Thesis (M.S.)--Calvary Theological Seminary, 2000. / [Abstract]. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 138-141).

Thesis (M.S.)--Calvary Theological Seminary, 2000. / [Abstract]. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-158).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Erskine Theological Seminary, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [89]-92).

Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 2003. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-125).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 2002. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 194-197).

Thesis (Th.M.)--Calvin Theological Seminary, 2008. / Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-150) and abstract.

<p> Through the creation of a website, this pilot study sought to clarify the needs of clergy and lay counselors who provide marital preparation services. Research has shown that marital preparation is correlated with an increase in later marital stability and satisfaction and a decrease in later marital discord and dissolution (Carroll &amp; Doherty, 2003; Stanley, 2001; Stanley, Amato, Johnson, &amp; Markman, 2006; Wilmoth, 2006). However, clergy, the primary providers of marital preparation, are often asked to provide a service they have little time, training, or resources to effectively provide. This online resource attempts to bridge the gap between providers and research, offering (a) a comparative analysis of three prominent marital preparation assessment tools (PREPARE, RELATE, FOCCUS), (b) basic summary information of current marital preparation research, and (c) relevant resources for a wide range of couples. Clergy, lay counselors, and professional therapists currently providing marital preparation services were asked to evaluate the clarity, organization, and relevance of the website via a brief online survey comprised of Likert-scale and open-ended questions.</p>

This study deals with the role of 'self’ within the context of the family, from a pastoral point of view. A number of questions arise within the topic, including: • What is meant by 'self from psychology's point of view? . • What is meant by 'self from a Biblical point of view? • What is the role of 'self within the context of the family? Psychology has wrestled with the concept of 'self since the days of the ancient Greek philosophers where 'self was deemed to be the core of personality. Psychology's current viewpoint is that it is difficult to define 'self as various fields of study within psychology ascribe various meanings to the word, and 'self is often interpreted from a behaviouristic point of view. The result is that a universally accepted definition of 'self is lacking, and 'self is often described within the parameters of a reflexive noun, i.e. 'self-image', 'self-worth' and 'self-concept'. Theology defines 'self as the soul of man that was given to him by God as a dichotomous part of his creation. Scripture refers to the soul as the person's 'heart', 'life', his 'mind' and 'himself, indicating that the soul of man is also his 'self. Scripture also indicates that the original sinless 'self’ enjoyed perfect harmony with God and creation and his spouse, Eve. Since the fall of man destroyed this situation and brought him in to a situation where the ever-present debilitating effect of sin ruled his life and relations, it is only the redemption offered in Christ that can amend this situation. The aim of this study was to utilize the guidelines posited by Zerfas, to investigate the meta- and basis-theoretical perspectives of 'self and to develop a practice-theory for pastoral theology. Research indicated that, as 'self refers to the soul and heart of man, and this is in turn has direct implications for his relationship with God and other family members, counselling people in regard to 'self also means a journey into the spiritual life of the counselee. Healing the wounded 'self is connected to the Biblical concept of sanctification, and similar strategies and methods can be employed. The conclusion of this research is that individuals who suffer from a dysfunctional 'self, or, interchangeably, dysfunctional relationships within the family can be assisted to overcome these problems and enjoy a restored relationship with God. / Thesis (M.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

This study deals with the role that 'failure' plays in the lives of people, as seen from a pastoral-theological perspective. In this respect, a number of questions presented themselves, including; How the phenomenon known as 'failure' is viewed within the community of the secular sciences? How is the phenomenon known as 'failure' viewed from a Biblical point of view? Can 'failure' be reversed and turned into something beneficial? In the secular world, a 'failure' is seen as someone who does not live up to expectations, or to a person who continually make mistakes and who does not learn from the experience. There is scant room in the secular world for 'failure', and there is an enormous amount of pressure on individuals in society to be 'successful.' This peer pressure to conform to certain expectations carries with it a corresponding fear of 'failure', and therefore being rejected by society. Scripture would appear to view 'failure' in a more lenient light, but at the same time, carries a wider connotation to 'failure' than society does. The purpose of this study is to investigate what is meant by 'failure', both from a basis-theoretical and a meta-theoretical perspective, in accordance with Zerfass's model, in order to develop a counselling model, designed to assist counsellors in the counselling of people who suffer from the effects of 'failure'. The basis-theoretical part of this study found that Scripture does not recognise the phenomenon we call 'failure', apart from man missing God's mark, and sinning. The greatest, or worst form of 'failure' encountered in Scripture is indicative of the sinner not accepting the redemptive work of Christ, and being condemned to perish in eternal damnation. What is colloquially known as 'failure', Scripture treats as stepping stones to success and sanctification. The meta-theoretical part of this investigation brought up an interesting thought: that 'failure' was learned behaviour, a negative set of values that society impresses upon individuals to they must conform to. Where 'failure' is experienced, society teaches the person to cope with 'failure' by utilizing inherent strengths and negating weaknesses, rather than exploring the 'failure' in an endeavour to mine the salient values that are present. From an empirical research, using hermeneutic-phenomenological principles, a model was developed that is intended to assist the counsellor in reversing counselee 'failure' into success. The conclusion of this research is that while broader society may not have an answer to 'failure', pastoral-theology is perfectly positioned to assist with the counselling of people who deem themselves to be 'failures’. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.