Date

10-16-2024

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Danny E. Allen

Keywords

worldview, apologetics, leadership, African American, black church, expository, urban apologetics, training, community, church leadership, worldview development, syncretism

Disciplines

Religion

Abstract

Historically, African Americans have grappled with questions of identity, a struggle initially precipitated by the diaspora. Over time, this ongoing struggle has led many to seek answers from various sources, each of which has influenced and shaped their worldview. In response to this ongoing identity crisis, the African American church has traditionally served as a stabilizing force, emphasizing that identity is rooted in the image of God, as affirmed by the Bible. However, today’s African American church faces significant insider threats from other African American-based groups that promote counter-biblical and anti-Christian narratives regarding identity. These threats have infiltrated the church, where leaders and members are often inadequately equipped to address these ideas. This action research project addresses this issue directly by developing and implementing a targeted biblical worldview training model. This model integrates theological education, apologetics, and practical application, enabling leaders to guide members in cultivating a biblically grounded worldview. The innovative three-part model (i.e., Inform, Defend, and Shape) focuses on three core areas: informing leaders about specific cultural threats to the Christian biblical worldview, equipping them with the tools to defend this worldview, and providing resources to shape the Christian biblical worldview of others through expository teaching and preaching. Collectively, these elements enhance the African American church’s capacity to respond to contemporary challenges, fortifying its role as a beacon of truth in an increasingly complex cultural landscape.

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