Lancaster Theological Seminary

Linda Lee Riccardi

Tyler L Kruger

The author researched professional chaplains to learn how they remain resilient while working in a physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleting environment. He studied resilence literature, conducted personal interviews with chaplains, and collected data/responses from an online survey. He learned that incorporating intentional self-care practices that nurture the body, mind, and spirit may reduce the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue, while lowering the impact of secondary traumatic stress. Also important to the chaplain's well-being is a support network of family, friends, co-workers, supervisors, and professional counselors; plus meaningful work that provides fulfillment for the individual.

Donald C Wetzel

This project tests if telling the stories of personal faith journeys through the lens of biblical stories can be an effective tool to nurture understanding and reconciliation in multicultural congregations. Exploring the nature of stories as a ground for theological reflection, the challenge before American churches situated in multicultural communities, and the scriptural imperative for the ministry of reconciliation, the author tests a tool for story-telling through the lens of biblical narrative. With mutually-affirming conversation, personal discovery and insight through story-telling and journaling, the tool assists bridging the separation between persons of different cultures to meet on common holy ground.

Rhoda S Glick

The author claims a core connection between Gestalt Pastoral Care (GPC) and John of the Cross' "Dark Night of the Soul" and because of this affinity training in GPC can assist pastors/spiritual directors assist parishioners/directees through the stages of spiritual development. Method used was literature research. The conclusion affirms the claim that there is an affinity between GPC and "Dark Night of the Soul" and therefore training in GPC can assist pastors/spiritual directors.

Vernon G Gauthier

There is a growing conversation concerning the lack of practical application of the doctrine of the Trinity. The lament is that while it arose from the early Church's experience of God, it has become understood in abstract terms. It is feared that for most, the doctrine has little impact on piety and ethic. Yet little has been done to engage congregational members in the discussion. This paper is an attempt to find a way to invite them into the trinitarian conversation through intentional theological reflection, focused on a central congregational practice, in partnership with a particular stream of educational practice.

Della M Fahnestock

Market Street Church experienced several decades of declining membership and structural decay to the church facility prior to adopting a simple Living Will, written by lay leaders, which guided its journey to closure. The intent of this study is to document Market Street Church's experience with the congregational Living Will as a means of presenting an intentional and collaborative approach to significant church life transitions such as closure. The distinctive context of Interim Ministry is also examined and found to be significant for the introduction of a congregational Living Will.

E Russell Galen

This project compares the "adult-based youth ministry" paradigm with the "youth-based youth ministry" paradigm and invites a shift to the latter. A psychology called "choice theory" and a science called "andragogy" are introduced as key elements in this comprehensive way of practicing youth ministry. A youth-based ministry workshop served as a means to research the participant's resistance levels. Follow-up research tested for differences between theory and practice. Adults in youth-based ministry help youth discern, develop, and grow in their passion for God, faith, and their leadership skills as they become active participants in the life and mission of the church.

James Stewart Crawford

No abstract.

Paul G Hull

These are challenging times for congregations. Small congregations experience these times intensely because of their fewer resources. A survey of Unitarian Universalist congregations of less than 100 members was conducted about how their endowments were managed considering identity and context. Generally, these congregations were in trouble with declining memberships, inaction toward changes in community context, and poor endowment management. Endowments were managed mostly independent of any sense of congregational narratives-the expressions of the congregations' identities and purposes. This project concluded, from a postmodern perspective, that congregational growth and vitality can arise when endowments are managed based on congregational narratives.

Verna L Call

The author of this pastoral essay researched the theological issues and unique spiritual needs of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia through literature review, interviews of families and clergy, and volunteer work in a dementia unit. From this inquiry, she presents a theological argument that persons with dementia have accessible and intact souls that hunger for spiritual nourishment. She then provides a practical resource for churches on the use of familiar religious objects, scriptures, prayers, hymns, and rituals to support spiritual well-being of persons with dementia.