Towards a Ministry Model for Promoting a Christian Lifestyle at Harvest Hills Church in Burlington, North Carolina, USA

Abstract

This study is an attempt to provide a ministry model for promoting a Christian lifestyle at Harvest Hills Church in Burlington, North Carolina, USA. In a literature review an attempt is made to analyse and evaluate the theological basis of Christian ethics, as the foundation of a Christian lifestyle. A biblical survey is then conducted to discover the biblical foundations for a Christian lifestyle. Special attention is given to a biblical exegesis of I Timothy 4:16, as a key verse relating to a Christian lifestyle. An attempt is made to conduct a situational analysis of the American church in the context of a post-modern society. Trends within American society and the American church are then examined and how these trends influence the beliefs and behaviour of American Christians. The study then utilises an empirical survey to identify hindrances to spiritual growth among parishioners at Harvest Hills Church. In particular, the survey identifies key areas relating to the Church of God Practical Commitments document perceived by the parishioners as lacking in practical application. Perceptions relating to the negative impact of certain secular worldviews on the Christian’s commitment to Christ and the church are also identified. Based on the research findings, the study proposes a ministry model (a new praxis) for promoting a Christian lifestyle and spiritual growth at Harvest Hills Church. The study concludes with a summary of the research findings and the contribution of those findings to the field of practical theology.

This study is an attempt to provide a ministry model for promoting a Christian lifestyle at Harvest Hills Church in Burlington, North Carolina, USA. In a literature review an attempt is made to analyse and evaluate the theological basis of Christian ethics, as the foundation of a Christian lifestyle. A biblical survey is then conducted to discover the biblical foundations for a Christian lifestyle. Special attention is given to a biblical exegesis of I Timothy 4:16, as a key verse relating to a Christian lifestyle. An attempt is made to conduct a situational analysis of the American church in the context of a post-modern society. Trends within American society and the American church are then examined and how these trends influence the beliefs and behaviour of American Christians. The study then utilises an empirical survey to identify hindrances to spiritual growth among parishioners at Harvest Hills Church. In particular, the survey identifies key areas relating to the Church of God Practical Commitments document perceived by the parishioners as lacking in practical application. Perceptions relating to the negative impact of certain secular worldviews on the Christian’s commitment to Christ and the church are also identified. Based on the research findings, the study proposes a ministry model (a new praxis) for promoting a Christian lifestyle and spiritual growth at Harvest Hills Church. The study concludes with a summary of the research findings and the contribution of those findings to the field of practical theology.