Spiritual Transformation at Austin Christian Church

116 Pages·2017·2.79 MB·English

Abilene Christian University
Digital Commons @ ACU
Doctor of Ministry Project/Teses Doctor of Ministry
5-2018
Spiritual Transformation at Austin Christian
Church
David Hooper
ABSTRACT
This project was designed to meet a need at the Austin Christian Church (ACC)
for enhancing the spiritual formation of new converts to Christianity by providing clear
direction for mentors seeking to disciple others into the image of Christ. The scope of this
project is focused directly on taking the first steps toward a deliberate pathway for
spiritual formation by establishing the foundational principles. The apostle Paul’s
pastoral theology provides the theological rationale for the project. Theosis, the
theologically rich description of the Christian transformative process, also informs the
theological foundation for the project. Drawing on the work of Richard Foster and Urban
Holmes, the project consults the rich history of Christian spiritual formation to guide a
pathway that is balanced and honors important aspects of each spiritual tradition.
The intervention was conducted using a purposeful sample of members at ACC.
The diverse development team was chosen from amongst the small group leaders at ACC
to create a pathway for spiritual formation. The immediate objective of the project was to
establish a short list of themes, or pillars, upon which a pathway for spiritual formation
might be constructed. The intervention was intended to draw upon the experience of
mature Christian leaders, allowing their lived experience to work in concert with biblical
theology to outline steps in order to guide mentors in the process of maturing new
Christians. The intervention yielded a list of seven pillars that after processing the data
were reduced to four: 1) knowing the triune God, 2) understanding identity in Christ, 3)
living in a community of faith, and 4) embracing mission. These four pillars will form the
foundation of a clear pathway for spiritual formation that will include studies, exercises,
and experiences intended to produce maturity in young Christians.
Spiritual Transformation at Austin Christian Church
A Thesis
Presented to
The Faculty of the Graduate School of Theology
Abilene Christian University
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Ministry
By
David Hooper
May 2018
This thesis, directed and approved by the candidate's committee, has been
accepted by the Graduate Council of Abilene Christian University in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Ministry
~~~-
Assistant Provost
Date
Thesis Committee
Dr. David Wray, Chair
Dr~~
To my beautiful wife, Angela, who has been my constant companion and partner
on this journey. Her love, support, and compassion have made me a better person and a
better minister.
To my three beautiful daughters who are my absolute pride and joy. They all
carry themselves with an uncommon sincerity, compassion, and grace.
To my spiritual family at Austin Christian Church. They have been the best
“village” that anyone could want. Their impact on my life has been immeasurable.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................v
I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................1
Title of the Project ...................................................................................................1
Ministry Context ......................................................................................................2
Theology Frame ...........................................................................................2
Ecology Frame .............................................................................................4
Culture and Identity Frame ..........................................................................7
Process Frame ............................................................................................10
Resource Frame .........................................................................................12
Leadership Frame .......................................................................................12
Statement of Problem .............................................................................................17
Statement of Purpose .............................................................................................18
Basic Assumptions .................................................................................................18
Definitions, Delimitations, and Limitations ...........................................................18
Conclusion .............................................................................................................19
II. THEOLOGICAL AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ..................................20
Theological Foundations ........................................................................................20
Pauline Pastoral Theology .........................................................................20
1 Corinthians 9:19–23: Paul’s Mission in His Own Words .......................25
Theosis: A Theological Construct for Transformation ..............................27
Application of Theosis ...............................................................................31
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Transformation ...........................32
Structures for Communal Formation .........................................................34
Theoretical Foundations .........................................................................................35
Urban Holmes: Circle of Sensibility ..........................................................36
Richard Foster: Streams of Spirituality ......................................................37
Maturation, Kenosis, and Differentiation ...................................................39
Conclusion .............................................................................................................44
III. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................46
Qualitative Research ..............................................................................................46
Participatory Action Research ...............................................................................47
Overview of Project Intervention ...........................................................................48
The Development Team .............................................................................49
The Sessions...............................................................................................50
Session 1 ........................................................................................50
Session 2 ........................................................................................51
Session 3 ........................................................................................53
Session 4 ........................................................................................55
Session 5 ........................................................................................57
Session 6 ........................................................................................58
Session 7 ........................................................................................59
Evaluation ..............................................................................................................59
Procedures for Data Collection ..................................................................59
Procedures for Data Analysis .....................................................................60
Insider Angle ..................................................................................61
Outsider Angle ...............................................................................61
Researcher Angle ...........................................................................61
Conclusion .............................................................................................................63
IV. FINDINGS AND RESULTS .................................................................................64
Walk with God .......................................................................................................65
Identity ...................................................................................................................67
Spiritual Disciplines ...............................................................................................68
Relationships ..........................................................................................................70
Mission ...................................................................................................................72
Sacrificial Life .......................................................................................................74
Holy Spirit ..............................................................................................................75
Additional Observations ........................................................................................76
Conclusion .............................................................................................................78
V. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS .............................................................79
Interpretations ........................................................................................................79
Trustworthiness ......................................................................................................81
Applicability ..............................................................................................81
Credibility ..................................................................................................82
Reflexivity ..................................................................................................82
Significance and Implications ................................................................................83
Sustainability..............................................................................................83
Personal Significance .................................................................................84
Ecclesial Significance ................................................................................85
Theological Significance ...........................................................................85
Final Considerations ..............................................................................................86
Conclusion .............................................................................................................87
BIBLIOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................89
APPENDIX A: IRB Exemption Letter ..................................................................93
APPENDIX B: Spiritual Types Inventory .............................................................94
APPENDIX C: Consent Form ...............................................................................96
APPENDIX D: Non-Participant Questionnaire .....................................................99
APPENDIX E: Development Team Exit Questionnaire .....................................100
APPENDIX F: Note-Taking Protocol .................................................................101
APPENDIX G: Appreciative Inquiry Exercise ....................................................102
APPENDIX H: Session 2 Report by Subgroup ...................................................103
APPENDIX I: Session 2 Report: Subgroups Combined .....................................104