| dc.description.abstract | This project explores the importance of the local church in God's plan of redemption as the means of deepening relationships among the congregants. The project seeks to design a framework for developing biblically healthy church members who are aware of God's plans for the church and the cultural forces that erode enjoyment of participating in his plan.
Chapter 1 presents the purpose, goals, context, rationale, definitions, and limitations of the project.
Chapter 2 discusses the biblical and theological perspectives on the importance of the community of God. This chapter develops the historical role of the community of God as presented in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Specifically, this chapter explores the community of God as a holy, worshipping, and missional community.
Chapter 3 considers contemporary influences shaping the Western church. This chapter delves into the influence individualism and consumerism has on the attitudes of many church congregants.
Chapter 4 explains the four key phases of the "Deepening Covenant Relationship" project. Attention is given to the ten-week teaching series, and the development and implementation of the church membership curriculum and the church covenant. Finally this chapter describes the process of moving individuals into committed membership at the Church On Randall Place.
Chapter 5 provides an evaluation of the project goals. Strengths and weaknesses are considered, as well as alterations that could be made to strengthen the project for future use. This project asserts that a strong ecclesiology is necessary for a church to be healthy and for congregants to develop strong relationships. One's theology affects one's behavior. | en_US |
