Date

12-7-2023

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Jeffrey L. Cockrell

Keywords

Mentor, Mentorship, New believers, Young believers, Discipleship, Mentee, Protégé, Mentorship program, Mentorship culture, Discipleship culture, training

Disciplines

Religion

Abstract

A major spiritual crisis exists in the Christian church due to the lack of care and attention given to new believers. Although many churches provide conversion opportunities, they may not prioritize discipleship and support for those who are new to the faith. Consequently, some new believers resign their faith when faced with difficulties, while others may struggle without crucial elements of their faith and doctrine, causing obstacles in their future spiritual journeys. This thesis project argues that having a New Believers Mentorship Ministry is vital and effective in addressing these issues. The project coordinator has three specific expectations for the project. First, the project coordinator recruited eight candidates, who were evaluated and matched as mentors and mentees based on criteria, forming four groups. Second, the project coordinator trained the mentors and established an eight-week mentoring session via Zoom based on a new believer curriculum. The curriculum consisted of weekly readings in Mark, introductory biblical topics, study questions, and prayer. Lastly, the project coordinator evaluated the participants using assessments, interviews, and focus groups in order to assess the progress of the new believers and adjust aspects of the project. The project coordinator focused research on creating a mentoring culture within the local church, mentor-mentee matching, and a new believer curriculum focused on a mentoring partnership. The evaluation portion of the project revealed a notable increase in the self-assurance and spiritual development of both new believers and their mentors.

Download

Included in

Religion Commons

Share

COinS