Date of Award
5-6-2024
Document Type
Major Applied Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
First Advisor
Joel Biermann
Scripture References in this Resource
Acts 13:1-3; Matthew 18:19-20; Acts 16:4; 1 Peter 5:3; Numbers 11:29
Abstract
Among Lutheran denominations in America, the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations privileges the free activity of the congregation with a unique church polity. Because of its rarity, the AFLC is especially concerned that a correct understanding of its polity be taught at its schools and passed on effectively to future generations. One way to ensure that this occurs successfully is through a combination of theological and historical instruction. Historical education has been in decline for several hundred years due to developments in Western thought. Nevertheless, significant arguments can be made for the necessity of an historical and narrative understanding of Christian faith and life. This research project set forth a narrative account of the AFLC’s polity and attempted to measure the impact on Bible college students of a combination of theological and historical instruction using that narrative account. A Likert-scale survey was given to participants after theological instruction of church polity but before historical instruction. Another survey was given after the historical instruction. Results suggest that the historical instruction improved the students understanding of the AFLC’s practice of congregational church polity.
Recommended Citation
Mundfrom, Stephen Mark, "The Congregation in All Her Glory: How the History of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC) Can Be Used to Teach Free and Living Church Polity" (2024). Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project. 234.
https://scholar.csl.edu/dmin/234
Creative Commons License
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