Dynamics of spiritual renewal : how Richard Lovelace's renewal principles have influenced a generation of reformed pastors

Linneman, Jeremy

Etd

Dynamics of spiritual renewal : how Richard Lovelace's renewal principles have influenced a generation of reformed pastors

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Linneman, Jeremy. Dynamics of Spiritual Renewal : How Richard Lovelace's Renewal Principles Have Influenced a Generation of Reformed Pastors. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/16e84a18-4eb0-4c73-9f91-bb5a0af59fd5?locale=de.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

L. Jeremy. Dynamics of spiritual renewal : how Richard Lovelace's renewal principles have influenced a generation of reformed pastors. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/16e84a18-4eb0-4c73-9f91-bb5a0af59fd5?locale=de

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Linneman, Jeremy. Dynamics of Spiritual Renewal : How Richard Lovelace's Renewal Principles Have Influenced a Generation of Reformed Pastors. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/16e84a18-4eb0-4c73-9f91-bb5a0af59fd5?locale=de.

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

Schöpfer

Linneman, Jeremy

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In Copyright

Abstrakt

The purpose of this study is to explore how pastors in the Reformed tradition promote lifelong spiritual renewal among their congregants. Not many churches have a well-defined plan to promote their members’ ongoing spiritual formation. Yet many pastors in the Reformed tradition have discovered a vision for spiritual formation and renewal in the writings of Gordon-Conwell theologian Richard Lovelace. Lovelace’s Dynamics of Spiritual Life (1979) has been credited by pastors including Tim Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian, New York City) as the most influential book in their philosophy of ministry and church strategy. However, Lovelace’s work was generally theoretical and remains unknown to modern leaders. This study asks: How do pastors and leaders in the Reformed traditions, specifically between ages of 35-50, apply the renewal principles of Lovelace in the life of their churches? Further, how has Lovelace’s vision for spiritual renewal been realized in these congregations? This study will include a review of literature focused on three key areas to understand in promoting spiritual renewal in Reformed congregations: (1) Spiritual renewal according to Richard Lovelace, particularly in the areas of prayer, community, and mission; (2) the apostle Paul’s theology of spiritual life, especially the gospel, spiritual life, regeneration, the Holy Spirit, resurrection, prayer, community, and mission; and (3) organizational and congregational culture, including how churches can promote their desired values, behaviors, and practices in congregational life. This study utilizes a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with six pastors and leaders from various Reformed churches and ministries who are either familiar with Lovelace’s theories or have been unknowingly shaped by them. The methods of qualitative research are detailed, the process and strengths of qualitative research are discussed, and the researcher’s position and the limitations of the study are acknowledged. The interviews focus on gaining data with four research questions: (1) How do pastors in Reformed churches describe their theology of spiritual renewal? (2) How do they promote spiritual renewal among their congregants—in terms of prayer, community, and mission? (3) How do they integrate spiritual renewal into the culture of their congregation or organization? (4) In what ways and to what extent do their views of spiritual renewal compare to Lovelace’s theories? The study concludes with a final discussion of Lovelace’s key insights and contributions, a summary of the findings, and recommendations for promoting spiritual renewal in churches in the future. The recommendations include needs for further research as well as opportunities for ministry practice and renewal.

Jahr