Indiana

Gwen Ann Gustafson-Zook

This research project explores the theological meaning in knitting for a small group of contemporary Mennonite women. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, including a five-week focus group (Knitting Circle) and intensive interviews, the study validates knitting as embodied theological practice. This research expands understanding of “doing theology” to include making things as a means of embodied theology, thus adding breadth, balance, and substance to the experience of doing theology. The results of this study promote an understanding of lived theology that celebrates creativity and embodied practice as significant and realistic expressions of faith as well as a means of doing theology.

Michael S. Johnson D.Min.

This research study looked at factors in participative decision-making that would balance congregational polity and pastoral authority. A multiple-case study was conducted with four Black Baptist churches in central Indiana. Fifteen participants were interviewed across cases and organizational documents were analyzed. Four themes emerged from the study. They included effectiveness, unified involvement, decision parameters, and trusted leadership. Effectiveness related to support for a decision. Unified Involvement was about members’ sense of belonging. Parameters involved areas where certain groups had discretion in decision-making. Lastly, trusted leadership pertained to the calling of a pastor and the confidence members placed in that calling.

Kevin Carlton Rivers D.Ed.Min.

The prpose of this project was to equip selected leaders of Blackhawk Ministries, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with biblical discipleship competencies. The equipping model was a relevant and applicable model to meet the needs addressed by this project. The project director selected a team of leaders from Blackhawk Ministries to be trained in biblical discipleship skills. In preparation for that training the project director researched the field of discipleship, built an annotated bibliography, and developed a list of core competencies to be incorporated into a curriculum created to equip the selected leaders.

Three specific goals guided the course of the project. Those goals were to (1) research the field of discipleship to identify core biblical discipleship competencies, (2) develop a curriculum to equip selected leaders, and (3) equip selected leaders with discipleship competencies. To ensure the meeting of these goals, the project director utilized curriculum design training, research, expert evaluators, rubrics, checklists, evaluation forms, and training sessions. As a result of the project the project director's knowledge of biblical discipleship competencies and curriculum design were increased, and the selected leaders were equipped with discipleship competencies.

Robert Bradley Miller

What are the behaviors that Indiana United Methodist pastors believe necessary to achieve necessary to achieve church growth? This study determined through surveys, interviews, and research behaviors these pastors believed effective for church growth and the application of these behaviors in the church. The most important discovery that the author made was the state of disconnect among many pastors between what they believed about church growth and what was practiced in the local church. This state of disconnect may be a factor in church decline. A Reframing of Wesleyan theology and practice was offered as a response.

Felipe N Martínez González

This thesis explores the journey of a mission-minded presbytery in central Indiana to reach out to the growing Hispanic population in its midst. The author examined the demographic and cultural complexities of the Hispanic community and the general populations' lack of accurate knowledge about Hispanics. The author offers a biblical structure for outreach based on the Book of Ruth, promoting a model for ministry where people claim one another with courageous kindness. Aware of the identity and cultural pressures faced by first and second generation immigrants, the author explores an empowering vision for Hispanic ministry which is bilingual and culture-bridging.