Perceptions on divorce within the European Baptist Convention and their impact on hiring protocols in the selection of ministers
Description
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Abstract
This dissertation examines divorce among ministers. This research is on the perceptions on divorce within the European Baptist Convention. The divorce perceptions are researched to determine the impact upon hiring protocols in the selection process of ministers. The initial chapter establishes and defines the research process by examining those perceptions in context with of the understanding of 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Foundational aspects of minister qualifications for this research is established by examining the "husband of one wife" phrase as found within the scriptural text.
The Precedent Literature examines the main evangelical views on divorce and how these views all purport to be equally rooted in Scripture. In the same chapter, there is the consideration for confusion that results from the lack of perspicuity over the controversy of multiple divorce views.
A survey instrument is used in concert with the research concern in pursuit of ascertaining the views of divorce and the perceptions that influence the hiring protocols of ministers. The survey instrument utilizes a Likert-response scale with five responses. The responses are strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree.
The Analysis of Findings involves the compilation of the data, their findings, and the evaluation of the research design. The evaluation of the research design considers strengths and weaknesses in the current survey instrument. A series of twenty-three tables are positioned within the body of the text that displays the responses of participants and groups accordingly.
Found within the conclusions chapter, are the repeat of the research purpose along with implications and applications of this research. This work begins the process of examining whether or not the views of divorce as they impact ministers are biblical or just positions of bias. It is contended that a relationship exists between biblical interpretation of 1 Timothy 3;2, "husband of one wife" phrase and the hiring/calling protocols of ministers within the local church.