Category
Theoretical Proposal
Description
This study examines the lived experiences of Deaf pastors across the United States to identify gaps of resources and technical Deaf ministry training and better understand how dDeaf pastors are being equipped to lead dDeaf churches. For the purposes of this study the capitalization of Deaf refers to culturally deaf individuals and the term dDeaf refers to the entire dDeaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. In the United States and around the globe, it is common for the dDeaf community to be excluded from mainstream Christian churches – not out of intention but cultural differences. Traditional hearing churches are not accessible nor adaptable to fit the variety of dDeaf needs. Deaf pastors help to fill these gaps and can minister within their own cultural contexts. Thus, there is an increasing need for Deaf-led churches that can contextualize the Gospel and equip dDeaf members to mobilize in response to the Great Commission. The observed approaches to dDeaf ministry are inconsistent with those of other cross-cultural church planting efforts and have highlighted the need for qualified Deaf pastors and leaders to engage the dDeaf world with the Gospel. The research question is “How are dDeaf pastors currently being equipped to lead dDeaf churches?” Qualitative interviews will be conducted with 10 dDeaf pastors to discuss their route to dDeaf church leadership, experiences with formal seminary and theological training programs, dDeaf specific leadership and ministry training, and access to dDeaf ministry resources and support. The aim of this study is to identify and propose solutions to the current gaps and inaccessibility of formal ministry training, resources, and support for dDeaf pastors. This research can assist in the development of formal Deaf ministry training programs and Deaf church leadership resources.
Deaf Development in the Church: The Importance of Deaf-Led Ministries
Theoretical Proposal
This study examines the lived experiences of Deaf pastors across the United States to identify gaps of resources and technical Deaf ministry training and better understand how dDeaf pastors are being equipped to lead dDeaf churches. For the purposes of this study the capitalization of Deaf refers to culturally deaf individuals and the term dDeaf refers to the entire dDeaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. In the United States and around the globe, it is common for the dDeaf community to be excluded from mainstream Christian churches – not out of intention but cultural differences. Traditional hearing churches are not accessible nor adaptable to fit the variety of dDeaf needs. Deaf pastors help to fill these gaps and can minister within their own cultural contexts. Thus, there is an increasing need for Deaf-led churches that can contextualize the Gospel and equip dDeaf members to mobilize in response to the Great Commission. The observed approaches to dDeaf ministry are inconsistent with those of other cross-cultural church planting efforts and have highlighted the need for qualified Deaf pastors and leaders to engage the dDeaf world with the Gospel. The research question is “How are dDeaf pastors currently being equipped to lead dDeaf churches?” Qualitative interviews will be conducted with 10 dDeaf pastors to discuss their route to dDeaf church leadership, experiences with formal seminary and theological training programs, dDeaf specific leadership and ministry training, and access to dDeaf ministry resources and support. The aim of this study is to identify and propose solutions to the current gaps and inaccessibility of formal ministry training, resources, and support for dDeaf pastors. This research can assist in the development of formal Deaf ministry training programs and Deaf church leadership resources.
