Date of Award

6-1-2005

Document Type

Major Applied Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Practical Theology

First Advisor

Robert Kolb

Scripture References in this Resource

Romans 12:1, 10-15; Philippians 2:5; Matthew 24:13; Matthew 18:20; Romans 7:18b; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 4:2; Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9ff; Romans 1:16; Titus 3:5; Romans 7:15; Romans 13:8; Matthew 23:37, 39; John 13: 14; John 13: 34-35; John 15:12-17; Romans 14:13; Romans 15:7; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:25; Galatians 5:13

Abstract

Spiritual care in Lutheranism has been viewed primarily as the responsibility of the pastor. The small group movement has challenged this assumption, encouraging laity to participate.

This project investigates small groups in light of Lutheran theology. It studies pertinent Biblical passages, the history of Pietism, contemporary small group sources, and several congregations with small group programs. Research is also done on Zion Lutheran Church of Pevely, Missouri.

Results indicate that with the proper theological distinctions and applications lay-led small groups can provide spiritual care in a Lutheran context in a way that complements the work of the pastor.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Share

COinS