Date of Award
2-2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Matt Edwards, DMin
Second Advisor
Samuel Sarpiya, Dmin
Third Advisor
L. Adam McGuffie
Abstract
This dissertation centers on the praxis of social justice advocacy as an effective holistic ministry in Pentecostal churches in the South Florida area of the United States. The ministry problem addressed is that Pentecostal churches in the South Florida area of the United States have not adopted effective methods or utilized ministry opportunities in social justice advocacy to help and impact the communities in which they reside.
In Section One, this problem's complexity will be explored from different yet significant perspectives, first, by considering and identifying the problem using stories and studying the historical background surrounding this problem. Second, assessing the South Florida area's cultural realities, which enables us to gain a deeper understanding of the issues. Third, by taking into account the effects of history, demographics, ideologies, and viewpoints, which have created a disconnect towards social justice advocacy.
Section Two will introduce proposed solutions by defining social justice, then exploring practical programs and approaches in different areas. This section will also review literature from relevant authors to highlight critical perspectives and opinions. The thesis will be developed in Section Three, exploring the praxis of social justice advocacy as an effective holistic ministry strategy, the biblical mandate of Jesus, the Apostle Paul's views on social justice, Acts 6 and the church today. This section will examine the critical issues of this research and address the proposed outcome.
Finally, Sections Four through Six describes and outline the dissertation artifact. The accompanying artifact is a podcast, a website, and a blog. The purpose of the artifact is to provoke engagement and be used by individuals and small groups. It aims to enrich predominantly Christian ministry practitioners in their work; however, the artifact's content can be applied effectively in other relevant contexts.
Recommended Citation
Umole, Alexander, "Preach Freedom: The Praxis of Social Justice Advocacy as Effective Holistic Ministry in Pentecostal Churches in the South Florida Area of the United States" (2021). Doctor of Ministry. 404.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/404