A dissertation submitted to
the Faculty of McMaster Divinity College
in partial fulfilment ofthe requirements
for the degree of Doctor of Practical Theology / Board members and pastors in Canadian Protestant churches need a stronger
theological foundation for the practice of evaluating what “success” means for the local
church. The Canadian church exists in a post-Christendom context where significant
shifts have taken place relative to its perceived value and prominence in Canadian
culture, which has sparked new interest in examining ministry fruitfulness. Within this
context, the skill of conducting a theologically sound organizational evaluation will
become a critical practice.
This practical theology project follows the methodology of Richard Osmer,
giving prominence to practice-led research as an over-arching paradigm. Empirical
research, biblical interpretation, and theological reflection are key features ofthis
project, which the researcher approached from the perspective of a consultant to church
board leaders. Primary research was conducted among pastors and board members of
Canadian Protestant churches to provide a research-informed understanding of
evaluation criteria, processes, and tools currently used; theological principles, biblical
passages, and spiritual practices that guide the evaluation process; and barriers or
obstacles experienced. The messages to the seven churches in Rev 2-3 were used as an evaluation
paradigm, which was tested, refined, and validated in research with five case study
churches. Within these messages, Christ set out criteria for evaluation as well as an
evaluation process methodology. Christ exhorted the seven churches to maintain a
faithful witness, practice love, and produce fruitful service. Christ also warned them
about the dangers of assimilating with culture as well as the importance of being
attentive and diligent about false teachers and influencers within their churches. The
evaluation methodology modelled in the literary form ofthe messages provides a Christcentric pathway for ministry evaluation. Christ’s evaluation methodology includes an
acknowledgement ofChrist’s sovereignty, a context specific evaluation, an authoritative
and aligned evaluation, a balanced approach of commendation and exhortation, a call to
action, the practice of discernment, and a focus on the long-term mission of God. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/28669 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Creators | Card, Heather A. |
| Contributors | Beach, Lee, Divinity College |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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