THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHRISTIAN MENTORING PROGRAM THROUGH READING SELECTED CHRISTIAN CLASSICS IN CHURCH

Kim, Sang-Ook Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2007 국내박사

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a mentoring program in order to help today's modern church members encounter spiritual giants through Christian classics and biographies. These good quality mentors will encourage and will challenge new and old believers to seek the truth and to imitate Jesus Christ following the guidance of their spiritual mentors. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, the writer raised a main research question and three sub-questions: "Is it possible to develop a mentoring program through reading Christian classics?";(1) Which books should be chosen for this mentoring program? (2) How can readers select Christian books of quality that will help them grow in the faith and mature spiritually? (3) How can a church encourage church members to design their own reading plan? In order to answer the main question, the writer first sought to give the meaning of mentoring and then to investigate spiritual mentoring in biblical theology. Furthermore, the writer explored the relationship between mentoring through reading and spiritual mentoring. Through this work the writer intended to present the possibility of a Christian reading mentoring program to be used for spiritual mentoring. Answering the first and second sub-questions, the writer presented the reading of Christian classics and biographies as the model for the reading mentoring program. The concept of Christian classics and the criteria for selecting quality Christian classics was given to the readers. Using the pyramid principle and the three-year Christian reading plan, the writer offered the curriculum of this Christian reading mentoring program and the materials to evaluate the program in order to help them begin the reading program. The curriculum of reading Christian classics and biographies is applicable to all church members from new believers to ministers. In the conclusion, the writer suggested several things to apply this program to local individual churches.

MOTIVATIONAL ORIENTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION AT TORCH TRINITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Kim, Hyun Jung Helen Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2006 국내박사

This study included the following research questions (1) what are the demographic and academic characteristics of the students at Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology (TTGST), (2) what are the motivational orientations expressed by the students at TTGST, (3) are there any differences in expressed motivational orientations among students in English MDiv, MA and Korean MDiv students, and (4) what are the relationships between motivational factors and demographic and academic characteristics. The data included information from 166 students who are enrolled in the spring semester of 2006.Two instrumentations were used for this study; (1)Adapted Educational Participation Scale which is originally developed by Roger Boshier to measure motivational orientation, (2) Student Information Survey to collect students’ demographic and academic background data. The data were analyzed using descriptive measures including frequencies, means, standard deviation, and percentages, and comparatively using independent sample t-test, f-test and chi-square statistic. Relationships of motives within subgroups of demographic and academic backgrounds were analyzed using two-way ANOVAs. Personal Religious Advancement was the highest factor to influence students to participate in TTGST, whereas Escape was the least factor. English MDiv, MA, and Korean MDiv students had significant differences on Professional and Educational Advancement, Stimulation, External Expectation, and Educational Supplementation. The significant findings for the study: (1) English MA students might be motivated to learn out of their life crisis or experiences. (2) English MA and Korean MDiv Students are highly motivated to learn by their own decision. (3) English MDiv students who have settled into their lives might be more motivated to learn to have some changes in their lives whereas, Korean MDiv students might come to school because of a calling from God. TTGST should be able to use this study to help develop academic programs, improve admission, recruitment, and outreach strategies and student support services. Such knowledge would useful not only administrators and staff, but also professors to better understand the various motivations that students have.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED PARENTAL STYLES AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING AMONG CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Jung, KeumNyeon Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2006 국내박사

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived parenting styles and spiritual well-being including religious well-being and existential well-being among high school students in Korea. The subjects of the study were 210 Christian high school students in Seoul and Kyunggi Province in Korea. The self-report questionnaires of this study were distributed to students from 16 to 19 years of age. The instruments used were the Parent Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) developed by John R. Buri (1991) and Spiritual Well-Being (SWB) by Paloutzian and Ellison (1982). Data were collected in November, 2005 and processed by the SPSS. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and a Multiple Regression Model were employed to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicated that there was a significantly positive correlation between mothers’ and fathers’ perceived authoritative parenting styles and each of the following: religious well-being, existential well-being, and overall spiritual well-being. Furthermore, the mother’s perceived permissive parenting style has a significantly positive correlation with religious well-being. The results imply that Christian high school students in Korea who perceive their parents as authoritative, who are both demanding and responsive and provide clear direction for their children and are supportive and warm, have satisfaction in relation to God as well as good relationships with others and the sense of well-being with their life satisfaction, purpose, and life experiences. The mothers’ parenting, as perceived by their children, had more significant effects on the children’s spiritual well-being than the fathers’ parenting. The mothers’ and the fathers’ authoritative parenting styles had more effect on spiritual well-being than their authoritarian and permissive parenting styles.

A THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF KARL BARTH'S FREEDOM OF OBEDIENCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM AMONG THE CHIN PEOPLE IN MYANMAR

Lian, Lal Pek Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2007 국내박사

This thesis investigates the concept of Christian freedom through Karl Barth’s freedom of obedience. Barth’s theology of freedom is examined in its political, theological, and ethical formulations. Barth presents God as the center and source of freedom. He places Jesus as the center for understanding God and human freedom. To Barth, the sole possibility of human freedom is the freedom of obedience as it is the God-given freedom to obey the Creator. This study also explores the Chin’s concept of freedom in lights of its historical, political, theological and ethical implications. Although the Chins do not have a clear concept of inherent freedom, they have been struggling to understand freedom through Christianized and politicized concepts of freedom. The third part of the study discusses points of convergence and divergence between Barth and the Chins’ concept of freedom.

THE NOTION OF SUFFERING AMONG CHRISTIANS IN YANGON IN LIGHT OF JURGEN MOLTMANN'S VIEW OF SUFFERING : A CONTEXTUAL-THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Htoo, Aung Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2008 국내석사

This research attempted to formulate a contextual theological framework of suffering for churches in Myanmar in light of Jurgen Moltmann's view of "Crucified God." In order to reach the purpose of the thesis, the study was divided into three chapters. Chapter one discussed analytically the notion of suffering according to Moltmann. Chapter two provided a brief review of Yangon city and a data analysis of field survey which was conducted among Christians in Yangon, Myanmar. Chapter three examined the convergent-divergent points between Moltmann's and Yangon Christians' views of suffering and a critical synthesis between them in order to formulate a contextual theological framework of suffering. Study established that the most significant factor which influenced Christians in Yangon is the notion of suffering that has apparently been shaped by the Buddhist view of suffering. The other significant factor is that Christians in Yangon does not have a lucid biblical concept of suffering. Instead, they mix it up with socio-cultural values of Buddhist society.

AN INTEGERATION OF MALAN NEL'S VIEW OF YOUTH MINISTRY WITH FAITH COMMUNITY THEORY IN EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY

Choi, Nack-Hyun Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2006 국내박사

The purpose of this thesis is to integrate Malan Nel’s view of youth ministry with Faith Community Theory in educational ministry. For this integration, Malan Nel’s view of youth ministry and Faith Community Theory are introduced. After an introductory chapter, the writer reviewed an understanding of youth ministry with characteristics of youth, youth ministry workers, some components of youth ministry and some models. Besides, the writer presented four views of youth ministry that is the first approaches to study relationship between church and youth ministry. In chapter three, the writer defined definition of Faith Community Theory in educational ministry as the intentional relationship in a faith community between individuals and God, and among members makes meaningful changes that mean a good Christian through service with one conditions that there are no discrimination between teachers and students. In order to integrate Malan Nel’s view of youth ministry with Faith Community Theory in educational ministry, there are three checkpoints based on the definition of Faith Community Theory such as meaningful change, intention, and discrimination between students and teachers. Nel insisted that youth regularly attends all modes of ministry and expresses their godly character beyond intention that replaces duty of all members of community. In this respect, there is discrimination between students and teachers not in theological view but in all modes of ministry. As this integration enables the reader to grasp the picture of relationship between youth ministry and church, the writer can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Malan Nel’s view of youth ministry. Malan Nel’s strengths lies in his firm theological foundation, the congregation’s responsibility for youth ministry, and the church as a facilitator for a youth’s volunteer attendance. However, his weaknesses reflect a theological foundation that does not consider both the need of the youth and the actual circumstances that are found within the church settings even though the idea itself is good and reasonable. In the final examination, the writer think sound theological foundation is needed for youth ministry in order to get direction and purpose according to the each situation, context. Besides, this examination enable youth minister as well as senior pastor think again relationship youth ministry and church. Youth ministry can grow on the fellowship now in especially smallsized church with extended family concept.

DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL CURRICULUM FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION ON THE CHINESE HOUSE CHURCH LEADERS

Wang, Lan Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2008 국내석사

The purpose of this thesis is, firstly, to examine the importance and necessity of a relevant and consistent curriculum for theological education, and, secondly, to develop a practical curriculum for the theological education of the Chinese House Church. First, in the view of a Christian educator, this thesis concentrates on the theological and theoretical foundations of curriculum. It makes an analysis on the current circumstances of the Chinese Christian church and Chinese theological education. The first point results in the need for a more defined curriculum. This study then develops a theological curriculum especially for the urban Chinese House Church leaders. Second, the thesis explains the philosophical structure of the curriculum. Based on the Great Commission, the curriculum relies on the Christian sense of responsibility and achieving goals. In order to build up the church leaders, the curriculum provides a teaching strategy that includes lecture, field education, mentoring, seminar and research. The thesis ends with a three-year sequence of courses. Further, it provides an evaluation on a biblical and educational level supporting the curriculum as suitable and well designed for the purpose intended.

ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION OF ELEMENTARY SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM DVELOPMENT FOR THE CHURCH OF NEPAL

Thapa, Sabina Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2011 국내석사

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the history and education programs of Christian evangelical churches in Nepal in order to provide some useful guidelines for elementary Sunday school curriculum which will be the foundation of Christian education research in Nepal with a focus on children’s ministry. First, this thesis presents the relationship between mission and Christian education in Nepal, based on the research of Nepali Christian History and its growth. Second, it explains the biblical, theoretical, and curriculum understanding of Christian education that helps Nepali children ministers to understand the invaluable place of education in Christianity and within our daily lives. Third, this thesis deals with the evaluation of current Sunday school curriculum in which the writer assesses the challenges based on a survey taken in different Nepali churches. Finally, this thesis ends with the principles of curriculum and a three-year sequence and scope of an elementary Sunday school curriculum with an example of instructional objectives for a Sunday school class. This thesis will benefit Nepali Christianity in these areas: (1) Nepali Christian society will be aware not only of the need for evangelism but also for faithfulness in the theory and practice of Christian education to assure the transmission of a living faith to future generations; (2) the exploration of biblical, theoretical, and curriculum foundations that have been and are predominant in the Christian thought of educators, pastors, and leaders can better deal with current needs and challenges; and (3) Sunday school curriculum in Christian education will be improved by contextualization so that the truth of God’s revelation will be real to those who are participating in the educational event.

MISSION IN THE 4/14 WINDOW : A COMPARISON OF EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES TO SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM IN INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Gilberg, Mary Rachelle Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2011 국내석사

International Christian schools are active ministries to reach the next generation with the good news of salvation through the sacrificial life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This study examines the scholastic literature in the historical, sociological and curricular domains of both secular and Christian education, and evaluates the current social studies curriculum currently used in international Christian schools (ICS) in Seoul, South Korea using the Christian education evaluation criteria (CEEC). The study findings indicate that there are not currently any social studies curricula available, which are biblically-sound, culturally relevant, and historically sensitive to needs of ICS elementary students in Asia. The suggestions for implementing the Christian educational philosophy, policy and practice include utilizing the Trinitarian Model of intellectual, cultural and missiological approach, as outlined in this study. In addition, it is suggested that providing professional development through continued education for ICS teachers and parents to understand the complex dynamics, challenges and advantages of their children who grow up in this type of high mobility lifestyle as Third Culture Kids (TCKs). These TCKs who learn culture, language, politics and economics on a global level during their formative years, can become well equipped to be leaders in the global marketplace, when their caretakers take the time to care for their spiritual lives to become functional disciples of Jesus Christ. This study concludes that prayer, preparation and proclamation of the gospel message ought to be applied with discernment to the moral, social and spiritual development of children between the ages of four to fourteen, since they are the most vulnerable, yet largest unreached people group. This demographic are undergoing the stages of development and, therefore their moral, social and spiritual development will influence their identity formation. Furthermore, the rapid changes in culture that occurs due to their high mobility lifestyles require parents and teacher to direct them to a solid anchor, which is found in Jesus Christ. It is imperative for Christian educators to be wise, compassionate and active in order to demonstrate the love of Jesus, the basic tenets of the Christian faith and a commitment to the eternal in all aspects of life to children whom God has entrusted to the evangelical faith community.

THREE IN ONE : A TRINITARIAN PERSPECTIVE FOR AN ADULT EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY

Kim, Joanne Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology 2010 국내석사

Adults make up the majority of a church congregation and their spiritual formation and growth should be of utmost importance. Christian education is not only for children and youth, but for all Christians including adults of all ages. The purpose of this paper is to firstly, discuss the importance and purpose of adult educational ministries, and secondly, develop a ministry model with a Trinitarian perspective. This paper will explore literature pertaining to adult development, foundations of Christian education, and views on the doctrine of the Trinity to develop a framework for an educational ministry. The paper will conclude with a sample curriculum based on the ministry model constructed in this thesis.