Professional Dissertations DMin

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

Jeanette Bryson

Second Advisor

Min Ho Joo

Third Advisor

Joseph Kidder

Abstract

Problem

Pastoral observation revealed that members of the Olympic Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church struggle to develop their own spirituality due to a lack of understanding regarding spiritual temperaments. Discerning one's own spiritual temperament or style is needed at both the individual and the church level in order to understand that there are more styles than those in the corporate doctrinal focus reflected in Adventism. Approaches to relationships with church attendees and responses to church-sponsored activities can be transformed by a better understanding of these temperaments/styles. Steps must be taken to expand Adventism to accept all different styles. A variety of approaches are required to nurture those who enter the doors of Adventist churches.

Method

Seminars were provided and groups set up in response to an assessment that was developed to help participants explore spiritual temperaments and determine their own spiritual style. Specific spiritual disciplines were recommended based on the results. To maximize the effectiveness of the disciplines, they were then encouraged to practice in their personal life and share in a small group setting composed of people with similar spiritual styles. Participants were given a survey to evaluate the project at the end of the program.

Results

The data show that when one's unique spiritual style is recognized and accepted, it provides them opportunities for spiritual growth. Another critical aspect of spiritual development, according to this study, is assisting individuals in incorporating these practices into their daily lives through seminars and small-group ministry until they are accustomed to them.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that when diverse approaches to the spirituality of members are properly implemented, they can receive distinct assistance with their spiritual lives and grow spiritually rapidly. This helped demonstrate the need for Adventist churches to adapt to the fact that there are numerous spiritual styles. To effectively assist church members within the churches, our approach must be more diverse rather than a single path. Adventist churches need not give up on what is central to Adventism but must learn to accept all styles of spirituality among its members.

Subject Area

Small groups--Religious aspects--Seventh-day Adventists; Olympic Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church (Los Angeles, Calif.); Temperament--Religious aspects--Seventh-day Adventists; Spiritual life

Download

Share

COinS