Professional Dissertations DMin

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

Hugo A Cotro

Second Advisor

Ricardo Norton

Third Advisor

Adriani Milli Rodrigues

Abstract

Problem

The district of McKinney, Lewisville, and Grand Prairie South in North Dallas, Texas, evidences a significant lack of training in biblical hermeneutics among its leaders. This deficiency limits their capacity to understand Scripture faithfully and to provide sound guidance for the congregations. The absence of hermeneutical competence is reflected in four main areas: ignorance of the basic principles of interpretation, lack of methodology for narrative texts, inadequate criteria for complex passages, and insufficient understanding of apocalyptic prophecy, which is central to Adventist identity. As a result, leaders struggle to apply consistent hermeneutical practices in both personal study and ecclesial leadership, compromising doctrinal fidelity and effective mission.

Methodology

This doctoral project constituted applied research in the field of practical theology, developed in the Seventh-day Adventist churches of McKinney, Lewisville, and Grand Prairie South in North Dallas, Texas. The intervention consisted of a four-module seminar entitled “Adventist Biblical Hermeneutics for Leaders: Interpreting the Scriptures with Clarity, Wisdom, and Purpose.” -- The methodological process began with a review of the biblical and theological foundations of interpretation, considering the contributions of Adventist biblical hermeneutics and the writings of Ellen G. White. In addition, current literature on hermeneutics in general and Adventist hermeneutics in particular was consulted to establish a conceptual framework for the design of the program. -- The seminar was structured into four thematic modules: (1) principles of biblical interpretation, (2) complex passages, (3) narrative texts, and (4) apocalyptic prophecy. Each module integrated theoretical instruction, case studies, group discussions, and applied exercises, which enabled participatory and contextualized learning. The evaluation of the intervention combined quantitative and qualitative methods. A pre-test and post-test instrument was administered to measure growth in three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and practice (CAP). This procedure was complemented by the collection of quantitative and qualitative data through examinations and surveys, which provided direct feedback from the participants regarding the formative process.

Results

The findings demonstrated a substantial formative impact on the participating leaders. Knowledge increased by 54.55% (d=1.4; p< 0.001), evidencing significant growth in the understanding of Adventist biblical hermeneutics. Attitudes showed a meaningful improvement of 24.16% (d=0.8; p< 0.001), reflecting a more positive disposition toward the importance of correct interpretation and the application of these principles to daily spiritual life. In the area of practice, growth reached 60.87% (d=1.4; p< 0.001), manifested in the incorporation of what was learned into personal Bible study, resulting in a positive impact on leadership.

Conclusions

The Adventist Biblical Hermeneutics Seminar successfully addressed the critical lack of interpretive preparation among the leaders of McKinney, Lewisville, and Grand Prairie South. By integrating theological foundations, exegetical tools, and interactive pedagogy, the project strengthened their capacity for biblical interpretation and leadership. -- The results confirm that systematic hermeneutical training not only enhances doctrinal fidelity but also revitalizes leadership and congregational life. This project underscores the need for continued and expanded initiatives in hermeneutics, ensuring that local leaders are equipped to guide their churches with clarity, spiritual depth, and faithfulness to Scripture.

Subject Area

Bible--Hermeneutics; Laity--Training of; Seventh-day Adventists--Texas--Dallas

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