Date
11-2019
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Jeffrey Linwood Cockrell
Keywords
Misconduct, Christian Ministries, Neglect, Believers, Followers
Disciplines
Christianity | Religion
Recommended Citation
Delgado, Fabio, "Believers But Not Followers: The Unstoppable Misconduct And Neglect Of Christians Outside Ministries Duties" (2019). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 2247.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/2247
Abstract
Christianity is embedded in moral conduct, values, and norms which require believers to project a Christ-like nature. While the whole concept of Christianity is embodied in faith and righteousness, the current generation of believers has exhibited an increased state of secularism which contradicts biblical morals and drifts them further from the religious faith. This research stems from the increasingly common notion of “believers but not followers,” where Christians wittingly abandon their ministerial duties and engage in misconduct. The selection of this topic emanates from the deep concern regarding the rising trend of hypocrisy among believers and mainly propagated by events and factors within the social scene. To adequately address the study problem, the researcher sought to answer the question of why most Christians are mere believers, but not followers, and the ways through which the issue can be resolved. The objectives dwelt on determining the precipitating factors, the extent of the problem, and effective mitigation approaches. The mixed-method research was preferred due to the capacity to depict both quantitative and qualitative data outcomes, collected through semi-structured questionnaires. The outcome substantiated the claims of unstoppable misconduct among Christians in the ministry. The recommended mitigation approaches include unity among Christian denominations, installation of positive values, responsible use of the internet and social media, and intensified gospel preaching. It is envisaged that the outcome will equip Christian believers with knowledge regarding the appropriate conduct, thereby, enabling them to be able to resist temptations at different levels and experience spiritual growth. The findings bridge the knowledge gap regarding the notion of “believers but not followers” in the social scene.
