Date of Award

3-11-2025

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLd)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Garfield Harvey, DMin

Second Advisor

Clifford Berger, DMin

Third Advisor

Jason Swan Clark, DMin, PhD

Abstract

Historical critical approaches to the Bible that reexamine doctrines of inerrancy are unheard of, dismissed, or viewed as a threat throughout Christian faith communities in Sumner County, TN. This underutilizes a credible method of interpretation for Christians who have only been exposed to views that tightly hold biblical inerrancy. The lack of awareness and disregard for aspects of biblical criticism in local churches by leaders and congregation members in Sumner County, TN, is multifaceted.

Most stakeholders in this NPO context have backgrounds in conservative American Evangelical Protestant congregations. They are either struggling with or reexamining their inherited beliefs due to some form of biblicism. If taught prayerfully and responsibly, higher degrees of biblical criticism not currently taught in local churches can provide a valuable way to relieve the internal tension some experience when navigating the Bible in the 21st century.

Although widely discussed in academic settings, some local church members perceive some concepts in the historical-critical method as foreign and complex when initially exposed. Once individuals comprehend these concepts and their implications, various fears may emerge. The top concerns stakeholders expressed during the NPO workshops were fear of losing faith, uncertainty, deception, and divine retribution. Trust is critical for stakeholders. They need reassurance that committed, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus can hold high views of Scripture while reevaluating certain doctrines of biblical inerrancy.

This project introduces and explores biblical criticism’s textual and historical evidence in our ministry context through three courses designed for the local church. These courses are not intended to criticize or dismiss doctrines of inerrancy. Instead, they seek to provide alternate methods for biblical interpretation. They are specifically designed for local church members in an environment that treasures the Christian faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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