Abstract
This paper examines the difficulties in creating a multi-denominational and multicultural congregation. The author lists the major factors for creating such a congregation and provides an historical overview of Pentecostal, Christian, Caucasian and African-American, Roman Catholic, and Messianic congregation to support his opinion.

From the Paper
"Creating a truly multi-denominational, multicultural, congregation from the ground up is a difficult challenge. Part of this has to do with the fact that historically, a cultures identity gets lost in the loss of ritual and community. A charismatic congregation seems to have the most open forum for spiritual expression it allows for a good foundation for which to build a healthy non-restrictive congregation due to the fact that its doctrines and practices allow for the individual take part in an individual's own representation of worship. Thirdly, some of its philosophies are very widely excepted, and easily translatable between denominations, religions, and cultures. However, charismatic congregations alone do not foster multicultural fortitude.

Along with the good foundation of charismatic ideals, there needs to be an active and dynamic set of standards to foster and nurture this sense of multicultural congruency within the congregation. In defining some of these ideas, as well as exploring the history of effective multicultural denominations and observing some the culture in these congregations, in particular Roman Catholicism, Pentecostal, in particular congregations with primarily Baltic Russian and African-American background, and Messianic Judaism, correlations can be made as to effective ideals, practices and doctrines for a charismatic multicultural congregation."

Tags:Pentecostal, Christian, Caucasian, African, American, Roman, Catholic, Messianic, Judaism, worship, church, Jesus, Buddhism, Islam, Eastern, God, miracles, cultural

Abstract
This paper describes the phenomena of small groups in modern churches as subsets of larger congregations. It further discusses how to best go about starting and implementing small groups in a congregation. The philosophy behind establishing small groups is also explored at length.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine the issue of small groups in the church. The plan of the research will be to set forth the philosophy behind establishing small groups involved in the workings of church life and then to discuss optimal ways of implementing that philosophy with a view toward identifying ways in which such groups could facilitate the work of the church's ministry. Small Group Philosophy: In the United States compared to other industrialized nations church attendance and the number of people who describe..."

Tags:Small groups, congregation, churches, Philosophy of small groups, implementation of small groups

Abstract
This paper studies the life, work and influence of Jack Hyles, the pastor of the largest Independent Baptist church in the world. As leader of the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, Hyles was a prolific writer and religious philosopher. This paper assesses the influence of Jack on Christianity in America through a review of his preaching and prayer life. The paper also explores Hyles' leadership style and the legacy of the youth and volunteer initiatives he began in Indiana.

Outline
The Influence of Jack Hyles
I. Introduction
II. Preaching
A. Preparing sermons
B. Manner of preaching
C. Understanding the congregation
III. Prayer
A. Praying for sermons
B. Praying for others
C. Praying for himself
IV. Leadership
A. Outreach
B. Initiating programs
C. Setting an example
V. Conclusion

From the Paper
"Jack Hyles encouraged others to go into the field of ministry if they felt God was leading them to do so. He published books explaining what he felt were the best ways to reach a congregation. His literature describes how to prepare for a sermon, what manner to keep while preaching, and the importance of understanding the congregation. Hyles suggested simplicity when outlining a sermon as he felt an outline that is too detailed would give listeners too much to remember. He also described how he often would make up songs to keep the truth of the message from his upcoming sermon in his mind. When delivering his message, Hyles often included words, superlatives, experiences, names, places, and rituals that warmed his heart to keep himself in the right manner of delivery. He always made sure to be careful with his eyes, the use of his hands, manner of dress, facial expressions, and pulpit behavior to ensure he was delivering in a manner appropriate to earn his congregation's trust. His concentration seemed to pay off, as his manner of preaching was described as "exciting and practical." This manner affected people so much that after a sermon one day, a custodian came to him in tears to let him know how much he reminded him of his old preacher."

Tags:prayer, preaching, sermons, first, baptist, indiana, texas, Christianity, leader, religious, congregation

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that a minister's responsibility is not merely to convey the gospel, as for that purpose, a parishioner could merely turn to the text. Instead, a minister's pastoral responsibility is to provide guidance to the members of a congregation, depending on their immediate spiritual needs. A minister must also creatively respond to the individual's unique social needs and take into consideration where he is located in his personal life journey history. Today, young people are faced with tremendous moral challenges about what makes a meaningful Christian life. The writer discusses that, although from a minister's view, the underlying message of finding fulfilling devotion in serving Christ may be the same for all Christians, the way that message is conveyed must be tailored to suit a person's current stage of development. The writer maintains that children must learn the gospel from stories that invigorate and excite them and older people must learn about the ministry in a way that suits their needs and life challenges, such as retirement and relating to their grandchildren.

From the Paper
" It is important to recognize that children are children, that young people are no longer children, and that adults are seeking to better relate to their children. Today, young people may have the difficult task of going to a competitive institution of learning, have to face the pressure of work, classes, and the social pressures of peers, and still find a way of leading a meaningful life. Adults may face the pressures of balancing work, school, and home life. Even today's children have seen their country go to war, and may have had friends or loved ones participate in that war and may ask, how can God allow this to happen, how is the world still good. All must learn to exercise their critical thinking faculties, and in fact are likely to want to do so, and will do so amongst themselves, without prodding, even though young children may be silent upon such topics in the presence of adults. Ministers must find a way of creating a safe, directional, and nonjudgmental yet still faith-based place for all of these age groups to express spiritual concerns in a way that they will be 'heard.'"

Tags:congregation, devotion, Christ, community

Abstract
This paper analyzes Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story about a minister's life. This minister preaches his regular sermon in church usually in an uninspiring way until one Sunday, he shows up with a black veil on his face. This paper discusses the effects this had on his congregation and its symbolism. It details how Hawthorne's story, and the veil itself, is a metaphor for all of our sins and transgressions.

From the Paper
"Hawthorne's short story is deceptively simple. He tells the tale of a minister, Parson Hooper, who comes to church one Sunday wearing a black veil over his face. Nothing else about him has changed, but this veil frightens the worshipers, and sets off all kinds of rumors, including that Parson Hooper has gone mad. "Such was the effect of this simple piece of crepe, that more than one woman of delicate nerves was forced to leave the meetinghouse. Yet perhaps the pale-faced congregation was almost as fearful a sight to the minister, as his black veil to them." As he preaches his sermon, the congregation seems to find this sermon special, and somehow it touches each one. Hawthorne says that Hooper was normally a rather "uninspired" preacher, and today was no exception, but the people perceive his words differently. They frighten many of them. "Each member of the congregation, the most innocent girl, and the man of hardened breast, felt as if the preacher had crept upon them, behind his awful veil, and discovered their hoarded iniquity of deed or thought." Perhaps Hooper's words are hitting a little close to home, and people are seeing some of the things they cover up in their own lives, as Hooper covers his face with the veil."

Tags:minister, black, veil, Nathaniel, Hawthorne, congregation, preach, sermon, sins

Abstract
This essay details the personal journey C.S. Lewis embarked on with the Christian church. There are many references taken from his published works regarding his belief on faith and prayer and the need for personal development both within a congregation and outside the church. The main examination of this essay, however, focuses on Lewis's opinion of the church as an institution and whether such an institution is conducive to the development of a personal relationship with God.

From the Paper
"Clive Staples Lewis has become known as one of contemporary society's most distinguished Christian authors. Lewis emphasized the continuing Christian experience in almost all of his books, whether they be fictitious in nature, such as The Screwtape Letters, or autobiographical, such as Surprised By Joy. Despite an early intolerance for the Church because of its institutionalized nature, Lewis stressed in his later works the importance of attending Church as a part of the Christian experience. Therefore, although he believed the Church had problems as an institution, he believed that it was still an important vehicle for experiencing the mystical side of religion and coming into contact with God."

Tags:institution, spirituality, theism, lifestyle, converted, mystical, community, congregational, life

Abstract
This paper discusses parish nursing, which attempts to integrate the practices of faith and nursing. The writer explains that in addition to traditional nursing duties, the parish nurse also has responsibilities with regard to the spiritual health of her congregation. In 1988 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church formed the Office of National Health Ministries to promote health by assisting congregations in areas that have been neglected by religious ministries in the past, such as mental health issues, concerns of the elderly, and substance abuse or violence. The parish nurse is an invaluable part of this mission. Various programs that have been established for the training of parish nurses are described, as well as the role that a parish nurse has in a congregation. The paper concludes that at a time when healthcare is a growing concern for almost everyone, parish nurses are providing a needed service that helps to prevent illness and alleviate stress in any medical situation.

Outline:
Definition and Introduction
The Health Ministry
Training
Roles and Services
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A parish nurse is at the forefront of the movement to restore physical healing to the realm of the faith community. About 40 percent of all Americans attend weekly service at a church or synagogue. [Olin] Parish nurses cater to the health-related needs of these people, but more importantly, they assist these people in learning to take charge of their own healthcare. Parish nurses are registered nurses who use their education, experience and skills to facilitate the health care of these people in a particular congregation. In addition to the skills practiced by other registered nurses, the parish nurse focuses on the entire person in his/her emphasis on promoting health, including preventative measures to maintain physical wellness and focus on a healthy spirituality."

Tags:health-related, disease, minister, religious, atmosphere, development, group

Abstract
The paper examines Charles Campbell's "The Word Before the Powers" that focuses upon how preaching must incorporate an awareness of, and resistance to, the role of demonic powers in the world today. The paper discusses how the author situates this argument in terms of historic trends in emphases in preaching, noting that the triad - preacher, congregation, and God - have remained dominant both in congregation centred preaching and the neo-Orthodox focus on the Word of God (Campbell 68). However, the paper also looks at how the author notes how the teaching of preaching throughout history, as well as its practice, has long incorporated an awareness of demonic powers in fostering evil in the world, such as: war, discrimination, racism, economic disparity and dispossession (Campbell 6-20; 69-70).

From the Paper
"Charles Campbell's "The Word Before the Powers" focuses upon how preaching must incorporate an awareness of, and resistance to, the role of demonic powers in the world today. The author situates this argument in terms of historic trends in emphases in preaching, noting that the triad - preacher, congregation, and God - have remained dominant both in congregation centred preaching and the neo-Orthodox focus on the Word of God (Campbell 68). However, the author notes how the teaching of preaching throughout history, as well as its practice, has long incorporated an awareness of demonic powers in fostering evil in the world, such as: war,..."

Tags:theology, god, sermons

Abstract
This paper discusses how in Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts the apostles are confronted with the mission of growing a flock of faithful that will serve and spread the word of God. The evolution of this process was founded in a devotion to the Lord and the willingness of those souls present to focus their lives on their new association with Christianity. The paper further discusses how throughout time, church leaders have made attempts to increase the size of their congregations using a variety of methods, many of which have been based on greed rather than a focus on God. Other methods have received worldwide acclaim for their business approach to religious organization and their focus on building a congregation far beyond the realm of the local community.

Tags:religion, growth, church

Abstract
This paper describes the actions of Jack Hyles, past pastor of the largest Independent Baptist church in the world, that have influenced the Baptist community. It describes how he affected people with his preaching, his prayer, and his leadership.

From the paper:

"Jack Hyles was the pastor of the largest Independent Baptist church in the world. While he was alive, Hyles was described as the "innovative pastor of one of the country's largest congregations" as he led the people of the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. Although he has passed away, his teachings still hold valuable lessons for any follower of Christ. Through his sermons as well as the books he has published, Jack Hyles continues his challenge to win the souls of those who have not yet come to Christ."

Table of Contents

Introduction
Thesis: Jack Hyles influenced America through his preaching, his prayer life, and his leadership.
Preaching
Preparing sermons
Manner of preaching
Understanding the congregation
Prayer
Praying for sermons
Praying for others
Praying for himself
Leadership
Outreach
Initiating programs
Setting an example
Conclusion

Tags:baptist, christianity, pastor, preacher, religion