Professional Dissertations DMin

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

Steve Case

Second Advisor

Greg Creek

Third Advisor

Ricardo Bain

Abstract

Problem

The Waukesha Community Seventh-day Adventist Church faced a plateau in Bible study engagement. Newly baptized members were disengaging from continuing Bible study and not reproducing disciples, resulting in a spiritual growth process that was minimal and heavily dependent on the pastor.

Method

The DMin student chose action research as a method for developing, implementing, and evaluating an intergenerational Bible study strategy to revitalize discipleship. The three-phase intervention included: (1) a sermon series featuring intergenerational activities to recruit participants; (2) a workshop to equip lay members as Bible study teachers; and (3) an eight-week program with two tracks: a one-on-one study for baptismal candidates and a small-group study for the discipleship of existing members. I, the researcher, crafted the Bible studies for implementation in this research.

Results

The intervention significantly exceeded expectations, recruiting 50 participants from an average church attendance of 85. The project resulted in eight baptismal decisions, of which seven received baptism, and one is pending. Surveys revealed highly positive experiences, with participants reporting significant spiritual growth, a desire to continue in disciple-making activities, and strengthened intergenerational relationships. A majority of teachers wished to teach again, and many students were motivated to invite others or become future leaders.

Conclusion

Intergenerational Bible study serves as an effective ministry model for nurturing spiritual growth and discipleship. The study affirmed that when lay members are equipped to lead, engagement with the Word of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, transforms individuals into disciples who reproduce disciples. The intergenerational format proved vital, enhancing community bonding, fostering mutual respect between age groups, and boosting the overall effectiveness of the discipleship process.

Subject Area

Bible--Study and teaching; Intergenerational communication--Religious aspects--Seventh-day Adventists; Discipling (Christianity); Waukesha Community Seventh-day Adventist Church (New Berlin, Wis.)

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