SHARING MY DISSERTATION

A couple weeks ago, I graduated with a doctoral degree in ministry (D.Min.) with a counseling concentration.  The degree was academic and practical.  The practical aspect was completed in the ministry where I serve as volunteer co-pastor with my wife who is the lead co-pastor.  We work together in ministry.  I was intially appointed as interim pastor since the church had no pastor for six months and was to the point of being served by a sister church and/or possibly being closed.  After some discussion with the State Bishop, my wife and I were appointed as co-pastors.

The hypothesis of my dissertation was, "Prayer, Leadership training and development in prayer ministries, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will transform a declining Pentecostal-holiness church from a 'maintenance' focus to a 'missional' focus."  The dissertation focuses on researching the causes and possible solution(s) for bringing the local church where we minister (may also be applicable to other churches) back from decline and possible death and disbandenment to being active in reaching people and the community.  There are some sensitive issues in the dissertation as is noted in the preface.  There are no names included other than those who are directly involved in the study, research and some historical figures.  The writing involved three years and is 247 pages counting the literature review and the bibliography.

Some have asked to read my dissertation.  I explained the above to give those who are interested in reading the dissertation a "heads up" about the sensitive nature of the materials in the treatise.  Since it is a counseling concentration, case studies are included in the body.  I do not recommend it for novice ministers, lay members, immature local leaders or those looking for "tongue" material.  Those who desire to read it will be asked their reasoning for wanting to read it.  I do not mean to discourage anyone from reading it but do not want unnecessary potential "gossip" being spread about any of the sensitive materials in it.

If you are interested in reading the dissertation, with the above considerations, I will email you a copy.  I will ask you to write me two or three sentences as to why you wish to read it and type your name so that it will be on my Facebook message or email.  I will ask you to also be confidential about any sensitive matters.  I only printed three hard copies and had them bound.  Two are required for the seminary and I will have one.  An electronic copy will serve anyone better since there will be no cost involved and time involved to copy it.  Send me a message on Facebook or email me @ milt.gordon@gmail.com if you are interested.  If I choose not to send you a copy, I ask that you not take it personal or be offended.  I also require that anyone recieving an email copy NOT to copy or email a copy to anyone else without my permission.  Short sections (3-4 sentences) can be used for research references without my permission.