Multicultural churches : how do they facilitate spiritual growth and health? / [print]
by Julie Tofilon.
- (c)2011.
- 187 leaves ; 28 cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
CD-R, PDF file.
This dissertation covers the topic of continental United States multi-ethnic/multicultural churches, and how they can more effectively foster spiritual growth and transformation amongst their congregation. The purpose, then, of the research and analysis involved, is to discover the factors which contribute to spiritual growth and health, in order to see true spiritual transformation occur within these congregations. Conclusions of the study are as follows: First, trust and rapport must be established in the community, as the basis of evangelism. Second, principles and practices of spiritual formation must emphasize relationships and community. Third, when measuring spiritual growth, leaders must use cross-cultural "lenses," while also observing universal evidence of character transformation. Fourth, leaders need to recognize and overcome obstacles to spiritual growth in their own, local, context; Fifth, worship needs to be diverse, as well as intentionally emphasized as a vital means of spiritual transformation; Sixth, leadership should be diverse, as well as spiritually mature and competent; Seventh, pastors/leaders need to employ a wide variety of intentional and culturally-sensitive conflict-resolution strategies, on both the personal and group level; Eighth, reconciliation and true fellowship, as both a facilitator and indicator of spiritual transformation, needs to be an intentional goal; Ninth, demographics do not make a significant difference with regard to effective spiritual formation; Tenth, above all else, the Holy Spirit must be acknowledged and sought as the primary source and power of spiritual transformation.
Spiritual transformation. Spiritual life--Growth. Church growth.