Maturing Christian Discipleship Through Times Of Suffering: A Study In An American Midwest Congregation - New Hope Church; Adel, Iowa

Thomas Hein

Etd

Maturing Christian Discipleship Through Times Of Suffering: A Study In An American Midwest Congregation - New Hope Church; Adel, Iowa

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Thomas Hein. Maturing Christian Discipleship Through Times Of Suffering: A Study In An American Midwest Congregation - New Hope Church; Adel, Iowa. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/06b36d82-cb9f-4c37-90c7-e5f85b26b1e8.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

T. Hein. Maturing Christian Discipleship Through Times Of Suffering: A Study In An American Midwest Congregation - New Hope Church; Adel, Iowa. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/06b36d82-cb9f-4c37-90c7-e5f85b26b1e8

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Thomas Hein. Maturing Christian Discipleship Through Times Of Suffering: A Study In An American Midwest Congregation - New Hope Church; Adel, Iowa. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/06b36d82-cb9f-4c37-90c7-e5f85b26b1e8.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Thomas Hein

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In Copyright

Abstract

The project identifies some of the ways Christians grow in maturity during times of suffering. During these times some Christians grow in maturity, while others experience a setback in their spiritual growth. This is a pastoral study, meaning that it is primarily concerned with observation and analysis of the discipleship process in the lives of Christian believers. The project evaluates true and false beliefs about God and spiritual life that occur during the process of suffering in the lives of New Hope Evangelical Free Church (Adel, Iowa) adult believers. Fifty-seven church members answered questions in a quantitative survey inquiring about their spiritual life before and after their time of suffering. Interviews were conducted with fifteen of the survey participants for more in depth evaluation of their spiritual disciplines, attitudes, and beliefs. The study evaluated some false beliefs about God and spiritual life that Christians may develop during times of suffering. In addition, the study evaluated what true beliefs about God and spiritual life sustained believers during times of trial. Finally, the study evaluated what spiritual disciplines helped people move toward greater spiritual maturity during a season of suffering. The practical application outcome of the study is a small group workbook entitled, A Journey through Suffering: Processing the Painful Experiences of Life. This resource is designed to be an exegetical devotional guide to help people reflect on their suffering in the context of a biblical metanarrative. Prayerful reflection will potentially lead toward maturing discipleship that glorifies God.

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