Equipping Disciples Through Sermon Application Groups at the Protestant Chapel, Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract

ABSTRACT

EQUIPPING DISCIPLES THROUGH SERMON APPLICATION

GROUPS AT THE PROTESTANT CHAPEL, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

Lane Joel Creamer, D.Min.

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Terry J. Betts

The project examines the effectiveness of using Sermon Application Groups to equip disciples with the knowledge and skills necessary to become mature disciples in Christ.

Chapter 1 provides the purpose, goals, ministry context, rationale, definitions, and limitations of the project.

Chapter 2 examines the biblical and theological foundations for the application of Holy Scripture. It answers the fundamental question of what does Scripture say about the application of Scripture to the disciple's life.

Chapter 3 explores the theoretical and practical use of biblical application. It establishes the vital importance of application in the preaching and teaching of Scripture and the purpose and description of a Sermon Application Group.

Chapter 4 presents details on the implementation of the project though each of the three phases, to include a pre- and post-sermon series questionnaire, expository sermon series, Sermon Application Group meetings, and After Action Review.

Chapter 5 provides analysis of the project's effectiveness through descriptive and inferential statistics including the evaluation of the project's purpose and goals. Further, strengths and weaknesses are described to help aid others who implement this project in their ministry.