{"response":{"docs":[{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-01-29T15:37:32Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-29T15:37:33Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"d45cee78-b7c1-4e31-9537-4d3087fd2564","accessControl_ssim":["a7cf544c-8ca8-4f83-9ed8-1c0377f3a6b2"],"depositor_ssim":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"title_tesim":["Developing a Church-Health Strategy at First Baptist Church, Gulf Breeze, Florida"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-01-29T15:37:31Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-29T15:37:31Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["063032f6-3ca3-4ea5-9dd3-8803cf42598e"],"hasLease_ssim":["0fa12d44-704c-40a4-a8c1-de112fab0e3c"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["DMin"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Dr. David Cranford"],"year_tesim":["2025"],"location_tesim":["Florida"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Vickers, John L."],"subject_tesim":["Baptist church","Church renewal"],"abstract_tesim":["The purpose of this project was to develop a church-health strategy for First Baptist Church, Gulf Breeze, Florida. This project explored the internal demographics of the congregation by analyzing the Annual Church Profile data  and conducting an internal assessment to establish a baseline of church-health. I explored existing models of church health to identify best practices in the field and created an annotated bibliography and a list of best practices. I compiled research on church health and strategic planning and presented the research to the Strategic Initiative Team, selected from a cross-section of \r\ncurrent church leaders. The Strategic Initiative Team met for six strategy planning sessions and developed a customized strategy to promote church health and overcome unhealthy practices within the church. The Strategic Initiative Team presented the strategy to the membership of First Baptist Church Gulf Breeze for approval. This project enhanced my knowledge of church health and skills in developing strategic initiatives. Experts in strategy implementation and pastoral leadership evaluated each step of this project."],"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":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"_version_":1855666052189388800,"timestamp":"2026-01-29T15:37:33.800Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:56:55Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:56:56Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"99ed885c-7fa1-48f4-9db6-1b694f56820d","accessControl_ssim":["d3d02917-9634-468f-bf21-7ecb8c61d622"],"depositor_ssim":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"title_tesim":["Developing a Church Revitalization Strategy Guide for the Mississippi Baptist Convention"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:56:54Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:56:54Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["2f073221-19dc-4f82-919f-ec10084fb469"],"hasLease_ssim":["115ae8a3-e940-4fba-85f1-f2e3b521429e"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["DMin"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Dr. Mark Tolbert"],"year_tesim":["2025"],"location_tesim":["Mississippi"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Reed, Jason S."],"subject_tesim":["Church renewal","Baptist church"],"abstract_tesim":["The purpose of this project is to develop a church revitalization strategy guide for the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Using the ministry research model, I researched church dynamics in Mississippi to identify regional church profiles. In this research, I included data from Annual Church Profiles from Southern Baptist churches in Mississippi, along with data from recent census reports, to identify population and demographic trends across the state. The synthesis of this data identified five regional church profiles in various parts of the state. Secondly, I researched contemporary church revitalization models and current state convention strategies to identify best practices. Lastly, I developed a strategy planning guide for the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Authorized church consultants will use this guide to assist churches in the formation of a church revitalization strategy."],"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":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"_version_":1855595549498015744,"timestamp":"2026-01-28T20:56:57.193Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:17:57Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:17:59Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"b62f26b2-7c15-4372-ab10-5f306df56e0c","accessControl_ssim":["7d1862d7-1f50-4f53-8bed-7eb79963a885"],"depositor_ssim":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"title_tesim":["Equipping Selected Leaders of First Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska, with Essential Church Revitalization Skills"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:17:56Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-28T20:17:56Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["41b8bc45-fe31-428a-b2fd-bf2b91bb4cd0"],"hasLease_ssim":["8de9f226-e28e-4afb-a253-72f3beeab8d4"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["DMin"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary"],"advisor_tesim":["Dr. Jody Dean"],"year_tesim":["2025"],"location_tesim":["Alaska"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Moats, Gary"],"subject_tesim":["Church renewal","Baptist church"],"abstract_tesim":["The purpose of this project is to equip selected leaders of First Baptist Church, \r\nAnchorage, Alaska, with essential church revitalization skills. The first phase of the project begins with the research in the field of church revitalization to identify essential church revitalization skills and construct an annotated bibliography based upon the completed research. Using this research, I will determine essential church revitalization skills and write a report that details the results. An expert evaluator will then evaluate both the annotated bibliography and the essential revitalization skills report.\r\n\r\nThe second phase of the project involves developing workshops to equip selected leaders of First Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska, in essential church revitalization skills. I will research the curriculum writing process by completing a self-guided study. Using this research, I will create a curriculum on identified essential church revitalization skills. An expert evaluator in church  revitalization will then evaluate both these steps.\r\n\r\nThe third phase of the project will use the completed curriculum to equip selected leaders of First Baptist Church, Anchorage, Alaska, with essential church revitalization skills utilizing the three domains of learning: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective."],"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":["kstamant@nobts.edu"],"_version_":1855593099548426240,"timestamp":"2026-01-28T20:18:00.740Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-01-23T18:27:46Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-23T18:33:14Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"0752bad6-ef4c-4087-bc0b-2896d1e3ad82","accessControl_ssim":["d7177034-0f56-4fa6-b66e-e64f455c3609"],"hasRelatedMediaFragment_ssim":["3cc858a6-e7bb-46ce-94b2-14da688cbe7c"],"hasRelatedImage_ssim":["3cc858a6-e7bb-46ce-94b2-14da688cbe7c"],"depositor_ssim":["padenio@gmail.com"],"depositor_tesim":["padenio@gmail.com"],"title_tesim":["Amplifying Christ's Mission in the Diocese: Transforming the Episcopal-Presbyteral Relationship"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-01-23T18:27:45Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-23T18:32:39Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["50c58d2e-a007-4dd4-bc02-6ef404a398f3"],"hasLease_ssim":["d7217be6-e738-4fe2-94c2-9b3343eb8934"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Catholic Theological Union"],"year_tesim":["2026"],"resource_type_tesim":["Dissertation","D.Min. 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Arguing that missionary discipleship moves at the speed of quality relationships, it proposes that a healthy social field—marked by trust, openness, and communion—between bishop and priests structurally amplifies missionary vibrancy. Integrating Catholic ecclesiology, organizational development theory, and mixed-methods research with priests across multiple dioceses, the study identifies attitudes and practices that strengthen or weaken this social field. It concludes with preliminary recommendations for cultivating change-agile diocesan structures that support more effective, mission-aligned leadership."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/downloads/3cc858a6-e7bb-46ce-94b2-14da688cbe7c?file=thumbnail","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"],"member_ids_ssim":["3cc858a6-e7bb-46ce-94b2-14da688cbe7c"],"file_set_ids_ssim":["3cc858a6-e7bb-46ce-94b2-14da688cbe7c"],"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":["padenio@gmail.com"],"_version_":1855133526575284224,"timestamp":"2026-01-23T18:33:17.799Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-01-15T22:41:32Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-15T22:41:38Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"ba1923ac-67a6-4cd7-9807-dc9f5c0cebda","accessControl_ssim":["7674a2c2-4f4a-440d-b300-0cea5f5bb263"],"hasRelatedMediaFragment_ssim":["53c67891-28b0-4cc7-90c6-569a51b7443c"],"hasRelatedImage_ssim":["53c67891-28b0-4cc7-90c6-569a51b7443c"],"depositor_ssim":["rmendez@student.ctu.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["rmendez@student.ctu.edu"],"title_tesim":["To be known is to be loved: A call to journey alongside Latino/a communities for effective pastoral leadership"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-01-15T22:41:31Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-01-15T22:41:31Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["f8ff6cb9-f506-4259-b037-695cc4a75be3"],"hasLease_ssim":["4f0eb379-d321-4485-a3f3-91e2861e82a9"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Catholic Theological Union"],"year_tesim":["2025"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Dataset"],"creator_tesim":["Mendez, Rodolfo"],"keyword_tesim":["Popular devotions","adoration","Cristero war","Atonement ","Tangible ","Reparation ","Eucharistic adoration","Popular piety","Samaritan woman at the well","Prayer","Lo cotidiano ","Sacred","Our Lady of Guadalupe ","Secular","Blessed Sacrament ","Peace","Inculturation "],"subject_tesim":["Hispanic Americans--Religion","Religious thought","Church History--1900-1999","Saints","Clergy--Training of","Worship","Evangelistic work","Church renewal","Spiritual life","Latinx theology","Lay ministry","Theology, Practical","Mexican Americans--Religion","Laity","Prayer","Christian union","Spirituality","Ritual","Families--Religious life","Christianity and culture","Mexican American clergy","Faith","Clergy and laity","Ministry","Church leadership","Religion--History","Image of God","Church committees","Discipling (Christianity)","Assimilation (Sociology)","Church and social problems"],"abstract_tesim":["Hispanic communities want to be known and understood.  To be known requires respect and understanding of their communities’ pastoral needs and religious practices.  Sadly, many leaders have a colonial mentality that foments stereotypes and even prejudice toward Hispanics. The only way to move beyond this mentality is to sincerely enter into relationships with Latino(a)s, and understand how they see themselves.  This respectful understanding must begin with our Church leaders. Latino/as want to share their cultural and religious practices that connect them to their families and ancestors. Although the Hispanic Catholics play a vital role in the life of the Church, barriers to inclusion remain. Hispanic Catholics want to fully participate in the Church’s mission to serve the whole community.  They are eager to share their gifts through collaborative service in their parishes.\r\n\r\nIn this thesis project I reveal Hispanic communities that are already present but not often seen. I introduce their religious practices to the larger community including church leaders. I focus on the religious practice called Adoración Nocturna Mexicana (Mexican Nocturnal Adoration). A practice where members of the Mexican Catholic communities spend the night in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar where, like all Catholics, they worship the true presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated hosts reposited in the Tabernacle and exposed in the monstrance on the altar during nocturnal adoration vigil. The study shows how Hispanics have historically and are presently practicing nocturnal adoration as part of their popular religious practices.  More importantly, I explore what drives them toward these religious practices. By listening to their stories, I have heard their heartfelt voices as they express their needs and desires, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. I also demonstrate how they emulate the Samaritan woman at the well (John: 4-42), and like her are moved to evangelization when they also come to the realization of being known and therefore loved by Christ. \r\n\r\nI delve into the pastoral, social, and theological dimensions of Hispanic popular Catholicism and devotional practices, referred to as Santo praxis and lo cotidiano (the everyday).  \r\n\r\nThe goal is to demonstrate how popular religious devotion is forged in the historical struggles of people who are oppressed. I describe in detail the rituals promoted by Adoración Nocturna Mexicana.  \r\n\r\nAnd finally, share a theological reflection of the study’s findings and a pastoral response related to the importance of intercultural competence for effective leadership and accompaniment of Hispanic communities.\r\n"],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/downloads/53c67891-28b0-4cc7-90c6-569a51b7443c?file=thumbnail","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"],"member_ids_ssim":["53c67891-28b0-4cc7-90c6-569a51b7443c"],"file_set_ids_ssim":["53c67891-28b0-4cc7-90c6-569a51b7443c"],"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":["rmendez@student.ctu.edu"],"_version_":1854424409589153792,"timestamp":"2026-01-15T22:42:11.142Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:22Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:23Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"3a77ec71-015f-4e2c-b7e2-f50dbe850701","accessControl_ssim":["f24cf494-7683-4e31-97a9-9957b9e2e00d"],"depositor_ssim":["martins02@moravian.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["martins02@moravian.edu"],"title_tesim":["Once upon an agency: faith led the way"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:21Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:21Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["91a8e42d-79a8-4919-93ef-6bab1cd15f62"],"hasLease_ssim":["ae66a36e-2449-4e7d-b75d-fbd7c8952b92"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["DMin"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Lancaster Theological Seminary"],"year_tesim":["2021"],"video_embed_tesim":[""],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"creator_tesim":["Prendergast, Patricia Rose"],"subject_tesim":["Social change","Church renewal","Mission of the church"],"abstract_tesim":["This qualitative research project uses a narrative approach to study how seven faith-based organizations in a ten-county area of southern New Jersey have maintained, adapted, expanded or abandoned their original mission since their founding. What is the story of each respective organization from its beginning until the present? What are the challenges and struggles inherent in maintaining a focus on an original organizational mission statement? How do operational pressures such as changes in funding, shifts in cultural expectations, and unforeseen events, for example a natural disaster or a pandemic, affect the living out of the mission? Interviews with participating agencies are analyzed to search for commonalities among the agencies in the study, and to discern lessons to be learned from all of the agencies together. Recommendations are made for faith-based organizations seeking to be faithful to their founding mission in the face of the various changes and challenges they encounter."],"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"],"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","martins02@moravian.edu"],"_version_":1851860340429553664,"timestamp":"2025-12-18T15:27:24.239Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:08Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:11Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"779618cb-93ed-442c-bed0-bb23520dfbf1","accessControl_ssim":["7b3635ca-9521-4cb9-b2f1-0497b8728fca"],"depositor_ssim":["martins02@moravian.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["martins02@moravian.edu"],"title_tesim":["Hello, we’re here!: active participation in traditional church congregations by those in the millennial generation"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:07Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:27:07Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["4469efed-989c-46fb-88e4-3a5dbaa6fb1f"],"hasLease_ssim":["806a7d35-672a-41ae-8681-7120be1abbee"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["DMin"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Lancaster Theological Seminary"],"year_tesim":["2020"],"video_embed_tesim":[""],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"creator_tesim":["Bettivia, Nicole"],"subject_tesim":["Church renewal","Intergenerational relations","Church work with adults"],"abstract_tesim":["This project seeks to shed light on persons who are of the Millennial generation (born between 1981 and 1996) who are actively engaged in a traditional Christian Congregation. Focusing on congregations of the United Church of Christ in Wisconsin, I used surveys and interviews to study pairs of siblings where one sibling is active in congregation and the other is not. By analyzing the differences between siblings in life situations, personal experiences, and spiritual engagement, the wider church can achieve a better understanding of the Millennial generation and why some of them have chosen to participate in the church while others have not. Differences between siblings found to be significant include the religious level of spouses, self-identity as a person of faith, and LGBTQ+ identity. 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Project"],"creator_tesim":["Dawkins-Smith, Monica"],"subject_tesim":["Church growth","Church renewal","Social justice"],"abstract_tesim":["…it is part of my motivation for engaging this doctoral project to explore practices that can lead to the revitalization of more churches where people can find spiritual homes…The reality remains that many new pastors are being called to serve mainline churches that are in decline and at a point in their lifecycle where reversal may be improbable. Oftentimes the pastor and lay leadership are not equipped with the skills sets and gifts needed to effect needed change…For this project, I chose to focus on Christian practices, which are good, life giving and intrinsic to the life of faith…Christian practices contribute to growth and revitalization in churches when engaged as individuals and communally. Practices can help us to develop narratives that shape our identity, sense of purpose and mission. 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Project"],"creator_tesim":["Butcher, Louis"],"subject_tesim":["Church growth","Church management","Church renewal"],"abstract_tesim":["Over the course of the last thirty years, there has been a steady decline in church worship service attendance in the United States. The decline has affected all church affiliations, including Catholic, Protestant mainline, evangelical, Pentecostal, Anabaptist and independent churches of all sizes and ethnicities. In particular, Millennials, those in the age range of eighteen to twenty-nine years, have left the church in significant numbers or have never affiliated at all. The fastest growing segments of the American population are agnostics and atheists. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with nearly eight hundred churches is considered a Bible belt with a long history of consistent attendance. This project will explore whether there is attendance decline in Lancaster County and, if so, what can be developed to reverse the trend. Reader responses to a series on the subject in the Lancaster Sunday News will be used to help determine the extent, if any. At the same time, pastors of fifty churches of varying sizes, ethnicities and doctrine will be interviewed to examine local patterns. Using research data on church growth and revitalization from around the country, suggestions and recommendations will be made to help reverse the trend in Lancaster County if decline is evident."],"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"],"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","martins02@moravian.edu"],"_version_":1851860305164894208,"timestamp":"2025-12-18T15:26:50.608Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:26:38Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:26:42Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"0e44e024-cdb0-4b93-b89a-dcb32297df62","accessControl_ssim":["cb890245-e0e4-423d-9325-0af2e14f2f4c"],"depositor_ssim":["martins02@moravian.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["martins02@moravian.edu"],"title_tesim":["Revitalizing the church for a new day: identity, purpose, and theology"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:26:37Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2025-12-18T15:26:38Z","isPartOf_ssim":["f6c99b2a-5c91-4444-8946-01a1837f1fd8"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["6eeb0b07-80b5-4ec3-bf9c-d95248ee3882"],"hasLease_ssim":["47a211f6-6564-47dc-8c7a-03cf10d953f5"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["DMin"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Lancaster Theological Seminary"],"year_tesim":["2014"],"video_embed_tesim":[""],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"creator_tesim":["Rankin, Christopher"],"subject_tesim":["Church growth","Church renewal","Church management"],"abstract_tesim":["Since the early 1960s, the mainline church has experienced a decline in membership and financial resources, which have forced churches to make significant decisions concerning their future. Some congregations want to maintain the status quo and dwell in survival mode, while other churches are imagining new possibilities for their ministry. Denominations are faced with these same issues and now must make some decisions regarding their future. Revitalizing the Church for a New Day: Identity, Purpose, and Theology provides hope for the local church and denominations as we discern the new thing that God is doing in our midst. After reading books and visiting churches during a three-month sabbatical, a survey was designed for churches to use as they wrestle with these issues. I administered this survey with about a dozen congregations and then met with them in a follow-up discussion. Following my interviews with these congregations and going through my own transition in ministry, I discovered that denominations and local churches must focus on three aspects of vitality. Mainline denominations do not have a clear identity, which has trickled down to the local church. Furthermore, we have traded theology for marketing and advertising. The research revealed that our denominations are in decline because congregational leaders are not equipped to discern their identity, purpose, and theology of ministry. The survey used in this research will help the basic unit of witness, the local church, revitalize and prepare for the congregation’s bright and hopeful future."],"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"],"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","martins02@moravian.edu"],"_version_":1851860297365585920,"timestamp":"2025-12-18T15:26:43.170Z","score":1.0}],"facets":[{"name":"resource_type_sim","items":[{"value":"Unknown","hits":186,"label":"Unknown"},{"value":"D.Min. 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