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CHAPTER the research. However, this study will not explore the models and theories of just war, n... more CHAPTER the research. However, this study will not explore the models and theories of just war, nor will it examine pacifism. The use of Scripture will primarily be focused upon the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua though some comparison of New Testament texts will be necessary in order to show the continuity and unity of the entire Bible. Scope of Research Research for this thesis has come primarily through the compilation of scholarly resources. This exploration and discovery of material has been accomplished in large part through internet databases including ATLA, ProQuest, Ebscohost, WorldCat, and Liberty University's Digital Commons. Scholarly journals were accessed through the Liberty University library system as well as a variety of online subscriptions such as Bibliotheca Sacra from Dallas Theological Seminary and The Master's Seminary Journal. Research was conducted through the Cleveland Library System and the Lorain County Library System, both of which allow the sharing and transferring of resources along with the ability to perform interlibrary loans.

The purpose of this project is to disprove the allegations by many pastors and denominational lea... more The purpose of this project is to disprove the allegations by many pastors and denominational leaders that Sunday School is no longer a viable tool for church growth. This project will show that pastors who work the Sunday School will find that Sunday School will work for them. The author of this project is pastor of one of the four churches studied. Based on the history and growth of Sunday School in these churches, interviews, and personal perspectives, this paper will describe lessons that were learned and the principles that are effective for Sunday School growth.

Mentor: Dr. Frank Schmitt A review of academic and Para-church organizations reveals that few pro... more Mentor: Dr. Frank Schmitt A review of academic and Para-church organizations reveals that few programs exist that provide a balance of academic and professional preparation for youth ministers. Revolution Generation Youth Ministries has attempted to design such a program. The purpose of this project is to explore the history and design of the Revolution Generation Mentorship Program and evaluate it in comparison to such programs. This evaluation will be accomplished through a programmatic comparison with the standards of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, accredited college programs and other internship programs. The information gathered will be utilized to strengthen the Revolution Generation Mentorship Program.

The purpose of this paper is to provide encouragement to small churches so they may nurture spiri... more The purpose of this paper is to provide encouragement to small churches so they may nurture spiritual growth while working to overcome space restrictions that prohibit sustained numerical growth. Through intentional biblical steps, small church negative stereotypes can also be diagnosed and eliminated, thus bringing forth growth. By addressing spiritual problems and space restrictions, congregations can be rejuvenated and community perceptions can be improved by making God's people and facility meet His standard of excellence. The research tools include surveying twenty-five pastors to ascertain strengths and weaknesses of their church growth strategies and twenty-five large church attenders to identify small church perceptions and provide correction to any misperceptions that may hinder growth. The goal of this project focuses on small churches becoming spiritually healthy with vision and unity that scripturally reveals God's power to attract people into His Kingdom, while building His church to the size and effectiveness He desires.

In religious education, the spiritual formation of students is one of the most foundational actio... more In religious education, the spiritual formation of students is one of the most foundational actions in the educative process. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), providing theological accreditation for more than 260 schools nationwide, states (Standard 10.3.3.3) that distance education programs "shall seek to enhance personal and spiritual formation appropriate to the school’s mission and ecclesiastical tradition and identity." Defining what qualifies these formations is ambiguous. Maddix and Estep (2010) recognized this challenge and asked, "Is Christian nurture and spiritual formation possible in an online course or program?" To answer this question, the session will reference the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians to find out if "spiritual formation at a distance is possible."

Church growth seeks both to actualize the precepts of the "Great Commission", to attract new memb... more Church growth seeks both to actualize the precepts of the "Great Commission", to attract new members and sustain current congregation. One of the fundamental problems is the inability to preserve hospitality. The pertinence of hospitality to the Church originates from Scriptures that clearly exemplify Christ"s deeds and teachings of hospitality. This thesis project will investigate the seven churches in Revelation and reveal factors of outstanding and inhospitable practices in relation to Church growth and hospitality. Surveys will be based on unregulated interactions among pastors. Twenty pastors across five denominations, Evangelical Lutheran, Charismatic, Pentecostal, Seven-Day Adventist, and Roman Catholic will demonstrate Christian hospitality as well as show areas for improvement. A biblical model for hospitality will be shaped on this research that will enable churches to continue the mission of reaching the masses.