Class 5 marks the halfway point in my five year DMin journey. This class begins a set of two classes on the subject of revitalizing the local church.  Interestingly, this first course was focussed more on the church’s relationship to the world instead of just dealing with the church and “itself”.  It seemed to take me and the class off guard as the title led one to think introspectively. But the move was ingenious in a way. How can one think about the church outside of its relationship to the world? If you read my final paper for the course you will note some theoretical concepts that are becoming particularly key for me. Moreover, we got into some serious sociological theory and skill development. Luther is serious about equipping its students with more than a modicum of sociological skill.  The final paper was a honing of skills that come out of Grounded Research Theory.  You will have to read the paper (or skim it) if you want to know more.  I attached three papers that were written for the course.

  • Global Civil Society and Globalization: This is my initial foray into the concepts of Global Civil Society and Globalization.  Well, I added Globalization. Surprisingly this is a particularly huge subject matter that I have, up until this point, in my theological journey, have not been so aware of.  This paper are my initial thoughts and beginnings. Perhaps it will get you started too.
  • Leadership reflections inspired by two authors: Clay Shirkey and Robert Bellah: Two good books. One is popular.  One is seminal. It is always sorta fun interacting with a couple of authors.  I really liked both texts and especially loved Clay’s theories about organizations.
  • Final Paper which explores the CSO partnerships existing at Pacific: This was a demanding paper.  I didn’t expect it but the research demand using Grounded Research Theory not only was a new experience but took me into new territory as far as research is concerned. I changed the names in the  paper so as to protect the innocent.  I changed the names to some of my favorite Aunts in my ethnic dutch tribe.
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