Date of Award

3-6-2025

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Martina Hagler, DMin

Second Advisor

David McDonald, DMin

Third Advisor

Leonard I. Sweet, PhD

Abstract

NPO: The Microchurch ministry model has the capacity to enhance discipleship and cultural engagement for the Western Church in the 21st century.

The status of the Christian Church in the United States is in crisis. The traditional church in the West has declined. Church attendance is dropping, membership is shrinking, and younger generations are leaving. The data from multiple sources only confirmed my observations from decades of pastoral ministry.

My research into this phenomenon began as an exploration of the Western Church’s endeavors to fulfill the commission of Christ in discipleship. This exploration resulted in a research journey that led to a bright discovery amidst the general decline of the US Church. The microchurch, a ministry methodology growing out of the house church movement, is experiencing fruitfulness where others are withering. My continued research through surveys, focus groups, and interviews has concluded that the microchurch ministry methodology can provide the Western Church a pathway to enhance discipleship and cultural engagement in the 21st century. The central challenge for the microchurch movement is its newness and misconceptions derived from earlier iterations of the last century. Creating a ministry system that addressed the microchurch’s need for sound advocacy became the aim of this research project.

The M3 Framework (Microchurch Methodology and Ministry) has been developed as a delivery system to advance microchurch concepts. It is formed to target two vital areas identified as key points for microchurch advancement—first, the need for education for the uninitiated. Traditional church leaders need to confront the church crisis issue and be given an approachable introduction to sound microchurch methodologies. Secondly, existing microchurch leaders need support, training, and guidance for further ministry development. Through the M3 Framework of intensive seminars, both the minister needing fresh perspectives and those seeking training and development in microchurches are served.

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