MTh Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2591

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Practical Implications of 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 for Christian Married Couples in the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Abera, Abay; Taddesse, Esckinder; Smith, Kevin G.
This mini-thesis aims to explore the marital issues addressed in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 and apply the biblical teachings to the contemporary context of the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer's Church (EFGBC). The research identifies the key marital problems within the Corinthian church and examines how Paul's instructions can inform and guide Christian married couples and church leaders in the EFGBC. The study begins with an introduction that outlines the background, aims, objectives, limitations, and methodology. It then provides guidelines for interpreting Pauline epistles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of epistles, the principle of single meaning, and the context of the passage. The context of 1 Corinthians is examined, including its authorship, date and place of writing, occasion, purpose, structure, and themes. The thesis delves into a detailed analysis of 1 Corinthians 7:1-16, focusing on the boundaries, literary analysis, and synthesis of the passage. It identifies the arguments Paul presents to the married couples, the unmarried and widows, and those in mixed marriages (believers married to unbelievers). The study highlights Paul's call for mutual sexual relations within marriage, the importance of staying married, and the prohibition of divorce except in cases of abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. Through interviews with selected married couples and church leaders in the EFGBC, the thesis assesses the practical significance of Paul's teachings for addressing contemporary marital challenges. The study concludes with a summary of findings and recommendations for church leaders and married couples, emphasizing the need for regular counseling, education on biblical marital principles, and support for couples facing marital issues. The thesis contributes to the understanding of marital relationships within the context of the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer's Church and provides practical strategies for enhancing marital intimacy and stability based on biblical teachings.
Practical Proposals for raising the profile of Children’s Ministry in the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church
(South African Theological Seminary, 2010) Abera, Abay; Jabini, Frank
This mini-thesis, titled "Practical Proposals for Raising the Profile of Children's Ministry in the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer's Church," addresses the critical issue of children's ministry within the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church (EFGBC). Submitted in partial fulfillment for the Master of Theology degree at the South African Theological Seminary, this work comprehensively explores identifying and rectifying the deficiencies in spiritual and social nurturing of children within the EFGBC. The research is structured into several key sections: an introduction providing background, significance, research questions, objectives, and methodology; an examination of biblical perspectives on children’s spiritual and social life; a survey assessing the current state of children’s ministry within EFGBC; identification of existing problems based on research findings; and proposed strategies for improvement. Key findings reveal that children in the EFGBC are significantly neglected both spiritually and socially. The study highlights the necessity for a biblically grounded approach to children’s ministry, emphasizing evangelism, teaching, caring, proper discipline, and equipping children for ministry. The proposed strategies include enhanced parental involvement, structured teaching programs, and church-led initiatives aimed at the holistic development of children. The research methodology involved data collection through written interviews with 90 church leaders and members across five zones of Ethiopia. Analysis of this data, supported by relevant graphs and comparisons with biblical teachings, led to practical recommendations aimed at transforming the current state of children's ministry in the EFGBC. The study concludes that for the EFGBC to cultivate a godly generation and future leaders, it must prioritize children’s ministry, adhering to scriptural principles. This transformation requires concerted efforts from both church leadership and the wider believing community to ensure children are adequately evangelized, nurtured, disciplined, and equipped for future ministry. The mini-thesis thus serves as a vital resource for pastors, parents, and church leaders dedicated to the spiritual and social development of children within the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church.