{"response":{"docs":[{"system_create_dtsi":"2025-09-25T13:22:30Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2025-09-25T13:25:30Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"8b8ecc32-0bb8-4fde-9952-80d36438dcde","accessControl_ssim":["b83cc156-cdb1-4ecb-ad89-e9c4bd14f8ce"],"depositor_ssim":["eve.grant@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["eve.grant@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Hospitality by closing: An evaluation of case studies in teaching closed communion"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2025-09-25T13:22:28Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2025-09-25T13:25:30Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["3fefd811-76cb-4169-a03d-f7c453d4d270"],"hasLease_ssim":["91f779c6-feb7-4ada-a2e0-57812783da58"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["John T. Pless"],"committee_member_tesim":["Jon Bruss","Jamison Hardy"],"year_tesim":["2025"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Brademeyer, Christopher W."],"keyword_tesim":["Closed communion"],"subject_tesim":["Lord's Supper","Lutheran Church"],"abstract_tesim":["This study will attempt to demonstrate the effectiveness of using case studies in teaching Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod laity the biblical and historical basis of the doctrine of closed Communion. It is hoped that this will lead to an increase in confidence in discussing the matter with those who come from denominational backgrounds which find this confessional Lutheran practice unpalatable. To this end, a study and accompanying materials will be prepared from a biblical and historical analysis of the doctrine to strengthen the resolve and comfort of those who attend the study in discussing and, if necessary, winsomely defending this teaching to their friends and family who disagree with it. Success in this matter will be measured by a combination of surveys and personal interviews with congregation members and study participants, particularly to see if the use of case studies was effective in the teaching of this doctrine. "],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["eve.grant@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1844242526943313920,"timestamp":"2025-09-25T13:25:31.169Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2024-09-20T20:19:01Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T20:32:56Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"5c67a745-577e-4825-8375-2a5bd7c77415","accessControl_ssim":["1e885dd4-09f1-4d50-8a9d-0ca45e99d549"],"depositor_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Nuturing souls : a comprehensive examination of Lutheran spiritual care training for LCMS church workers in the 21st century"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2024-09-20T20:19:00Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T20:32:56Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["1cc57473-4eb0-4cef-a30c-58022e2c14f0"],"hasLease_ssim":["98e7fe0c-0ab4-4267-9a06-699054e82e89"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Scholl, Travis"],"committee_member_tesim":["Grobien, Gifford","Koontz, Adam"],"year_tesim":["2024"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Heller, Brian Richard"],"subject_tesim":["Pastoral theology--Lutheran Church","Spiritual care (Medical care)","Pastoral care","Mental health"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Spiritual caregiving is an integral part of the training of all professional church workers.\r\nAt this time, there is no formal, practical, and soundly Lutheran practical spiritual care training\r\nrequired for professional church workers and church worker students to serve in chaplaincy roles\r\nat institutional settings. Prospective candidates must acquire that training elsewhere. The most\r\ncommon roadmap for serving as in a chaplaincy role begins with the professional church worker\r\ncompleting a minimum of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). However, in recent\r\nyears, CPE has shifted its stance on certain social issues that run counter to the theology of The\r\nLutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). For example, the organizational body that\r\nadministers CPE programs, The Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), supported\r\nthe formation of “a one-of-a-kind chaplaincy education unit, Spiritual Care of LGBT elders.”\r\nThis is but one of many possible environments where the LCMS is required to send her church\r\nworkers for formal institutional spiritual care training. Additionally, CPE does not train students\r\nin the art of Lutheran spiritual care, which is rooted in Word and Sacrament ministry. Therefore,\r\nwhat is lacking for LCMS professional church workers is a rigorous, formal education program\r\nthat intertwines Lutheran theology with spiritual care and allowing the students to be faithful in\r\ntheir confession. Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) is a recognized service organization (RSO) of\r\nthe LCMS and, in 2022, employed fifteen chaplains, the majority of whom are LCMS.\r\nHistorically, LSS has hosted CPE programs, but presently is unable continue this endeavor due\r\nto their previous CPE educator taking a call elsewhere. Ultimately, the training program\r\ndescribed in this dissertation was designed for seminary students who aspire to serve in\r\ninstitutional chaplaincy roles and to be administered at LSS’s flagship campus, Laclede Groves.\r\nUsing a variety of methods to ascertain feedback, the goal of this program is to increase the\r\npractical spiritual care competencies of all participants. Not only does increased spiritual care\r\nexpertise benefit the participants themselves, but it serves the church at large. Whether they are\r\nhospitalized, imprisoned, or admitted to a senior living community, residents, clients, and\r\npatients can be assured that church workers who have participated in this program will be able to\r\nprovide excellent spiritual care, deeply rooted in the art of Lutheran spiritual care, for them and\r\ntheir families."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["work_editor","public"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1810748540811476992,"timestamp":"2024-09-20T20:32:56.842Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:52:21Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:52:23Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"277c4267-3f8a-401c-a9a9-5fe94fa06367","accessControl_ssim":["1c804281-857f-45b0-bb79-47b2c3cda189"],"depositor_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Ongoing catechesis : post-confirmation mystagogy"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:52:21Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:52:21Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["7be12ab7-ca89-4e31-accd-0fbaa89aba9c"],"hasLease_ssim":["5f193641-a279-40db-9f6a-ded1d59eb60d"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Just, Arthur"],"committee_member_tesim":["Pulse, Jeffrey","Hardy, Jamison"],"year_tesim":["2024"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Fitzner, Timothy John"],"subject_tesim":["Catechetics--Lutheran Church","Church work with teenagers"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Congregations around the globe face the challenge of the retention of youth after\r\nconfirmation. Christ Lutheran Church in Normal, Illinois is no exception. While\r\nresources are being provided to families with young children starting at age three, it has\r\nonly recently been that the youth have been given a Book of Concord by the Board of\r\nElders after the Rite of Confirmation takes place. This is an opportunity for ongoing\r\ncatechesis post-confirmation and to continue to build on the current success of providing\r\nresources from a young age into adulthood. As St. Luke desires to catechize Theophilus\r\nfurther (Luke 1:4) in what he has already learned, the church desires to cultivate a life of\r\nongoing catechesis. But what happens after confirmation? This is the question at the\r\nforefront of this research.\r\nThe catechesis of the church finds its basis in the Divine Service, in preaching,\r\nand in the administration of the Sacraments. The ebb and flow from altar to home and\r\nfrom home to altar gives rhythm to the Christian’s life, marking the times and seasons of\r\nlife and sanctifying that time in the hearing and meditation on God’s holy Word at the\r\naltar and home.\r\nThe focus of this project has been on post-confirmation youth. During the Sunday\r\nSchool hour high school students studied the Lutheran Confessions, with special attention\r\non the Large Catechism, and built on the knowledge of the faith that they have gained in\r\nSunday School and confirmation classes on the Small Catechism. Luther’s catechetical\r\nhymns and the liturgies of the Church were also utilized to bring a deeper and fuller\r\nunderstanding of the section being studied.\r\nStudents were given a written questionnaire at the program’s beginning to\r\nmeasure their current views, opinions, and level of knowledge of Scripture and Christian\r\ndoctrine. Following the conclusion of the teaching phase—from August to December—\r\nthese same students were given another written questionnaire to measure the\r\ndevelopment made in deepening their knowledge and understanding of Scripture and the\r\nConfessions. Parents of confirmed youth were part of a focus group after the teaching\r\nphase. This focus group was asked a series of questions to foster discussion about what\r\nchange, if any, has taken place since the beginning of the project teaching phase.\r\nThe desired outcome of ongoing catechesis post-confirmation is: A) greater\r\npastoral care, B) a fuller understanding and appreciation for the liturgies and rites of the\r\nChurch, C) a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine, most notably the six chief parts\r\nof the Small Catechism with special focus on the Sacrament of the Altar, and D)\r\nrecognition of ongoing catechesis in the daily life of the Christian at every stage of life.\r\nCatechesis is always ongoing and doesn’t end when the Rite of Confirmation is\r\ncompleted. Pastors, parents, and the whole church face this challenge and conundrum of\r\nwhat the church does with youth post-confirmation. It isn’t mysterious as the church has\r\ngrappled with this question before and much can be learned from those who have gone\r\nbefore us in the faith."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1810745990025576448,"timestamp":"2024-09-20T19:52:24.223Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:29:11Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:29:13Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"e17d27b0-b9fb-44ed-ba31-0d962f8e8049","accessControl_ssim":["b717ccc0-d3c1-4f1e-bc2d-84ae11e8c8b0"],"depositor_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Connecting the modern church to the historical church : using history as a catechetical tool"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:29:10Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:29:11Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["ba6852fe-3287-4d9d-b4fa-45c0e6017c6b"],"hasLease_ssim":["cc3864ae-b0cb-4d93-a71a-07c2aaa358f5"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Bushur, James"],"committee_member_tesim":["Schurb, Ken","Weinrich, William"],"year_tesim":["2023"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Shupe, William James"],"subject_tesim":["Catechetics--Lutheran Church","Lutheran Church--Creeds","Church history","Creeds, Ecumenical"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Using Church History as a post-confirmation catechetical tool, the congregation was led through a 13-week study on the formation of the Creeds as a rejection of ancient heresies. This historical account was used to demonstrate the importance of confessional language as it accurately conveys the biblical doctrine of God. Modern doctrine and practice are connected to the ancient church. Students then discussed modern teachings and compared them to the ancient creeds.\r\nThe purposes of this project are to 1) Teach the students the context of the ecumenical creeds; 2) Help the student recognize the false teachings that were being excluded from the church's confession; and 3) To understand the language of the church's confession of the Creeds, to give the students a better ability to confess their Christian faith."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1810744532025737216,"timestamp":"2024-09-20T19:29:13.766Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:09:04Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:09:06Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"7de031e1-e5f2-491e-a820-18d7b9f6abe6","accessControl_ssim":["f26a1b83-e676-45b5-af68-de9b30ff813c"],"depositor_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Lutheran piety in Lutheran schools"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:09:04Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T19:09:04Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["ef9df870-293e-489b-ad3b-987aae80fbf2"],"hasLease_ssim":["c4dc7486-2bbd-40b3-90af-539e7b5c2a15"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Korcok, Thomas"],"committee_member_tesim":["MacKenzie, Cameron","Ziegler, Roland"],"year_tesim":["2023"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Johnson, Thomas R."],"subject_tesim":["Lutheran Church--Education"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Lutheran piety in parochial schools is expressed in one's devotion to the elements of spirituality that came out of the 16th century Reformation, first and foremost of which is the acceptance of Holy Scripture as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.  It recognizes and applies both the Law and the Gospel in the teaching pedagogy.  It includes the use and study of Luther's Small Catechism, especially the primary texts.  It also holds in high regard the two sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper as the way God bestows His gifts upon His people.  Lutheran piety is expressed in educational settings when pastors use the traditional liturgies of the church catholic for chapel services.  It is expressed when the educators of a Lutheran school seek reconciliation with other staff members and with school families when there is conflict. "],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1810743266723758080,"timestamp":"2024-09-20T19:09:07.079Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2024-09-20T18:55:08Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T18:55:10Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"c2d0d41f-fab7-4c8a-90a8-5405660d6bf9","accessControl_ssim":["10f0638a-d327-4b60-9340-5e7da1e596d9"],"depositor_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Congregational renewal and revitalization : a case study of Hope Lutheran Church, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2024-09-20T18:55:06Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-09-20T18:55:06Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["0ffb1409-e51f-48c9-8eea-26a37b99dc51"],"hasLease_ssim":["aa3f1216-8448-471d-9753-b265262fd371"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Grobien, Gifford A."],"committee_member_tesim":["Ziegler, Roland F.","Gieschen, Charles A."],"year_tesim":["2024"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Enderle, Phillip Mark"],"subject_tesim":["Church renewal","Church growth"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Church attendance in America is in decline. However, people are still hungry for God’s Word. This paper is a case study of the renewal and revitalization of Hope Lutheran Church, drawing on my own thirty years of experience in the ministry. All of my congregations experienced growth during my time serving as pastor, and this dissertation is a description of my strategies for renewal. In this, the most important aspect is the pastor’s own personal walk. In order to meet the demands of ministry, a pastor must have prayer time and a devotional life outside of pastoral study time.\r\n\r\nFrom there, there are four main areas to address for a church looking to revitalize. The first is to heal. A pastor looking to renew his congregation needs to ask his congregants what the church is doing right and where the church has room to grow. He needs to listen to the hurt people carry in their own spiritual lives, and from there he must provide sound guidance from God’s Word while directing people to the sacraments.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the pastor must establish a confessional program of Biblical education for youth and old alike. Next, the pastor must ask, “Who used to be coming? And who needs to be coming?” Reach out to the inactive members and unchurched members of the community. Finally, the growing church must serve together. Most communities have people lacking basic necessities such as food and housing. How can the congregation help?\r\n\r\nThis project will describe how this method of healing was put into place at Hope Lutheran Church, and provide guidance and encouragement for pastors looking to do the same in their own congregations."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["bradley.hess@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1810742390130999296,"timestamp":"2024-09-20T18:55:11.095Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:59:08Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T08:48:40Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"67778f1c-e06f-4d18-99de-c22de72e5ef6","accessControl_ssim":["4f8ac2f1-d4b2-46e0-b59d-06422ae2e8fa"],"depositor_ssim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["House Blessings: Blessing and Defense of the Christian Home"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:59:07Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T01:09:27Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["9b3b182a-9c7a-4449-90fa-e32a39b02a7b"],"hasLease_ssim":["665473df-6f30-4520-bbf9-0cf0cc6607d1"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Arthur A. Just Jr."],"committee_member_tesim":["John Pless","Gifford Grobien"],"year_tesim":["2023"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Shaver, Ross Patrick"],"subject_tesim":["House blessings","Visitations (Church work)"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["As a battle wages for people’s eternal soul, the Christian home becomes a battlefield where sin, death, and the devil often have a foothold into our personal lives.  In the Church’s wisdom, taken from the Lord’s promise of peace and Christ’s presence, the Rite of Blessing of a Home can be a valuable means of delivering God’s blessing to His people.  A house blessing is a cleansing of sin and unrighteousness, an exorcism of the devil, invoking God’s presence in the home, and a salutary application of the deliverance of Christ crucified and risen for sinners. In the pastoral visitation to the Christian home and in the extraordinary care of souls, pastors should regularly bless God’s people by means of the Word of God and prayer. Hence, the Rite of Blessing a Home is a tangible application of God’s word of blessing upon God’s people and the place in which they dwell.\r\nThis project examines the practice and implementation of blessing the Christian home with the hopes of establishing a yearly tradition each Epiphanytide. An underutilized rite in Lutheranism necessitated preaching and teaching on the history, purpose, and intention of blessing, pastoral visitation, the Christian home, and spiritual warfare.  House blessings were then conducted during the Epiphany season.  This project provides guidance, encouragement, and direction for pastors to offer and conduct house blessings for those under his pastoral care to extend the grace of God and sanctify the Christian home, provide an blessed atmosphere for Christian virtue and vocation to thrive, and strengthen the relationships between pastor and his people."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-approving","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-depositing","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"member_of_collections_ssim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"member_of_collection_ids_ssim":["f49f809a-65b5-4566-bfbb-5756e01b6bc7"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Metadata Only"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["ckarpinski@atla.com","roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1791135290258096128,"timestamp":"2024-02-17T08:48:43.528Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:55:27Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T08:50:37Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"be38346d-399f-4cfb-b51a-309b397a3f9b","accessControl_ssim":["b9a9da29-a87e-41c5-9e92-bb53c6242354"],"depositor_ssim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Selecting Biblical and Confessional Hymns and Praise Songs at St. John Lutheran Church and School, Kendallville, Indiana"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:55:26Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T03:36:39Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["f4b601d6-6cb7-43d0-a69a-fe7bc83ec270"],"hasLease_ssim":["56d023cc-7c21-4d9c-b0e8-273d301886ca"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Paul J. Grime"],"committee_member_tesim":["Todd Peperkorn","Kevin Hildebrand"],"year_tesim":["2023"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Rigdon, Philip J."],"subject_tesim":["Lutheran Church","Church Music"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["The writer attempted to determine if the saints at St. John Lutheran Church could attain a deeper experience of the gospel through the selection of hymns and praise songs which most faithfully reflect Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. The goal was to lead participants to the development of a set of criteria to examine hymn and praise song lyrics for optimum selection. Methodology included the development and presentation of a Bible study which addressed topics related to the problem and introduced criterium, an initial survey which gauged participants perspectives on singing, worship, and hymn and praise song selection, and a final survey, exactly like the first. The procedure was to introduce the first survey, present the Bible study, and then introduce the same survey to determine if any changes took place in participants’ perspectives during the Bible study. Results demonstrate strong participation from those who attend both the traditional and contemporary services, general agreement with the criteria presented, and large consensus regarding the need to worship God, and to have theologically accurate lyrics in hymns and praise songs. Surveys and Bible study discussion also demonstrated a lack of enthusiasm for the particularities of Lutheran doctrine and focus on the action of man in worship as opposed to God. Conclusions include that there exists a need for further emphasis and teaching on Lutheran theology, the priority of God’s action in worship, and the purpose of worship."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-approving","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-depositing","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"member_of_collections_ssim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"member_of_collection_ids_ssim":["f49f809a-65b5-4566-bfbb-5756e01b6bc7"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Metadata Only"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["work_editor","public"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["ckarpinski@atla.com","roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1791135412664664064,"timestamp":"2024-02-17T08:50:40.264Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:48:13Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T08:46:52Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"031e72d6-eb77-4091-8680-54c58f27ee90","accessControl_ssim":["02f204e6-73c6-4769-9672-edbd0521fd4a"],"depositor_ssim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["\"I Came That They May Have Life\": Cultivating a Culture of Life in the Lutheran Parish"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:48:13Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-16T22:12:29Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["4ccc86a4-a1f2-4d79-b3e8-629f7bf825a3"],"hasLease_ssim":["ce363ade-89a8-47c0-a77f-dfb58938206f"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Peter Scaer"],"committee_member_tesim":["Arthur Just Jr.","Gifford Grobien"],"year_tesim":["2023"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Durance, Matthew Hudson"],"subject_tesim":["Lutheran Church","Theological anthropology","Life"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Throughout history, the Christian Church has stood for the sanctity of life as central to the Gospel. In America the Church for many years enjoyed a preferred place in society, and the confession of the Church was seen as being in conformity with the world. This is no longer the case, and has not been for several decades. While the church has been on the front lines for the battle over abortion since 1973, the devil was busy attacking not only children, but also man and woman and marriage. \r\nThe purpose of this dissertation is briefly to introduce to congregations how to teach on life issues using the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and the Divine Service of the Lutheran Church. The project I conducted at Bethlehem and St. Peter’s Lutheran Parish gave a brief overview of marriage, the biblical perspectives on man and woman, the blessings of children, and Satan’s assault on these good gifts from God. The project had a second portion of study, which dealt with Luther’s three estates as he outlines in the Fourth Commandment in the Large Catechism. Finally, the project engaged with the Kansas District Life Conference of which I oversaw planning, leading, and advertising within the district. \r\nThe participants in the project were members of Bethlehem and St. Peter’s who attended the nine week bible study, which began with a questionnaire to obtain a baseline of understanding concerning life issues and political issues in our country, as well as frequency of attendance, political views, the age of each participant, and gender. The Bible study was broken into three sections, the first dealing with marriage, man and woman, and children, using the example of the Holy Family. The second section dealt with Satan’s assault on these gifts which God gives, and matters in the culture we are facing today such as transgenderism, toxic masculinity, feminism, and homosexual marriage. The final three weeks dealt with the Christian life within Luther’s three estates: home, church, and state. \r\nFollowing the Bible study the participants were asked to complete a second questionnaire to indicate changes in opinion or knowledge on life issues and political issues, and if they found this method useful to help confess the truth of God’s Word in the world. Four participants were asked to give one hour interviews with me to further reflect upon their answers, as well as give other thoughts on the project and the Christian life. The results were studied and reflected upon at the end of this paper, as well as my concluding thoughts and areas of further study. \r\nIn summary, catechesis on life issues has to be addressed in the home and the school as well as the church, with pastors assisting parents to teach and lead their families. As the Church finds herself at odds with the world, and the threat of persecution looms over us, it is all the more important that we speak the truth of God’s Word and guard ourselves and children through faithful instruction so we may face the world with courage."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-approving","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-depositing","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"member_of_collections_ssim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"member_of_collection_ids_ssim":["f49f809a-65b5-4566-bfbb-5756e01b6bc7"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Metadata Only"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu","ckarpinski@atla.com"],"_version_":1791135177922052096,"timestamp":"2024-02-17T08:46:56.396Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:43:45Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T08:49:31Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"8f015d2c-0d8a-4f67-8567-a6d7224f4dcb","accessControl_ssim":["2e89d53f-461d-4542-a069-afb6466cbf1a"],"depositor_ssim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"title_tesim":["Teaching Biblical Virtue for Lutheran Catechesis at Redeemer LCMS in Shawnee, Oklahoma"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2023-12-13T13:43:44Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2024-02-17T02:19:23Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["7d9ffb7c-db11-4630-b395-72c049279ed3"],"hasLease_ssim":["55a4f820-bf7d-457e-94a4-fe87b335f7d7"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Gifford Grobien"],"committee_member_tesim":["John Pless","James Bushur"],"year_tesim":["2022"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Tassey, Matthew"],"subject_tesim":["Catechetics--Lutheran Church","Virtues"],"language_tesim":["English"],"abstract_tesim":["Too many of the Church’s youth do not have a solid framework for understanding the biblical/historical concept of virtue and so are “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Eph 4:14) of the world’s “virtue signaling,” “social justice,” and the like. Classical terms like virtue and vice, and with them excellence, integrity, character, courage, justice, wisdom, and self-control are often said but are heard as unrelated vocabulary words and so easily manipulated. What is needed is for youth to have a foundation of virtue as a whole in a biblical perspective so that they can begin to wisely build upon this concept intellectually, practically, and spiritually throughout their lives. \r\nReviewing virtue works past and present, this study explores the exegetical, historical, systematic, and practical resources for teaching virtue in order to create a tool for instilling virtue to the Church’s youth and all who will learn, especially for the Confirmation class at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The effectiveness of this resource over seven weeks of Confirmation classes was then evaluated by reactions from the kids, catechists, and parents, along with triangulation measures from area churches not using this resource. May this endeavor be blessed to know Peter’s intended outcome: “For if these are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these, you will never fail” (2 Pt 1:8, 10)."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-approving","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-depositing","f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"member_of_collections_ssim":["Concordia Theological Seminary"],"member_of_collection_ids_ssim":["f49f809a-65b5-4566-bfbb-5756e01b6bc7"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Metadata Only"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["work_editor","public"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["ckarpinski@atla.com","roger.peters@ctsfw.edu"],"_version_":1791135343738617856,"timestamp":"2024-02-17T08:49:34.531Z","score":1.0}],"facets":[{"name":"resource_type_sim","items":[{"value":"Unknown","hits":49,"label":"Unknown"},{"value":"D.Min. 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