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Copyright © 2015 Jerry Greg Birdwell All Rights Reserved. the Southern Copyright © 2015 Jerry Greg Birdwell All rights reserved. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has permission to reproduce and disseminate this document in any form by any means for purposes chosen by the Seminary, including, without limitation, preservation or instruction. TRAINING THE MEN OF PROVIDENCE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, WEST CHESTER, OHIO TO BE SPIRITUAL LEADERS IN THE HOME __________________ A Project Presented to the Faculty of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary __________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry __________________ by Jerry Greg Birdwell December 2015 APPROVAL SHEET TRAINING THE MEN OF PROVIDENCE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, WEST CHESTER, OHIO TO BE SPIRITUAL LEADERS IN THE HOME Jerry Greg Birdwell Read and Approved by: __________________________________________ Brian J. Vickers (Faculty Supervisor) __________________________________________ Michael Pohlman Date__________________________ I dedicate this project to my wife, Shelby. Thank you for loving me, supporting me, and giving yourself in service to me. You have made the last twenty years a joy. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PREFACE......................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................1 Purpose................................................................................................................1 Goals ...................................................................................................................1 Context of the Ministry Project...........................................................................2 Rationale for the Project .....................................................................................4 Definitions and Limitations/Delimitations..........................................................5 Research Methodology .......................................................................................7 2. THE BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL BASIS FOR MALE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP ................................................................................11 The Why and How of Equipping for Male Leadership ....................................12 The Effect of the Fall on Male Leadership.............................................. 12 The Gospel Equips Man to Lead ............................................................. 21 Establishing Worship in the Home ...................................................................27 Loving God Alone ................................................................................... 28 Focusing on the Word.............................................................................. 29 Leading the Family to Worship ............................................................... 30 Lovingly Leading His Wife ..............................................................................31 Raising His Children In The Lord.....................................................................35 Conclusion ........................................................................................................37 iv Chapter Page 3. THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ISSUES RELATED TO MALE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP ....................................................................39 Knowing the Destination ..................................................................................40 Walking the Walk .............................................................................................42 The Intake of the Word............................................................................ 43 The Necessity of Prayer........................................................................... 47 Walking with Others .........................................................................................48 The Gift of the Church............................................................................. 49 The Practice of Conferencing .................................................................. 49 Leading in Worship...........................................................................................52 The Grounds for Family Worship............................................................ 52 The Benefits of Family Worship ............................................................. 54 Discipling Each One .........................................................................................55 Observing Each One................................................................................ 56 Interacting with Each One ....................................................................... 56 Conferencing with Each One................................................................... 57 Conclusion ........................................................................................................59 4. DETAILS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT........................................60 Preparation and Promotion................................................................................60 Week 1..................................................................................................... 60 Week 2..................................................................................................... 61 Week 3..................................................................................................... 62 Week 4..................................................................................................... 64 Week 5..................................................................................................... 65 Week 6..................................................................................................... 66 v Chapter Page Testing and Training .........................................................................................66 Week 7..................................................................................................... 66 Week 8..................................................................................................... 68 Weeks 9-14 .............................................................................................. 69 Reminders and Follow-up.................................................................................69 Weeks 15-19 ............................................................................................ 70 Week 20................................................................................................... 70 5. EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT ...................................................................71 Evaluation of the Purpose .................................................................................71 Evaluation of the Goals.....................................................................................73 Strengths of the Project .....................................................................................75 Weaknesses of the Project.................................................................................77 What I Would Do Differently ...........................................................................78 Theological Reflections ....................................................................................79 Personal Reflections..........................................................................................80 Conclusion ........................................................................................................81 Appendix 1. SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP SURVEY ...............................................................83 2. CURRICULUM EVALUATION RUBRIC.........................................................91 3. PRE-SERIES AND POST-SERIES SURVEY TOTALS....................................99 BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................... 107 vi PREFACE This project was completed in large part due to the love and support of many people God has placed in my life. First, I am thankful that the Father introduced me to His Son when I was a young boy. He saved me and set me apart for the ministry He has now given me. Looking back, I can see His hand on me in every stage of my life in some way preparing me for what I am doing now. I am grateful for this privilege. Second, the Lord blessed me by placing me in the care of two wonderful, godly parents, Jerry and Vicki Birdwell. Their commitment to raising their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord created the perfect atmosphere for the Lord to do His work in me. Because of them, I have always had an awareness of the gospel. Because of them, I learned to read, study, memorize, and love God’s Word. Because of their many sacrifices, I was able to pursue preparation for ministry at Southern Seminary. I praise God for their continued influence in my life. Third, the Lord gave me the opportunity to study under many great men of faith. Though every professor has placed his mark on me in some measure, a few stand out. Dr. Bruce Ware cultivated in me a zeal for the glorious providence of God. Dr. James Hamilton taught me to read the Bible with new eyes. Dr. Stuart Scott showed me in practical terms that in Christ we have been granted all things pertaining to life and godliness. Dr. Hershael York taught me that the pulpit is no place for lazy men. Dr. Shawn Wright encouraged me to love my family enough to plant a church where they would hear God’s Word
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