With PQDT Open, you can read the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge.
About PQDT Open
Search
This study seeks to answer the question: What are the Factors which Contribute to the Growth and/or Decline of Hispanic Ministry in the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS)? Among the factors causing growth are that pastors and deacons (church leaders) have provided strong leadership resulting in congregational growth, as well as having a clear understanding of the church’s mission. Clergy and laity have forged a partnership which has enhanced their ministries. Extended family contributed to growth in that Hispanic culture places emphasis on family-first, resulting in invitations to congregational activities and Sunday worship. Meaningful worship experiences attracted visitors and potential members as congregations provided a variety of spiritual music and various forms of liturgical worship in the Lutheran tradition. Factors which contributed to the decline of certain churches included the migration of agricultural field workers, weak outreach to the second and third generation Hispanic youth whose heart language or only language is English, and poor training of certain deacons acting as pastors.
Advisor: | McIntosh, Gary, McMahan, Alan |
Commitee: | |
School: | Biola University |
Department: | Talbot School of Theolgy |
School Location: | United States -- California |
Source: | DAI-A 81/10(E), Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Theology |
Keywords: | Growth of ethnic churches, Hispanic ministry |
Publication Number: | 27833865 |
ISBN: | 9798607311933 |