{"response":{"docs":[{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:29:33Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:29:34Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"f5004556-fe95-4bfc-ba8c-2d8cc76a9332","accessControl_ssim":["04140d7a-963c-449e-9345-3b12102e93f4"],"depositor_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"title_tesim":["Fostering Intercongregational Unity in a Chinese Immigrant Church Through Collaborative Missional Action"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:29:32Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:29:32Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["e9f78494-6ea1-48f3-9624-bb8434e74e1b"],"hasLease_ssim":["d758b32d-76de-4c82-bafd-a5b726913f39"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Trinity International University"],"year_tesim":["2026"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Siu Chung Dai"],"subject_tesim":["Missions--Strategy","Bible--Chronicles I","Bible--Acts","Cross-cultural studies","Church work with immigrants","Bible--Ephesians","Theology, Practical","Congregations"],"abstract_tesim":["This study explores how collaborative missional engagement can foster intercongregational unity within a multi-linguistic Chinese immigrant church in Chicago (Chinese Christian Union Church). The church consists of three distinct \r\ncongregations—Cantonese, Mandarin, and English—each shaped by unique cultural, linguistic, and generational identities. Although doctrinally unified, these congregations have historically functioned in parallel, reflecting relational fragmentation common in diaspora church contexts. Using a qualitative intervention design, the project examined the impact of a jointly organized Chinese New Year outreach initiative. Data were collected through pre-event focus groups, participant observation, and post-event focus groups. The findings indicate that language and leadership culture serve as primary boundary markers; however, participation in shared mission significantly reduced relational distance and increased mutual trust. The outreach functioned as a Third Space, temporarily flattening hierarchical and generational divides and fostering practical interdependence. Theologically interpreted through Ephesians 2, 1 Corinthians 12, Acts 2, and diaspora missiology, the study argues that unity in immigrant churches is sustained not through structural proximity but through outward-facing participation in the Missio Dei. Sustainable unity requires adaptive leadership, intercultural competence, structural integration, and repeated shared mission. This research demonstrates that linguistic diversity can become a missional asset when reoriented around shared vocation."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"_version_":1866556061035528192,"timestamp":"2026-05-29T20:29:35.542Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:17:01Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:17:03Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"ac9608a6-7319-4104-8803-2ab2cd84a354","accessControl_ssim":["fd870b80-d997-41e2-8950-732f78d031a5"],"depositor_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"title_tesim":["From Felt Needs to Passing on Faith: A Study of Ministry Among First-Generation Immigrant Chinese Emerging Adult Christians in the Metro Detroit Area"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:17:01Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:17:01Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["c5601908-4508-4ffb-a059-6d8eabaa5a41"],"hasLease_ssim":["85ca325a-f1f5-4ecf-9c65-27c7c41faab3"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Trinity International University"],"year_tesim":["2026"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["Jiyang Yan"],"subject_tesim":["Bible--Timothy II","Evangelism","Bible--Romans","Discipleship","Faith development","Bible--Deuteronomy","Bible--Matthew","Church work with immigrants","Bible--Colossians","Spiritual formation"],"abstract_tesim":["The mandate to make disciples of all nations, combined with the growing reality of aging congregations, makes the passing faith to younger generations both critical and urgent for contemporary church ministry. To contribute to more effective ministry among young adults, this project examined the church-related experiences of Chinese immigrant believers aged 22–40 in the Metro Detroit area, with particular attention to how church ministries addressed their felt\r\nneeds. This study employed surveys, direct observations, and interviews to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from the target population. Findings indicated that their most significant needs included career development, building healthy family relationships, and cultivating a meaningful relationship with God. Participants generally preferred to address these needs through self-directed learning and personal growth. Their primary concerns involved uncertainty about the future, anxiety related to major life decisions, and pressures arising from daily responsibilities. Most respondents considered themselves sufficiently mature to manage these concerns independently; only when encountering challenges beyond their capacity did they become more open to external guidance and support. Although socializing and forming friendships were not high priorities for many participants, they valued fellowship groups that offer meaningful interaction and shared interests. Effective fellowship, in their view, provided opportunities to share personal experiences, observe life examples, and receive support when needed. For most participants, church ministries have been successful in creating such fellowship environments, resulting in strong involvement, engagement, and enjoyment. However, the findings also suggested that church ministries have been less effective in helping these young adults cultivate a deeper relationship with God and in guiding them toward wholehearted commitment to Christ.\r\nThis study offered recommendations for strengthening the process of passing faith to young believers, including addressing their practical and spiritual needs, supporting their spiritual growth, and motivating them to live as committed disciples and witnesses of Christ."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"_version_":1866555272941535232,"timestamp":"2026-05-29T20:17:03.957Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:02:19Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:02:20Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"4e705d7e-193c-4545-991c-f7e4902805f3","accessControl_ssim":["bb0b59e5-7ed2-4b81-966b-c7660d8562ef"],"depositor_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"title_tesim":["Evaluating the Transformation Effectiveness of Integrated Biblical Teaching at Two Rivers Church: A Baseline Study"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:02:18Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T20:02:18Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["6040d333-6ae7-4e62-b05e-453f85444f54"],"hasLease_ssim":["28fb1a2a-c772-47fd-b657-fa56bd56a653"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Trinity International University"],"year_tesim":["2026"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["David Gruhn"],"subject_tesim":["Bible--Romans","Discipleship","Preaching, Exegetical","Spiritual exercises","Spiritual formation","Bible--New Testament--Theology","Discipling (Christianity)"],"abstract_tesim":["This study evaluated the effectiveness of Two Rivers Church's integrated teaching model, which combines weekend expository sermons with a daily discipleship tool called the Live It Out (LIO) daily discipleship guide. The research asked a simple question: \"Are we becoming more like Jesus, together?\" Using a pretest-posttest mixed-methods survey design, the study measured self-reported spiritual growth across four core values that define the biblical DNA of a follower of Jesus at Two Rivers Church: Gospel-centered, Word-dependent, Spirit-empowered, and Relationally Connected. A transformation rubric grounded in these core values provided the measurement framework for quantitative rating scales and qualitative open-ended responses.\r\nThe theoretical framework drew on biblical theology, spiritual formation theory, transformational church research, and educational theory, establishing that lasting spiritual change requires learning cycles beyond weekend sermons. The quantitative findings revealed a congregation in the \"Growing to Maturing\" range across all four core values, with the most significant movement occurring in daily Scripture engagement through the LIO guide. Relationally Connected consistently scored highest across all assessments. The qualitative findings revealed seven distinct themes describing how participants experienced the integrated model. Participants reported transformed marriages, reconciled relationships, and reoriented daily priorities as direct results of sustained engagement with the weekend message. The findings indicated that the integrated teaching model produced indicators of spiritual transformation among those who engaged it consistently, though a significant portion of the congregation had not yet adopted regular daily engagement. This baseline assessment established the foundation for a longitudinal evaluation over the next three years, providing Two Rivers Church with an evidence-based framework for ongoing discipleship. The study also demonstrated that churches can develop tools to measure spiritual transformation, grounded in their theological convictions."],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"_version_":1866554347236622336,"timestamp":"2026-05-29T20:02:21.136Z","score":1.0},{"system_create_dtsi":"2026-05-29T19:48:34Z","system_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T19:48:36Z","has_model_ssim":["Etd"],"id":"16b77322-9a43-4cd9-bf13-18cb7835ee68","accessControl_ssim":["fdbed72c-d48a-4601-b662-f48ea1e3d4f9"],"depositor_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"depositor_tesim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"title_tesim":["Where Do We Go From Here? Discovering How Denominational Leaders Understand the Issues and Solutions for Denominational Decline within the Synod of Lincoln Trails in the PC (USA)"],"date_uploaded_dtsi":"2026-05-29T19:48:33Z","date_modified_dtsi":"2026-05-29T19:48:33Z","isPartOf_ssim":["admin_set/default"],"hasEmbargo_ssim":["83e540ac-5f4a-4940-ac74-6cef6be1ab9f"],"hasLease_ssim":["74b01630-b4f2-4f81-a1d1-2a4472b66943"],"show_pdf_viewer_tesim":["1"],"show_pdf_download_button_tesim":["1"],"institution_tesim":["Atla RIM"],"degree_tesim":["Doctor of Ministry"],"degree_granting_institution_tesim":["Trinity International University"],"year_tesim":["2026"],"resource_type_tesim":["D.Min. Project"],"types_tesim":["Text"],"creator_tesim":["David Carlton"],"subject_tesim":["Presbyterian/Reformed Churches","Evangelism - Strategy","Bible - Isaiah","Church (Ecclesiology)","Bible - Luke - Acts","Bible - Matthew","Mission of the Church"],"abstract_tesim":["The Presbyterian Church (USA) has experienced more than five decades of continuous membership decline, falling from approximately 4.25 million members in the early 1960s to fewer than one million in 2024. This convergent mixed-methods study examined how leaders at three levels within the Synod of Lincoln Trails understand and respond to this decline. The researcher conducted thirty-four semi-structured interviews with the Synod Executive, Executive Presbyters, and Teaching Elders across five Presbyteries in Illinois and Indiana, supplemented by a twenty-seven-question survey of seventy-nine Ruling Elders serving on local Sessions.\r\n\r\nThe research was organized around five questions addressing leadership awareness of decline, strategies for reversing it, definitions of congregational viability, approaches to disciple-making, and implementable outputs. Findings revealed that while leaders at all three levels are aware of the decline, the depth of understanding varies significantly, with Ruling Elders demonstrating the least capacity to articulate its causes. A persistent knowing-doing gap emerged as the study’s most significant finding: leaders can describe what a healthy church looks like but lack the practical tools and frameworks to move their congregations toward that vision. The research also documented a denomination-wide evangelism deficit, competing definitions of congregational viability across leadership levels, and significant disconnection between the three tiers of Presbyterian polity.\r\n\r\nTwo practical implementations were developed in response to these findings: a research findings webinar designed to share key insights with leaders across the Synod, and a six-session pastoral coaching curriculum designed to help Teaching Elders translate awareness into congregational action. Together, these outputs address the central finding that the gap between knowledge and praxis is the primary barrier to adaptive change within the PC(USA).\r\n"],"rights_statement_tesim":["https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"thumbnail_path_ss":"/assets/work-a3b75da7abded620ab321410c80d102e5e2417b71c54de7ba7d4b0363da904f7.png","suppressed_bsi":false,"actionable_workflow_roles_ssim":["admin_set/default-default-approving","admin_set/default-default-depositing","admin_set/default-default-managing"],"workflow_state_name_ssim":["deposited"],"visibility_ssi":"open","admin_set_tesim":["Default Admin Set"],"account_cname_tesim":["rim.ir.atla.com"],"human_readable_type_tesim":["Etd"],"read_access_group_ssim":["public","work_editor"],"edit_access_group_ssim":["admin"],"edit_access_person_ssim":["dminadmin@tiu.edu"],"_version_":1866553483384061952,"timestamp":"2026-05-29T19:48:37.302Z","score":1.0}],"facets":[{"name":"resource_type_sim","items":[{"value":"D.Min. 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