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1. Theology and Church Planting
(Discussion Board Post) (Original Content Only) (APA citations) (in-text citations are a must) (400 words)
Goheen suggests that “the cross creates a community that shares in the creation-wide victory over the guilt and power of sin” (109).
How does Goheen’s statement relate to early church planting (missional) efforts?
How does the missional calling of Israel define (or describe) the church?
In what way does Peter’s invitation of baptism at Pentecost (Acts 2:38) display the early church’s missional power (Goheen, 133-34)?
Initial Post (90 points): Create an Initial Post of at least 400 words based on the material covered in the module(s) that week. Here are some possible avenues that you can use:
Summarize: Be sure to teach us what you have learned about the subject you have chosen to address from that week’s lecture, reading, or interaction. Spend time teaching through your answers in a concise and clear manner
Opine: What do you agree with or disagree with in this week’s lecture or reading as it relates to your chosen topic? What can you add to what has been presented from your wealth of experience and knowledge on this topic? How would you approach the topic differently?
Apply: Your studies are all about application of knowledge to real-world contexts to solve problems in the context of ministry. How does the topic you have chosen to relate to the real world? How does it relate to your life or ministry? How might it be applied to problems in your context of ministry?
Innovate: What new ideas can you see that emerge from your consideration of the topic and the way it might be applied to you, your ministry, or other ministries?
2. Theology and Church Planting
(Discussion Board Reply) (200 words per reply) (Original Content Only) (APA citations) (in-text citations are a must)
Jeffrey Lynch
Aug 28 10:55pmLast reply Aug 29 6:59am
Manage Discussion by Jeffrey Lynch
Reply from Jeffrey Lynch
Goheen’s statement about the cross creating a community that shares in the victory over sin has a direct correlation to early church planting efforts. In the early church, the church faced significant challenges in spreading the message of the Gospel. One of the major obstacles was the deeply ingrained guilt and power of sin in the culture of the time. The Roman Empire, which encompassed most of the known world, was steeped in idolatry, immorality, and violence. The concept of sin was not foreign to this society, but it was often seen as a necessary part of life rather than something to be overcome.
However, with the message of the cross, the early Christians were able to offer a solution to this pervasive problem. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, they proclaimed that the power of sin had been defeated and that forgiveness and redemption were available to all who believed. This message resonated with many people, and as a result, the early church experienced rapid growth. This growth was not just in terms of numbers but also in the transformation of individuals and communities. By embracing the cross, these new believers became part of a community that shared in the victory over sin, and this united them in a powerful way.
The missional calling of Israel, as described in the Old Testament, provides a framework for understanding the purpose and identity of the church. Israel was chosen by God to be a blessing to the nations, to be a light in the darkness, and to proclaim the truth about God to the world. Similarly, the church is called to continue this mission, to be a witness to the world of the saving power of Jesus Christ. This missional calling is not limited to a select few individuals but is extended to the entire community of believers. The church is meant to be a living example of God’s love and grace, drawing others to Him through their actions and words.
In Acts 2:38, we see Peter inviting the people at Pentecost to be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. This event displays the missional power of the early church in several ways. Firstly, it shows their boldness in proclaiming the message of the Gospel, despite the potential consequences. The apostles were not afraid to speak the truth about Jesus, even in the face of opposition and persecution. This boldness was rooted in their understanding of the cross and the victory it brought over sin.
In addition, Peter’s invitation to baptism highlights the inclusive nature of the early church’s mission. This call was extended to all, regardless of their background or social status. The Gospel message was not just for a select few but for everyone, and the early church made sure to spread this message far and wide.
Lastly, the invitation to baptism also displays the transformative power of the Gospel. Through baptism, individuals were not only symbolically washing away their sins, but they were also entering into a new community, one that shared in the victory over sin through the cross. This community was marked by love, unity, and a common purpose to fulfill the missional calling of the church.
3. Spiritual Formation
(Discussion Board Post) (Original Content Only) (500 words) (APA citation) (in-text citation is a must)
Week 2: Assignment – Discussion Board 1
In Week 2, you learned (PowerPoint presentations) there are numerous models for spiritual formation, but all authentic Christian models have certain elements in common. You also studied the basics of spiritual formation beginning with Martin Luther’s practical theology of growth in Christ. You studied the list of “Critical Junctures” in your life as a seminarian and are learning how the Word of God relates to the renewing of your mind-your mental, emotional, and spiritual health as a seminarian.
Assignment for this forum: Describe in no more than 300 words, the model of spiritual formation you have experienced in your own life. Name and describe it based on your own experience. In other words, name and describe your personal “model,” not necessarily using the Models of Formation PowerPoint. Next, from the information on the Elements of Spiritual Formation, discuss one or more of the nine elements in which you need the most development and growth. Respond to at least one other class member’s post. The discussion board forums are for the purpose of your personal reflection on important principles learned and also to help build community online through theological reflection and discussion.
4. Spiritual Formation
Monique Aiken
Week 2: Personal Model of Spiritual Formation
As a child, my spiritual formation was influenced by both African-American and American church traditions.[1] I attended a Baptist Church with my grandparents and went to Catholic school because of my mom. My mom was Catholic, and her husband attended a holiness church, so I occasionally went there too. I was baptized in the Baptist church at 10 and was very active in my Christian community, attending Bible study, Sunday school, and various church services, along with religion classes at school. I thought I understood Christianity, but I realized later that my faith had become more about duty than love and reverence for God.
At 20 years old, I began to truly understand how to connect with God and recognize the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. I became critically ill and was given just two weeks to live. Instead of being overcome with fear, I felt a deep desire to fulfill God’s purpose for my life. I wanted to share how good God had been to me and fully devote myself to Him. In the hospital, I surrendered to God and asked Him to use me however He wished. The next day, the doctors discovered my illness and how to treat it. From that moment on I developed a fervent prayer life, and studied the Bible so that I am always armored up and proclaiming His Word fiercely (Ephes. 6:10-20)[2], living by faith, and pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly. I found a church that matched my worship style, Since my spiritual formation is rooted in a relationship with God and one another, I knew I needed to find a new church that matched my worship style and where I could grow deeper in my relationship with Christ.[3] It took time to reach this point, but I’m grateful to be living out that calling now although I still have weaknesses.
Elements 7 and 8, joy/suffering and mission are the elements that I need to improve on.[4] I struggle with finding joy in suffering, whether it’s my own or someone else’s, and it can be hard to see how God is working in those situations. In terms of mission, even though I know my calling, I sometimes find myself in situations where I’m unsure of what to do. My frustrations can take over, making it difficult for me to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Bibliography
Andrews, Alan (ed.). The Kingdom Life: A Practical Theology of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2010.
Dentu, Matisha. “Elements of Spiritual Formation” Spiritual Formation Foundation 501, 28 Aug. 2024, Regent University. Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation.
Dentu, Matisha. “Models in Spiritual Formation” Spiritual Formation Foundation 501, 28 Aug. 2024, Regent University. Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation.
5. Spiritual Formation
(Discussion Board Reply) (300 words per reply) (Original Content Only) (300 words) (APA citation) (in-text citation is a must)
Sydney Dhue
Aug 28 11:57pmLast reply Aug 30 10:06am
Manage Discussion by Sydney Dhue
Reply from Sydney Dhue
Discussion Board 1
The Model of spiritual formation that I have experienced in my own life is one of renewal. My Mother became a believer in her 20s, during that time, she made the decision to raise all her children as Christian. Which she went on to do. Despite being submersed in the word and church culture I failed to form a personal relationship with God. Instead, I relied heavily on my proximity to God filled environments. This lack of personal relationship allowed me to drift from God as I got older with little recognition of the damage that was being done.
It was not until I went on to college that I formed a true personal relationship to God. On my way to class one day, I was approached by a woman who invited me to a bible study that was being held on my campus shortly following our initial introduction. I attended that bible study and was quickly reintroduced to the word I had longed for more than I even knew. In my life, prior to that encounter I knew there was something missing. I was never content even in the times where I felt like life was going “perfect”. I still failed to feel true happiness or peace. Despite not realizing it at the time I was missing God. Since that time, I have made it my mission to grow closer to God in every way that I can. Since then I have rededicated my life to Christ, now understanding the true magnitude of God’s sacrifices for myself but also having a renewed perspective.
The elements that I believe I need the most development and growth in would be Element number 2 as well as Element number 5.[1]. Although I have made advancement with my relationship with God, I know there is still so far I have to go in my spiritual formation. I know I also need to allow for my wounds from past circumstances to be treated. With that I also need to release the spirit of rebellion and at times disobedience that I carry. I pray that God continues to work in me as I navigate through the process of growth in these two elements.