Growing up in Christ

Philip L Miller

Etd

Growing up in Christ

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Philip L Miller. Growing Up In Christ. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/705f2d01-16fc-475b-808f-569393e1d603.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

P. L. Miller. Growing up in Christ. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/705f2d01-16fc-475b-808f-569393e1d603

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Philip L Miller. Growing Up In Christ. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/705f2d01-16fc-475b-808f-569393e1d603.

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

Creator

Philip L Miller

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

This study is intended to encourage ministry that develops Christians toward maturity in Christ. It is written from the perspective of a local church pastor who addresses the struggle of making Christian maturity the goal of ministry. It is based on the writings of the Apostle Paul, who considered the maturity of Christians the test of the quality of his ministry. The primary question for a pastor is: How will Christians develop toward spiritual maturity? Four erroneous assumptions are addressed that can prevent growth to completion after conversion. A spiritual theology of maturity is built on a study of Paul's use fo the term teleios. Its etymology and usage are summarized to create a biblical theology of spiritual maturity. Then it is interpreted through the lens of systems theory, which emphasizes the interrelationships and interactions in the processes of growth. A literature review adds a broader perspective of Pauline categories for growth and maturity in Christ. Thus, a holistic view is offered which formulates the content and contexts necessary for development to maturity. The thesis material is then reformatted in a manual that is useful for laypeople. The series of lessons are formatted to provide an overview of Paul's view of maturity, while taking the persons through the processes of growth in Christ. It seeks to provide material that will develop persons in Christlikeness.

Publisher