Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

College

Barnett College of Ministry & Theology

Department

Department of Christian Ministries and Religion

Primary Advisor

Dr. Robby Waddell

Second Advisor

Dr. Rickey A. Cotton

Third Advisor

Dr. Jeremy Sims

Abstract

From political division and culture wars to moral failures, it has become increasingly evident over the last few decades that the Church in North America has a formation problem. This project aims to tackle the issue of discipleship and formation by exploring the development and application of a practical, spirit-led model of spiritual formation for the 21st-century North American Church. By drawing on the rich traditions of monastic, mystical, and sacramental spirituality, this project seeks to create a Pentecostal model of spiritual formation that is communal, charismatic, and embodied, revealing that discipleship is not an end in itself but a means toward union with Christ. With union with Christ as the clear goal of the Christian life, this project emphasizes how Pentecostalism will be positively impacted through reconnecting itself to its ancient past. To accomplish this goal, the researcher will conduct a thorough survey of both ancient and contemporary literature on spiritual formation and assimilate the ideas into a Pentecostal model of formation. Following the development of the formation model, the researcher will conduct a qualitative research study via a seminar presented at Georgetown First Assembly of God in Georgetown, SC. With the seminar and literary research complete, this project will seek to explore implications for the broader Church, with the aim of helping churches and church leaders learn to renounce the dominant script and live by a counterscript, becoming less driven by programs and more driven by practices that move congregations towards union with Christ.

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