Pastoral presence as disruption of shame : the experience of engaging and equipping communities of faith in Bangkok with practices of transformative discipleship

Full Title
Pastoral presence as disruption of shame : the experience of engaging and equipping communities of faith in Bangkok with practices of transformative discipleship
Author
Rawee Bunupuradah
Abstract
The dissertation explores dynamics of spiritual transformation through the practice of discipleship and pastoral care. Intersecting multi-disciplinary sources of theology, psychology, and neuroscience. The work proposes, tests, and records observations in developing a practice to lead people into transformation through relationship with God and within their faith community.

I find that the process of transformation is a holistic process of cultivating mind, heart, and body, which form a holistic faith. The Trinitarian doctrine of perichoresis helps us see the potential of transformation with loving community. I also discover the enemy of such transformation is shame. I define shame and its effects of disconnection with God and community. A workshop was developed to engage leaders within a context of community with these findings. The results in the form of pastoral encounters are recorded.

The work provides leaders with theology, practices, and case studies to facilitate spiritual transformation with a focus on engaging individual’s heart and story. Working with a diaspora urban faith community, I wonder if its application would benefit other contexts of culture, church, or ministry.

Overall, the work has helped me discover how to disrupt the effects of shame and lead others into healthier relationship with God and with their community of faith. My hope is that this work would equip leaders to make disciples and build community that reflects the love of God for the world.
Degree Granting Institution
Country
United States
Degree Granted
Doctor of Ministry
Type of Work
D.Min. Project
Advisor
Chuck DeGroat Ph.D.
Alvin Padilla Ph.D.
Language
English
Date
2021
Number of Pages
133
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons-Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)
Link to Copyright License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode