Date
5-2005
Department
Seminary
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Ronald Hawkins
Primary Subject Area
Religion, Clergy; Religion, General
Disciplines
Religion
Recommended Citation
Rummage, Aaron J., "A Model for Pastoral Care and Shepherding of a Large and Growing Church" (2005). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 213.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/213
Abstract
This study addresses the challenges related to the care giving ministry of New Lire Church located in LaPlata, Maryland. This revitalized church has grown from 60 attendees in 1999 to over 1,100 by 2004. The growth has led to many challenges, including the development of a shepherding strategy that will meet the needs of the congregation. The leadership team sought to answer the question of an appropriate shepherding strategy through examining scriptures, reviewing the history of shepherding and evaluating current models of care giving used in large Wesleyan churches. Additionally, a survey of pastoral care methodology employed in large Wesleyan churches was undertaken. From the survey and review of literature, a plan for pastoral care for New Life Church was developed. A primary result of our study revealed the need for a paradigm shift from clergy to laypersons as primary caregivers.
