ABSTRACT: The focus of this thesis is the element of divine forgiveness in the worship of First Baptist Church, Washington, NC. It is the premise of the thesis that we have not experienced in an on-going pattern worship that allows God’s forgiving and healing power to move among the congregation and that in receiving God’s forgiveness we also find restoration and healing for much of the brokenness of our lives. I address this weakness and seek to find avenues in worship through which to allow the congregation an encounter with the supernatural cleansing and forgiveness of God.

Bolger, Eric W. (2002)

Journey into Intercession at Harvest Evangelical Free Church, Branson, MO

ABSTRACT: The Journey Into Intercession surveys biblical passages that deal with the topic of intercessory prayer, defined as prayer for others. It does so in the form of a devotional work, with 37 daily readings from the Old Testament and 35 from the New Testament. Each daily reading is followed by a summary of the passage, a reflection on its significance for intercessory prayer, and a practical exercise designed to help the reader apply key concepts taught in the passage. An introduction that describes the key aspects of intercessory prayer that the reader will encounter precedes the daily readings.

Brunelle, Norman L., Jr. (2002)

Equipping the Congregation to Symbolic Awareness and Understanding of Resident Architecture and Christian Symbols at Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika, AL

Eichorn, William (2002)

Using Video to Teach and Inform Newcomers about Worship at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Poway, CA

Ellison, David (2002)

A Worship Guide for the Season of Advent for the Adult Choir of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD

ABSTRACT: The season of Advent is perhaps the most overlooked season of the church year. The season of Advent is countercultural. In an effort to address the lack of understanding of the season of Advent, a worship guide was developed for the adult choir of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The thesis uses theological, historical, and Biblical materials to support the themes of Advent. Related material included are a daily lectionary, worship services, and hymns and songs for the season.

Flint, Stephen (2002)

Developing a Community Mind on the Role and Meaning of the Lord’s Supper at St. Mark’s Church, Burlington, NC

ABSTRACT: This project was designed to develop community mind on the role and meaning of the Lord's Supper at St. Mark's Interdenominational Church. The Lord's Supper plays a life giving role in the community of Christ, and is therefore important to any congregation. This project is a process to facilitate community mind on the role and meaning of the Lord's Supper with the pastoral staff, Consistory, and in turn to develop community mind on the role and meaning of the Lord's Supper with the entire St. Mark's Church Congregation.

Forbes, Ryan(2002)

A Study Course to Equip the Lay Worship Leaders of North Broad Baptist Church, Rome, GA

Hart, James (2002)

Enhancing a Regular Discipline of Common Prayer at Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park, FL through the Employment of Shared Musical Leadership

ABSTRACT: This action research project postulates that attendance at common prayer services can be increased by enhancing their attractiveness through choral leadership. Common prayer has been practiced throughout Church history but has fallen into disuse recently due to the divorcing of private and corporate spirituality and the rise of excessive individualism and over-busy lifestyles. The choir can serve as a model of communal worship leadership thereby enhancing common prayer. Data for this project was collected in a parochial setting over a six-week test period and was evaluated and interpreted to determine the impact of this study with recommendations for specific actions.

Nelms, Jonathan (2002)

A Guide to the Liturgical Use of the Baptist Hymnal (1991) in Fourfold Sunday Worship at First Baptist Church, Cookeville, TN

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis is to create a guide to the liturgical use of The Baptist Hymnal, 1991 in fourfold Sunday worship at the First Baptist Church of Cookeville, Tennessee. To make this an effective guide, each song in the hymnal was analyzed by its literary address and its function in the biblical and historical fourfold pattern of Christian worship. The literary address of each text was determined by studying its direction, focus and perspective. This analysis permitted each song to be categorized by how it best functions in the four acts and related elements of fourfold worship.

Perrin, Daniel (2002)

The Zealot: A Musical-Theatre Presentation by Crossroads Bible Church, Bellevue, WA

Rushing, Kenneth (2002)

Leading a Select Group of Christians to a New Understanding of the Role of God in Worship in Plant City, FL

ABSTRACT: In today’s society churches appear to be moving farther away from God in their efforts to become more appealing to unbelievers in their worship practices. The desire to accomplish the Great Commission has moved from outside the church to inside the church. As a result, the desire to please God has shifted to a desire to please man. This study compares the impact of the revivalist movement to the current worship trends in the local church. An intentional desire to instruct and educate the local church may be the only hope for the recovery of theocentric worship.

Smoak, Merril, Jr. (2002)

Identifying Contemporary Praise and Worship Songs for Use During the Church Year at Trinity Baptist Church, Livermore, CA

Walrath, Brian (2002)

Exploring the Correlation between Authentic Worship and Health in Selected Congregations of the Free Methodist Church

ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to attempt to show a positive relationship--a direct correlation--between the spiritual health of a local congregation and the quality of its worship. A survey was designed which could be administered to selected Free Methodist churches. It assessed quality based on the nine characteristics of vital and faithful worship as proposed by Thomas Long in Beyond the Worship Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship. The resultant quality coefficient was then compared to an objective measurement of the church’s health as provided through the Natural Church Development assessment program. Analysis showed a correlation between the quality of worship and the spiritual health and vitality of a local congregation. The thesis of this study is that, by improving worship quality, Free Methodist churches may also improve overall health and ministry in other areas as well.

Walters, Kent L. (2002)

Understanding and Embracing the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Whole Person Worship at Grace Bible Church, Grandville, MI (Dr. Waterman)

ABSTRACT: The Holy Spirit is the essential mediator in worship, revealing God and prompting appropriate response. Unfortunately, numerous barriers restrict our ability to worship God with our whole selves. The primary application of this project for Grace Bible Church was to provide worshipers with a means for self-assessment regarding their openness to whole person worship. The end result was an increased awareness of the Spirit’s presence and an increased receptivity to the Spirit’s ministry in worship. Understanding and embracing the Spirit’s role in worship facilitates a greater openness to receive and respond with the whole person.

2003

Ainsworth, Tracy (2003)

A Sourcebook for the Christian Year for Use by Churches in the Advent Christian Denomination (Dr. Van Marion)

Blasdel, Stephen D. (2003)

Introducing Participatory Worship and Evangelism Through a Postmodern Christmas Musical at First Evangelical Free Church, Wichita, Kansas (Dr. Sharp)

ABSTRACT: The primary purpose of this project was to present a Christmas musical to introduce participatory worship on the part of the congregation of First Evangelical Free Church. Several other purposes were involved. The musical was to have a ministry to postmoderns and also to reinforce the concept that evangelism and worship are not exclusive of each other, but that effective evangelism can come from the worship of God’s people. The musical was created with these ideas in mind. Surveys, feedback cards, and discussion groups were used to gather anecdotal evidence and to evaluate the effectiveness of the process and the musical.

Burns, Thomas (2003)

Developing a Worship Preparation Curriculum for Worship Leaders and Congregants at Fairview Baptist Church, Greer, South Carolina (Dr. Alford)

Byerly, James (2003)

The Development of an Advanced Course in Worship Studies for Boise Bible College (Dr. Kidd)

Dirksen, Dale B. H. (2003)

The Profile of a Worship Pastor in a Canadian Evangelical Context (Dr. Hill)

ABSTRACT: Effective worship ministry in Canadian evangelical churches requires gifting and skill in five areas: leadership, team building, music and the arts, administration, and communication technology. Effective educational preparation for this ministry also requires study in four disciplines of theology, history, pastoral ministry and the arts. This thesis provides a foundation for worship ministry preparation as well as recommendations for the design of a M.A. program to prepare worship pastors, included in appendix C of this project. Three detailed sample course plans, with student evaluations, are included in appendix D. A comprehensive bibliography for worship students is included as appendix E.

Gibson, Julie K. (2003)

A Worship Curriculum for the Commissioned Lay Pastor Program, Boise Presbytery, PCUSA (Dr. Van Marion)

Hood, Heather (2003)

A Study and Application of the Ancient Te Deum in Postmodern Worship at Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina, Minnesota (Dr. Cherry)

ABSTRACT: Today’s Christian church is faced with the challenge of how to proclaim an ancient faith and apply it to an ever-changing society. Our contemporary worship environments have, in many cases, set aside elements of Christian tradition in an endeavor to be relevant. Scholars indicate that the postmodern generation is eager to connect to elements of ancient church worship in ways that are unique and meaningful. This thesis project is an effort to address that on one level – a study of one ancient text, the Te Deum, and its use in postmodern worship at Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina, Minnesota.

Hoyer, Philip (2003)

Leading Carlsbad Community Church of Carlsbad, California to an Understanding of Corporate Worship Through the Instruction of Small Groups (Dr. Healy-Blake)

Lundberg, Gregory (2003)

Finding a Rhythm of Prayer in a Postmodern World: Praying the Psalms at Central Baptist Church, Springfield, Illinois (Dr. Hill)

Maxon, William (2003)

The Integration of Ministry and the Worship Arts: A Practicum and Internship Curriculum for Worship Arts Students at Judson College, Elgin, Illinois (Dr. Buckley-Hughes)

Moratto, Michael (2003)

Four Fold Worship Reference Database: A Resource for Planning Four Fold Worship at First Baptist Church in Stephenville, Texas
(Dr. Alford)

Moyer, Dean (2003)

Worship Renewal for the Vocational Worship Pastor: An Eight-Week Renewal Curriculum Established Upon Redemptive Themes Inherent in the Theologies of Baptism, Sabbath Rest, and Imago Dei (Dr. Hill)

Peters, Carl (2003)

Assessing the Need and Aptitude for Worship Education at Ancient City Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida (Dr. Torgerson)

Roberts, Sandra (2003)

Teaching the Anglican Understanding of Eucharistic Worship at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church on Fleming Island, Florida (Dr. Alford)

Whited, Rebecca (2003)

A New Discipleship Curriculum to Enhance Worship at Tallmadge Lutheran Church, Ohio (Dr. Van Marion)

ABSTRACT: This study at Tallmadge Lutheran Church, Ohio affirms that Christians experience more meaningful corporate worship as a result of a growing relationship with God. Many churches tend to welcome people into church membership without an adequate emphasis on the importance of spiritual nurturing and discipline. The catechumenate is a process that helps to facilitate conversion and spiritual growth. The curriculum provided in this project is divided into four stages and takes approximately ten months of two hour per week sessions to complete. Tools and resources are provided to assist the Christian in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, as Christians become active in their personal prayer and worship, there is a beneficial overflow effect on the corporate worship of the community of faith.

Wilder, Royce (2003)

Equipping the Praise Team at First Baptist Church, Corinth, Mississippi, Through Worship Education, to Plan and Lead Participatory Corporate Worship (Dr. Gunter)

ABSTRACT: This thesis dealt with how to introduce overtly participatory worship elements successfully into a well established Baptist Church of primarily “presentational” worship orientation. The focus of the project involved educating a small worship-leading ensemble in the church over an eight week period to plan and lead overtly participatory worship in a manner that would be embraced by the church. The primary vehicle for achieving this end was an achievement-based teaching system that utilized a Worship Discovery Journal specifically developed for this project, a pertinent course textbook, weekly class discussions, and two Saturday night participatory worship opportunities.

Wilson, William (2003)

Developing an Understanding of Worshiping in Spirit and Truth at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina (Dr. Waterman)

Abstract: This thesis was a study of the ability of some members of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church to understand and apply John 4:23-24. Many members of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church do not have satisfying corporate worship experiences on a regular basis because their understanding and practice of worship in spirit and truth has been impoverished by the evangelical church's rejection of biblical symbolism through art as a facilitator between the rational world and the non-rational world. A curriculum consisting of lectures and worship practicums was administered to a small group of church members. At the end of that curriculum the students were interviewed to determine if their understanding of worship in spirit and truth had changed and if their satisfaction with worship had been improved when utilizing symbolic arts to facilitate worship. About one-third of the the students reported that their understanding of worship in spirit and truth had changed, and that their satisfaction with worship had improved. The curriculum, therefore, was effective in improving the worship experience for some students but not for others.

2004

Allen, Edith (2004)

Remembering and Living Our Baptism: Implications for Spiritual Formation in the Members of First Church of the Nazarene, Kankakee, Illinois (Dr. Sharp)

Bellows, Margaret (2004)

Enhancing the Understanding of Divine Healing for the Order of Saint Luke the Physician Chapter at Indian River City United Methodist Church in Titusville, Florida through a Study of the Healing Concepts Found in the Book of Psalms (Dr. Alford)

ABSTRACT: The problem addressed in this thesis is that the Order of Saint Luke the Physician limits its study of biblical healing to the twenty-six New Testament occurrences as performed by Jesus. Biblical healing took place long before Jesus’ incarnation. Further, to have a broader, biblically unified approach to the subject, study materials should also include an examination of the concept in the Old Testament of healing. To remedy this problem I wrote a course of study for the Order of Saint Luke the Physician chapter at Indian River City United Methodist Church in Titusville, Florida. The course explored some of the healing concepts found in the Book of Psalms. Walter Brueggemann’s classification was utilized in the study. The course concluded with a two-day healing seminar and service which was open to all members of the congregation regardless of membership in the chapter of The Order of Saint Luke the Physician. This thesis and its supporting documents also record and evaluate the effectiveness of both the course and the two-day seminar.

Cummings, William (2004)

Designing Blended Services of Worship for North Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr. Sharp)

Dunnett, Walter (2004)

Worship in the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus (Dr. Ruth)

Frankland, Dinelle (2004)

A Strategy for Leaders Who Plan Worship for New Church Plants in the Christian Church, Non-denominational, to be Taught to Students at Lincoln Christian Seminary (Dr. Hill)

ABSTRACT : The churches known as Christian Churches have a long history of intentional and dynamic church planting. New church work is supported and taught at the colleges and seminaries connected with these churches. This thesis develops guidelines for establishing a philosophy of corporate worship for leaders of the Christian Church involved with new church plants. Many church planters have not been taught to give attention to the content of Sunday morning worship, the story of God’s redemption and salvation. Rather, they have learned to plan worship according to the cultural context in which they minister, which is primarily manifested in the choice of a particular musical style. While contextualization is important, the guidelines outlined here emphasize an understanding of the biblical and theological basis for corporate worship as it applies to new church plants. The material also addresses issues concerning the analysis of the context and culture of a demographic group targeted for a new church plant. The resulting curriculum is designed to aid leaders of church plants in planning corporate worship that reflects biblical content and is stylistically appropriate to the cultural context. The material includes a biblical and historical study, nine principles and goals for planning worship for a new church, and practical applications for using the information in a new church setting.

Fugate, Donald (2004)

Enhancing Unity and Authentic Worship at Foxworthy Baptist Church, San Jose, California Through the Teaching and Application of Forgiveness (Dr. Moyer)

ABSTRACT: Acknowledging a dearth of forgiveness preaching and teaching, this thesis and supporting curriculum seeks to encourage unity and enhanced worship at Foxworthy Baptist Church, San Jose, California by communicating the biblical mandate to forgive and providing opportunities to experience forgiveness. A six-week Sunday School curriculum and supporting seminars guide participants through an examination of the biblical doctrines of sin and its resultant consequences of guilt, shame and isolation. This sin nature is viewed in light of God's holiness, and His provision through sacrifices for sin and the Atonement. The curriculum also examines the teaching of Jesus and other New Testament writers concerning forgiveness, anger and bitterness.

Gregory, Gary (2004)

Worship at the Lord’s Table: A College Course of Study and Preparation for Students at Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary (Dr. Ray)

ABSTRACT: This thesis/project provides a one credit-hour college course for Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary on the topic, “Worship at the Lord’s Table.” The course presents a study of the biblical and historical foundations of the Lord’s Supper as well as practical assistance for presiding at the Table. Through biblical and historical inquiry students are challenged to reconnect to the deep meanings of the Lord’s Supper and are then guided in its application for the contemporary church. The study is aimed at preparing students, ministers, church leaders and others who are associated with the brotherhood of churches known as Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.

Hetrick, Esther (2004)

A Pilot Program Developed for the Independent Christian Churches for Working through Changes in Worship Styles with the Assistance of Great Lakes Christian College (Dr. Alford)

ABSTRACT: This project was a pilot program developed for independent Christian Churches to work through changes in worship styles with the assistance of Great Lakes Christian College. In this project I proposed that a remedy to the conflict over worship styles begins with: 1) gaining perspective on changes in worship style, by looking back at other periods of change; 2) developing a common understanding of worship, based on biblical and historical foundations; and 3) discovering principles for affecting purposeful change. The project was designed for three audiences—a pre-training seminar for the leaders of the local church, a presentation of the choral work, “Worship Matters,” for the entire congregation, and a weekly study dealing with worship and change for interested members and leaders of the congregation.

Hunt, Richard (2004)

Recovering the Role of the Congregation in Sunday Worship: A Curriculum for Adult Members of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas (Dr. Kidd)

ABSTRACT: The worshiping congregation in many churches is fast becoming a passive audience of consumers, gathered to observe the “performance” of professional ministers. This thesis addresses the problem of passive worshipers by producing a curriculum for adult church members. The curriculum intends to raise the level of understanding and engagement of members of the worshiping congregation. The thesis began with an exploration of the role of the congregation in worship biblically, theologically, historically, and practically. This formed the backdrop for the development of a 12-week curriculum for adults on the recovery of that role in Sunday worship.

Matthews, Gary (2004)

A Worship Discipleship Course for Current and Future Worship Leaders of Highland Park Baptist Church in Southfield, MI (Dr. Ray)

Matthews, Robert (2004)

Learning Basic Concepts of Worship Through a Designed Curriculum and Musical for the Children’s Choir of Trafalgar Village Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee (Dr. Hill)

Moeller, Mark (2004)

Using Varied Forms of Communication to Enhance Worship Engagement at First Baptist Church of San Angelo, Texas (Dr. Ruth)

ABSTRACT: The elevation of the spoken word to the exclusion of other communicative forms is a common practice in most Baptist worship settings. This thesis project postulates that the use of varied forms of communication in corporate worship can enhance the worshipers’ level of engagement with God and fellow disciples. Church members of differing ages, education levels, and engagement preferences will be exposed to worship settings in which various modes of communication are used. Data for this local church project will be collected, evaluated, and interpreted with recommendations for future ministry in the arena of corporate worship.

Myers, Patricia (2004)

Developing and Pilot Teaching a Theological Education by Extension Course on Worship for the Institut Biblique Lumiere in Les Cayes, Haiti (Dr. Ray)

Packer, Matthew (2004)

Discovering Eucharistic Meaning Utilizing the Service of Word and Table at Fenton United Methodist Church, Fenton, MI (Dr. Sharp)

ABSTRACT: This thesis is written to deepen congregational understanding of the Lord’s Supper at Fenton United Methodist Church. Research centers on the Biblical, historical, theological and Wesleyan aspects of the sacrament and their application for the church. A pretest was developed to measure sacramental understanding and was administered to a test group within the congregation. This was followed by a five-week course on communion culminating with an experience of the Service of Word and Table. A post-test measured changes in understanding and qualitative and quantitative analyses were provided. Appendices supply the information to make this study applicable to other congregations.

Phifer, Stephen (2004)

Experiment in Prayer—The Convergence of Fixed and Extemporaneous Prayers in the Daily Private Worship of Congregants at Word of Life International Church, Springfield, Virginia (Dr. Hart)

Price, William (2004)

The Application of Established Worship Core Values to Youth Worship at First Baptist Church, Rochester, Minnesota (Dr. Ray)

ABSTRACT: Worship is an important part of the ministry to students at First Baptist Church, Rochester, with weekly worship in this context being student-led. The problem addressed by this thesis project was an absence of training to prepare the students for their task. A six-week series in worship theology and design centered on the church’s six worship core values was provided to the students. The goal was to train the students to design services that reflect the established worship core values. The student’s ability to perform weekly evaluative assignments during the training period and their ability to design effective worship services after the term indicate the success of the seminars. It is hoped that this training will provide theological and practical guidance to these students for many years to come.

Satterwhite, David (2004)

Increasing the Creative Use of Scripture in the Worship Services at Roebuck Baptist Church in Roebuch, South Carolina (Dr. Alford)

Stromstra, Patricia (2004)

Reviving the Season of Easter at Third Christian Reformed Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan (Dr. Witvliet)

Wiebe, Michael (2004)

Equipping the People of Nampa, Idaho First Church of the Nazarene to Experience the Healing Presence of Christ in Communion (Dr. Ruth)

Wilkerson, Waverly (2004)

Implementing a Plan for the Usage of Visual Symbols in Baptism and the Lord’s Supper at First Baptist Church of Groveport, Ohio (Dr. Kidd)

Ziegenfuss, Robin (2004)

A Strategic Worship Transition Plan to Assist First Christian Church of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in Moving from a 450 to a 1000 seat Worship Space (Dr. Van Marion)

ABSTRACT: Changing the content or form of worship can be a treacherous road to travel for a worship leader. This thesis proposes that worship education is a means to increase a congregation’s receptivity to changes in worship. To support this thesis, classes on various aspects of worship were offered to members of the congregation. Topics covered in these classes included explanations of symbolism, physical expressions of worship, music, and prayer. In addition to these classes, a series of Advent lessons presented to the congregation demonstrated the appropriateness of observing the Church Year in worship services. These Advent lessons, presented during Sunday morning worship and reinforced in written form, were identical in content, irrespective of the style of worship services. Data collected from pre and post-class surveys were processed and evaluated to suggest recommendations for a concise, overall plan for worship transition.

2005

Borecki, Linda S. (2005)

Learning in the RITE Context: Contextualizing Worship Leadership Training for an Online Course of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (Dr. Ruth)

ABSTRACT: “Learning in the RITE Context” proposed, defended, and implemented a revised online course of pastoral liturgy for the Leadership Advancement Process (LAP) program of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. It was hypothesized that students of varying Lutheran liturgical traditions and varied expectations of future worship leadership roles would benefit from a course of study contextualized to students’ circumstances and needs and contextualized to the computer medium. The research suggests that employing a unifying theological liturgical premise, or Golden Thread, and teaching for enduring understanding via computer delivery is a faithful way and a good way to encourage discernment, resourcefulness, and a pastoral heart in students’ own worship and worship ministries. As worship contexts become more varied, worship leaders for themselves and for their particular faith community can yet articulate and facilitate worship that is “Christian” and “Lutheran” – seeing and practicing a truth and unity that is deeper than the uniformity of external rites.

Cameron, Virginia W. (2005)

Developing a Collection of Charles Wesley’s Hymns on the Lord’s Supper for the Church of the Nazarene (Dr. Alford)

Chan, Philip H. (2005)

Music and Worship: A Textbook for Music and Worship Offered by the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (Dr. Cherry )

Dunnett, Dolores E. (2005)

The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist (Dr. Dunnett)

Gaddis, Keith H. (2005)

Enhancing the Personal Development of Spiritual Disciplines in Prayer, Leading to a Richer Experience in Corporate Worship at Maryland Community Church in Terre Haute, Indiana (Dr. Waterman)

Gehrels, Kenneth M. (2005)

Enhancing Unity Without Uniformity in Worship at Calvin Christian Reformed Church, Ottawa, Canada (Dr. Witvliet)

ABSTRACT: Calvin Christian Reformed Church of Ottawa has, as one of its core values, a commitment to unity. However, the congregation’s membership is very diverse. This diversity presents a challenge to worship planners as they seek to prepare liturgies that are edifying to the congregation as a whole, assisting as many as possible to engage in meaningful dialogical activity with God. The purpose of this project was to explore the contours of the diversity within the congregation by means of the pedagogical theory of Multiple Intelligences. The illustrated diversity was then shared with the leaders of the congregation. Also shared were theological considerations regarding what range of liturgical actions may be used with integrity in a Reformed worship service. The process was designed to enhance the leaders’ understanding of diversity, and through that enhanced understanding to develop a deepened sense of mutual acceptance and stronger unity among the leaders and within the congregation at large.

Grenz, Edna L. (2005)

The Journey with Jesus: A Workshop on the Christian Year with Emphasis on Advent at First Baptist Church, Vancouver, Canada (Dr. Van Marion)

ABSTRACT: The thesis maintains that the regular observance and study of the high points in the life of Christ, also known as the Christian year is enriching to the journey with Jesus. The people of First Baptist Church, Vancouver, Canada, took part in a workshop that gave an overview of the Christian year. Particular emphasis was given to Advent through a four-week series designed to prepare participants to reflect on the Advent themes in their personal journey and to enrich their participation in the corporate Advent worship services. The project provided a segment of the congregation with tools of understanding, so that the observance of the Christian year could be developed further in the worship life of the church.

Hager, Jeffrey D. (2005)

Expanding an Understanding of Divine Revelation for Use in Worship Planning at Cypress Point Community Church in Tampa, FL (Dr. Sharp)

Horton, Wallace W. (2005)

The Development and Application of a Curriculum for Adult Bible Classes on the Healing Power of God in Worship at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia (Dr. Waterman)

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis is to help the members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia experience the reality of God's healing power in Christian worship and liturgy. This purpose was accomplished through the development and application of a six-week adult Bible class dealing with the subject. Following the course, class participants responded to what they had experienced through a questionnaire, a one-on-one interview, or a personal journal. The data gathered from the evaluations indicated that the majority of the participants experienced a greater awareness, understanding, and vulnerability regarding the presence of God's healing power in worship.

Jackson, Daniel S. (2005)

The Implementation of Sixteenth-Century Liturgical Music Through Authentic “Performance Practice” in Evangelical Worship at Point Loma Nazarene University (Dr. Sharp)

ABSTRACT: The historical backdrop of various doctrinal and liturgical changes experienced during the Reformation provides a foundation for performance practice of sacred music in the late Renaissance and early Baroque. This project proposes the P. L. N. U. Concert Choir will successfully implement sixteenth-century liturgical music in an evangelical setting with stylistic considerations involving the use of dynamics, metrical symbols, text placement, accidentals, and desired choral tone. In addition, Concert Choir students will explore the possibilities of converging historical music, ethnic music and numerous forms of contemporary music in their concert tour program that will foster the inclusion of all people.

Johnson, R. Kevin (2005)

Preparing the People for Worship: A Lectionary Based Home Worship Guide for Families at Christ Church United Methodist, New York City (Dr. Borchert)

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project was to introduce families at Christ Church United Methodist to family devotional life with a view toward making corporate worship more meaningful. A lectionary-based home worship resource was used to accomplish this goal. The resource used various arts media to forecast the scriptures and themes to be explored in the corporate setting, therefore giving the participants a more complete vocabulary for worship. The primary goal for the project was to encourage an ongoing habit of individual and family worship for the participants.

Leestma, David B. (2005)

Preparing the Worship Community of First Covenant Church, Oakland, California, to Embrace a New Physical Worship Environment Plan to Foster Greater Participation in Worship and to Engage More Fully with God (Dr. Torgerson)

Mahaffie, Mark K. (2005)

A Worship Study Course and Services for Advent and Christmas Designed to Enhance the Spiritual Growth for Sequoia Heights Baptist Church, Manteca, California (Dr. Van Marion)

ABSTRACT: This thesis project aims to ignite the hope, peace, joy, and love of the Advent season at SHBC. The project seeks to bring back into focus the rich history of anticipating the first coming of Christ as well as the preparing for His second coming. Our focus at Sequoia Heights was drawn to a spiritual Christmas through four Advent worship services, an Advent family devotional, and six Bible Study lessons. This project points to the fulfillment of God’s promises at the great Parousia.

Martinez, Evelyn R. (2005)

Using Creative Arts to Enhance Sunday Morning Services in Latin America: A Pilot Course Given To Hispanic Churches in the Metro Atlanta Area (Dr. Farley)

Moffett, Bradley J. (2005)

Developing a Guide for Evaluating the Issues of Genre, Role, and Function in Selecting Music for Worship Among Selected Music Leaders Within the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee (Dr. Cherry)

ABSTRACT: This thesis will identify a sample group of music leaders in the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, and evaluate music being used by the sample group for worship according to a paradigm based on the genre, role, and function of music in worship. The sample group will be given a guide that outlines the ideas of the paradigm, and after having time to implement the guide into the music selection process, a second test period will evaluate the music being chosen. As a result of this thesis, members of the sample group will have a biblically and theologically informed means by which to choose music for worship.

Moll, Steven R. (2005)

Renewing Worship at Green Lake Presbyterian Church Seattle, WA Through Insights from Tabernacle, Priesthood, and Sacrifice (Dr. Hill)

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis is to promote worship renewal and to establish an appropriate framework for biblical worship informed by insights from the tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifice. Biblical constructs important for these purposes focus on God’s character and actions in history, covenant relationships, and the calling of His people in worship. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system enabled God’s people to draw near to Himself through the offering of sacrifices that facilitated atonement, communion and tribute. In the New Testament, Christians offer spiritual sacrifices and pay tribute to God through words, deeds and a lifestyle of obedience.

Monroe, Christopher R. (2005)

The Stations of the Cross: A Worship Course for the Disciples Class of Vinton Baptist Church, Vinton, Virginia, for Experiencing the Stations of the Cross - As Found in the New Testament (Dr. Van Marion)

Rogers, Paul R. (2005)

Using Baptismal Theology for Spiritual Formation within a Small Group Setting at the Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore-Dekalb, Dekalb, IL (Dr. Hill)

ABSTRACT: The project analyzes the effectiveness of a small group study in facilitating an understanding and application of baptismal theology. The project proposes that the small group setting and curriculum can result in spiritual formation as participants broaden their understanding of baptism and experience appropriating baptism as a model of Christian spirituality. The project uses a select group of congregants at the Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore-DeKalb as the basis for the study. The project seeks to measure changes that occurred as a result of the study by using pre- and post-test questionnaires, a group interview, and individual interviews. Completed over the course of six weeks, the research discloses that spiritual formation can occur through an understanding and application of baptismal concepts but that more time is needed to adequately see these changes materialize.

Shores, Rodney K. (2005)

Sacred Action and Sacramentality: A Course Development for the Worship Ministries Degree at Trinity College of Florida (Dr. Kidd)

Solether, Scott V. (2005)

Transforming Worshipers into Worship Evangelists at First Presbyterian Church, Portland, Indiana (Dr. Summers)

Statom, Gabriel C. (2005)

Compiling and Implementing a Psalter Which Reflects the Reformed Heritage for the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, Florida (Dr. Alford)

Vaught, W. Lyndel (2005)

A Daily Worship Guidebook to Promote Personal Christian Worship During Holy Week Among Senior Adults, Age 65-85 at the Silver Serenaders Choir, Dallas, Texas (Dr. Van Marion)

Wong, Jonathan J. W. (2005)

Developing a Pattern for Teaching about God’s Self Revelation and Presence Through the Arts in Worship (Dr. Alford)

ABSTRACT: The thesis provides a biblical, historical, and theological foundation for God’s self-revelation and presence through the arts in worship. A course proposal was developed for Pacific Rim Bible College’s School of Worship and the Arts. Two sample groups comprised of faculty from International College and Graduate School and Pacific Rim Bible College were interviewed for the study. The findings suggest that a course on God’s self-revelation and presence through the arts in worship should be required for students attending the School of Worship and the Arts. The findings are significant between faculty with a biblical/theological background and those without.

Zerbe, Steven E. (2005)

Integrating a Strategic Worship Advisory Team in the Worshiping Community of Warsaw, Indiana Wesleyan Church (Dr. Ray)

ABSTRACT: Worship is humankind’s finite response to God’s eternal call. He will never cease to offer an invitation to those willing to participate. Wholehearted participation demands intentional preparation. To offer God pleasing worship that promotes intimacy and sparks personal growth, the individual must embrace personal responsibility and prepare for a finite encounter with an infinite God. This thesis explored the potential of team-planned worship at Warsaw Wesleyan Church (WWC) in Warsaw, IN. Would corporate worship participation be impacted if a group of trained worship leaders intentionally prepared? A Strategic Worship Advisory Team (SWAT) was recruited, trained and empowered to enhance participatory worship at WWC through planning, evaluating and providing numerous resources for worship services. Over the course of the six-month project, the team continually gave fresh and new ideas that embraced various celebrative arts to encourage more worship participation. The project was successful in demonstrating team-planned worship and sparking corporate worship participation.

2006

Bray, David K. (2006

A Study in the Theology of Anamnetic Prayer Grounded in the Old and New Testaments and Exemplified in the Anaphorae of the Ancient Church: Developed for Messiah Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio (Kent Burreson)

ABSTRACT: Christ’s anamnetic command demands that the church remember Jesus during Holy Communion by: proclaiming Jesus as the Hebrew Messiah and Son of the living God, recounting Jesus’ redemptive actions, rehearsing the nature and terms of the New Covenant relationship, providing divine authorization to the memorial meal, specifying the benefits of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, offering the anamnetic pledge given by Christ back to God as a reminder, declaring the unifying power and sovereignty of Christ’s work and Lordship, petitioning Christ to issue the promised benefits, explaining the meaning of the memorial rite and its relationship to Christ’s sacrificial work, magnifying God’s name and actualizing his purposes on earth.

Bunnell, John Howard (2006)

An Open-ended Database Guide to Assist Ministers of Music and Vocal Soloists to Select Solos that will Match and Enhance the Lectionary Readings During the Easter Cycle (Year “A”) (Don Fugate)

ABSTRACT: This project reviews the significance of oral music in the history of worship from pre-Hebrew music through today. It also contains a database unifying vocal solos with lectionary readings for the Sundays of the Easter Cycle. The purpose is to assist church musicians in selecting solos that complement the scripture readings. The database of scripture readings and vocal solos are categorized by style, range and difficulty and are housed on a website, enabling a computer search anytime. The database allows submission of additional titles and can be expanded with other cycles of the Church Year.

Carpenter, Karen Kay (2006)

The Christian Sacraments: Covenantal Origins, Presence and Community as Experienced in the First Presbyterian Church, Brookline, Massachusetts (Andrew Hill)

Elbert, Lori Elliott (2006)

Writing Music for the Season of Lent for Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Louisville, Kentucky (Dan Sharp)

Gray, Glen F. (2006)

A Paradigm for Renewal: Seven Pilot Studies for the Inculturation of Holy Communion at the American College, Phoenix, Arizona (Jack Van Marion)

Hoekstra, Gerzinus E. (2006)

A Resource Guide of Seasons and Symbols for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Choir, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (Jack Van Marion)

ABSTRACT: A Resource Guide of Seasons and Symbols for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Choir, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario was a project initiative inspired by the national call of The Presbyterian Church in Canada for worship renewal. Members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Choir embarked on a spiritual journey through the readings of the Liturgical Year and the seasonal hymns to increase their awareness and understanding of symbolism as a deepening of their faith experience. The research disclosed the need for solid biblical and theological knowledge, in order to discover, rediscover, evaluate and re-evaluate symbolism and rituals, and offering insights and perspectives to make judgments that are biblically and theologically informed as well as culturally discerning.

Huckaby, Susan Young (2006)

Enhancing Congregational Participation in Worship at Arlington United Methodist Church through Educating and Engaging Multiple Intelligences (Becky Gunter)

ABSTRACT: Arlington United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee is a one hundred and eighty one year old congregation dwindling in size and active participation in many areas of church life, including worship. The older average age of the congregation and the changing socio-economic surroundings challenge the vitality of the church. The purpose of this project was to enhance congregational participation in worship through education and the engagement of two multiple intelligences: the visual/spatial and the bodily/kinesthetic. The process used in this project was designed to include a variety of pedagogical and participatory means to inform worshipers about the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of participatory worship, as well as engage them in participation in worship. Two groups of worshipers were formed for deeper study, planning, and implementation of visual and kinesthetic elements in worship. The ultimate goal of this thesis, through the power of the Holy Spirit, was to enrich the personal and corporate spiritual lives of worshipers at Arlington United Methodist Church and to edify the Body of Christ through the process.

Kivell, Sharon Louise (2006)

Fostering Harmony through Healing Workshops at St. Ninian’s Anglican Church, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada (Jack Van Marion)

ABSTRACT: In recent years there has been a movement toward more contemporary music in some Christian churches, and also toward lively, freer, more spirit-filled worship, and spiritual growth in some congregations. This movement has also led to what some refer to as the "worship wars." Congregations have been split or have lost members who do not appreciate the changes and would prefer to retain traditional styles of worship. This diversity has in some cases caused a loss of unity and fellowship. This thesis suggests that diversity has been a part of Christianity since its earliest days, and that the early church strived to maintain unity within its diversity. The thesis proposes that St. Ninian’s Anglican Church, which has experienced a split between traditional and contemporary worshipers, could achieve greater fellowship and Christian love through an examination of the diversity which has always existed in the Christian church. A series of four healing workshops exposed the participants to teachings on unity, diversity, Christian love, and the communion of saints in the expectation of fostering greater love and unity within the congregation.

Kreutzwieser, John Robert (2006)

Introducing and Integrating Silence into the Divine Service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (Andrew Hill)

ABSTRACT: Christian liturgy throughout the ages has been developed following the principles of worship in the Bible. One aspect of authentic biblical worship is silence. Unfortunately, in many Christian congregations, silence is a little used and often misunderstood element of corporate worship. Worship services are filled with so many words and sounds that the message of the Gospel loses its meaning amidst the never-ending babbling. This project investigated silence in the Bible and integrated moments of silence into corporate worship according to the fourfold pattern of biblical worship. Silence needs to be rediscovered, reintroduced, and used in corporate worship.

Lam, Calvin C. F. (2006)

A Training Manual for Purpose Driven Worship Leaders at Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church, Toronto, Canada (Jack Van Marion)

Mandryk, Kara D. (2006)

Exploring Ritual as a Means of Spiritual Formation Among Young Evangelicals at Providence College in Otterburne, Manitoba (Connie Cherry)

ABSTRACT: Spiritual formation has always been important in evangelical circles and younger evangelicals are looking to a variety of Christian traditions for meaningful spiritual formation rituals. The purpose of this project was to provide the students of Spiritual Formation, an introductory practical theology course at Providence College, with a framework to assess and develop spiritual formation rituals that would be biblically and theologically sound, historically faithful, and contextually meaningful. A Ritual Taxonomy was created which allowed students to systematically examine existing spiritual formation rituals. The Ritual Taxonomy also provided structure as the students adapted or created their own organic spiritual formation rituals, focusing on three foundational elements of ritual: story, symbol and action.

McCoy, Gary Wayne (2006)

Seeing as Believing: Growing Faith through the Visual Experience (Daven Kari)

Nethercott, Nancy Lynn (2006)

Developing a Scripture Reading Training Workshop for Christians in the Arts Network Worship Seminar in Tokyo, Japan (Kelly Malone)

ABSTRACT: There is a need for renewal in the reading of Scripture in corporate worship, both in the area of the amount of Scripture read, and in the training of those who are entrusted with the ministry of reading. However, in Japan there is no training available for those who read Scripture in corporate worship. In an effort to address the lack of intentionality in the presentation of the word in churches in Japan, I developed a training workshop and follow-up instruction with evaluation. The thesis employed biblical, historical, and theological methods to support the rationale that the presentation of Scripture is a ministry and a vital part of corporate worship. The project had three phases. Phase One was a staff training day. Phase Two was a six-hour intensive training workshop held at the October 2005, CAN Worship Seminar in Tokyo, Japan. Phase Three integrated further training and evaluation for four of the workshop participants.

Owenby, Mike Jerome (2006)

Developing Worship Leadership Through the Application of the Doctrine of the Priesthood of All Believers at Mary Esther United Methodist Church, Mary Esther, Florida (Stephen Summers)

ABSTRACT: Mary Esther United Methodist Church recently celebrated forty years of ministry. For a period of seven years the laity were denied involvement in worship planning and leadership. Worship became a clergy-led event where laity were entertained and called to repentance on a weekly basis. “Developing Worship Leadership” is a four-session approach for training laity in the Biblical and historical importance of worship leadership. With training and permission to exercise their priesthood, we found the laity desirous of leadership roles in worship as a means of personal sacrifice and offering. Worship is no longer an entertainment event, but a family gathering of thanksgiving and praise.

Pinkston, Ira B., III (2006)

A Course for Developing the Personal Prayer Lives of the Sunday Evening Prayer Meeting Attendees at First Baptist Church, Waxahachie, Texas (W. Lyndel Vaught)

Puls, David W. (2006)

Developing a “Presence” View of Communion at Lawson Heights Pentecostal Assembly, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Carla Waterman)

2007

Betters, Charles L. (2007)

A Guide to Help Families Discover Their Unique Missional Calling Through the Practice of Family Worship at Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church, Bear, DE

ABSTRACT: Many churches are struggling to lead their people toward radical missional living and, all the while, the art of regular family worship seems to have been lost. Historically, especially in the Presbyterian Church, parents were expected to lead their households as “little churches” with the intentional practice of prayer, reading and exegeting the word of God, and singing. This thesis explores the impact of family worship on missional living and the spiritual formation of the home. Through a biblical, historical, theological, and sociological survey, this thesis advocates family worship as a means for families to be equipped spiritually to discover their unique role in accomplishing the missio Dei.

Brown, David B. (2007)

Developing a Spiritual Formation Mentoring Program for Baptized Believers at First Christian Church, Morristown, Tennessee

Abstract: First Christian Church in Morristown, Tennessee desired to equip baptized believers for greater service in the life of the church. A spiritual formation mentoring program was developed and implemented in the fall of 2006 with the primary goal of equipping baptized believers for greater service in the life of First Christian. This thesis, along with teaching materials and questionnaires, examines what effects a mentoring program can have in the life of a local congregation.

Chow, Perry Kwan Sin (2007)

A Worship Training Course for Cantonese-Speaking Worship Leaders at the Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, Massachusetts

ABSTRACT: Worship is the highlight of a Christian’s devotional life. A good worship experience helps people to know God and helps them to be willing to live a life that pleases God. Worship leaders play an important role in influencing our congregation’s worship experience. Therefore, training worship leaders should be the highest priority in any training program within the church. Unfortunately, there is no worship training course available at Boston Chinese Evangelical Church at present. This thesis project has resulted in a worship training course of six two-hour sessions for Cantonese-speaking worship leaders of BCEC, to give them a fuller understanding of worship, and to prepare them to lead worship more effectively.

Davis, William H. (2007)

Creating a Climate for Intergenerational Worship at Thomasville Road Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida

ABSTRACT: Intergenerational worship has biblical basis, historical precedent, theological validity, sociological implications and ministerial value. We will explore whether the worship practices of today’s church are counter-cultural in combating ageism. We will challenge chronological and stylistic models for segregation of worship groups. We will examine worship-related attitudes of TRBC members, determining whether exposure to intergenerational worship through study, planning, and participation in intergenerational worship experiences is an effective catalyst for attitudinal change. We will prayerfully consider the extent to which intergenerational worship should be employed in the future of worship at Thomasville Road Baptist Church.

Elbert, Lori E. (2007)

Writing Music for the Season of Lent for Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Garcia, Norman (2007)

Enriching Worship Through a Training Program for Salvation Army Cadets in the USA Eastern Territory

ABSTRACT: The Salvation Army has experienced significant change in worship by endeavoring to be relevant to a culture that makes the individual the center of attention. Movement in this direction has resulted in us losing contact with Salvationists and Christians in times past as well as undermining the essence of what worship is. This thesis seeks to articulate a worship paradigm that understands Jesus to be the center of worship. Once centered, we can be the body of Christ as we live eucharistically in mission and service to humanity.

George, Robert J. (2007)

A Method to Address the Worship Expectations of those Attending the United Methodist Church of Smethport, PA

ABSTRACT: The concern for improving church attendance has been part of the ministry agenda in all United Methodist Churches I have known. I undertook this doctoral thesis with the hope of creating a method to address the attendance question from a worship point of view. The thesis describes a method composed of surveys, worship committee meetings, teachings, letters, newsletter articles, bulletin inserts and adjustments to the structure of the worship service in order to address worshipers’ expectations. The method is also concerned with building a worship service that has Christian integrity. The issue of Christian integrity is addressed by considering four foundational concepts from the Old and New Testament periods which guide the development of worship experiences to meet worshipers’ expectations with integrity from the Judeo-Christian perspective.

Gilbert, Craig L. (2007)

Enhancing Spiritual Growth Through Worship Education at First United Methodist Church, Alvin, Texas

Glaeser, Joannah R. (2007)

Enhancing Worship Understanding Through Historical Reflection at Living Waters Christian Fellowship, Pasadena, CA

Gothold, Jean A. (2007)

Developing a Theology of Worship for St. Peter’s By the Sea Presbyterian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Hallquist, Gary F. (2007)

Introducing the First Three Seasons of the Christian Year to the Traditional Worshipers at Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylors, South Carolina

ABSTRACT: Celebrating the Christian Year is an ancient practice with scriptural roots. After the Protestant Reformation, the Puritans rejected that practice, primarily because of the Regulative Principle of Calvin, which restricts worship actions to those that are expressly permitted in the Bible. Early Baptists came from the Puritans, and condoned no celebration other than the Lord's Day. Over time, Baptists adopted the civic calendar as the norm. This project was designed to acquaint traditional worshipers at Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylors, South Carolina, with the first three seasons of the Christian Year and to encourage spiritual development through their observance.

Keefer, Laura A. (2007)

Developing a Worship Resource Guide for Small Groups at Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church, Naperville, Illinois

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project was to introduce small groups at Wheatland Salem Church to diverse ways of worshiping. The worship resource guide was used to accomplish this goal. The guide was designed using the six traditions of faith as outlined by Richard Foster in his book, Streams of Living Water. The primary goal for this project was to encourage a continual habit of worship during the small group gathering.

Lanier, Joel E. (2007)

Engaging God’s Story Digitally Through the Development of an Online Advent Calendar at the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs, Georgia

ABSTRACT: The First Baptist Church of Powder Springs ministers to a culture in the midst of a major paradigm shift in communication. The world is moving away from a text-based exchange of information toward a digital, image-driven exchange. The message that the church is entrusted to share must be communicated effectively in this digital age. Historically, the season of Advent begins the annual retelling of that message. In this thesis, internet devotionals formed the intersection of this ancient story and new media, and a web log (“blog”) provided opportunity for dialogue for those on the Advent journey.

Lawson, Jonathan D. (2007)

Enhancing a Multi-generational Approach to Music-led Worship at Radiant Church (Assemblies of God) in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Longhurst, Christine C. (2007)

Enhancing Corporate Prayer at the River East Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

McDaniel, Carol R. S. (2007)

Recovering the Practice of the Spiritual Disciplines at Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach, CA

ABSTRACT: Spiritual formation continues to be an issue of immense interest among Christians and non-Christians alike. Lutheran Christians have a distinctive spirituality, which finds the Solus Christus principle at its core. Lutheran Christians also have a spiritual formation process, yet the integration of spiritual disciplines into the daily life of the Lutheran Christian has, at times, been difficult to achieve. This research will delve into the absence of spiritual discipline activities at Bethany Lutheran Church, and it will discuss two intervention strategies the church employed in an effort to recover the practice of some of the spiritual disciplines in their community.

Mangham, Jr., Charles D. (2007)

Developing and Testing a Small Group Study on This Holy Mystery for Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Dresher, PA

ABSTRACT: The 2004 General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion, an official denominational statement of its theology and practice of the Lord’s Supper. Its purpose was to assist United Methodists to understand Holy Communion as a means of grace. This thesis explores the study of this document by a small test group in a local church, the conclusions drawn by the group as a result of this study, and the implications that this on-going study would make for the local congregation.

Mundy, B. Jo Ann (2007)

Sacred Actions to Bring Reconciliation and Claim an Anti-Racist Identity in the Faith Community of Three Rivers, Michigan

Myers, Robert A. (2007)

The Development of a Rubric for the Evaluation of Intimate Songs in Contemporary Christian Worship

ABSTRACT: Christian men and women have always yearned for intimacy with God. But yearning for God in the current evangelical worship experience often seems like the longing of young lovers so often glorified in Western culture. The intent of this thesis was to encourage biblical yearning for God while addressing problems in the current landscape. An informed method of evaluation was developed with the input of a select group of worship leaders to critique the use of intimate songs in contemporary worship. The resultant rubric is flexible and designed for use in any evangelical church.

Ooi, Sylvia Wan-Sheng (2007)

Developing a Course on Catechesis as a means of Spiritual Formation at TCA College (Singapore)

Pannabecker, David R. (2007)

A Baptismal Curriculum for Senior High Youth and Adults Toward Making Disciples at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, South Bend, Indiana

ABSTRACT: The project seeks to evaluate the optimum setting for the implementation of a baptismal curriculum for senior teens and adults toward making disciples at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in South Bend, Indiana. The study proposes that an interactive group setting will achieve greater educational outcomes than independent self-study. The project curriculum features sixteen self-directed lessons on baptism in the New Testament. Forty-three congregants divided into two groups: Group Discussion and Self-study. In order to evaluate each group’s educational experience, three measurement tools were employed: Pre- and Post-study Questionnaires, as well as a Curriculum Evaluation Survey were administered to all participants.

Poulopoulos, Andrew J. (2007)

Developing a Mentoring Program for the Northern New England Salvation Army Through a Small Group Study of the Statement of Faith

Pratt, Melissa L. (2007)

Discovering How the Personality Types of 18-22 Year Olds at Cincinnati Bible College Impact Their Ability to Experience God in Corporate Worship

Reid, Barbara R. (2007)

Embracing Diversity in Worship with Intentionality at First Baptist Church, Dubuque, Iowa

ABSTRACT: This study documents the results of a leadership training event to increase the understanding of congregational leaders in First Baptist Church of Dubuque, Iowa, about the biblical basis for the congregation's Core Value concerning racial/ethnic diversity as applied to the ministry of worship. This understanding was needed so that congregational leaders could become more intentional in considering racial diversity in the aspects of worship in which they played a leadership role, and so the congregation could realize its vision of being a multi-racial congregation where worship embodies its beliefs concerning the reality of reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ.

Sexton, R. Nyle (2007)

Developing a Course on the Fundamentals of Christian Worship for Louisville Bible College

ABSTRACT: This project is a proposal for an introductory course of worship study for Louisville Bible College, an institution dedicated to the principles and practices of the Restoration Movement. The study is one that seeks to offer students an opportunity to study worship as an independent discipline apart from music, offering students of all disciplines the opportunity to study worship regardless of their musical aptitude. The content of the course focuses on biblical worship throughout the Old and New Testaments and supports the theology of the Restoration Church. This course, with some minor alterations, could be successfully integrated into the curriculum of Louisville Bible College.

Smith, James E. (2007)

Enhancing the Worship of God through Understanding and Hallowing the Lord’s Day at Bethel Missionary Church in Goshen, Indiana

ABSTRACT: My thesis seeks to discover whether or not actions for hallowing the Lord’s Day enhance the public worship of God. My project proposes that an understanding of the theology of the Lord’s Day, instead of a list or a divine command, is the basis from which hallowing actions must arise. Thus, the core of my thesis is a series of classes in which the theology of the Lord’s Day is developed. Seventeen congregants of Bethel Missionary Church joined the classes. At the end, fifteen “experimented” with actions for hallowing the Lord’s Day in order to see if their actions enhanced their public worship of God.

Stuberg, Robert M. (2007)

Fostering Corporate Eucharistic Piety as Locus for Mission at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Helena, Montana

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to foster corporate eucharistic piety as locus for mission at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Helena, Montana, by increasing the understanding of ecclesia, eucharistia, and missio Dei. The action research design addressed the goals on two fronts. The ‘liturgical front’ engaged the entire congregation through educational materials and implementing liturgical changes. The ‘study group’ front engaged a sampling of the congregation in a small group study curriculum. The findings show an overall growth in the appreciation for the Eucharist as a communal event that feeds God’s people to be Christ’s body in the world.

Talley, Sue L. (2007)

The Healing Voice of Christ in the Psalms for Students of the School of Music, Nyack College, New York City

ABSTRACT: The students in the music program at Nyack College, New York City seek to serve the larger world. The campus is located blocks from the site of the World Trade Center tragedy, which some students and faculty remember well. Spiritual growth in the tumultuous inner city, community service, and global reconciliation demand our effort and study in the School of Music. The Psalms, Christ's prayers on earth, convey his healing voice today, uniting highly diverse peoples and various academic disciplines. The visibility of our Chorale gives us an opportunity to minister to the wider community. Through this project, we attempt to hear this voice in the Psalms as we study them in several courses. By using the Psalms in our prayers and songs we may convey the healing voice of Christ to the world.

Updyke, Sharon H. (2007)

Recovering Full and Conscious Worship Among the Youth at First Baptist Church, Sanford, North Carolina

Walraven, James W. (2007)

A Table Celebration Study for Home Group Use at Community of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilsonville, Oregon

ABSTRACT: Although the Table is celebrated at Community of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church twice each month, it is observed by many in a hurried and ritualistic manner. The thesis addresses these weaknesses through presenting a series of six studies about the Table within a home group setting. Key scriptural passages are investigated, along with the doctrines of Rome, Zwingli, Calvin, and Luther. Special attention is given to the understanding of the ancient church, and to the theological implications of the various positions. The value of “literal presence” is examined, especially as it relates to countering resurgent Gnostic thought in contemporary culture.

Wilson, Myron G. (2007)

Using Acts 2:42–47 to Enhance the Worship of First Baptist Church, McKinney, Texas

2008

Altizer, James L. (2008)

Developing a Worship Leading Practicum for Master of Arts in Worship Leadership Students at Azusa Pacific University

ABSTRACT: The training of worship leaders is a relatively recent field of University study. While some are satisfied to be a “lead worshiper,” I believe that the Church desperately needs well trained “worship leaders.” Worship leading is a pastoral role, and involves a synergy of skills, knowledge and heart that combine to become something much greater than the parts. Effective worship leadership requires an intricate combination of knowledge, wisdom, passion and skill. This thesis and skills-oriented video-practicum advance the study and development of how to educate and produce well-prepared worship leaders.

Barrick, Don W. (2008)

Building Authentic Christian Community at First Baptist Church of the Woodlands, Texas through the Use of the Ancient Agape Feast

ABSTRACT: The church is rightly called the “body of Christ,” and yet many churches struggle with issues of community. Historically, Baptists are known for their independent spirit and autonomy. This independence has led to isolationism and disunity within the body of Christ. Through this project I set out to discover how the first-century church might inform and help the twenty-first-century church be the body of Christ that God intended for us to be. Twenty-seven Deacon Hosts were trained to lead a community building event based on an ancient Agape Feast in which over three-hundred church members participated.

Bennett, Patrick J. (2008)

Designing and Implementing a Philosophy of Worship Arts Ministry for Cyprus Ridge Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven, Florida

ABSTRACT: This thesis/project was intended to develop a worship philosophy for Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, Florida. The resulting worship handbook was then used as a guide for the worship ministry of the church. As this project took form, however, it became increasingly evident that Cypress Ridge was dealing with worship style issues. As a result, this project not only laid a foundation for worship ministry at Cyprus Ridge, but also offered suggestions to bring the congregation and elders back to a biblical understanding of worship and community.

Borchert, Timothy W. (2008)

Utilizing Multimedia in the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper at First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, Tennessee

ABSTRACT: This thesis and supporting materials demonstrate the understanding that God uses the visual cultural language of every society to influence the worshiping lives of his people. Incorporating today’s multimedia technology into the Eucharistic worship service for our church is one way of enhancing the visual aspect of our traditional Baptist service. Four separate services were developed, each utilizing a different style of projected multimedia allowing God’s word to be heard both audibly and visually.

Brewer, Christopher K. (2008)

Implementing an Online Communion Service in the Four Fold Pattern for Brewer Christian College

Abstract: The Internet is here to stay. The World Wide Web has influenced every area of life, from commerce to family to the church. This thesis explores the potential of the Internet in the area of corporate worship. Using the online chapel program of Brewer Christian College as a backdrop, this thesis examines what it means to be a community via the Internet, what it biblically and historically means to celebrate communion, implements, and then measures the success of an online communion service.

Brown, Jarrod H. (2008)

Renewing Baptism through Spiritual Formation and Liturgy at Watson Memorial United Methodist Church, Chatham, Virginia

Diffenderfer, Christian (2008)

Building a Foundation for Sacramental Spirituality and Mission in a New Anglican Congregation in Falcon, Colorado

ABSTRACT: This thesis and supporting mystagogical sermons and curriculum draw upon models from Scripture, the ancient catechumenate, and Anglican liturgical theology to create an evangelistically vibrant new Anglican community that shares the love of Christ as a natural extension of its worship and community life. Using intergenerational formative and instructional activities, members are led to understand their sacramental worship as a transformational encounter of the triune God, through his word and at his table, and empowered to live the new life of their baptism into Christ by active participation in his mission.

Dodge, James C. (2008)

Equipping Students of Canby Bible College to Initiate New Christians for Baptism

ABSTRACT: This thesis and supporting curriculum seeks to equip students of a Foursquare college to initiate new Christians for baptism. A curriculum of eight lectures inclusive of demonstrations and participations, culminating in a baptismal renewal rite, introduces students to the ancient catechumenate as a viable process for fulfilling Christ’s Commission to make disciples. The project contends that the work of disciple-formation accrues to the entire church community, that baptism initiates the new Christian to both the church-at-large and the church local, and that water and Spirit merge at the baptismal font, thus accomplishing the new birth Jesus describes to Nicodemus.

Ellis, Larry D. (2008)

Living Out Our Baptismal Covenant at St. Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis project was to enhance a biblical, historical, theological, and experientially-based understanding of the reality of being baptized into Christ. I taught a series of classes and preached a sermon at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church about the process of Christian conversion, drawing from the Old and the New Covenants presented in Scripture, historic extra-biblical documents, and testimonies of ancient and current Christian leaders. Standard assessment tools employed demonstrated that participation helped persons to recognize more easily the relationship that God initiates with us through Jesus Christ, which motivated several persons to share that reality with others.

Gillette, Christopher B. (2008)

Restoration of the Lord’s Supper in the Restoration Church through Students at Hope International University

Harmeling, John P. (2008)

Enhancing the Understanding of the Christian Year through a Focus on Advent at Southside Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida

Harris, Clifton D. (2008)

Implementing Worship for Small Groups in the Community Surrounding Winter Park Baptist Church, Wilmington, North Carolina

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project was to assist the leaders of Winter Park Baptist Church of Wilmington, North Carolina in initiating worship experiences in the community for small groups, with a particular focus on the postmodern generation. The project included a six-week guide for worship, based upon a Lectionary and church year format, and designed to be led by lay leaders. House church strengths of the early Christian communities were used in the development and initial use of the worship guide. The project sought to be a pilot program for the further development of neighborhood small group worship experiences.

Harrison, Timothy M. (2008)

Developing a Family Worship Program for the Clinton Presbyterian Church, Clinton, New Jersey

Hedrick, Brian L. (2008)

Enhancing the Biblical Understanding of Instrumental Music in Worship for the Members of the Metro Instrumental Directors Conference

ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the biblical foundations of instrumental music in worship, organizing them into four pillars: the Psalms, Davidic worship, New Testament implied references, and instrumental music in the Book of Revelation. This material is organized into a four-week devotional series for the members of the Metro Instrumental Directors Conference to read and share with the instrumentalists in their respective churches. The goal of the project is to increase the biblical understanding of instrumental music in worship for the members of the MIDC, and contribute material where there is a relative lack of comprehensive resources on the subject.

Ho, Teresa (2008)

Restoring the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper in Today’s Chinese Evangelical Churches of Hong Kong

The purpose of the thesis is to design a course for seminary students who are interested in investigating the various meanings and discovering the biblical, theological and historical background of the Lord’s Supper. After understanding the biblical foundation of the meal, through an intense reflection on the subject, the students are encouraged to carry out the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in their own ministry setting more frequently. They are also inspired to rethink and conduct the rite with more theological and pastoral concern. In such case, I hope the members of today’s Chinese evangelical churches will be benefited and their spiritual lives be revived.

Kochendorfer, Lawrence A. (2008)

Renewing Baptismal Spirituality through Daily Devotions and Reflection at Ascension Lutheran Church, Edmonton, Canada

ABSTRACT: In the midst of a cultural context which insidiously promotes a spirituality of self, this thesis project seeks to assess the current understanding and life-experience of parishioners at Ascension Lutheran Church, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with respect to daily baptismal living, and to explore how a deeper understanding of baptismal spirituality shifts the ground of primary spirituality for the participants. Through participation in a twenty-one day devotional and reflective journaling resource prepared by the author, participants encountered the baptismal pattern of dying and rising reflected by the Apostle Paul in Romans 6, explored the instruction of the primary theologian of the Lutheran Church, Martin Luther, and his invitation to a daily baptismal remembrance, and reflected on the profound rhythm of the spiritual life of dying and rising.

Laur, Noel-Paul D. (2008)

Developing a Model of Holy Meditative Worship for Polk Street United Methodist Church, Amarillo, Texas

ABSTRACT: Change has been taking place in the United Methodist worship service. Postmodernists are seeking ways to embrace spirituality outside the customary practices of corporate gatherings. Among the new worshipers are the contemplatives, who are reviving the classic worship pattern of the Early Church. The thesis advances the concept that holiness and contemplation should merge to become the ideal earthly worship. As appropriate preparation, a series of classes plus holy meditative services exposed Polk Street United Methodist Church to holiness in worship. Participants were introduced to contemplation, holiness and silent prayer, and confronted with obstacles to the pursuit of holiness.

Lord, Kendall R. (2008)

Facilitating a Deeper Awareness of the Transcendent in the Worship of Cherrydale Baptist Church, Arlington, Virginia

ABSTRACT: This project involved a voluntary subset of the congregation of Cherrydale Baptist Church of Arlington, Virginia. The study addressed a perceived imbalance in the congregation’s worship perspective between the immanent and the transcendent attributes of God. The project consisted of a six-week email Bible study, as well as pre-and post-survey questionnaires. Implications for the future, as well as possible means of improvement within the context of Cherrydale’s worship environment, were discussed.

Makowski, Gaylord B. (2008)

A Curriculum to Enhance an Understanding of the Eucharist in Spiritual Formation for Pastoral Ministry Students at Canby Bible College, Canby, Oregon

ABSTRACT: This thesis and supporting curriculum addresses the absence of a comprehensive theology of the Eucharist and a lack of formal spiritual formation practice within second year students at Canby Bible College. The Apostle Paul clearly understood the Lord’s Supper narrative to be a formative model by which the Church would experience the presence of the risen Christ and serve as a model for daily life and piety. This project consisted of ten didactic lectures and a culminating eucharistic celebration that provided an enhanced understanding of the Eucharist and spiritual formation from Scripture and the theological perspectives of Justin Martyr, John Calvin, and contemporary scholarship.

Meeks, Jeffrey S. (2008)

Fostering a Culture of Response as a Worshiping Community at University Place Presbyterian Church, University Place, Washington

ABSTRACT: God’s story has been proclaimed throughout human history. This thesis helps one church reconnect with its roots to participate in the missio dei by rediscovering God’s story in worship. In this context, God’s story is told through the creation of new songs and prayers for worship. Research sheds light on how the rhythm of worship prepares worshipers to become witnesses to God’s mission. Worshipers would begin to demonstrate the love, grace and power a relationship with Jesus Christ brings. The goal would have worshipers understand their call to go and share God’s story with those they encounter.

Prest, Vallen L. (2008)

Developing Worship Leaders as Servant Artists at Woodside Baptist Church, Troy, Michigan

ABSTRACT: This project is based on the concept of Servant Artist as a paradigm for understanding the ministry of worship leaders in the contemporary church. The goal of this task was to focus on the biblical basis, historical precedent, theological validity, and ministerial value of approaching ministry as a Servant Artist. A series of six training sessions were offered at Woodside Bible Church, Troy, Michigan. The aim of this project was to develop a worship theology, a theology of excellence vs. perfection, an understanding of the New Testament priesthood of believers, and an understanding of the responsibility to offer spiritual sacrifices.

Spargo, Brenda G. (2008)

The Development of a Worship Planning Team for Contemporary Worship at University United Methodist Church, Las Vegas, Nevada

Sproul, Robert A. (2008)

Enhancing Worship at the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey, Pennsylvania by Employing Elements of Ancient-Future Worship

ABSTRACT: The intent of this thesis was to enable the congregation at the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey to experience components of Ancient-Future Worship with the goal of evaluating those components to determine ways to utilize them in the corporate worship services of the church. Two Ancient-Future services were held on Tuesday nights in the fall of 2007 and attendees were given opportunity to offer feedback. From that feedback, recommendations have been given to the church leadership about possible implementation of those elements for current and new worship venues.

2009

Burkett, Philip L. (2009)

A Pilot Project in Four-fold Convergent Worship at College Park Church, Huntington, Indiana

ABSTRACT: College Park Church, located in Huntington, IN, is faced with a good problem. The church needs to expand and start a third worship service to add to its existing Traditional and Contemporary services. A second good problem is: How can College Park design a worship expression that meets the needs of a relatively large group of Huntington University students without a church “home away from home?” I proposed that we implement four-fold worship as our third service. This pilot project was implemented in order to present four-fold worship to College Park young adults and gauge their reaction.

Capezza, Rick A. (2009)

Reorienting Baptismal Piety to the Sacramentalist Tradition through Devotional Enrichment at Christ the King Anglican Church, Spokane, Washington

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis project was to enhance the biblical, historical, theological, and liturgical understanding of baptism and reorient baptismal piety to the sacramentalist tradition at Christ the King Anglican in Spokane, Washington. This project was implemented as an individual baptismal guide for members to work through at an individual pace over the course of five weeks. Standard assessment methodologies employed helped demonstrate that members came to a greater understanding of the sacramentalist position on baptism, and increased their baptismal piety in the sacramentalist tradition.

Clark, Paul B., Jr. (2009)

A Pilot Project for Renewing Worship through Congregational Singing at the First Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee

ABSTRACT: Congregational singing is one activity practiced consistently in Baptist worship that invites all worshipers to participate verbally and actively in the liturgy. A truncated view of congregational singing may be serving anthropocentric values rather than theocentric worship. This thesis seeks to provide assistance for pastors and musicians whose churches would benefit from a more vital participation in worship through congregational singing. The study addresses these issues as observed at the First Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, which served as a pilot project for the process believed to hold potential as applicable to other Baptist churches.

Clary, Donovan Brooks E. (2009)

Designing a New Worship Gathering for Young Adults in Downtown Hickory, North Carolina

Cooke, Dennis Lee, Jr. (2009)

Using the Four Spiritual Types to Enhance Worship Participation at Asbury United Methodist Church, Lafayette, LA

ABSTRACT: This project attempts to help members of Asbury United Methodist Church in Lafayette, LA experience God more completely as they worship together. Our plan was an intervention that encompassed six class sessions of 70 people that dealt with discovering their spiritual typology and engaged them in our worship planning process. We divided the large group in two parts and had one group plan worship while the other group evaluated the effectiveness of our planning. Our goal was to enhance their experience of God or their connection to God in worship.

Gaff, Isaac L. (2009)

Implementing an Undergraduate Course on the Theological Foundations of the Lord’s Supper at Lincoln Christian College

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project was to develop and implement an undergraduate course at Lincoln Christian College which addresses the biblical, historical, sociological and theological dimensions of the Lord's Supper. The course seeks to address the weak theological infrastructures often present in independent Christian Churches associated with the Stone-Campbell Movement by 1) improving students’ knowledge and understanding of the Lord’s Supper, 2) nurturing and encouraging healthy dispositions in students about the Lord’s Supper, and 3) synthesizing knowledge, understanding and healthy dispositions in students that result in theologically founded liturgical experiences of the Lord’s Supper for churches.

Gibson, Brent F. (2009)

Implementing Pentecostal Worship Gatherings within the Emerging Canadian Postmodern Context at Ridgemont Assembly, Port Coquitlam

ABSTRACT: This thesis advances the idea that the local church needs to recognize that North America has become a mission field, which requires a renewed missional impetus that seeks to embody the Christian faith in ways that the new postmodern and post-Christian generation(s) can understand, find meaning and significance, and thus respond. For the purposes of this thesis, such a renewed missional impetus is applied to the area of corporate Christian worship. This thesis involves the implementation of worship gatherings for the emerging postmodern and post-Christian Canadian culture that remains faithful to my Pentecostal tradition.

Hafermehl, Kendall R. (2009)

Enhancing a Theocentric Focus in Corporate Worship at the Alliance Church, Okotoks, Alberta

ABSTRACT: Researching the ways God’s Story is told in the New Testament kerygma and the Old Testament cultic context, three principles emerged providing a foundation for telling of God’s Story in the postmodern context. The historic building blocks of worship yielded further insights for worship planning and leadership. A three phase process of learning, planning and worshiping together was created, involving a Preaching Pastor, Worship Pastor, Worship Leaders and lay persons in planning, participating and evaluating four services based on a series of workshops which focused on enriching the Telling God’s Story through Song, Prayer, Scripture and Testimony.

Hatley, Kely G. (2009)

Integrating Baptist Theology and the Christian Year Calendar at First Baptist Church of Knoxville, Tennessee

ABSTRACT: The Christian Year calendar is a tool that has been largely unused in the Baptist Church. This project was born from a desire to teach Baptists about the value of sacred time through the use of the Christian Year observances in worship. I developed an eight-week study course and taught it to twenty-six members of my congregation. The material taught us how the Christian Year can mesh together with Baptist worship practices and beliefs. The study course demonstrated how the Christian Year can effectively teach our congregations about Jesus’ life, thereby becoming a powerful discipleship tool for Baptist churches.

Henderson, Myles Milton (2009)

Enhancing Congregational Participation in the Lord’s Supper through Small Group Teaching at Centennial Park Baptist Church, Grimsby, Ontario

ABSTRACT: For centuries, evangelicals have celebrated two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. During that same era, increasing focus on preaching has overshadowed the celebration of either ordinance. In particular, the bread and cup of the Lord's Table have been described as "mere symbols." Recently, symbols have been regarded as powerful tools to expand our understanding of God's salvation narrative. This thesis, with accompanying eight-week small group course of study and three sermon outlines with service orders, examines seven meanings of the Lord's Supper and challenges the church to rediscover the importance of this sacred action instituted by our Lord.

Howson, Esther C. (2009)

Promoting a Deeper Understanding of Holy Communion in Worship at Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield, Ontario

Jonah, Mark A. (2009)

Renewing the Biblical Practices of Communion at Beulah Alliance Church Edmonton, Alberta

ABSTRACT: This project focused on renewing the communion practice of Beulah Alliance Church. Our typical communion practice emphasizes the memorial theme in our Saturday and Sunday communion services. The predominant atmosphere of our communion practice is solemnity, somberness, and solitude. This thesis project explored the biblical teaching on communion and planned the use of four biblical communion themes for our services. Over a period of four months, the Saturday communion service was led using four different biblical communion themes. The Sunday communion service maintained typical practice and was unchanged. A team of people experienced and evaluated the observable contrast between the changed Saturday communion service and the unchanged Sunday communion service.

Lockamy, Edward E. (2009)

Incorporating the Church Year through a Focus on Holy Week at the Bradfordville First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida

ABSTRACT: This thesis was an effort to address a lack of understanding by a Southern Baptist congregation concerning the historic Christian Year and the implications it can have on a worshipping community. An overview of the major components of the Christian Calendar was presented in a seminar format. The Season of Lent with an emphasis on the services of Holy Week supported the contention that by marking time though the Christian Year, the church’s corporate worship will be enhanced, thus giving opportunity for spiritual formation to take place.

Longhin, Daniel H. (2009)

Implementing a Course to Introduce Eucharistic Spirituality at Trelew Bible Church in Trelew, Argentina

ABSTRACT: This thesis deals with the introduction of Eucharistic spirituality in the churches of U.M.E. (Union Misionera Evangelica) in Argentina. A course of six sessions presents the biblical, historical, and practical foundations of the Eucharistic life at Trelew Bible Church, in Trelew, Argentina. The course explains how the Eucharist enhances daily living for the Christian. Three evaluation tools are used to assess the impact of the course in the lives of the participants: a pre-test and a post-test for all participants, and interview questions for two individuals, the pastor of the church, and one elder.

Manner, David W. (2009)

A Pilot Project to Evaluate Worship Renewal in the Congregations of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists

ABSTRACT: The project research and application is a process encouraging worship renewal in the churches of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists. The basis of the project is a method of external observation and evaluation of present worship practices. Implementation encourages a congregation to move beyond song selection and stylistic change to the deeper elements of worship renewal found in Scripture, throughout history, and demonstrated theologically. Additional recommendations are offered for internal evaluations based on these foundational tenets. The project was initiated with a pilot congregation affiliated with KNCSB to determine its validity for future implementation with additional KNCSB congregations.

McNeill, Maurice A. (2009)

Renewing Holy Communion through Congregational Song in African American Baptist Churches, Charlotte, North Carolina

Owen, Dyton L. (2009)

Recovering the Christian Story Depicted in Sign and Symbol at First United Methodist Church, Prague, Oklahoma

ABSTRACT: This thesis/project addresses the concern that many worshippers, particularly in the United Methodist Church, are unaware of the signs and symbols surrounding them in worship and how those signs and symbols can enhance worship. This thesis/project presents the idea that metaphor is the basic form of communication and teaching not only in worship, but in everyday life as well. Also discussed is the biblical usage of metaphor as a means of teaching and communicating, showing that ancient faith understood and utilized metaphor. A six-week study was offered to invite members of First United Methodist Church, Prague, Oklahoma to consider and discuss the signs and symbols found in their church and worship times. Visits to congregations of other denominations were included in the six weeks so as to give the participants the opportunity to see how other churches employed or did not employ sign and symbols in their worship. A participant handbook was developed, along with a multi-media presentation, to help facilitate better discussion and feedback.

Stephens, Lana S. (2009)

Promoting Change Through Children Leading Worship at South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, Florida

ABSTRACT: Throughout history, children have been involved in significant ways in the ministry of the church. If children receive proper training, they can and should take part in the leadership of worship. Through the design of a child-led worship service and an original music written for the delivery of the message, Loyalty to Royalty: The Story of Ruth, some of the members of South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Jacksonville, Florida, were given the opportunity to change the way that they think about children leading worship.

Stewart, Amy Beth P. (2009)

Developing a Worship Planning Team to Enhance Participatory Worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

ABSTRACT: Corporate worship is an event that invites all who come to participate fully and intentionally. This thesis project addressed the level of congregational participation by the members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, through the development of a worship planning team. The team was prepared for planning worship with a focus on congregation participation through a six week period of study. The team then gathered to plan five worship services. The five worship services were finally evaluated for their effectiveness in creating a participatory atmosphere for the congregation.

Wilde, Gregory D. (2009)

Implementing “In Step With the Master” for Advanced Christian Formation at St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church, Mishawaka, Indiana

ABSTRACT: The mission statement of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church implies contingency upon ongoing conversion of its members by living out of Christian baptismal spirituality. My task in this project was to develop a tool to foster spiritual self-awareness and to encourage concrete growth toward maturity in people who are already committed Christians. I will briefly explore the history and theology of Christian formation, as well as anthropological and psychological insights into similar and related processes. I will document small-group implementation of a modified Twelve Step method tied to baptismal vows.

Yoder, Timothy I. (2009)

Enriching Chapel Worship by Offering Multiple Worship Venues at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana

ABSTRACT: Weekly chapels are a distinctive of Indiana Wesleyan University and attendance is required for all students. This thesis project examined whether or not the addition of alternative worship venues, to the single venue already in place, would have a positive impact on the spiritual formation of the students who attended, while increasing their level of engagement in the worship. Two alternative worship venues were created and evaluated for their effectiveness by worship leaders, chapel coordinators, student chaplains and students-at-large.

2010

Abbott, Rebecca Nelson (2010)

Developing a Curriculum of Spiritual Formation for Children through the Hymns of Charles Wesley at First United Methodist Church, Georgetown, Kentucky

ABSTRACT: This project addresses the need for complexity, mystery, memorization, and connectedness to self and the ancient faith in children’s worship, through developing and teaching a course on the hymns of Charles Wesley for children in the First United Methodist Church, Georgetown, Kentucky. Allowing children to grow into memorized texts rather than enforcing texts at “age-appropriate” levels helps children to connect stages of their existence in a consistent devotional life, while exposing children to mystery assists their spiritual formation in offering something deeper than their immediate surroundings and pains.

Allen, Sterling M. (2010)

Developing a Better Understanding of the Ordo Salutis through the Lyrical Theology of Charles Wesley at A&M United Methodist Church, College Station, Texas

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis was to develop a study course, at A&M UMC, that offered an understanding of the Order of Salvation through the lyrical theology of Charles Wesley in order to facilitate better participation in the process of sanctification, working toward Christian perfection. This was accomplished by a series of classes dealing with the Ordo Salutis as defined in the hymns of Charles Wesley. The study concluded with a Eucharistic hymn service utilizing the Wesley hymns studied during the series of classes.

Anderson, Warren J. (2010)

Broadening the Congregational Singing Experiences for Students at Judson University, Elgin, Illinois

ABSTRACT: American Christian college students sing a lot of contemporary worship music and, often, little else when they worship, but those same students are frequently described by sociologists as being open to new ideas and full of the wonder of experimentation. My project set out to determine whether there could exist any intersection of those two ideas once they were juxtaposed. Would today’s students be open to unfamiliar congregational-singing genres? To provide an answer, in the spring of 2008, I introduced, through a series of theme-informed chapel services, five different congregational-singing styles to the students of Judson University, Elgin, Illinois.

Beyer, Nancy W. (2010)

Enhancing Assembly Singing at Messiah Community Church, ELCA, Denver, Colorado

ABSTRACT: My thesis project enhanced assembly singing at Messiah Community Church, ELCA by way of teaching sessions. Those sessions focused on the biblical, theological and historical foundations of assembly singing. Additional attention was given to Martin Luther’s contributions to assembly singing and to the selection of worship hymns and songs. The sessions also explored the meaning of selected song texts. The use of standard assessment tools helped measure the effectiveness of teaching and the increased understanding of the participants. The project has led to a significant improvement in Messiah’s assembly singing.

Brisco, Alan E. (2010)

Developing and Evaluating a Process for Change in the Context of Worship at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto

Abstract: My project centered on developing and evaluating a change process model for use at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto, Ontario. I introduced two Ancient-Future Worship services which were unfamiliar to the church and significantly different from its traditions. I formed and instructed a Change Process Group to assist with structured conversations among church members and to facilitate pre-project and post-project surveys. As the two new worship services generated dynamics of change that had the potential to generate conflicts, I developed my change process model to facilitate the change in ways that nurtured the church community.

Bull, Connie L. (2010)

Implementing a Holistic Blessing of Children at First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

ABSTRACT

Some Protestants often reject any form of liturgical blessing as “Catholic.” This project examined the biblical heritage of blessing—especially the blessing of children—within a local Baptist congregation. Blessing is defined within the scope of this project as Christ-centered, Trinitarian, both tactile and verbal, unrelated to another rite, and carried out by laity, not solely clergy. Biblical examples of blessing are explored in conversation with contemporary perspectives in child theology. Ten distinct meanings of blessing are discussed from focal passages in Genesis, Deuteronomy, the Gospels, and the Epistles. Participants evaluated the relationship of blessing to the concept of belonging.

Crabtree, Debra J. (2010)

Exploring a Biblical Theology of Worship to Enhance Participation at West Chester Church of the Nazarene, West Chester, Ohio

ABSTRACT: Of great importance and concern in churches today is the issue of passivity in worship among members of the congregation. Our culture has bent us toward a narcissistic, entertainment paradigm, and the effect on worship in our churches has been devastating. In an effort to address the issue of passivity in worship for my congregation, I developed a seminar based on The Great Commandment from Mark 12:29-34. This thesis and seminar curriculum asserts that worship is a response to God in Christ and that our response must be full and complete, engaging heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Dennis, Jerry Michael (2010)

Recovering Wesleyan Practices of the Lord’s Supper through the Eucharistic Hymns of Charles Wesley at Christ Wesleyan Church, Milton, PA

ABSTRACT: This thesis project seeks to recover the richness of the Lord’s Supper through the use of selected hymns from the Wesleys’ collection, Hymns on the Lord’s Supper. Specifically I sought to recapture the Trinitarian language, the sense of community, and the concept of anamnesis in our experience of partaking Holy Communion. From this project, I pray that our congregation will experience renewed joy, connection, and anticipation in their journey of faith.

English, Philip A. (2010)

Implementing a Worship Leader Training Manual for Four Fold Worship at Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church, Lion’s Head, Ontario

ABSTRACT: What we do in Christian worship has a profound impact on the way we live. Worship in many evangelical churches has lost its formative potential to transform worshipers who, in turn, impact the world with the Good News. Implementing the Four Fold model as the defining structure for worship at Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church resulted in a renewed passion and commitment to her values of loving and serving God and reaching the world. This renewal was accomplished by training worship leaders to plan and lead Four Fold worship with an emphasis on congregational participation in the dialogue of revelation and response.

Garrett, Shannon L., Jr. (2010)

A Pilot Program to Evaluate Selected Ideas in a Worship Helps Book for Brentwood United Methodist Church, Brentwood, Tennessee

ABSTRACT: This thesis project consisted of the development and implementation of a worship study team at Brentwood United Methodist Church of Brentwood, Tennessee. The process took place throughout a five-week period. The study team was selected based on a desire to have a broad range of input from various generations and various Christian background and experience. The project attempted to discover the value of sensory liturgical language as a means of connecting worshipers to God thus resulting in renewal of worship.

Gilliam, Lilburn Michael (2010)

Restoring Hope through Lamentation Prayer at East Side Church of God, Anderson, Indiana

ABSTRACT: This project sought to implement a teaching experience with the worship ministry of East Side Church of God in the area of lamentation prayer. The ancients knew how to express their pain. The Israelites learned to voice complaints as a nation and individually through the language of lament in the Psalms. Through a series of instructional periods and application opportunities, this project attempted to connect study participants with the forgotten language of lament and its benefits. In an era often void of proven historical practices, this study endeavored to integrate a cathartic practice into the lives of Christian sojourners.

Hochhalter, Carol A. (2010)

Enhancing a Course on the Theology and History of Worship at Kuyper College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

ABSTRACT: This project altered a college course, “Theology and History of Worship,” adding a significant focus on the understanding of Trinitarian worship at various times and places in the history of the Church. Students were surveyed before and after the course, measuring the impact of engaging with biblical and historical voices in research on the roots of reformed worship values. The students’ newfound understanding added depth and significance to their worship experience.

Lee, Kenton R. (2010)

Integrating Drama, Dance, and Art into the Worship of Life Center, Tacoma, Washington

ABSTRACT: This thesis addresses the integration of drama, visual art and dance into the weekend worship services of Life Center, Tacoma, WA. Biblical, theological, and historical research is presented along with social scientific and ministerial concerns. A practical project was implemented over the course of three weekends utilizing the skills of three separate teams - actors, dancers and visual artists – who integrated their particular creative art into one weekend of worship services apiece. Feedback was collected and analyzed from several groups, varying from leaders who planned the weekend services, to congregants not involved in the service planning who first experienced the worship service as it unfolded. Conclusions were then reached and recommendations for the future were made based upon the project implementation, feedback results and faith history of Life Center.

Magnuson, John M. (2010)

Recovering the Communal Character of the Lord’s Table at North Boulevard Church of Christ, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project was to help the North Boulevard Church of Christ re-envision its practice of the Lord’s Supper from its current self-reflective model to the communal model evidenced in the early church. The primary thesis was that the Churches of Christ have allowed an unintended distinction between the Old and New Testaments and a misinterpretation of our traditional hermeneutic to produce a practice of the Lord’s Table inconsistent with the highly communal covenant meals described throughout Scripture. The goal was to help the congregation take steps toward a communal Table experience that proclaims the Good News.

Pylant, Stanley D. (2010)

Enhancing the Understanding of the Christian Year at First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia

ABSTRACT: First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia (FBCA), through the desire of our senior pastor, began to use the Christian year, including the Lectionary, in worship. FBCA is a Southern Baptist Church of the free church tradition with no heritage in and little knowledge of the Christian year. The timing was ideal for a project to provide teaching to enhance understanding of the Christian year to the members of FBCA. What is the Christian year and why use the Christian year in worship? These questions are explored in this thesis for the benefit of our community of faith, FBCA.

Roberts, Karen E. (2010)

Developing a Worship Arts Camp through the Neighborhood Ministries of First Presbyterian Church, Aurora, Illinois

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this thesis project was to develop and implement a Worship Arts Camp through the neighborhood ministries of First Presbyterian Church, Aurora, Illinois. The project was a collaborative effort between the Neighborhood Arts Center and the Neighborhood Kids Cub, two existing ministries of the church. Participants in the Worship Arts Camp had the opportunity to experience and respond to God’s story through a variety of creative arts. The Worship Arts Camp provided an opportunity for children and youth to explore and develop skills in the arts and to experience the arts incorporated into worship.

Yu, Alan Chi Lun (2010)

Discipleship Training for “The Jubilant” Worship Team at Ambassadors for Christ in Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia