This study is the product of research in the field of systematic theology, particularly the subject of women in ministry. The goal was to provide, given the scope and limits of the study, the most persuasive case for women elders (or “pastors”) from a Reformed-Evangelical approach to date. The primary means of accomplishing this goal is by making an analytically constructed argument that is both exegetically and theologically sound. The introduction outlines the study’s basic objectives, structure, research methods, assumptions, and overall direction. Two gives a detailed literature review of major publications on the subject of women ministry in order to track the movement of the debate. Three explores theological methods that addresses theological loci, the role of hermeneutics, and the theological-analytical structure and content of Reformed-Evangelical arguments for women elders. Chapter Four explores conceptual framework, which frames the specific, contemporary debate over women elders in Reformed-Evangelical circles, and then addresses the insights and challenges of feminist theology and Roman Catholic theology. The heart of the study is captured in three main chapters that present a case for women elders in the church. The first argument provides a detailed examination of the “prohibition passages” in the New Testament and concludes that they do not prohibit women from being elders. The second argument provides a sweeping account of the proclamation of the gospel in New Testament theology, and affirms that anti-women-elder readings and attitudes simply do not conform to the actions, attitudes, and teachings of the early church regarding gender and gospel-proclamation. Finally, the third section provides three additional arguments in favor of women elders. The first argument addresses the nature of hermeneutics and application of specific interpretations, the second addresses the nature of marriage and its relationship to church leadership, and the third deals with functions of women in NT ministry. The research concludes with Chapter Eight, which summarizes the argument and introduces practical ramifications if the study’s premises and conclusions are true. / Philosophy & Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Systematic Theology)

Darbo objektas – seniūnijų darbuotojų teikiamos konsultavimo paslaugos. Darbo tikslas – įvertinti seniūnijų darbuotojų teikiamų konsultavimo paslaugų kokybės analizę. Iškeltam tikslui pasiekti keliami šie uždaviniai: • Pateikti teoriją apie Lietuvos vietos savivaldos teorinius aspektus; • Išnagrinėti Lietuvos seniūnijų ir seniūnų veiklos teisinį reglamentavimą; • Išanalizuoti konsultavimo paslaugų kokybės koncepciją; • Atlikti Tauragės rajono savivaldybės administracijos seniūnijų darbuotojų teikiamų konsultavimo paslaugų kokybės tyrimą; • Parengti seniūnijų darbuotojų konsultavimo paslaugų teikimui tobulinimo modelį. Šiems uždaviniams spręsti buvo naudojami šie darbo metodai: literatūros šaltinių loginė analizė ir sintezė, indukcija ir dedukcija, grafinis vaizdavimas, anketinė apklausa, seniūnijų veiklos 2003-2008 m. ataskaitų analizė, Lietuvos Respublikos įstatymai ir apibendrinimo metodas. Tyrimo laikotarpis – 2003–2008 metai. / Research object - render consulting services of elderships workers. Research aim - assess the analysis quality of elderships workers rendering consulting services assay. Seeking the purpose, the tasks are: • Give theory about Lithuania self-government theoretical aspects; • Research the juridical regulation of Lithuania elderships and mayors activity; • Analyze the conception quality of consulting services; • Do the elderships workers consulting services quality research of Tauragė district municipality administration; • Prepare the perfection model of elderships workers consulting services. Research methods: logical analysis and synthesis of references, induction and deduction, graphic presentment, questionnaires, activity of elderships, analysis of 2003-2008 years accounts, Law of Lithuania Republic and the method of generalization. Research period - 2003-2008 years.

This study is the product of research in the field of systematic theology, particularly the subject of women in ministry. The goal was to provide, given the scope and limits of the study, the most persuasive case for women elders (or “pastors”) from a Reformed-Evangelical approach to date. The primary means of accomplishing this goal is by making an analytically constructed argument that is both exegetically and theologically sound. The introduction outlines the study’s basic objectives, structure, research methods, assumptions, and overall direction. Two gives a detailed literature review of major publications on the subject of women ministry in order to track the movement of the debate. Three explores theological methods that addresses theological loci, the role of hermeneutics, and the theological-analytical structure and content of Reformed-Evangelical arguments for women elders. Chapter Four explores conceptual framework, which frames the specific, contemporary debate over women elders in Reformed-Evangelical circles, and then addresses the insights and challenges of feminist theology and Roman Catholic theology. The heart of the study is captured in three main chapters that present a case for women elders in the church. The first argument provides a detailed examination of the “prohibition passages” in the New Testament and concludes that they do not prohibit women from being elders. The second argument provides a sweeping account of the proclamation of the gospel in New Testament theology, and affirms that anti-women-elder readings and attitudes simply do not conform to the actions, attitudes, and teachings of the early church regarding gender and gospel-proclamation. Finally, the third section provides three additional arguments in favor of women elders. The first argument addresses the nature of hermeneutics and application of specific interpretations, the second addresses the nature of marriage and its relationship to church leadership, and the third deals with functions of women in NT ministry. The research concludes with Chapter Eight, which summarizes the argument and introduces practical ramifications if the study’s premises and conclusions are true. / Philosophy and Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Systematic Theology)