Asbury Theological Seminary
Dissertations
2007
- The Mission of God in Latin America: Redefining the Theology and Practice of the Church Based in Luke-Acts
- Ricardo Gomez, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
This study has revealed six significant and interrelated issues that challenge the traditional views of the Latin American church and provide new theological, ecclesiological and missiological insights for its integral ministry throughout the region. Based on the premise that the church has perhaps contributed to the problems of the Latin American region rather than serving as an agent of God's solution, the researchable problem of this project is threefold. (1) It briefly explores the historical development of Latin America to provide a context for understanding the churches. (2) Utilizing a grounded theory approach to the data collected in 48 personal interviews, it investigates the current practices and theology of some of the Roman Catholic, Mainline Protestant and Pentecostal protestant churches in main cities of four Latin American countries (Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina) in order to understand their theological views and involvement in mission. (3) It evaluates how Luke 4:16-30; 5:27-32; 19:1-10, Acts 2:42-47; and 4:32-37 provide a paradigm for integral mission in Latin America.
- Good News to the Poor: A Model for Holistic Christian Ministry in Bunyore, Kenya
- Moses Alela, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
The study found that the majority of the churches in Bunyore are not confronting the extreme poverty, which is rampant. Only a few churches have started getting involved in poverty alleviation and their efforts are still inadequate. In response, the study encourages churches to participate in practical ways. The study proposes and discusses in detail a Holistic Transformational Development model, which churches can adopt and adapt in order to help alleviate extreme poverty.
- A Servant Leadership Model for the Church of Brazil
- Anselmo do Amaral, Doctor of Missiology
Looking at recent phenomena in which principles of servant leadership have spread throughout business circles, the researcher wondered if that model could also spread among Brazilian churches. After a careful examination of servant leadership theory for its applicability to the Evangelical Brazilian church the author developed and led a course for a sample of pastors in order to measure the effectiveness of such a model in producing desired shifts in leadership practices.
- From Caudillo to Collaborative Leader: A Culturally Influenced Derailment in Emergent Leadership in an Ecuadorian Denomination
- Randall Coleman, Doctor of Missiology
The study finds that the caudillo model does indeed present a negative influence on emerging leaders in the Ecuadorian National Church, and suggests that it is not an adequate model for developing leaders in Ecuador. The study goes on to suggest a contextualized leadership model that promotes the biblical values of collaborative leadership along with the positive cultural elements of the redeemed caudillo model.
- The AIDS Orphan Crisis in Kenya: Caring for Kikuyu Children in Escarpment
- Patrick Kihiu, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has continued to ravage many populations in the world. Sub-Saharan Africa has become the home of millions of HIV/AIDS orphans and the numbers continue to grow. A major repercussion of the pandemic is that the traditional extended family network within this African context has been overwhelmed... The study examines how some of the contemporary factors, particularly the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, have affected this tribal system. The study shows how the local Kikuyu churches, in Escarpment (Mwimutoni village), and other orphan-care models within Kenya are currently responding to the orphan crisis.
- Korean Understanding of Bok and Spiritual Maturity from Missiological Perspective
- Sung Il Lee, Doctor of Missiology
This research was made to know the causal relationship between the stagnation/decline of the Korean church growth and the issue bok (blessing) one of the central themes of the Korean worldview from the missiolgocial perspective. In particular, this research had ethno-historical, biblical survey as well as practical field research in order to learn how the biblical teaching of bok helps Korean Christians mature and overcome kibok sinang (a faith that seeks for earthly blessing first of all).
- Towards a Model of Engagement in the Public Realm for the Methodist Church in Singapore
- Kiem-Kiok Kwa, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
This is a study of the Methodist church in Singapore and how she engages in the public square, using the framework of public theology. The main cause of public discourse studied here is a discussion, held between 2004 and 2005, on whether or not to have a casino in Singapore. Although Singapore Methodists are ambivalent about the government's openness in accepting views from the public, they are committed to engaging in the public square. This study suggests a variety of ways that they can do so, such as continuing engagement with the government, commencing interacting with other religious and civic groups in society, and considering ways to involvement in the arts.
- Good News to the Poor: The Place of Microeconomic Development in Discipling and Poverty Alleviation in Nairobi, Kenya
- Philip Thuo, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
This research discovered that although there are well established mainline churches in the informal settlements in Nairobi and that there are also microeconomic development institutions operating there, poverty continues to be a major barrier to human development. The Christian Microeconomic Development (CMED) model presented in this dissertation incorporates these lessons from the research. This model was developed from data assembled through review of literature, observations and 100 face-to-face interviews in the city of Nairboi. It advocates mission by all believers as they utilize their spiritual gifts for mission.
- Missional Experiential Education for Developing Christian Global Citizens
- David Fenrick, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
Christian education at every level needs to discover a pedagogical process for preparing all Christians for missionary vocations that address the emerging missiological realities of the 21st century. This research was undertaken in order to investigate the degreee to which the principles of intercultural communication and experiential education theories and practices can inform and enhance missiological education more effectively than traditional (formal) pedagogical models. "Essential Ingredients" for a "Missional Experiential Education" (MEE) are presented, providing insights for an educational praxis applicable to local churches, institutions of higher learning, missionary societies, short-term mission agencies, and para-church ministries.
- The Contextualization of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Among Bektashi Albanians
- Richard Shaw, Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies
The Sufi order Bektashi boasts the larges number of Albanian faithful, and is prevalent in Albania, western Macedonia, and southwestern Kosova. This dissertation is an experiment in action research, testing the innovation o f the critical contextualization of nine elements of Bektashi belief and practice, and contextual theologies developed from these nice elements. I summoned a hermeneutical community of 21 Albanian Bektashi Background Believers, and charged them with the task of subjecting nine elements of Bektashi belief and practices to the mechanism of critical contextualization.
- Pastoral Teams and Congregational Health in Smaller Churches
- Phillip Perkins, Doctor of Missiology
This study investigates and assesses the value of a pastoral team approach in smaller churches. The results of this research led to four primary conclusions: (1) Pastoral teams have a substantial theological grounding and practical benefit for the smaller church and for those who serve on such teams. (2) Pastoral team and congregational health can co-exist in a mutually positive environment. (3) Pastoral teams can provide leadership strength for smaller churches. (4) Pastoral teams can respond to diversity in the local context and demonstrate an egalitarian approach that affirms relationship as the people of God.
- Examining Effective Outreach to Boomers, Xers and Millennials in South-Central Ohio Churches
- James MichaelCuckler, Doctor of Missiology
- Plugging the Leak in the Emerging Leadership Pipeline: Strategies to Improve the Retention of New Staff in YoungLife's Raceway Region
- Daniel Lewis, Doctor of Missiology