Developing a Discipleship Strategy for the Dunamis Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brooklyn ...

178 Pages·2016·9.44 MB·English

Andrews University
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Project Documents Graduate Research
2012
Developing a Discipleship Strategy for the
Dunamis Seventh-day Adventist Church in
Brooklyn, New York
Donnieval Walker
Andrews University
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Recommended Citation
Walker, Donnieval, "Developing a Discipleship Strategy for the Dunamis Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brooklyn, New York"
(2012).Project Documents. 144.
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/144
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ABSTRACT

DEVELOPING A DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY FOR THE DUNAMIS
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

by

Donnieval Walker

Adviser: Stanley E. Patterson
ABSTRACT OF RESEARCH

Project Document

Andrews University

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Title: DEVELOPING A DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY FOR THE DUNAMIS
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Name of researcher: Donnieval Walker

Name and degree of faculty adviser: Stanley E. Patterson, PhD

Date completed: July 2012

Problem
The Dunamis Seventh-day Adventist Church has evolved from a church that,
historically, was passionately spiritual and nurturing to one that seems to have lost its
sense of identity and mission. The result is an inertia that manifests itself in a breakdown
in communication, the inability to translate the gospel into the “language” of the
community, and a general decline in spiritual commitment.
Although some progress has been made in the recent past, there is still a gap
between missional demands and practice. This appears to be symptomatic of the deeper
issue of failing to experience the meaning of discipleship at the personal level.
Method
This research investigated discipleship, while employing current literature, the
Bible, and supporting citations from the writings of Ellen White. These were selected for
their substantial offerings and their relevance. The discipleship principles of relationship,
teaching, and maturity were established with special attention given to Old Testament
and New Testament nuances. Particular attention was given to Jesus’ emphasis on
relationships. By extension, the family as the primary unit for the development of
meaningful relationships was considered and developed not just as an illustration, but as a
sample of an intentional and preemptive approach.
A series of five sermons, as well as a seminar consisting of five presentations, was
employed to educate and motivate the membership toward a better understanding of how
to experience true discipleship. This was accompanied by a brief survey to establish the
members’ perception of their spiritual maturity.
The results were collated, analyzed, and used to inform the formulation of an
appropriate strategy.

Results
It was determined that the most urgent and foundational need of the Dunamis
Seventh-day Adventist Church was for the members to establish consistent personal
Bible study and meaningful prayer life. This would establish the basis for pursuing the
missional mandate. Discipleship was established as the natural model for developing and
deepening a relationship with Christ in an effort to build up the kingdom of God. The
insights gained were helpful in the realization of better relationships among members and
an increase in membership, as well.
Conclusions
Living as Jesus lived is God’s intent for every human. Therefore, knowing him at
the deepest level is of paramount importance. This is not just a mandate for all, but the
privilege of all. This research has led to the conclusion that any strategy for church
growth, both organically and numerically, must have at its center a strategy of
discipleship. A discipleship-based church defines and distinguishes both the quality of
being and the reason for being. This means having meaningful relationships with God
and man and fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19, 20.
This is achieved through the transforming power of Christ. The discipleship
process is initiated through Christ and is maintained by him. The disciples’ response
involves total surrender and commitment. This results in the practical outcomes of
transformed homes and churches through experiencing revitalization and renewal at all
levels.
Andrews University
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

DEVELOPING A DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY FOR THE DUNAMIS
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

A Project Document

Presented in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Ministry

by

Donnieval Walker

July 2012
© Copyright by Donnieval Walker 2012
All Rights Reserved
DEVELOPING A DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY FOR THE DUNAMIS
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

A project document
presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Ministry

by

Donnieval Walker

APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE:

_______________________________ _________________________________
Adviser, Director of D.Min. Program
Stanley E. Patterson Skip Bell

_______________________________ _________________________________
Alanzo Smith Dean, SDA Theological Seminary
Denis Fortin

_______________________________ _________________________________
Nilson Ferreira Date approved
TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................... vi

Chapter
1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 1

Personal History ................................................................................... 1
Jamaica ........................................................................................... 1
Bermuda ......................................................................................... 1
Brooklyn ........................................................................................ 2
Brooklyn Demographic ............................................................ 2
Population Size .................................................................. 2
Socioeconomic Background .............................................. 4
The Dunamis Seventh-day Adventist Church .......................... 5
Statement of the Problem ..................................................................... 7
Purpose of the Dissertation .................................................................. 8
Justification for the Project .................................................................. 8
Expectation from this Project Dissertation .......................................... 9
Delimitations ........................................................................................ 10
Limitations ........................................................................................... 11
Description of the Project Dissertation Process ................................... 11

2. FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY .... 13

Introduction .......................................................................................... 13
Toward Defining Discipleship ....................................................... 13
Discipleship as God Pursuing Man .......................................... 14
Old Testament Roots................................................................ 16
New Testament Roots .............................................................. 18
Friends as Disciples ....................................................................... 21
Covenant and Family Relationship ................................................ 22
Covenant .................................................................................. 22
Family and Discipleship .......................................................... 24
The Great Commission .................................................................. 26
Establishing a Pattern ............................................................... 26
Baptizing and Teaching ........................................................... 26
Maturity.................................................................................... 29
Ellen White on Discipleship .......................................................... 31
Discipleship is the Privilege of Everyone ................................ 31
iii