Date of Award
4-2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation is to explore a biblically based set of principles that will empower believers to have freedom in their Christian lives. There is an underlying belief contained in the Bible that it is natural for a believer to do ministry. Jesus said: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last."3 He also reminded us: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."4 The problem with this premise is demonstrated in every day life by the inability of people who profess faith in Jesus Christ to do the ministry that Jesus said is expected. Chapter one deals with our mission in regard to these under achievers. Chapter two lays out a positive setting that will encourage healing to occur. Chapter three explores mechanisms for growth toward maturity in community. Chapter four plats out what the neighborhood we refer to as the body of Christ should look like. Chapter five covers the nuts and bolts of team ministry as it could look in the local church. The final chapter reveals some entry points into the family of faith, as demonstrated through ministry. This is a model that has been developed in a real life setting through practical ministry at Gladstone Church of the Nazarene. The results are not intended to demonstrate this as the only legitimate model for the body of Christ. It is intended to show a biblically based model that can bring freedom in Christ to those who have been frustrated by systems that hinder involvement and development, or have been incapacitated by wounds of the past. This model is a snapshot of an ever-changing organism that is the body of Christ. What is captured here has already changed because it is a living thing-a journey not a destination.
Recommended Citation
Watt, Clifford E., ""Helping People Find Freedom in Christ" A Journey Toward Fulfilling Christian Ministry in Community" (2008). Doctor of Ministry. 519.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/519