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 examines how, as a result of the stringent rules Puritan society put of every aspect of its followers' lives, the religion began to lose many of its members, eventually leading to its demise. It also looks at how its worshippers began to reject the beliefs of the Congregational Church due to their inhospitable nature.

From the Paper
"Another contributing factor to Puritanism's collapse and perhaps the most determining aspect of the downfall was the foundation on which the religion was built on. The basis of Puritanism was a theory known as pre-destination, which was the belief that a select few, "the elect", had been destined for ascent into Heaven and all others were fated to burn in Hell, regardless of their behavior on Earth. Many colonists later shied away from this unshakeable damnation, not accepting the Puritan belief that no matter what their actions, they were destined for Hell."

Tags:congregational, church, colonists, witch

Abstract
This paper discusses the derivation of the basic structure of the Catholic Church from biblical texts and tradition as well as the range of types of church government from the centralization of power in the Catholic Church to much simpler structures for smaller church groups. The writer provides an overview of the history of church government, beginning with the apostles in the New Testament, and identifies three main models of church government: Episcopal, with presiding bishop/ archbishop councils; Presbyterial, with authority in the hands of the elders; and Congregational, with a democratic leadership of the church members. The writer also discusses the relationship of church and state and how it has changed through the centuries, particularly after the Reformation. The role of church government with regard to organizing and managing the church and deciding matters of church doctrine is also discussed. The paper concludes that the leadership of all churches, Catholic and Protestant, is under pressure today from followers for a variety of reasons.

Outline:
Introduction
The Early Church
The Catholic Church Government
Church Government and Secular Government
Government and Protestantism
Ongoing Changes
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Augustine saw government as a necessary control on earth, while the real power and guidance came from the City of god and not the City of Man. For Augustine, no government could create human happiness, and all that government could do was to place a limit on human evil by protecting the innocent and punishing the criminal. Government can perform its best effort by creating conditions on earth where the Church would be free to do its work of bringing people to God, for that is where human happiness really lies."

Tags:Eucharist, elders, Jesus, control, theology, anti-clericalism, Papacy, leadership, authority, Puritan

Abstract
The writer of this paper contends that Warren's main goal is to teach others about the cause of Christ. This paper details the contents of Warren's book while discussing the author's opinion regarding the myths attached with growing churches. The author tackles the argument that large churches are only concerned with attendance. This paper examines the church's general premise, which according to Warren, begins with a solid foundation, which builds morale and reduces frustration. Warren describes how churches can turn attenders into members, by implementing a plan that assimilates new members by focusing on congregational needs. This paper discusses Warren's suggestions and strategies for improving the current situation in churches across America. This paper also lists the five main purposes of the church, according to the author, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor and teaching obedience.

From the Paper
"The following section focuses on how a church becomes purpose driven. This begins with a solid foundation, which can be set forth with a purpose statement. This, in Warren's opinion, builds morale and reduces frustration. In addition, a church's purpose is not created as much as it is discovered. Purpose statements are biblical, specific, transferable, and measurable. In this section, Warren also goes over five purposes o the church, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor, making disciples, baptism, and teaching obedience. Warren also discusses communication and organizing the body of the church around the church's purpose. Part of this plan includes the five circles of commitment, which are community, crowd, congregation, the committed, and the core."

Tags:literature, american, review, church, christ, religion, theology

Abstract
The paper reviews "Peaceful Kingdoms" showing the importance of the town meeting and other influences of the community in Puritan New England that kept the peace and served as government, police, and voice of the community. Zuckerman first discusses the pre-eminence of the local community in provincial Massachusetts and how the community was shaped by the doctrine of congregational autonomy. He describes how these villages were settled and the form they took contributed to the development of a variety of institutions that we now identify as uniquely American, including the American version of democracy, the primacy of peace as a goal, and American capitalism. Zuckerman describes these communities, the life in them, the nature of the family, the modes of commerce of the time, and especially the decision-making processes in the community and how the people influenced one another in town meetings in order to get things done.

From the Paper
"The original American colonies can be divided into those in New England, those in the middle region of the country, and those in the South. The histories of each section were different, and though all were basically British by the time of the American Revolution, other European nations had founded or developed different parts of the New World. New England was developed by the British and the Dutch; the South was settled by the British, Spanish, and French at different times."

Tags:community, New-England, law, civil-affairs

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
Christianity was one of the many different religions competing for the attention of people of the Roman Empire during the first three centuries CE. The paper shows that its growth during this time was extraordinary, and by the early part of the fourth century CE, it would become the official religion of the Roman Empire. The paper shows that this growth can be accredited to several different facets of the religion: its universal acceptance of all people regardless of their pasts, the strong sense of community within its congregations, its duty to care for the weak, sick and needy, and the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus. The paper shows that, when combined with the great demographic shifts that were occurring in the Roman Empire, it is much easier to understand the extreme growth of the early Christian church.

From the Paper
"Another appealing aspect of early Christianity was the strong sense of community within its congregations. With the Roman Empire newly established, and the Romans being tolerant of different religious customs, many new immigrant groups moved into the area. Similar to any new group of individuals in a society, their goal was acceptance into the Roman society, to find a sense of belonging. Acceptance into the Christian church meant acceptance into a close-knit community."

Tags:hierarchy, faith, Messiah, disciples, congregation

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 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