Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) Thesis Paper on Political Discipleship in the Local Church

Abstract

The author hypothesized that the direct teaching and discussion of the biblical concepts and commands of human flourishing and the common good would give Cornerstone Congregational Church a theological framework for engaging civilly in faith and politics. To test this hypothesis, the author taught a non-partisan ten-week sermon series on religion and politics and led an accompanying class discussion. Research study participants completed a pre-and-post survey to gauge effectiveness. The author concluded that all participants developed more of a theological framework for engaging in politics, some more than others. The author recommends pastors and churches engage in political discipleship.

You can access the pdf of the thesis paper here.

I completed this research project and D.Min defense at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS).

Teaching Series

How should Christians engage in faith and politics? Should we mix religion and politics? Should Christians always vote Republican or Democrat, pro-life or for the poor? Does God care about politics? What does the Bible say? You can watch the entire teaching series playlist on YouTube or start by watching the first teaching below.

Beholding Beauty: Worshiping God through the Arts Book Author Interviews Video

What do beauty and the arts have to do with worshipping God? What do painting, songwriting, fashion, ballet, perfume, and other art forms have to do with knowing God? Join me as I interview my co-authors of the book: Beholding Beauty: Worshiping God Through the Arts (aff link). You can watch the video in 4K or a lower resolution if preferred. 

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you define art and beauty?

2. Which art form resonates with you the most? Why?

3. What’s one new art form you could use to worship God?

Please check out the myriad of resource links in the YouTube video description.

If you would like to discuss this with your friends, small group, classroom, or other settings, here is a minute-long movie trailer you can use to advertise your discussion.

It is also available as a YouTube short and Instagram reel (vertical orientation) for texting or messaging more directly to your contacts.

Finally, if you like the song at the end of the video, The Power of a Song by Tyler Peters, you can watch just the song again on YouTube.

Thank you for beholding beauty! God bless.

In Christ, 

Jonathan Romig