencies of the Cycle of Blessings. Findings revealed that presentation of …

Defying Expectations: One Female Preacher's Exploration Of Preaching Performance, Listener Expectations, And Emotion, Amy Lea Wiles

Doctor of Ministry Theses

In this thesis, one female preacher explores preaching performance, listener expectation, and emotion. Using exploratory research methodology, the thesis seeks to answer the following questions in a particular context: What are listener expectations of sermon delivery? Do listeners hold differing sermon delivery expectations for female preachers? How does meeting or straying from these expectations affect receptivity of the message? Data was collected through interviews with pastors, focus group questionnaires, and feedback forms of respondents who responded to sermons preached with different performance choices by both a female preacher and a male preacher. The results revealed a bias around performances related …

Hospitality In The House Of God: Deconstructing Habit And Building Missio Dei, Julia A. Carlson

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This research project addresses neighborliness, change, and hospitality in the life of a mainline church of 1,200 members. It is a congregation that has traditional worship and programming with progressive values. The congregants are not comfortable with change and are coming to terms with the missing Millennial generation. Mixed method Action Research using missional practices of hospitality and neighbor interviews offered new faith formation and relationship growth with neighbors. There were also educational opportunities on change, the missional church movement, and neighborliness. The work relies on the theology of Serene Jones, Kosuke Koyama, and Miroslav Volf.

The Episcopal Church Of Liberia Gravitating Towards Financial Independence: Strategies And The Way Forward, Slewion P. Lewis

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This thesis project sought to solicit and find strategies and the way forward as to how the Episcopal Church of Liberia can be financially independent and sustain itself as a diocese. The Episcopal Church of Liberia, a faith tradition of which I am a member and an ordained clergy, continues to a large extent rely on support from the Episcopal Church in America for the running and operation of the church. This has and continues to be the practice and trend of successive leadership dating as far back as the days of the church under missionary bishops. With the church …

Power Perfected In Weakness: The Effectiveness Of Spiritual Practices On Personal Power In The Lives Of Men, Steven B. Cauley

Doctor of Ministry Theses

This mixed methods Action Research project studied the effects of spiritual

practices in the life of men in a Lutheran congregation. The project was framed by Janet Hagberg and her work on personal power in “Real Power: Stages of Personal Power in Organizations,” Narrative Theory, and masculinity. These frames were integrated with biblical and theological lenses of the theology of the cross, spiritual practices, and Trinitarian theology, including a significant lens from Richard Rohr and his book, “Adam’s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation.”

The study offered insight into the impact of specific spiritual practices with the intent of …

People Require Proximity: What The Church Can Do To Create Wholeness For Adolescents, Carrington Phauve Wilson

Seattle Pacific Seminary Projects

Historically, many have attempted to advocate for equality by centering an earthly dominant power to bring about likeness to the majority. Unfortunately, even the most noble of causes excludes those furthest from the center source. Therefore, reconciliation must not focus on human structures of power and equality, but God’s, centering the One who created all things, to be again returned to their truthful spaces. Thus, for reconciliation to be a realized truth, we must not center the dominant source of human power, but the furthest out, realizing the likeness to God that humanity continuously excludes. For this, womanism gives a …

One In The Spirit: An Exploration Of And Movement Toward The Theology Behind Acceptance Of, Affirmation Of, And Advocacy For Transgender People In The Church, Jo Newton

Beets Paper Contest

No abstract provided.

Imagining The Postdigital Church, Michael Paulus

SPU Works

This essay focuses on the ongoing need and opportunity for church leaders to continue the process of digital transformation and imagine new forms of the post-pandemic church.

The Calvin Forum: Summer 2021, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 28. No. 2, SUMMER 2021

Main Features: 3 - 25 years & Counting!

4 - Women-In-Office: What is the CRCNA position, how did we get here, and what does it mean?

8 - Partners in the Gospel

12 - Twenty-Five Years on: Just look at what God has done!!

18- My Calling

22- Following step by step

26- Moments in ministry formation 30- Songs of Redemption

Calvin Seminary News:32 - New Books

34- Distinguished Alumni

Talking About Religion And Politics, Steve Case

180 Symposium Publications

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Gen Z And Social Issues, Tracy Leon Wood, Vandeon Griffin, Armando Miranda

180 Symposium Publications

The 180° Symposium for 2019 focused on Gen Z and Social Issues. In North America, this age cohort consists of those born between 1995-2010. They share a number of the same social concerns as previous generations, but they also have certain issues that stand out more to them. Those who minister to Gen Z, whether they are in full-time ministry or serve as volunteers or who parent these young people, need to be aware of these issues and integrate this into their ministry to increase effectiveness in these unique times to this unique generation.

Imago Dei: A Theological Grounding For Discussions On Social Issues And Generational Cohorts, Gerardo Oudri

180 Symposium Publications

Discussing “social issues” and “Gen. Z” can be done from many angles and perspectives. While this is good and necessary, it seems imperative to provide a solid and cohesive theological foundation on which those discussions can stand. This paper proposes the biblical concept of the “image of God” as that platform, and argues that despite the differing views and understandings of “Imago Dei,” there is sufficient general consensus on fundamental points which provides both the foundation and the direction for a Christian perspective on “social issues.”

Gen Z And Their Rights To Participation, Michelet William

180 Symposium Publications

One defining characteristic of Generation Z—those who are currently collectively under the age of 25, is their concern for social justice. They fight for themselves, their friends, their classmates, and others they see treated unfairly, whether due to issues of gender, sexuality, race, pay, or environmental. Yet a major social justice concern for Gen Z and youth, in general, is limited participation or lack of access to processes that affect their lives. This paper argues that meaningful participation of young people is vital because 1) Young people have always been key players in God’s mission; 2) Youth participation is a …

Take Me Home: Practical Ways Young People Can Respond To Human Trafficking, Kate Case, Steve Case

180 Symposium Publications

Injustice, such as human trafficking, leaves an unnerving sense that something is wrong. Due to an inadequate Christian response, we need to re-think, re-imagine, and restore a theology of a good God and a good Gospel in a bad world. We need a response that is personal yet broad; one that explains but also responds. The Bible reveals a good God intervening in a world gone bad. Our response today needs to include awareness of human trafficking and those opposing it, purposeful prayer practices to connect with God, lamentation to express true empathy, advocacy on behalf of those who suffer, …

The Three Angels’ Messages: A Call To Religious And Social Justice, Michael Nixon

180 Symposium Publications

Birthed in the 19th century Great Advent Awakening in America, the Seventh-day Adventist Church saw the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14 as its calling and purpose. And while the early Adventist pioneers championed a number of social justice issues, the ensuing generations of leaders moved toward the status quo rather than challenging it. As a result, the Three Angels’ Messages became words more than actions, as exemplified in how the Adventist Church related to racism between Whites and Blacks. Yet the messages from each of the Three Angels contain social justice callings.

On Fire Or Burned Out? Involving Young People In Social Issues, Steve Case

180 Symposium Publications

As young people become aware of injustices, their response tends to be one of either getting fired up or overwhelmed to the point of burnout. There is a third way. They may need guidance to pursue a better response, recognizing it requires much more than a quick fix. This third way identifies social injustice and goes beyond the symptoms to root causes and systemic processes. Giving a dollar to a homeless person might do some good, but young people should expand their understanding and practice by asking systemic “Why?” questions. Because of the prevalence of injustice in our world, exposure …

The Lgbt+ Divide: Identity, Shame, And Equality Before God And The Church, Curtis J. Vanderwaal, David Sedlacek, Nancy J. Carbonell, Shannon M. Trecartin, Stephen Yeagley

180 Symposium Publications

Navigating one’s sexual and/or gender identity can be a difficult and complex process for Christian LGBT+ youth, leaving many of them at high risk for poor mental health outcomes and self-harming thoughts and behaviors. Seventh-day Adventist families and congregations are just beginning to grapple with how they should respond to their LGBT+ children. This survey of 310 Seventh-day Adventist adult Millennials explored perceived levels of their families’ acceptance or rejection of their sexual orientation or gender identity during their teen years. Other variables included recent levels of self-esteem, social support, depression, substance abuse, high-risk sexual activity, and suicidal thinking or …

Youth And Social Issues, Steve Case

180 Symposium Publications

No abstract provided.

Religion’S Impact On The Mental Health Of Seventh-Day Adventist College Students, Alina M. Baltazar, Amanuel Dessie, Duane C. Mcbride

180 Symposium Publications

Depression and anxiety rates among college students are increasing around the world. This paper will examine results of a 2018 survey that found high rates of depression and anxiety among Adventist College students as well as results from a focus group follow-up study that helped to explain those results. Our objective is to examine the positive and negative influence of religion on the mental health of Seventh-day Adventist college students.

Generation Alpha: Diapers, Training Wheels, And Artificial Intelligence, Sherri Uhrig

180 Symposium Publications

Marketing researchers have invested their time and study into quantifying the purchasing power of the spending patterns of Millennials and Gen Z. Now they are shifting their focus to the newest big spenders: The Alphas—the children of the Millennials. This new generation is barely out of diapers and most do not even have their permanent teeth, much less a wallet. Yet researchers are targeting the spending power of this new generation. This chapter looks at the effects of Millennial parents, who are entering their prime spending years, to the exciting possibilities the Alpha generation will have on the future of …

Creating Dialogical Safe Spaces For Gen Z Discussions On Social Issues And Creating Meaningful Change, Heather Cook, Milton Daniel Marquez

180 Symposium Publications

Gen Z is interested in participating in impactful societal change. The process of change begins with intentional dialogue. After dialogue, a process of seeking and implementing change is necessary for true societal impact. Using research on current methods used in various settings and real-life stories we propose elements that foster safe spaces for Gen Z to have constructive dialogue that leads to change, both in them and in the church.

Playing At The Crossroads Of Religion And Law: Historical Milieu, Context And Curriculum Hooks In Lost & Found, Owen Gottlieb

Articles

This chapter presents the use of Lost & Found – a purpose-built tabletop to mobile game series – to teach medieval religious legal systems. The series aims to broaden the discourse around religious legal systems and to counter popular depiction of these systems which often promote prejudice and misnomers. A central element is the importance of contextualizing religion in period and locale. The Lost & Found series uses period accurate depictions of material culture to set the stage for play around relevant topics – specifically how the law promoted collaboration and sustainable governance practices in Fustat (Old Cairo) in twelfth-century …

A Strategy For Collaborative Leadership At Mt. Sinai Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Orlando, Florida, Herman Leon Davis Sr.

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Organized as a Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1899, Mt. Sinai was the first Adventist Church for people of color in Orlando. Although Mt. Sinai gave birth to several other churches in the Central Florida area, Mt. Sinai lost its ability to build a successive and collaborative leadership, giving way to conflict and dysfunction. Clashes arose between African American and Caribbean cultures related to leadership, worship, and doctrinal interpretations.

Methodology

The church was asked to help identify areas of concern related to types of conflict, conflict management, and conflict resolution as identified by the project proposal. The church was asked …

Elaboração De Um Manual Filosófico Para Editores Da Casa Publicadora Brasileira, Wellington Vedovello Barbosa

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Brazilian Publishing House (CPB) is one of 60 publishing companies that belong to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With 120 years of history, CPB is dedicated to providing literature in accordance to the distinctive mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Consequently, the publishing house expanded in different directions in order to feed the church and produce devotional, theological, and evangelistic materials and textbooks. Committed to publish material with not only technical quality but above all doctrinal fidelity, the institution has continuously invested in procedures and guidelines that guarantee the theological integrity of its products. Committees responsible for evaluating materials …