Date

4-7-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Daniel S Steffen

Keywords

Conflict, Small group Bible Study, Church Reconciliation, Church Leadership, Unity

Disciplines

Christianity | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Many local churches in America today have problems in their ministries. The problems may stem from the untimely action or inaction by the church leaders, including ordained pastors and laity. Other problems are simple misunderstandings, such as a congregant not being reimbursed for funds used for a church event. This thesis research project will present biblical teachings on reconciliation, provide a framework for resolving financial misunderstandings in the church, and foster unity among its groups. It is important to know God’s reasons for being reconciled in the fellowship of the church. The triangular methodology employed uses specific scripture passages that are tailored toward the specific local church problem. It is believed that the thesis action research project, which proposes that if six one-hour small group Bible studies were utilized to address the local conflict by applying Scripture’s principles of reconciliation, can heal conflicts over unreimbursed church funds and strengthen harmony within the congregation. Bible verses that teach peace, unity, reconciliation, and fellowship would be used specifically in the Bible studies that need the reconciliation and unity of the local church. The pre-observation and post-observation questionnaires indicated that eighty-eight percent of the participants reversed their one-hundred percent demand for the reimbursement of the funds used for a church event. Only twelve percent of the participants did not change their pre-observation stance. The results will demonstrate that other local churches would benefit from the thesis action project using biblical principles tailored toward specific local problems.

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