Prioritizing Spiritual Formation to Grow Disciple-Making Communities:
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Rosser, Herschel H.
Title Proper by Another Author
A Seminar for Vineyard Church Planters and Leaders
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Allen, Gary
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2020
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
242
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
D.Min.
Body granting the degree
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
Text preceding or following the note
2020
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Much of the American Church praxis fails to give discipleship the primacy accorded in Scripture and instead advocates culturized concepts of success. Church leaders influenced by these practices find themselves pressured by unhealthy definitions of pastoring. The methods derived from such success strategies often result in disappointing outcomes. Alternatively, embracing spiritual formation practices honors biblical principles and offers the best path to churches for healthy numerical and spiritual growth. Utilizing a review of biblical theology, contemporary literature, and pastoral experience, this project provided a one-day seminar for twelve ministers. It stressed growing disciple-making communities through formation practices and addressed biblical understanding, motivation, unhealthy pressures, and resources. An interview preceded the seminar, and two coaching sessions with ten participants followed it. Pretest and posttest measurements, an evaluation instrument, and the post-seminar sessions indicated appreciation for the seminar and growth of the participants in motivation for enhancing spiritual formation and discipleship in their ministries and lives. The responses also provided suggestions for future training and continued discussions. Churches that adopt the goal of effective disciple-making transcend unproductive practices and attain the ability to significantly affect the wider community. With this in mind, further research should include creating a clearer understanding of various discipleship strategies to recommend to pastors and church planters.