Professional Documents
Culture Documents
by
Ronnie Neal Burton
This
factor in
project sought to
affected the
interviews with
relationships.
facilitating
It
of married
couples.
in their marital
church
can
God in human
discipleship processes,
and
uses
relational
a more
grow
believers. This
The
are a
relationships
a core
mature
community of
essential to Pauline
used to describe
or measure
holistic
from
self-
growth.
4. Positive
the
change
in marital
dynamics
is
DISSERTATION APPROVAL
This is to
presented by
Ronnie Neal Burton
has been
of the
requirements
for the
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
degree
at
November 3, 2010
Date
November 3, 2010
Date
Novembers, 2010
Date
Novembers, 2010
Dean of the Beeson Center
Date
A Dissertation
Presented to the
Faculty of
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the
Requirements
for the
Doctor of Ministry
by
Ronnie Neal Burton
December 2010
Degree
2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES
vii
LIST OF FIGURES
viii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ix
CHAPTER 1 PROBLEM
Introduction
Purpose
Research
Questions
Research
Question #1
Research
Question #2
Research
Question #3
Research
Question #4
Definition of Terms
Description of Project
Context
Methodology
Participants
Instrumentation
Data Collection
Data
Analysis
10
Generalizability
10
Theological Foundation
11
iii
12
Overview
14
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE
in the
Image of God
14
God's
Image Created
15
God's
Image Distorted
31
God's
Image Restored
34
48
49
Research Literature
The Need for Enhanced
Discipleship
50
54
Spiritual Formation
59
Spiritual
of the Individual
Formation of the
Community
Influence
Influence
on
on
Marriage
Spiritual Transformation
72
76
82
86
88
Design
88
Summary
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
Problem and
90
Purpose
90
Hypothesis
91
Research
91
Questions
Research
Question #1
91
Research
Question #2
92
iv
Research
Question #3
Research
Question #4
Analysis
Ethical Procedures
99
CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS
Purpose
99
Research
Question #1
100
Research
Question #2
108
Research
Question #3
Ill
Research Question #4
115
121
Problem and
Participants
122
CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION
1 22
Maj or Findings
Developing Caring Capacity in Marriage
122
123
125
Multiple
Spirituality
125
Implications
of the
Limitations of the
128
Findings
129
Study
Unexpected Observations
130
Recommendations
132
Postscript
134
APPENDIXES
A. Interview
B.
136
Questions
140
Confidentiality Statement
Group Presentations
142
143
WORKS CITED
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 2.1.
Table 4.1.
Categories
Moral
Authority Development
61
103
of Couples
vii
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 2.L
Figure
Moral Affective
Capacities
on
MAC
Development
viii
70
1 12
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To the Trinitarian
to
marital
are
all
of your
relationship,
who
image
am
in which
To Amanda and
created.
appreciated.
we are
Mackenzie,
possible to
more
than just
finish this
daughters,
of a great
are
also my
all the
days of your
lives.
To my parents,
support. I
am
To Jim
To the
Akins,
To the
role models in
mentor you
marriage and
prayers, and
in life.
and
laughter.
to the
couples
project possible
To the
at
as a
as
made this
and
indelibly enriched my
life journey.
class enhanced my
ministry capabilities.
I cannot
Kiesling,
am
share
insight of Dr.
Milton Lowe.
especially grateful
knowledge, expertise,
ix
I also
and encouragement.
given
Burton 1
CHAPTER 1
PROBLEM
Introduction
As he walked
and
was
church and
saw
chance to stop
there
me
were
from
people here.
divorcing her."
weekly divorce
arguing
cycles,
their
with two
but he looked
volunteers in the
the
give
your
you
one
as
deciding
a.m.
Sunday
complete,
consecutive
comfortable
relationship
accepted Jesus
in the eye
sign to
but I'll
as
ministry
^to
care
for
in their
decide their
saw
why I stopped,
my wife. I
directly
marriage
me
appeared flustered
major goal
myself,
I don't know
Surprisingly,
month. After
introduce
morning.
This
success
story represents
On further
reflection,
one
Burton 2
answer
people recognize.
to the
Two
major
considerations
streams of biblical
come
in
marriage.
thought combine to
discipleship processes.
Ephesians
relationships
over an
husband's
of
Peter describes that wives sometimes have such influence that their
marriage.
wins
for their
or
lifestyle
Pet.
19, the roles of husband and wife relate to maintaining a fellowship of peace and unity.
Peter and
marital
relationships.
initially in the
transformational
discipleship
into the
Genesis
of humankind created
teachings
as
of
leadership.
people to
The
challenge
of sorting
error.
discipleship
looms
effectively
lead to
lives of
care
church
over a
period of time.
As I
Burton 3
of influences
people make
mass
on
daily
couples
life awed
in
me.
one
conjecture.
I had
no means
on
no
or
very
and
significant.
was
are
the
offer
marriage
improving
Association, concluded that even though great efforts have been expended to make
and better
fhiitful
anticipated (Hawkins
as
Willow Creek
and Parkinson
Community Church,
help us
if we wanted to
new
the results
are
planning.
whole different
Churches all
over
^what
Eric said
really is
admitted that
suggested
America have
She
In essence. Willow
they had no
as
point of view.
survey tool
disciples.
at this fi-om
measure
to make
Cally Parkinson.
not been
asking
more
survey.
Consistently,
Burton 4
campaign from
reconsider how
point.
Future
generations
for transformational
complacency
and
of
cannot
Willow Creek
as
approach,
Emergent conversations,
effects of post-modem
an
effort
which is
have not
represented by
that have
analyzed the
of eclectic
have
or
format is wrong. I
am
personally in agreement with and excited by the paradigm changes suggested by several
missional thinkers
anthropological
Christian maturation
missional ideas.
created
task-oriented
as
international
political
awareness
have
unprecedented societal flux, but these two cultural mores appear impenetrable.
foster
congregational expressions
of
Burton 5
New
founded upon
biblical
occurs
local church ministries. I propose that nuclear families should be among the
focuses of those efforts. The
their influence most
wars
between
through
primary
in culture express
(McGoldrick, Gerson,
and
Petry 14; Zeitiin, Megawangi, Kramer, CoUetta, Babatunde, and Garman). The church
relationship
destroying,
image of Christ.
same
within most
marriage
The reflections in
Trinitarian
primary battlegrounds
and
for
as
the
image of
building up,
means
by which changes
in
and
project was to
discern how
positive
at West
marital
Ridge
relationship
Church of Dallas,
Georgia.
Research
The
Research
following
Question
four
questions were
Questions
formulated to
#1
Burton 6
Research
Question
What
occurred after
Research
as
having
Question #3
What
as
#2
Research
Question #4
How
are
affective
marital
change?
Definition of Terms
several terms
require definition.
In this
study,
Moral
of what
other
actually results
in demonstrable
moral action.
The marital relationship
woman
marriage
in
marriage.
same woman
back to the
man
recognized legally
a man
and
to one
socially as
establishing a marriage.
Marriage is
marriage
covenant
through all
the
phases
of life,
coming as
Burton 7
close
or
as
possible to helping him or her find fulfillment as beloved and encouraging him
her to grow in
maturity.
image
of God
as
functions
are
as
occur
relevant to the
in
daily
image
life.
note
the
people,
with other
the
and
people,
in this
project (Seamands,
Personal
3).
Description
Over the past two years. West
attend
marriage
sermons
to
enrichment seminars
marriage
seminars and
not
clearer reflection of
of God in
revealed
discern
sermons
opportunities to
by what means
congregation.
congregation.
series of
This
project does
sermons on
the
several
attempt directly to
discipleship
of Project
improvements
on
their
daily
and
lives in
diverse
population, ranging from near urban to near rural and fi*om poverty levels to high income,
highly educated socioeconomic neighborhoods.
West
Ridge
Church in
Dallas, Georgia,
Burton 8
socioeconomic
diversity, ranging
large
worship
but
and
are
mostly
slightly less
is not
primary focus of
services
growing edge
high middle-income
membership
experience
area
group
the
attached
on
main
of how the
marriages
relationship
are
not
promoted.
Methodology
This
project was
an
The
used in interviews
positive change
in their marital
investigated the
relationships.
questions
spirituality of couples
involved.
Participants
Ridge
Church in Dallas,
Georgia.
Each
Christian
couples
some
Burton 9
similar church in
participate.
One additional
participate.
Instrumentation
The interview
interviews that
relationships,
questions
found in
causes
changed, whether
these
to which the
God's
any
couples
attributed those
changes,
in the
couples' marital
how the
reasons
to which
other
people
was
that the
answers
built around
and were,
such, built into the themes of the interview process. All interview questions
so
and all of
ended
couples'
how their
basis of semi-structured
experience
were
as
open-
Data Collection
I
interested
couples to
confidentiality.
interview
contact
When
participants
me
couples
procedures and
in the research
of classes
by e-mail
or
phone. I instructed
an
couples who
were
average of approximately
still
sixty-five
Burton 10
minutes per
digital,
Data
couple.
written format.
Analysis
Analysis
257-
59). Progressive phases of data analysis categorized the couples, observed thematic
occurrences
in
couple narratives,
developing thematic
structures.
Generalizability
The
theological
psychological
constructs of human
the
image
spirituality upon which the project was based are considered universal,
selection process
primarily
Church in Dallas,
Georgia.
limited research
generalizability.
in
legalistic
and
on
effect of marital
potential qualitatively to
Ridge
Without further
However
but the
spirituality.
Ridge
attendees of West
participants to
the
as
Burton 1 1
transformational
Result
experiences to
be
limited
of Christian believers.
Theological Foundation
The Bible introduces humankind
have
as
image-bearers
such
image
image
regarding the
in
According to
Christian
goal
describes the
conclude
theologians
Many
very nature
to restore
came
righteousness:
were
taught,
with
Spirit,
of accepting
image
of God modeled
saving
grace of God
word.
Individuals in isolation cannot
is essential to God's
God
image.
female"
announces a
of God.
Community
plurality in the
plurality in humanity as
counsel of
"male and
(Gen. 1 :27). The more detailed narrative of human creation found in Genesis
on
as
Burton 12
pairs
couple
as
of individuals
into
marriage,
marital
the foundational
original
In and
declared
focus of
became distorted
by sin.
experienced
As described in the
redemptive
curse
became marred
as
the first
relationships discussed
(Eph. 5:1;
1 Pet.
in
Ephesians 5:21-33,
as
the renewed
people
not
as a
foundational
surrounding society.
church
3:1-7, and
relationships
1 Peter
grace to the
couple,
prudently
essential element of
discipleship.
Overview
as
Burton 13
transformation to
identity
relationships,
and the
study within a
of marital
Chapter 3 presents
detailed
the research
the
major findings
of the
Burton 14
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE
Theological Reflections
Most Americans evaluate
on
"self as
entity
an
was an
marriage
Chinese
and
Over
family.
of Chinese students
time,
as we
struck
regularly chose to
spaces
"interdependent"
they
of
ignore.
Several families
created made
me
uncomfortably aware
My personal hopes
member of the
of the
of wealthy
cars
and
intensity with
independence
bedroom for each
individualism in such
brain
more
defined
Western mind
community awareness
private living
of God
Image
perceives
Renewal in the
only in the
perspective
of American
of the
rugged
Society's evaluation
of a person
talent, and personal wealth without regard to the quality of relationships the person might
Burton 15
perspective
vastly different
make
man
in
our
image,
in
our
was
image
image
and recommends
God's
Image
restoring
God's
'Let
us
of human
investigates
core
said,
"Then God
in which humankind
following theological
identity of humanity:
through families.
in
image
image in marriages
as a
identity as
strategic discipleship
initiative.
Created
People have
broadened and
find
characteristic that
As
or
inclusive
(Seamands,
from
humanity as
creation
structural
or
substantive
ability to
reason
distinguished humans
ideas to include
By the fifth century, Augustine expanded those
capacity.
of God in
in all of
Burton 16
(Seamands,
God incarnated
a
more
heavily
through Jesus
more
persistence to
find structural
as
(Seamands,
an
creating),
lines between
righteousness
who
capacity
As
and
body
the
ever
(e.g., creativity
structural
thought began to
note
2; Storms). The
profound than
common
more
without
Theologians
functional
on
function v^th
and soul
definitive
simply
one
discoveries
most
as
Along
Scientists determined that ancient kings would declare themselves divine and then place
statues of themselves
as
or
often
not
areas
of their
kingdoms
actually present.
The
king
Burton 17
(Klassen;
more
Herzfeld
than
mere
representations
of God,
101);
representatives
Ware
God created
people
as
Ware
(God)
idea that
guidance
image
2; Storms;
note
Ryan Klassen
17). Klassen
for
(von
and dominion
him
on
as
(Klassen;
relationship,
developed the
function
D. J. A. Clines
states that
as
vice-
and direction."
in
people
includes
God-ordained
suit many
theologians.
The relational version of theological
progressed,
humanity
(Ware 15)
are
anthropology
came
to
being
in the 1900s,
sees
the
some
aspect such
as a
capacity or a function
involved; with God, with others, with the natural world, and with self (Seamands,
Personal note 2). Karl Barth considers the importance of human creation
female to indicate that the
existence in
image
as
male and
as
(Herzfeld 26;
Hoekema 49-53). Dietrich Bonhoeffer describes the essential difference between human
and nonhuman
as
nature.
Both of these freedoms reflect God, who is free in all ways, but has bound himself in
as
creator
(60-67).
The
theology
of a relational
image of God
Burton 18
presented by structural
last century. Christian
Throughout the
and
more
often,
not
are
(Klassen).
not
separable;
When
one
the
an
image of God,
inclusive
of God
about the
speculations
essence
of human nature is
theologians to
perspectives.
and functional
but to
some
degree
and to be the
can
picture of the
and
corporately.
Married
couples relate to
implies that we
(Hoekema 100).
can
to
couples
congregations, the
image
and to God
of God
as we
take
contributions"
to
portray
project considers
an
existence,
systems, from
as a measure
awesome
other
other
sees
face of God.
image
more
picture.
human turns to look the other human in the face, that person
individualistically
as a
mature
image
image.
image
Christianity.
of God in
most
In order to
humanity
should
use
Burton 19
descriptions most parishioners can observe as relevant and should flow^ out of ideas and
vocabulary similar to the biblical teachings with which they are
attempts by contemporary theologians to
many of the traditional views
descriptions
as
asking what it is
image people
in the local
To
An
analysis
format. The
image
of God
through a roughly
functional lens,
one
observes the
surveys
in
God, it
see an
created
are
congregation.
creation of the
women.
as
of God in whose
of
holistic reflection of
seen as
first
in creation. The
concept
consummates with God's evaluative declaration that what has been created is
Nothing
is
acceptable until
sun, moon,
good.
are
all
good;
the
good.
chapter of
plants, animals,
and
Burton 20
people
are
all
This
good.
highest priority,
an
use
essential
of repetition
as a
literary
device introduces
day.
people
the sixth
on
The second
end of the
chapter,
unashamed.
creation narrative
required the
image adequately.
The narrative
stands
of humans
as
was
all alone
By the
naked and
produces
image
The
first
male andfemale.
are
reflect God's
good creation.
relational at the
to be human
(Grenz 275).
God's
creation of a suitable
provides
God
couple
phrase
core
appears to be
negative reaction
situation
chapter of Genesis
as
good
goodness.
helper had to
be
were
image
of
but neither
fully bears
God's
image
female, both
were not
the same;
some
way.
the
Though equal
and female
as
(Ware 1 8).
helper
human,
To be
Burton 21
equal
express
same
time.
The central focus of the story, rather than creation of the female out of the male, is
the creation of human
people relate
God's
human behavior.
sexuality as
imprint of God's
an
to the
explosively empowers
discover his suitable
never-ending
each
helper
to form
permanenfly the
reaches
as
God-driven
The
physical, emotional,
binds
a man
and
personal
clearest
image
and
caution for
soul mate,
distinctly
establish
a woman
romance.
parental
Adam
appetite to
search for
Few
clothing to sv^msuit
of life fi'om
crescendo
(Grenz 298).
Sexuality defines
teenage daughters
social nature
an
spiritual
of the
now
"All human
image
is
drive of human
bone of my
and union is
Your Kids
81).
flesh
relationships
reason a man
one
"The
female
flesh"
to walk
glorifies and
Burton 22
worships
100).
God
as
faithfully endeavors to
original
form"
between male and female of one flesh, naked and unashamed, has the
express,
the
as no
image
other
of the
Image
relationship can,
a core
(Bonhoeffer
marriage
potential to
seen as
wisdom. Goodness
so
good.
as a
What
good.
Genetic
consider
people
good often is
food, but food usually of lower quality, sometimes harmful and degrading to the
environment.
of life but
Pesticides, atomic
come
image
of good
acceptable
(Grudem 197).
is
are
as a
as
for in his
right. No
bad
good because
or
in
essence
evil
some
or
determination to be
good.
God is
good.
form
are
or
fashion it
determined
Grudem
explains,
by,
or
"God's
mercy is his
goodness toward those in distress and his grace is his goodness toward those
who deserve
purity, kindness,
because
and hope,
can
easily be compiled;
demonstrate such
qualities unerringly.
such
are
good,
such
as
God-ness is
Williams
61).
Burton 23
God's
lovingkindness,
his
is reliable. God is
God's
alw^ays good and his goodness never changes in his relationships toward others.
goodness expressed toward others
faithfulness finds
lovingkindness
is
People
overcome
faithfulness. As God's
fall short
grace and
encountering
period of time is
someone
over a
their sin
fight.
at times.
These
They are
goodness through the restraint of humility, portraying the many facets of his goodness
and
patience,
materials
beholder stands
itself as
on
protective care.
He
are
held down
by society.
He will
Mercy,
creation.
showcase.
and
downtrodden expresses
God's mercy,
patience,
and
injustice reigns, before his goodness expresses itself in wrath (Grudem 205-07).
means
to those
goodness
even
goals" (193);
right
The wrath of
beginning of wisdom,
and
goodness. Scripture
knowledge
of the
Holy One
Burton 24
is
understanding" (Prov. 9:10). Understanding the character of God and the ways of God,
choosing to act skillfully and with integrity upon that understanding,
then
is wisdom.
holy person consistently seeking wisdom over a period of time develops loyal
Everyone
knows
cheat. Words
persons
Truly
man
people
spoken by
of wisdom
and
wise
from which
local
The
seen as
among
people,
walking
son"
was
as a
so
human
so
so
essence
came
image of the
dwelling
distant
beauty.
clarity.
bom, people
blossoms with
covenant
Trinity. Colossians
people,
holy people
imprints
with
people
Image
wise and
friends.
Christian
by their integrity;
of the
one
and
only
only hinted,
was
as
equals.
was
"In the
God"
beginning
(John 1:1).
The
Burton 25
Gospel
of John portrays
6:4).
With this
foundation for
and
God,
God.
as
as
becomes obvious in
image
tenacity;
"In the
narrative,
of equality
as
phases
qualifies
of life. As
child
beginning," are
one
and the
Word,
same
identity that
dignity remains
involved in
of equals.
(Deut.
as an
pursuits; and,
a
God
verse
be observed in all
motivates
one
are
can
was
Word must be
as
the Word,
presented
as one
love must be
of the great
concerns.
career
Persons
of
equality prescribes seeking ways to honor one another as a dynamic that energizes
marital
relationships.
man
and
a woman never
develop
in the
image
distinctly different but equal. Equality within the triune Godhead imprints the core
human sexual
As the
God becomes
English, the
are
of
identity.
prevalent.
Burton 26
translates this
verse
in
more
intimacy.
In
placed everything
form of honor in
in his hands"
doing
only knows
"The
not
They have
(3:34-35).
one
relationship
He is
are
related in
even
equally
speaks the
every word
of eternal
so.
chapter five.
though the
and joyfully
does the Son also does, for the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does"
20a). The
as an
(19b-
Son knows all that the Father has in mind. The Father does not ask the Son to
submit
highest
complete self-disclosure
Trinity
as
comes
is narrative for
heart
as
well
as
dreams
(or has
even mean.
Jesus
as
good story
as
does. In
kind and
people who
caring while
Father God
reason
for this
misconception
joyful intimacy do
a
Even
(Robinson).
Part of the
good reason.
understanding like
see
distant
recent
not
penetrate people's
vision?) about a visit with the Trinity for several days in a shack. The
Burton 27
story captures Trinitarian relationship with penetrating impact. As Mack helps Papa make
a
pie,
the
can
you
eyes. Papa didn't answer, only looked down at their hands. His gaze
followed and for the first time Mack noticed the scars, like those he now
his wrists.
images
and
feelings
on
created
by the novel
some
The Father
speaks the
God and
implying that he
does not
speak his
occurs
A book of theological
no
resources,
words.
The
Spirit,
mutual
giving the
in willful submission
parables
relationships involves
own
and dear.
but
(Shaw 62-63).
Gospel
without
"words of God,"
demonstrably
in
A closer look at
John 3, Jesus
could be
deference
They
people
seek the
in
giving.
It entails
It is that
"To
Burton 28
say that God is love is to say that the Father and Son and the
and
serve one
another
marital
deference in
spouse must
give
of self as
earn one
spouse. As the other spouse joyfiiUy receives and accepts the self-revelation
relationship develops
deeper layers
interdependence.
for both the
In
sees
his Father
on
limits
Jesus'
(5:19).
can
do
so
and
no
setting
of God. Rather,
things that
doing,
only
include
close examination of the passage reveals that Jesus limits himself only to those
are
self-
self-limitation.
what he
The
or
other
Jesus
Trinity commits
self-
For just
gives
as
Burton 29
Son may be
Father is the
given honor.
one
limiting
Son
Trinity is
mutual. Glad submission and mutual deference within the Godhead include the facet of
self-limitation
as an
identification
as
perfect,
self-
giving love.
People who
limit their
was
self-expression in order to
William P.
an
getting ready for breakfast one morning when he heard a crash and looked into
the kitchen to
see
Jesus
grabbing
ponders
they value
one
another:
another and the fiillness it brought them. He shook his head. How different
this was from the way he treated the ones he loved! (105)
Relationships of respect and vulnerable intimacy not only define God; they
define the
understand aspect of Trinitarian love: "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your
^Q^Q
^the
name
you gave
me
so
that
they may be
one as we are
one." Perichoresis
Burton 30
or
relationships
as
Jesus
remarked,
people
"I
am
another. One
unmoving
dance. The
are
not
and coordinated
and
Grenz
316-17)
statue
"God is love"
(John 14:6).
cannot
or
static
one
(1 John 4:8).
As sinful creatures,
The
goodness
of God
interdependent persons, the relationships within the Trinity of joyful intimacy, glad
submission, and mutual deference creating
movements
or
actions of the
Trinity to
an
create and to
sense
which is God's
creation cannot be
goodness.
centered"
essence
and the
of God's
being.
are
God. This
seen as
centered,
not
self-
(Seamands, Ministry 63). Swirling in the dance of life, God's hand always
(15).
Burton 3 1
As
image bearers
Dr. Donald M.
of God, excellent
to each person
by looking
accomplishments.
one
Each
family relationships
People were
being loved by
God
giving
love. The
marriage,
is
core
look
creativity,
of human
and
generation imitate
identity, especially
sexual
of the
God's
God
Secondly, the
overflowing,
self-
Trinity.
The most
of
Only in loving
joining God's
interdependence,
can
responsibility.
one
another and
Family 137-39).
but protect
productive
of the
and
Trinity by
limitation.
God's Image Distorted
The Bible
image
now
romance
uses
inherent to all
people.
Few books
or
some
sort of
Burton 32
develop
and maintain
relationship of true
Unexpectedly, the
good"
as
of God,
distorted
chapter two
that
one
In the theme of a
romance
one
classic, the
becomes
identity as
an
atmosphere
of their
bearers rather than God. Glad deference to God's will would have
as
but
maimer
The
and
chapter one.
As stewards of the
different.
original sin, by the original couple, both included and deformed all
relationships.
were
no
and live
by sin.
The
but
so
Genesis is
love. As in any
as
image
image bearers, but they doubted the goodness of God and in disobedience rejected
their created order. They ate the fruit. The act perverted their
relationship to
nature as
Burton 33
solitary self-realization,
and
deform the
image of God's
unity that dwelt in their marriage. They distorted perichoresis with ungodly,
energizing attributes.
Instead of trust,
As
curse came
the roles of husband and wife, father and mother. Sweat and toil
original couple.
along the
phase
of image
all
functions, and
opening
to overshadow
relationships,
began to
sin
way with
de-
a son
of Genesis
"in his
own
likeness, in his
a new
(Dongell).
own
image;
still
so
marred that
so
even
the
serious is
precisely the fact that man is now using God-given and God-imaging powers and gifts to
do
an
became attached to
specific
image
misperceptions
of God among
of reality
passed on in
people passed
from
Burton 34
generations until
all but
one
of God's
bearers had become irreversibly unacceptable. Through Noah, God gave the
bearers
with
and
No
different
God's
longer one
perceptions
common
multiplied
The
genocide.
wretched
man
remained in the
emphases
future
generations.
of humanity. It
core
expressed potential
each
came
into cultures
distortion, God's
separated people
That action
perspectives of reality.
As Paul
proclaimed of himself,
image
differing values
image
rescue me
so
from this
at
nation.
into conflict
at every level
should all
against nation.
from
simple
people exclaim,
To this
insults to
"What
curse
couple came
promise
of hope
through their
descendants. In Genesis chapter 12, that promise took the form of a blessing through the
descendants of Abraham. Genesis, the
Testament
relayed
similar messages
rest of the
m a
in the New
Burton 35
The
people
following
cross, Jesus
section
explores,
image
human
Church,
in the
how the
today.
It focuses
on
relationships
same
distortions of God's
can
as a
key
factor in the
process.
In
eternity.
who accept
relationship.
At the front
image
in
life in Christ
in
people
and the
helps create
The
people
in
as
and
On the back
couple.
new
image
upon which to inscribe the processes of restoration in Pauline literature. Both the
wife
creation of God's
human
couple will
love.
I
saw
the
Holy City,
God, prepared
as a
bride
loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with
men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself
will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their
eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the
a
Burton 36
said,
"I
am
"Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." And he carried
away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the
me
Jerusalem
Holy City,
10)
The drama of people
Trinitarian
but different.
They are
resurrected humans.
God's
The eternal
image bearer.
couple
lives in
are
made
self-limiting love.
deference is demonstrated
God's
the
place
temple
of habitation
and the
as
verse
In
chapter 22,
These abundant
the
such
one
life of God's
Jerusalem,
at the
entire
same
life to
scene seems
almost
has
calm, yet
image
bearers will
all true
are
the Christian's
unacceptable
were
In
city.
similar,
both
dwelling places.
(Fee 72).
are
are
of
Bride in sacrificial love. The Bride consists of people who in their sin
and yet
21 :9-
as
Burton 37
groomed
to one
that he shall
one
day become
the
king.
but the
knowledge
The
hope
and
pride.
should be the
eternity
The
of God that
perfect image
endure all
in this life.
perfect image
Church, God is working through local congregations to heal the distortions that create
havoc and
The
describes several
pertinent
aspects of the process of restoration. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul defines the
Church
as
experience the
in Christ.
Joining the
choosing them
Church
in Christ
occurs as
people
by extending his
grace in love
(1:3-8). Being in Christ signifies the identity of believers as adopted children fi*om
To be in Christ
The
means
Holy Spirit
alive in Christ
one
so
an
the
almost
the
all
overwhelming fashion.
piled these
He wanted to penetrate
a new
Paul
provides
heavenly realms (2:6), saved (2:8), and created for good works (2: 10).
metaphors
God's
love,
in Christ
true believer. It
means
guarantees
Burton 38
New life
experiencing
and
with
one
deep
conversation at
another in
unity.
core
The
we
Maintaining the
live
by the Spirit,
instructions of the
deep
(Boa 103)
with
means
us
listening
for the
and
as
keeping
surpasses
These
described
they are
deep engagements.
that
let
uses
In Galatians
power
in step. "Since
Paul goes
Ephesians
in
chapter
on
to
request the
love of
qualitative study
encountered God
called soul
or
comprehend.
Burton 39
human soul
begins a process
focus to the
soul
Several
larger group.
ones
not
of a
new
together (2:18).
Paul's
simply individualistic.
changes his
that
described
so
be
people who
It encompasses
community as well
God's
temple
call
the
on
letter to the
as
in the
name
of
Ephesians
is
individual
transformation.
Ephesians
"to live
way in which
it"
(4:7).
worthy
of the
on an
responsibility,
"to each
one
Paul
Similar to the
clearly proclaims
given as
relates such
chapters,
transformation takes
individual
life
efforts
Christ
apportioned
interdependence.
focuses
He first
on
the
church:
Burton 40
was
unity
so
that the
we
all
become mature,
(4:12-13)
The
working deep
(v. 13).
A threefold
describes the
Holy Spirit
whole
measure
of
congregation, and God could not be more completely expressed than in the following
verses:
Paul
we
will
no
which believers
start to form
most
an
skillfully interact in
one
live
narrows
as
In order to build
The
community
community
Burton 41
in order to grow to
The two
Paul
as
unity in diversity.
as
goal
of maturity. God
The
"prepare
do
in Christ and
reach
beyond
reach
and
disciples must
should be
168-69).
include both
asking,
"What hinders
praying
us
answer
Paul
perceived as
"closed circle"
Seamands'
(163).
The
question.
shines
on
(5:14) the
new
as
(4:22)
dearly
deceitfiil desires"
imperative,
spiritual maturity to
maturing those
and the
body
church infected
For the
explains,
major
gives the church all the resources needed to accomplish the task.
already
in God's
(4:24).
image
a
in the
life of love,
focuses
on
Burton 42
individual responsibility for transformation, the entire treatise is built around the theme of
God's mission to
get drunk
5:18).
on
through interdependence
on
God's
Spirit.
every
and
Eve. In
self-limiting love,
relationship.
"Do
feeling of an inebriated
one
and behavior
of the most
opportunity to
powerful
wine, which leads to debauchery. Listead, be filled with the Spirit" (Eph.
person.
image of God.
Personal
God waits
on
fullness. In joyful
intimacy,
spiritual
given the
Adam and
powerful
a measure
of
occurs
relationship
and
through Scripture.
of self-limitation,
Paul's
foremost in
of the
glad deference,
and joyful
family relationships.
His
Burton 43
a measure
small
of maturity
was
not
different
people from
encourage and
challenge
one
He envisioned
on
in the
deep recesses
of the inner
being as Christians
submission of
Trinity.
For
nuclear
of love
as a
or
of individualistic
or
on
the child's
family
by all these
she learns to
expressions of relationships.
person's life.
identity,
The Trinitarian
or
her
As the child
learn
people
begins to
living in mutual
distorted
submission within
"I and
Cultural
you,"
image of God is
ensues over
also
clarified
who
imprints
begin to
or
further
they establish their relationship most often reflect the elements passed to them by their
as
and grandparents. By the end of
parents. They eventually establish themselves parents
giver to
were once
receiver
as someone
care
of their parents
of life.
Burton 44
and culture
to influence
The overall
in
as
they endeavor to
develop
intimate
grow in
family relationships
individuals
Ephesians portrays
family systems
in other
families of the church. The shared love of Christ among families creates excitement to
reach out and touch the world with
indwelt
daily
compassionate works
lives
go
throughout society
in their
of compassionate
service that draw others from outside the church into lives of transformation.
relationships.
In
within the
together in mutual
a
marriage
occurs
image
The marital
woman
in
marriage
same woman
establishing a marriage.
back to the
man
commitments from
a man
to one
as
Burton 45
Marriage
people to
is not
search for
easily
sexuality drives
permanent
relationship that fulfills the social image of God that is fundamental to the
identity. Starting
core
one
another and
and
pair bonding,
for
experiences
intimacy.
In
of their partnership
express themselves in
couple,
but
daily life.
once
once
desire to love
of their
man
and
one
Jesus
reproach.
The
the marital
drives,
rejection.
sexual
never so
at
of human
longed
for
nearness now
and
seeks distance.
results from
tendency
were
hard"
Burton 46
personal, individual fulfillment. It looks inward. The opposite of self-giving love, this
tendency promotes self without regard for the other and damages the
The attitude of marriage is the
attitude of resistance
Marriage
is
close
or
as
In
image
marriage,
of God's love to
one
another. Christian
lifetime
are
apt to forgive
more
care more
glad submission,
on a
show
mutual
but
Christians, they
deference,
and joyful
couples living in
daily basis
and
praise
one
foundation for
generations.
learn
another's achievements.
a
family system
on more
express
another in
easily and
learning to
modeling,
one
marriage
pass
as
inner desires to
individually to develop
to
maturity.
Christ
them
subdue the
possible to helping him or her find fulfillment as beloved and encouraging him
her to grow in
the
divorce with
marriage partner.
soul.
and
Burton 47
means
of discipleship.
parents
as
nuclear
takes
to
{Risk-Proofing
but
Your
Family 22).
any
responsible to
care
for
(Patton).
child
The
are
status.
of
relationship dynamics between people in intimate relationships, male and female roles,
acceptance, affirmation, personal worth, and value systems (Joy, Risk-Proofing Your
Family 21-36).
image
or
family system of any nature yield to the Spirit in Christ and learn to depend upon his
transformational power to
diminish. Enabled to
develop
relationships of greater purity and faithfuhiess, they pass on the hope of establishing
vivacious
next
generation.
church
can
offer.
The two
initial
generations, sometimes
family system.
Transformation
strategic discipleship
efforts the
Burton 48
Bible portrays
common
American
image
one
incomplete.
with other
by
image.
views but
sin from
generation to generation.
the
in God's
of God distorted
of the
perceptions
occurs
as an
image
resurrection power
as
found in
empowered in Christ.
The most consistent and foundational
relationship
for transformation
through
others. Local
congregations
tools,
as
as
mature
sexuality,
and
as
Trinitarian
to
are
tied
The
major strategy in
wisdom,
image
sexual
Ephesians.
of God's
occurs
lives of
and
development of discipleship
seen
lives of the
congregation in terms
of
relational
Burton 49
trusting relationships,
and
concern
to what extent
through
thought
in the local
growth.
Research Literature
The
ways
To test the
can
grow
a more
enhancing the marital relationship affects the spiritual growth processes of the
couple
make
community of believers.
church
and whether
The
enhances
hypothesis
couple's ability to
and the
project assume
family relational systems are the building blocks of church community structures.
object of discipleship
This
community maturation.
why
such
dualistic model of discipleship should be tested within the American church. After
proposed by James G.
community maturation.
discipleship theory
discipleship
is to facilitate
biblical
Marital
relationship dynamics
will
significant gap
in research literature
spirituality.
Burton 50
Through Jesus'
Discipleship
death and
which
God's
process of overcoming
encompasses
surveys,
challenged the
more
by
clearly present
sin, but making disciples who obey all that Jesus commanded
complex
theologians,
Jesus
and
means
and
proliferation of experimental
American Christians encounter many obstacles to maturation. The next section suggests
that
richer
Like
lens
coming
image.
always move
generation of individual
Recent surveys
divulge
denotes
special
(Bama Group,
goal.
"New
clarity in
Divorce
Marriage").
Christians
an
concern
for
Stories
as
were
of
"Most
Twentysomethings").
Especially disconcerting, the young adults who stay involved in church during their
twenties often tend toward less mature Christian
cease
Burton 5 1
("Faith Revolutionaries").
favorable
16 percent of Americans
only
evidence, the
by the
Randy Frazee,
refined
the
profile
through forums
on
such
as
"The
Spiritual
was
such well-
(35). Created by
church leaders and
sponsored by the
people.
The
mature
phase
blown away
The
expensive
services
study
In
"I
in
Willow Creek
input from
was
projects
qualitative
questions
people.
combination of sixty-eight
survey
as
of its
original
light of such
of their church
were
least
not the
spiritual growth. Hybels expressed his concern that the church had not helped the people
Burton 52
become self-feeders. Hawkins, the executive pastor for Willow Creek and
contributor to the REVEAL
project,
describes that
published.
confirmation of their
Some
importance
were
The
broadcast
and
amplified the
of the response from Willow Creek staff. Of the churches from which surveys
were
nondenominational, and
percent
major
as
seeker-sensitive, only 29
weekly
churches.
discipleship
cannot be
or
local
as
something we
should
as
for
actually try"
through the
local
context
were a
clean slate"
in the context
ignored. Discipleship
to create
organizations
that
Burton 53
George suggests
change
attempted to
Beckham propose
larger church.
The
and
new
some
people (McKnight)
in order to concentrate
on
on
styles
of presentation
The
new
two
renewing
(Hirsch 33),
attempted to
entirely
most of the
decentralize
(Bendis;
O'Brien
some
leadership
leaders
no
particularly prophetic
places they believe
typically
live either in
practice
new
14).
move
Christianity.
force for
or
developing relationships.
longer desire to
them
as
Not to discredit
house
held
need
large, medium,
Movements to start
separate entities by
one
Some of
as
they
can.
Burton 54
them. New monastics try to create alternative cultures within America rather than the
typical Christian
subculture
(Byassee 47)
in
an
of Christ.
The
challenge from new monasticism begs the question whether people in new
ministry,
but
influence.
have
a more
biblical
potential laboratories
for
are
of Christian
another
in
communal
setting who
do I need,
or
what do
we
need,
to be a
evaluate current
one
"What
one
discipleship efforts.
maturity
is achieved. The
picture
clear
an
American perspective.
Christian maturity is both individual and plural; each person should grow toward maturity
and communities of believers should grow toward
maturity.
of the
Each
family
should
Trinity in mission.
develop
The
Burton 55
about
for
epistles.
full-orbed
discipleship
congregations.
Samra
Pauline
Epistles,
communities and
which he
a
survey of modem
studies of ancient
His
near
Eastern
findings regarding
discipleship unveiled a complex biblical process related to the renewed emphasis upon
Trinitarian
Identifying
with
Samra
(1 12-31):
Christ,
Enduring suffering.
and
Christ is
more
wholly
than
of
between
a means
good intentions
and
Spirit-filled life.
To be
Most
Burton 56
Jesus represents.
Identifying
spouse
as a
out
Christ is both
united
divided
dynamics
enhances
Christians live in
factor of family
relationships.
Samra found
spiritual maturation.
and is
an
enduring suffering to be
It
of Paul's most
empathic
care
significant catalysts
a new
To
toward others. It is
a means
of transformation
so
long as people
suffering through reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit and in the
and
Christ.
endure
dynamics,
and build
for
one
hope.
desire to be like
Married
create more
endure
couples who
resilient
community encouragement.
family
Married
couples who respond poorly to difficulty or find no support from the community of
believers lose intimacy and
is
an
integral.
Burton 57
in the
of strong
community of believers.
People change through direct divine intervention while experiencing the presence
of God.
or
through the
encouragement of another Christian functioning in charismatic gifts from the Holy Spirit,
the presence of God transforms both the
means
giver or teacher
special presence
as
peacefuhiess and
together,
whether
of God exists
as a
as
or
along with
married
couple
entire
or an
congregation,
learner. The
never
as a
be underestimated in the
(warning, rebuke,
and
as
comes
via other
of "urging,
instruction, negative
tension between
private expressions of godliness and relational integrity. Scripture may speak to the heart,
but
culture,
term
not
endurance of marital
This interaction
long-
Burton 58
signifies
in
wise
Ephesians,
encouragement in the church. All other relationships fade in comparison. The wisdoms of
and
integrity, judgment,
back, down to their children, and throughout the congregation. Developing all forms of
wisdom
can
make
or
break
the
Apostle
Paul
or a
close
such
example
as a more
such
mature
as
and
congregations.
believer, registers
major theme in the Pauline Epistles. Godly role models are primary aspects
with the incamation of Christ. Paul describes
when
Christ.
finding unity to
overcome
home
through the
time and
Without
consistency
home, people
can
be neither
example
The marital
as
care,
marital
giving of
relationship
and
occurs
people
at
of identifying
faith of other
the
as a
within each
spiritual maturation was the basis of his life's work and the purpose
Burton 59
to form mature
beHevers
components of the process of maturation" (Samra 169). The process of maturing the
community.
Transformation
individual and
reciprocal ministry by the individual within the congregation. Daily life in marriage
family tests, purifies,
growth.
unity
individual and
Spiritual
of the
facilitate
community maturation.
Theories of human
and
improve their
confirms the
approach
family members and their capabilities to reach outside the family in order to touch lives
in
positive way.
Pastors and
theologians
are
not the
in
spirituality. Christian
psychologists receive many referrals from pastors who feel inadequate to address mental
Burton 60
health issues. Through their struggle to accept the role of both counselor and
mentor. Christian psychologists and
spiritual
into
spiritual development (Mangis 260; Hall 67; Sandage and Shults 263). Their human
development.
In
human
explains
Gibson
negative
external rules
consequences and
imposed by authority.
As older
children, adolescents, and young adults develop greater awareness, they desire
so
status of being
developed to
such
an
extent that
they
are
Some
people progress to
on
personal
internal
convictions
(Gibson
capabilities.
Based
on
spiritual
levels from
Burton 61
development used in the REVEAL study correlate closely with Gibson's moral authority
levels
as
A valuable
Psychologists
as
decisionist
and adds
or
enlightened.
new or
source
study,
human smfiil
of human justice.
broadened
concept of relationship with God (Leffel, Fritz, and Stephens 293). Such categories
demonstrate
an
only addresses
reasoning.
It
Table 2.1.
Comparison
Gibson's Levels
Reveal
Imitation of godly
Growing
exemplars
Kingdom
centered
Stages
sense
Self-centered
in Christ
Other centered
centered
Christ centered
Kingdom
centered
Erik
must
precede
or
proposes
parallel personal
changes in
Source of Authority
Principle
approaches.
discussed.
Close to Christ
development,
moral
Authority Development
Exploring Christ
or
external
spiritual values to the virtues, yet the crises implicate areas of sin and
Burton 62
self-orientation to
the fruit of the
overcome
expresses
Holy Spirit.
wisdom. Growth in
more
frilly
awareness
theory
as
also
development theorists,
with further
and Carol
Sefcek
famous faith
Gilligan (14-35).
or
He
embrace
(37-57).
He
Levinson
ultimate environment,
as
more
ultimate concern,
love
as
paradox to
of
trust other
see
the
with the
in American
society as self-fiilfiUment to a biblical view of life's vocation as intimacy with God and
seeing
(83).
He
so
between
the basis
or
most
As demonstrated
dynamic interactions
REVEAL
study,
these
as
299).
Burton 63
American church.
A
came
breakthrough in the
from
writings
an
unexpected
of Lev
Vygotsky,
theories of development
Erikson and Fowler,
potential
but is
individuals
on
search for
source:
holistic
who lived
early in the
1900s in
Whereas Erikson
on
was
social context
helps
orphanages
for
long
correlate with
state of deprived
in the 1990s
mass
and their
human
Human
media.
stretches of time, if
they did not die, physically and mentally stopped developing (O'Connor
Humans cannot survive
more
87).
concerned with
Romanian
the
scientific
that
beings
are
social
beings
or
one
Burton 64
leamers
come
potential depends upon their teachers. How much and how fast
to
reaching their
person learns
potential
also advance
individuals learn
how
own
depends
skills in their
on
are
what they
at
are
taught,
by agreement
with
cognitive teaching.
cross
Spiritual
more
For
example,
threatened by
an
well
are
as
knowledge
another in
by copying a model
Jesus
change occurs
comfortable. As
one
study gives
powerfiil
an
emphasizes relationships
sermons.
environment that
and
are
more
in front of them. As
because seekers
as
taught,
to
Leamers
place upon
than
learn of the
willingness to
demonstrating the
lives transmit
depends
another to
in which the
new
depths
people
of God
of sacrificial
Burton 65
congregations
money,
in the
outreach, and
lens of Vygotsky' s
can
relationships,
people
The REVEAL
maturity with which they find modeled through fu-sthand experience within their
surrounding
Christian
If firsthand
community.
experience
for effective
relationships,
between
most
man
or
or
cohabiting,
The
relationship
the
image
can
implement to
factor is almost
developmental potential
of entire
generations.
entire
holistic, psychosocial-spiritual
suggest that wise teachers and role models have great influence
generations.
Fowler's
or
on
Vygotsky
environment.
Developmental
in
theorists
spiritual growth
flow
Burton 66
community
and individual
systems.
several Christian
and social
(Leffel,
264). They
perspective of
As relational
beings
and the
same
(284). They
construct
in the
self-identity
of spirituality
including
2. emotional
fortitude,
3. contentment
regardless of circumstances,
and
overcoming sin),
and
6. facilitation of an
and
holiness,
not double-
mindedness; 293).
This Christian construction of psychology, called relational
spirituality, attempts to
and continuum-oriented
developmental theories,
and
Burton 67
centuries have
Christian,
person of instability
ways
or
person of pure
impure heart.
results in
course
Biblical authors
use
or
shoulder
discipleship
or
faith-filled
physical desire,
doing,
but
about
by the
and mental
(Eph.
at
against
anguish in order to
spuitual maturity
of Mark.
concept
wind
their
one
while
It holds
among the
to
they followed him to their deaths. They may not have known what they
once
Conceptualized as choosing a path and enduring to the end of the road, mature
expectantly anticipates
God's
faith
double-mindedness
to
willful obedience. It is
more
soul from
or
choosing between
Burton 68
cognitive
constructs.
in order to
People
Transformation demands
and
need God's
healing
305-08).
experience,
and
move
Removing
a
and
transforming moments,
loss
over
new
neural schema
pierced by previously
neural schema
are
Shults
are
challenged. Existing
Contradictions
people must be
267).
As
allowed to
mourn
within
result of these
or
experience dissonance.
which
"capacities
reality
obstacles generates
"perceive,
grace
resources
and
future,
opening people to new ways of behaving (Loder and Fowler 141). Relying upon and
reinterpreting past experiences, they create broadened motives
and
capacities
for
3" 308-1 1;
Burton 69
an
extreme
wisdom and
care
ability to
To this
affective
to
shame
as
well
as a
desire for
actual
to
demonstrate the
spouse must
and
humility.
ten moral
produce
MACs of guilt,
forgiveness,
and
moral virtue,
and
positive pride.
related to altruism
about the
all is settled,
and
purer heart remains focused toward
capable
and
one
(see Figure
whom
they
Burton 70
Source: Leffel,
Figure 2.1.
Moral affective
capacities
Though relational spirituality does not claim this theory of spiritual development
is
completely accurate,
as
it is
psychologists and theologians might probe more deeply and accurately the
multidimensional being of humans created in the image of God. This complex heart-level
more
cognitive analyses
such
as
REVEAL.
cannot be
relational
spirituality promotes the need not only for high quality teachmg but also for
interactive
questioning
and
confession.
It also
the most
potential
for influence.
Burton 71
The most
passes, lower-level
attempt to live
for
new
believers may be
pastoral staff,
but
as
time
most consistent
opportunities to
primary family systems. Family remains the most powerful catalyst for and the greatest
barrier to holistic
psycho-spiritual development.
height, width,
398).
It walks
affective
and
depth of God's
faithfully beside
capacities
feeling.
are
much
over
others in every
more
than
constructs.
interaction between
and
action.
Caring is
not
294). Transformation in
and
cognitive enlightenment,
"creative
being (Simcox
people to
unsteadily progresses
cognitive
all
deftly inspired by
Individual
and submissive
at the soul
level
(Estep 160).
but
emotional
people with
To progress toward
spiritual
Burton 72
care.
Sometimes the
capacity to
care
develops out of direct encounters with the presence of God. Usually, people acquire the
capacity to
and
care
launches
Spiritual Formation
In
self-giving
of the
and
and influential
actions.
Community
people. Stories
about local
congregations
relationships
one's
place
in the
From his
prophetic script
bride of Christ
(469).
Three
ongoing
through which local congregations enter the narrative of God's kingdom are
community,
A group of Christ followers who choose to work out their commitment to God in
relationship with one another create community. Such community is the vehicle through
which God
started
are
to build up
one
The
actual
congregation
corporate worship becomes community formation. It is crucial, however, that the work of
Burton 73
seeking
than
God's will
by asking,
The shared
form
we
most American
corporate identity
as
do?"
(197).
thinking,
the
people of
God.
as a
cross
more.
by a community of believers
is
within their
as a
microcosm of the
marriage,
seems
cross
with Jesus
community
cross
one
church,
of the tmest
incapable
little church.
Attempting to
expressions of Christian
of separating that
on
dying for his people. Building up of the wife by the husband demands the
cross.
an
insinuation
Indeed, unless the husband and wife attain unity, the entire family is
hindered from
cross
only be
by embodying his
husband put aside all domination in order to "give himself up" for his wife,
of the
can
community.
the
formation. Faithfulness
and the
must be embodied
The
in order to look
as a
Burton 74
and to God
out to
can a
cross, build up
copies
of the
The
Trinity whose
of the
image
creation. The
cross
cannot be
power of the
same
self and
Dying to
images
individual
in part,
spiritual
more as
and
new
hope has
no
power to
of Christ in the
out these
maturity. Similar to
endeavor
together to
of the
a means
little
people.
extent
potential to become
one
find
working
through community.
The theme of new creation
book
on
Christian
"What if God
marriage, Gary
designed marriage to
make
us
make
us
an
thought:
happy?" (13).
ideal but
as a
of infidelity
must be
occur
more
are
astounding potency
hesitantly,
man'iage partners
cases
the victims
marriage holds
Burton 75
The
America,
challenge
creates an
community,
especially
cross, and
new
salient
cause
for
concern as
ever
cannot
true
The Jerusalem
community
rearrange both
of possessions would
struggle,
would be forced to
dreams of upward
mobility.
Each married
social
couple,
in
agree
empowering accountability.
for their lives to
new
willingly to sacrifice
foster
as a
relationship
as
for celebration. Jesus also related that anyone who does not
light
Several
(Hays 464).
people
of
discipleship in
The
people
of a local
never
of
Burton 76
To
together to
vydth
cross, and
new
community
consistent movement toward identification with the themes of community, cross, and
new
of Marital
Relationships
Approaching this
of people
as
God's
literature review, I
image
behavioral science
descriptions
of marital
dynamics
in
marital
seem
to
mutual
perhaps a smile
specific
choose
in response to
series of romantic
or
submission,
and Whitton
begins
as a
We and
relationship.
simple
us
attraction,
reject commitment to
an
exclusive
As the
partnership
develops, dyadic coping mechanisms determine the degree of unity the couple v^U
Burton 77
obtain. If either
one or
or
the
other,
relationship,
little
(Bodenmaim, Pihet,
and
accelerates
couple
292).
mutual
solidarity
goals,
resources.
dual
Kayser 486).
personal
of us
creates
"We" becomes
and relational
or no
dual
communication and
common
behaviors
can
in which
couples
are
et al.
surroimd
exchange dynamic
spouses choose
176).
unity with a
creates a team
willingness
All other
shared
relationship maintains
an
show
processing,
or
If both partners
unwillmg to contribute,
are
giving
and
et al.
spirit for
290). If both
grateful receiving.
Deference of
personal desires to the needs of the relationship leads to healthier couples functioning,
less interference to coordinated
create
continual
loop
Trustful
of engagement to
deepen the
Burton 78
exchange
of positive benefits in
relationship
other
options less
attractive
permanent commitment
only the
options;
whether
one
not
or
(Stanley, Markman,
could be described
as
self-limiting
daydreams
have
and
about the
and Whitton
relationship
empathy.
The
more
marital satisfaction
in there
form
satisfying
consideration.
makes
creates
safe envirormient to
The covenant of
a
determination
the individuals
Over
experience
an
infatuation of
couple remains to
one
"hanging
sexuality.
sacrificial love.
mindful the
a more
psychological
potential beloved.
other's
in
equitable
for the
covenant. It is
someone
concern
acts of self-giving
Kayser 486).
and
and
Partners
Kayser 482;
an
giving of self
Burton 79
(Bodenmann, Pihet,
and
Many godly attributes describe healthy mutual submission within the literature.
of self in
Giving
or
her find
other,
helping him
positive perspective (Graham and Conoley 232). Rather than blaming each
mature
couples
circumstances to
"negative
characteristics of the
(233)
without
attributing the
reciprocity within intimacy reveals a tension between plural and particular in human
relationships.
Relational
an
relationship.
emotion and
(Cordova, Gee,
Individuals hurt in
one
skillfully choose
literature such
forgiveness
extent that
one
as
chapter
of the
emotion"
13
(Bodenmann, Pihet,
and
to
appreciate
Ephesians chapter
Kayser 486).
It
deepens to the
It
unity, deference,
ability to
psychological
healing only
experiencing the
is
find
relationship
and Warren
Intimacy
and individual
"we-ness" of their
secure
relationships via
vulnerable sharing of emotions, hopes, and motivations (Bodenmann, Pihet, and Kayser
"membrane of couple
intelligence"
Burton 80
delineating
Trust further
boundary between the couple and the rest of their environmental reality.
develops over time
and
220).
emotional
As
or
ever
multiple dimensions
of intimacy: emotional,
seems
to be
A.
and
Bagarozzi
(287).
Barrett, and Rovine 322; Cordova, Gee, and Warren 229). Intimacy defined
closeness appears to be the most
and
describes
(Cordova, Gee,
satisfaction
as
couple
(Larson and
Olson). Intimacy is the hope of human sexuality and the fulfillment of human identity.
expressions
couple
involved believes
Research has
parents
as
is the most
doing
so
will be
common
as
As
one
can
form of marital
become immense
marital
care
even
when
conflict
of the most
well
correlates to
Parenting
generativity.
the
of marriage.
one
for others
and McHale
skills
are
parents' dynamic blueprint for life including value systems, work ethics, religious beliefs.
Burton 81
Pargament, Murray-Swank,
potential couple
makers and
intelligence (Ben-Ari
et al.
an
family.
G. Michael
As
a new
generation of
express
generativity of care
for others
relationships.
Mahoney,
affective
enhance trust,
love, and elevation. As they test the safety of sacrificial caring, they will often fail and
then seek reconciliation. In the process,
humility.
empathy
and
capacities
for
compassionate sympathy.
The
with
gratitude and positive pride, feeling good about doing what is right (206).
and
couple to
form
be
in
support from other families with whom they have community (Graham and Conoley
232).
As these
theoretically should combine in an "upward spiral," facilitating the couple toward caring
for others outside their immediate
marriages
affective
are
and
capacities.
If moral affective
and families
develop
church
Burton 82
environment
Stephens 304).
to be
are
build
"likely to
mature
community.
If children
an ever
on
Marriage
These
project.
in
marriage,
many
questions
and
The authors of this social intuitionist model conclude that research needs
Spirituality's
widening
as
rather
frequency of worship
service attendance
(Larson and
Olson; Marks 604). Rarely has research measured the degree to which couples integrate
faith into their
cognitive perceptions
or
relational endeavors
or
proximal psychological
scope
considered
spirituality from
et al.
325), and
measures
even
or no
dominating the
behavioral sciences literature, they obviously have not uncovered dynamics regarding
how actual
Burton 83
Accepting the
long
history of research on religion and spirituality. Religion or spirituality is among the top
five factors that influence
long-term
success
studies foimd
commitment"
(Marks
61 1;
in
et al.
relationship quality,
and
328).
One
be
grouped into
(DoUahite
cognitive
several
categories
family participation,
constructs
on
608). Research
large national
spiritual agreement and the top rated factor (Larson and Olson;
enhancement
myriad of
such
and
as
marriage
cognitive constructs,
divine
604).
and
such
as
patience,
gender roles,
self-
sacrifice, and conflict resolution positively influence marital relationships (Hill and
et
222). When couples believe God considers marriage important, they attribute greater
and feel
and
significance
and work
more
a more
share life
and better
coping
skills
et al.
227) and tend to put forth more effort to maintain their relationships (227). Religious
Burton 84
beliefs encourage
224). Religion
et al.
and
core
value systems
(Weigel
and Ballard-
were
in those
while
only
19
Olson). Spirituality strengthens loyalty in marriage (DoUahite and Lambert 296). Couples
are more
enabled to
Murray-Swank,
et al.
(Marks 608;
et al.
forgive (DoUahite
and
Mahoney, Pargament,
and
Ballard-Reisch 225; Mahoney, Pargament, Jewell, et al. 330) and tend to relate
more
et al.
223). Spiritual couples more often willingly make sacrifices for the relationship
228) and,
et al.
satisfaction in most
in
cases.
religious pursuits.
Couples observe good marital role models through the church and children find positive
Burton 85
(DoUahite
and Lambert
(Graham and Conoley 232), though single mothers and divorcees tend to
receive less
are more
practices
such
affectionate
as
prayer
together, religious
family bonds
and
seasons, and
et al.
ceremonies
strengthen
296).
Spiritually minded parents spend more time interacting with their families (DoUahite
Lambert
295), endeavor to
show
and listen
next
more
and
attentively
an
et al.
227). The
family of a religious couple often benefits from the couple's participation in organized
empower the
some
intervention
cognitive
even
beg the
Psychological research does not usually attempt to measure direct divine intervention.
However, Peter C. Hill and Kenneth 1. Pargament observe evidence that the link between
marriage and
some
Jewell,
et al.
help
or
guidance
et al.
Burton 86
1).
functioning.
question to
formation.
clearly
perceptions
sense a
an
of their
degrees
of argumentation to marital
regarding the
association. However,
God
emotionally
benevolent
child's
spirituality is not
on
marriage
faith in adulthood
(Marks 608).
The correlations
are
feeling of
incomplete
and
distant, but parental role models and parent-child relationships affect spiritual formation.
Current research
transformation is
even more
Becoming parents
some
couples to
may be
one
affiliate with
of the
getting married by
adults to
reassess
Burton 87
their stances
these
on
faith
(Marks 608).
phenomena lies
in recent
demographic studies.
adults
are
regard to
are
The
percentage of married young adults who remain childless has been increasing. Yoimg
adults wait
children than
ever
less
any church
statistically lowers
transformation is the
djmamics
dependent variable
is
religious organization
and
or
are
the
or even
spiritual transformation.
religion and healthy relationships have commented on their dissatisfaction v^th the
of research
on
spirituality.
"Influences of family
dynamics
on
state
studies, social
investigation:
Although the theory and discussion in this study have focused on the
impact of religion on marriage, the correlational results are bidirectional
nature. Additional theory and research is needed to elucidate ways in
which marriage may facilitate or impede religiousness and spirituality.
(Mahoney, Pargament, Jewell, et al. 335)
The
in
question then remains for fiirther study as to how people "develop eyes with a sacred
lens"
direct
As
literature, the
Burton 88
quality and functioning of the marital relationship impacts spiritual development and
transformation.
Research
This
was an
Design
Ladner) that attempted to explore (Creswell 53) both existing theories of discipleship
processes and moral affective
marital
relationship
enhancement
of improving
semi-structured interviews to
couples'
marital
relationships, to
help
causes
the
couple
changes, how the couples' relationships with God had changed, how their
other
people experience
God's
whether any
loving grace,
and the
reasons
in their
to which
they
changes.
Summary
Theology that is applied, that has been proven to shape daily life such that
godliness follows,
or
does not
intent
and
on
is
maturation and
theological
When
provide
(Guder
231). Proper theology holds both leaders and congregants accountable to biblical
transformation in the image of Christ. A truly functional and biblical definition of
maturity is obtained when church leaders maintain close enough relations with their
exhibit
Burton 89
imago Dei.
congregational,
God's
is
discipleship process.
Christian
both individual
functions to facilitate
of the
Looking
Samra's
for the
marriages
of their
description of Paul's
discipleship process,
by which congregations
ideas of relational
of life.
the
maturity,
Informed
people.
such
as
the American
could evaluate
by human development
of Hays,
understanding the means by which the marital relationship facilitates the complex
maturation processes within local
basic
means
leads toward
spiritual growth.
are a
some
of the
Burton 90
CHAPTERS
METHODOLOGY
Problem and
Purpose
Studies, such as REVEAL, demonstrate that the expansive efforts made tov^ard
discipleship by the American church in recent decades have not produced the
desired
descriptions
as
of community-based
marital
relationship
the
influenced the
development of moral
One additional
goal
more
relationships.
discipleship programs.
Based
Trinitarian
mediated
project
theology and
and whether
affective
of this
on
The
enabled
at West
more
project was to
effective
discipleship processes
create
an
evaluative
perform in order to
discipleship programs. Meeting the expectation of peer reviewed research required the
level of data
would
methods to
go
Burton 91
Hypothesis
This
project was built upon the hypothesis that enhancing marital relationships
church
can
grow
a more
community of believers.
Research
Four research
Research
Question
What
Questions
#1
on
marriage enhancement programs. Any information that helps identify the types of
changes actually occurring
changes may include
enhancement of feelings,
changes
clearer
image of the triune God, changes that demonstrate behavior more closely aligned to those
found
by
as
positive factors,
increased conmiitment,
or
marital
changes
or
were
open to hear
new or
are
any other
positive
described in the
destructive than
in
as a
previous behaviors.
The
negative
All such
structure
Burton 92
to
marital
changes
Research
designed to
answer
this research
having
directly
excellent
as
an
or
indicator of effective
Research
Question
What
discipleship that
as
as
Spiritual growth,
answer
the
question.
occurred after
As
was
#2
Question
What
marital
cluster
hi the mterview
were
designed to
question.
#3
As indicated
by the REVEAL
study. Christian believers with the most advanced desires to make obedience to
Christ the
center of their lives often do not turn those desires into actions to touch the lives of
people beyond their personal spheres of intimacy (Hawkins and Parkinson 106).
question builds upon the psychological theories of G.
turn
such
This
capacity to
of internal
Burton 93
dissonance within intimate relationships (Leffel, Fritz, and Stephens). The interview
questions designated
as
are
were
designed to
and
capacity cluster,
answer
this research
questions
1 and 3 of the
question.
#4
Question
How
change?
The
core concem
discipleship
pass
the
is
occurring
of this
in the American
indicate
appear to be
failing
or
why, when,
church leaders
discipleship
of parents should
more
of
community of believers
resources
and the
help
family
project rests
on
the
or
disturb the
community relationships.
interview
answer
hypothesis was
measured, evaluated,
provided to
The
or
no
obtained
directly
this research
question helped to
fill
an
3a and 4c of the
The
spiritual growth
cluster, questions lai and 2a of the moral affective capacity cluster, and questions 4, 5,
and 6 of the further probes cluster
were
designed to
answer
this research
question. Along
Burton 94
with those
couples
specific questions,
any patterns
considered in order to
were
answer
Ridge
Church in
this research
and
Population
Participants
or
Participants
were
participate
in this research
project by responding to
presentations.
an
question.
was
handed out
incentive of a $25
me
Ridge
Church
an
leadership
gift card to
is found in
of the
or
were
participated.
a
referred
by other couples.
similar church in
Appendix
participation.
e-mail. I then
self-affirmation that
gave
both spouses
self-
flyer or presentation
some
Three
more
couples did not attend West Ridge Church but did attend
nearby community.
A total of twenty
semi-structured interviews.
Design
This
of the
Study
in the earlier
phases
Burton 95
of research
"to
on a
gain a total
or
Christian
are
very
would
such
as
complex.
Direct
external
validity,
insights to
inform the
The doctoral
several
and strict
and
discipleship
would be needed to
validity,
Ladner).
ministry in the
processes
in order
measures
reliability.
The academic
understanding of spiritual
of discipleship,
community needs
formation
such
large
discipleship theories.
of internal
high degrees
and to
of gathering
investigate the
used
and mechanisms
to
of several
in the
daily relational
record narrative
experiences
in the
family
thematically
common
processes. As themes
were
of programmatic
ministry that
aided
These
or
hindered
Burton 96
Instrumentation
The
researcher-designed,
semi-structured interviews
changes,
how the
marital
help
other
As
through
and
whether any
Reliability
relationships, to
what
causes
reasons
procedures.
The
they
compare their
new or
to which
changes.
context
how their
statistical
evaluated in
couple
Validity
aimed to
the
is
was
not
built. I
might be
all
Data Collection
I contacted the
couples
chosen to
participate by phone
of
Burton 97
approximately sixty-five
minutes
their
ninety
to
(see Appendix A). Each couple was given a choice to meet at church facilities,
home,
or a
public
personal line
interview
During
minutes per
recording devices
sessions,
attempted to
options were
Each interview
focus
as
much
as
stories of
and families. I
used
personal
transcripts.
comments to
I felt such
was
transcripts.
study,
chosen
detail, and
interview
Analysis
typing, I attempted to
transcript sections.
which to reduce
and
topical
overlap
Anselm L. Strauss,
and somewhat
"collapse
actual
sections. A second
reading
methodology as
during the
coding process by
advanced research
by which to develop
and the
scriptural
and
six
Burton 98
themes
Dr. Chris
Kiesling,
my semmary dissertation
mentor, reviewed the thematic level of data results for consistency. Finally,
three-
give
Before
assured the team that all interviews would remain confidential and interview information
participants
participants
the
exposure. The
project and
in the
in the dissertation
original small
group
protected.
coded with the first two numbers of the street address of the
initial of the
and wife
participants'
bom. The
were
in each
transcript.
names.
The
analytical
days
of
was
These codes
were
All
were
used
data
through the
presentations.
maintained
on a
portable USB
and any
personally identifiable data removed such that none of the persons involved could be
identified. The overall results of the research were publicly
could
identify
any
portable drives
published,
key.
but
Final data
no
was
data that
saved
on
two
Burton 99
CHAPTER 4
FINDINGS
Problem and
more
effective
Purpose
efficient evaluation of
studies, such as
Recent
REVEAL, demonstrate that the expansive efforts made toward discipleship by the
American church in recent decades have not
Better
involved in transformational
Western individualism
efforts to create
descriptions
more
effective
discipleship programs.
of community-based
in the Pauline
epistles,
the
on
Trinitarian
Georgia,
and whether
of married
secondary goal
couples
enabled
of this
at West
more
consistent
create
easily adapt to
Ridge
project was to
narrative
theology and
Based
church level
analysis level used for this study goes beyond the resources
normally expend on program evaluation.
church
leadership would
Burton 100
Participants
in the research
Participants
who attended West
form of marital
Ridge
Church in Dallas,
Each
some
Georgia.
similar church in
participate.
One additional
chose to
participate.
Question #1
Research
What
most
husband's cheerleader,
more
more
at ease,
trusting,
more
more
open,
more
accepting, becoming
relational,
willing to
The
relationships.
list of the
more
more
truthful,
more
encouraging,
at the
heart,
more
and
becoming more
of a team. I
recognized that a
comprehensive list of the marital changes described by all of the couples would be
voluminous, impractical, and unhelpful.
Burton 101
In order to
an
several
interviews from
Two
create
differences between
one
topics helpfril
in
following paragraphs
couples into
groups
Of all the
expressed by couples.
was a
little
a man
positive
our
man
small group
regarding
experience.
"time to
change
who
"The
man
told
to a small group
he
create
meeting
never
stepped in the
at
had
door of
demonstrated
exceptional gratitude.
shared his
noteworthy
positive experience
we can
each other"
in several attempts,
me as soon as
appreciate
fostered
came
categorize the
now
expresses shame
thoughts:
The whole time you were trying to explain the confidentiality thing, I was
thinking, I don't care about confidentiality because people need to know.
I'm not ashamed of what God has done in
me
and
us
and
our
marriage.
He
Burton 102
didn't do it just
to
so we
changes
positive change
couples
shared
importance couples
with the
degree to
in then-
noteworthy
though universal,
associated with
which each
keep it
relationships produces
in marital
We can't just
statement.
was
not
positive marital
significant theme
I found
enhancement
Table
4.1).
The
consistently varied
strides toward
unity.
As delineated in
relationships toward
of marital
committed, other-oriented, self-giving love. The couples with the greatest relationship
changes functioned as
essence,
united
In
they redefined their understanding of marriage. Along with the change in type of
express that
adequately and faithfully over a period of time gained enough trust in one
another to create
functions
as a
team in
daily life.
experience of joy in the image of perichoresis. Couples used the term team most often in
Of the eleven
unity, only three did not use the term to describe an important aspect of change.
Two of
Burton 103
their
one
full
experienced deep hurt within their marriages and had not yet gained
relationship
in terms that
never
more
us
before,
acknowledging or
even
vuhierability,
and
learning that
it is the
representation of the Trinity." Only four of the nine couples who had
more
like
team
again.
into
A third
team to describe a
Table 4.1.
of the nine
change
Categories
#of
Category
Life stage
transitions
Skill
couples
Redefmition
in their marital
Change
in
Process
Change
in marital
satisfaction
dynamics
significant
11
all encompassmg
marital relationship. I
more as a
identity.
relational
Of the twenty
after
of Couples
minimal
of marriage
fimction
couple,
development
gradual
couples interviewed,
six
positive
help followed
by building trust
dissatisfaction to
satisfaction
or challenge followed
by rapid change
from threatened to
choice to seek
crisis
increased
positive
in their
couples
in
Burton 104
which
they made
decision to
in the methods
specific changes
the
or
available to
experiencing intimacy
at
more
time to focus
another,
Four of these
couples
one
on
relating to
one
couples had
systems. All of the minimal change couples gradually experienced closer friendship and
that
related,
"We
that minimal
were
so
For
example,
seem
as
one
to indicate
image
in the
wife
bearers
experience
of human joy.
A second
interviewed who
already
perceived their marital relationships through a lens of self-giving love but lacked the
skills to function
effectively
as a
team in
daily life
in their marital
as
couples
discovered, when their youngest child left home, that they had differing views of mutual
submission and the wife did
Through
concerted effort
to communicate and
and
Burton 105
learning self-acceptance, they learned to value themselves and gradually gained more
trust and
maturation of their
The third
relationship.
couple consistently hit a barrier to deep emotional intimacy and empathic reciprocity.
counselor
developing the
skill to communicate
overcome
unspoken expectations.
After
skills, all three couples rapidly gained deeper trust, respect, and
women
home to every
am
day."
talk and I
couples to
experienced significantly
seek
affected
in their marital
one
life
goals.
of the wives
marriage I have,
stated,
what I get to go
couple satisfaction.
changes
change actively.
by
developing enhanced
common
that barrier
relationship dynamics.
The eleven
couples
in this category
an
or
Lack
marriages.
Some of
the
overcame
effects of being childhood abuse victims. Many rebounded from adulterous affairs. All
eleven
marital
relationships.
making changes
at which
in their
dynamics
at such
length,
after
initially came
from counselors
or
other
Burton 106
resources.
They talked
For
example,
one
cycles of chaos.
of the
Others used
phrases with
challenge used the term dethroned me to describe the change from self-focused
orientation to
self-giving
orientation.
about
experiences that had become, through acts of forgiveness, part of the shared
categorization of couples,
important factor I
and
self-giving
meaningfiil
a
Many couples specifically expressed gratitude that they had found a church
environment that lifted up
relationships
a
stated that
changing to
church that
Only one
resource
of the eleven
enhancement. That
did
so
more
aware
seek
help.
using a
of the three
help.
without
seek
of demeaning them
resources
promoted by the
Burton 107
changes, eight couples found aid through the teaching contained in Love and Respect:
Respect He Desperately Needs by Emerson Eggerichs.
mentioned
me,
of those counselors
That
changes.
seeking help
only one
one
counselor
trauma
specialist.
Your Mate
Two
couples
At least two
impact.
changes cited
none
as
great an impact
Most of the
entered their
How to
the book
a
by
significant
marital enhancement
resource
or a
that made
significant
of the four
played
as
of the six
resources
Languages:
Surprising to
Christian basis.
was a
use a
couples
such
as
Marital enhancement
marriage unprepared to
create
truly
they
categorized with minimal change commented about the many things they had to
couples
leam
early in their marriages and how much benefit they thought couples could receive by
learning
marriage.
None of the
The
consistency with
Burton 108
which
use
transformational
significant opportunity
strong challenge
to
Question #2
deeply and
discipleship.
Research
What
degree
of spiritual
as
having
change?
growth reported by interview participants related
consistently to the degree of positive marital change they experienced. None of the
or
gradual maturation.
couples who
experienced specific resolutions to their marital issues without redefining their marriage
identity described revitalized relationships with God that generally included more
relational intimacy with God. At least
one
usually both,
describe their
nearly
all the
redefined their
spiritual growth.
we
similar to the
we see a
situation
vocabulary used
to
from
only did the intensity of change parallel each other, the vocabulary couples
spouse,
level. We
are
able to connect at
changes,
coming."
About
relating
Burton 109
together.
...
am
risk of marital
able to connect with God at the heart level." Another wife declared her
fellowship:
as a
father
can
narrated
couple
far
more
came
than
to
He's
can
examples
now
look
of parallel
spiritual change.
often
phenomenon
marriage
an
was
accompanied by a
before their
God of love. I
The decision
decision for
challenge to
love. One
going to
prayed all
challenged her:
As she shared
enthusiastically,
came
to
couple,
an
amazing to
see."
authentic
Burton 110
matter how he treated her. Her husband related his side of their
...
back
us
salvation
described
moderate marital
coimseling
one
of the
and
same
clear
significant spiritual
did not
comparison.
sought marital
couple
and
couples designated as
decisions in similar
spiritual
example,
in such
none
contexts. For
Among the six couples that I categorized as having minimal marital change,
described any
together.
midst of their
love
marriage
me
story:
no
"do life
The
In five of the
and marital
significant spiritual
together."
change
decisions. In two
and marital
change
decisions.
couples,
one
Another
couple made both spiritual and marital decisions, though not as drastic.
was
not detailed
enough to
not
more
The
nearly
as
as
reading the Bible or praying together up to large, high-risk choices such as the two
Burton 111
examples
spiritual
concurrently intertwined
decisions
Research
What
as
having
A
occurred after
complex relationship
Question #3
use
moral affective
capacity as
I reasoned that
outreach
ministry.
intimate
relationship
personal,
of marriage enabled
much
more
an
developments
indicator to evaluate
internal dissonance
scenario with
relationships.
for fiirther
opposite
The
development of the
same or
skills in
more
less
workplace seemed to
the
influence
occurs
in
as
Figure
primary
primary relationships
development was
relationships.
spheres of MAC
development of relational
distant
complex
of caring
allows
primary relationships.
The
more
primary relationships.
For
They realize even their parental effectiveness depends greatly upon marital health. Caring
MAC
Those
development
Burton 112
flows
and direct
less
format.
Figure
on
MAC
development.
humor
ways of caring often became the fodder for
new
as
the
uncovered
more
narrative
The
stories,
questions directly
leam better
asked
in order to
Burton 113
Almost
are
improvement to
in marital
occur,
dynamics
and MAC
giving
and
receiving,
more
significantly
interviewed
caring behaviors,
different from
for
moral virtues.
describing changes
use as a measure
MAC
phenomenon.
that
more
another.
of marital
That intimate
intimacy, results
in
new or
and refined
potential
Marital
effective
convert to mutual
development
dynamics.
All of the
couples
dynamic maturity.
care
for
in which attempts to
spouse. More
demonstrates
care
for children
or
moral virtues
more
express imbalanced
For
one or
that confiises
or
spoils
children
chaos.
example, the husband may constantly express harsh anger or the mother may pamper
improvement, the
spouses
earn
of
Burton 114
to
Expressions
of care
combined efforts
create
appropriate
more
balance
and consistent
the
care
expressions of
punishment,
more
as a
inhibited
choose
father to
but start
such
as
corporal
relationships
immediate
seems
appears to entail
to
family.
For
example,
often appear in
complex factors.
develop more tolerance and empathy in the workplace and with other
acquaintances.
overcome
The
childhood issues with her family of origin in order to respect her husband and
stability resulted.
With such
that,
once
stability at home,
she
was
less
an
environment of
motives
expressions of care toward them and concentrated more on expressions of care in her
primary family.
In other
examples,
many
Several
Burton 115
whom
to build the
capacity to
care
capacity to
in
change in degree
degree of care
exhibited in less
was
care
moved into
care
for
family, however,
their marital
leadership
family.
relationships.
The
means
probably
in marital
does not
mean a
person will
group
such
as
the
couples
for interviews
in
through the
so.
participation happened
Several
after
an
authentically
sways great
How
ministry
safe, peacefiil, and caring marital relationship. The stability of the marriage
over
develop
used to recruit
power
exists
for
potential
are
Question
of the church.
#4
change?
Merging the content of the first three research questions presents an interesting
and
spirituality. Looking
close-up.
Burton 116
step back to view the role of resources, advisors, and teachers reveals
distant
discipleship.
promote
more
faith to other
people.
The
more
complexity very
informative to
perspectives.
Personal transformation does not
person processes dissonance within their
spouse and
primary relationships,
For
It
occurs as a
married Christian,
Couples consistently related stories that intertwined relationships with God and
and the
from each other when their youngest child left home all
help. Many interviewees sought to deepen the intimacy of their relationship with God in
order to find courage and emotional
In many other cases,
one or
resources
or
began journeys
in Christ to
act in
of God's
they found hope through faith, they changed their behaviors toward their spouses.
positive response from their spouses resulted in more gratitude and trust in God.
negative response provoked an occasion of spiritually wrestling to trust God.
narratives of other
on
As
The
the effects of
Burton 117
marital
change.
God's
experience
goodness.
care
as
spouse that
The
change in
often either
God
As God's
began to perceive
and to
them, experiencing
concem, and
respect,
marital
For
also
tmstworthy
and
skills such
as
conflict
or
develop healthy
perseverant positive
or
team effort.
couples consistently talked about early phases of transition from a first person
Several
perspective of "I did" and "you did," while later phases of change were described as "we
decided to"
Christian
or
spiritual pursuits.
in the marital
For these
relationship
often
care
among spouses
runs
process
simultaneously parallel to
development of similar receiving care and giving praise and submission to God.
powerful potential to
have
spiritual transformation.
Without
enhancement results
and counsel,
Burton 118
Dissonance caused
result in further
discouragement and
can
helpful.
Both books
significant
phases
personalities.
Even
more
helped couples
couples
marriage
ever
The
as
according to
by Eggerichs
relationships while
any of the
several
couples
couples
in
early
described
changes. Eggerichs
encourages
care
improvement
Languages by Chapman
Languages.
spouse whether
aids to marital
as
It
couples found
couples used
and joyful
in
positive response
couples to
intimacy.
redefine
and whether
marriage
or
not the
in terms of
He promotes commitment
as
effective
resources
Burton 119
way that
worth
form of instruction
personal
interviews,
one
or
couples who
made
large marital
advice
ovm
and
compassion of their spouses. Healthy reparation only occurs when spouses uphold their
personal sexual identity
themselves
enough to
in the
image
of God
as
as
as
equals, protect
guidance to
correct the
are
missing,
deficiency. Only
within
the
caring capacities on to
succeed.
functioned
capacity.
as
role models
Those
more
can
they
independently with other social friends and acquaintances using more highly functional
relational skills. They returned to their interdependent relations
external influences within the combined wisdom of the family. Family members learned
how to work
such
as
budgeting.
Burton 120
some
as
in marital
dynamics
and
family
learned to create
new
social boundaries to
protect themselves and their families from unhealthy social relationships. Couples often
skills and
discern social
relationship
consistently to
interdependent expectations.
This
be
project did not discern any factors that helped predict which couples would
which
and
in
do
so.
care
The
and
resuhs appear to corroborate with social science theories. Erikson suggests that
generativity, which includes healthy parenting, follows an intimacy that can only be
established by persons that have differentiated with
Sefcek 17). Relational
includes
complex interaction
of the
and the
procedural
skills to
Stephens 208). Together, the many examples listed demonstrate that relational
Burton 121
findings
relationships.
Summary
of Major
Findings
answers
questions
of this
of potential
major significance.
The
care
1. Moral affective
or measure
Promoting positive marital change benefits greatly from helping resources that
holistic
3. Positive
4. Positive
change
enhance transformational
spiritual
growth.
the
in marital
dynamics
is
only one
The
findings.
Burton 122
CHAPTERS
DISCUSSION
Major Findings
This research
relationships
influence
growth in spirituality.
measures.
positive
for
discipleship
on
use
are
social
in
resources
family life
only to
expectations,
marital satisfaction
as
other.
for
one
and fiilfillment
of the
through
deepest longings
invigorating romance
brings
dating
are
not
express
care.
potential
of constituents.
proposed by Christian
project also
Marriage
by nature,
as
findings that
in the
and the
People
exist. The
effect
in marital
The
care
couples
for
one
ever
interviewed achieved
intently give
care
graciously receive
care
from each
Burton 123
the
to
expression of care,
for others well
care
mutual
advocates
are
nearly
and
image
of God.
Theologically, marriage
creation in God's
between human
image.
identity
in the
findings reveals
another
and
identity of human
close
relationship
significant similarity.
(p. 70) relate direcfly to both Trinitarian images of God and marital satisfaction.
Moral affective
From the
of a Christian
This
capacities
leader, tools that
perspective
affective
capacity
Burton 124
people
review
of the
of bonding,
functioning.
adequate abilities to
become suspect
If either spouse
care, the
(Stanley, Markman,
overcome.
causes
to rediscover joy
occur
et al.
174; Stanley,
damage to other
(Gordon,
672-73).
Lack of commitment,
ability to
the
couple to
function
Most
causes
5).
and Whitton
et al.
improperly.
need
care,
couples,
or
skill to
even
if
helping resoxirces couples use make a difference in the quality of change they are likely
to achieve. The more that
wide
variety of essential
In addition to
marital
also
significant.
dynamics
and
of marital enhancement
Christ.
If
Burton 125
Often described
create
another
cannot
strong
case
as
Spirituality
(Mat. 22:37-9).
care
people.
one
project reveals
love God
develop
love
pattern found in couple interviews showed that the different aspects of loving respect for
God and
Identity at the
Transformation of core
or
in
often occurred in
marriage
and
spirituality confirms
the holistic
relationships
unity of the
and behaviors.
changed,
relationship extends up to
has
changed
confirms the
parallel.
God
or
out to
person is
changed.
No sacred
A transformational
differently.
This
parallelism
forms
of Care
they relate
start to
change immediately.
The
As related in
changes
in
motive, however, do
not
Burton 126
care
interdependent relationships.
The
and
more
slowly in less
of the
complexity of caring.
In
selfishly.
self inappropriately, also. The person acted to gaui what self desired whether
image bearer,
not it
was
or
change
hi
relationships.
As
of attitude
immediately begin to
change primary relationships. Primary relationships carry great influence because of their
degree
relate well
changes rapidly
as
changes
As
depicted
result
proceed out into the rest of the world with an attitude of care.
Marital
relationships challenge
relationships require
effective
care
spouses to work
on
relational
relationships.
In order to demonstrate
Distant
Burton 127
discernment in
efforts
care
hurt to the
This
awareness
predicted,
as
family.
couples
relationships.
and
usually requires
couples that is
family units.
relationships
as a
human
by Father God,
by couple-
in order
concems.
To
care
displayed incredible
to
for the
sacrifice and
virgin in order to
care
for
people whom he
When instmcted
arrest and
in the
are
cross
for
difficult to achieve.
overcome
opportunities
tenacity.
find
mass
couples were
outside of their
Some
short-term outreach
minded
expressing care
recognizes has
often
influenced
saints
or
relating to
addition,
hesitancy to
In
one
own
consequent cmcifixion. If God displayed such effort to develop relationships with people
Burton 128
that
were
had
no
not interested in
interest in
Christians must
care
writings of Hays,
care
diligent
hope of touching
The
ability to
care
for distant
Implications
The
findings
of this
of the
Findings
relationship
and transformational
fimds needed to
this
spiritual change.
The
in marital
creation of a
discipleship
efforts and
resources
of
congregations. It, however, yielded a starting point for a model of maturity upon which to
base such
fimctional
appear to be
fiirther
investigation.
The
theological verification, the MAC perspective could be used to form a simple narrative
discipleship tool that would allow for evaluation of programmatic effectiveness, help
Burton 129
create
efforts.
The
findings of this project suggest that many factors beyond those capacities
propositions
virtues
spirituality in order to
add informative
of moral affective
in the
Sociological works
such
structures of organized
as
those edited
Christianity. Perhaps
format such
as
moral affective
development
uncover
and describe
pragmatic
solutions for
implementation.
current
capacity
firom many
The
complex
in all fields
use
enhance
research
intervention upon
spirituality.
It also indicates
concem.
infiuence the
need to
contains
potential to
impact of marital
marital enhancement efforts and what theological concepts should be associated in order
to
promote more and better interaction between spiritual and relational growth.
Limitations of the
West
the
Study
Ridge Church teaches several of the basic factors that apparently influence
Burton 130
contexts. This
the
The
marital
or
who
couples who
The current
and
have not
or
negative
experienced
found in this
study.
project cannot
vices. This
This
relationship changes.
evaluate
of
Unexpected
I
was
was
Observations
tempted to
so
if the observation
one
major findings
of the
project and
of the research.
of the
I interviewed. I
to
emphasizes to me the extremely fundamental nature of this issue. Anyone who thinks
marital relationship
Burton 131
Christian
that
discipleship efforts
they, too,
Even
will catch
as
an
I read and
couples
as
did, I predict
infectious enthusiasm.
for relational
of Trinitarian
theology,
describing
did not
see
marital
The
use
between
how
before this
connection
have
recognized
never
was
couples
are
disappointment m preparations
parents. The
concem
dramatically.
high percentage
instances. The
divorcing
be
has
deeply
increased,
indicates that
develop skills to
for
some
general populous, to
marriages
to
project.
Finally,
the
came
of parents
couples
interviewed
are
today's society.
and
Burton 132
Recommendations
as
creating
an
next
relevant. First,
seem
means
of discipleship available to
could offer
one
of
faith to
couples related in their narratives, they did not seek help for their
marriages until they found a church home that encouraged such efforts.
enhancement
of discipleship that
couple feels
safe to seek
an
environment in which
consistently regarding
help.
couples
Since marital
Maintaining
help
or
discipleship potential.
about
churches do
not
consider
promises uncharted
expressed their regret that
Several
without any
premarital counseling to be
an
important ministry.
cannot remain
overlooked. The concept, though, needs embellishment. Many churches have found life
skill training effective for adults in such
areas as
financial
budgeting, marriage
Burton 133
enrichment, grief, and addition recovery. The need for and effectiveness of such
ministries remains
unquestioned.
training
and relational
on
think of no
can
reason
to wait until
other
people
in
anticipation of meeting
to build interactive
family groups
adults.
well
as
couple
as
learning how to
a
Every generation within the church should receive the challenge to consider in
what ways
generations,
by Hays
in which each
cross, and
new
skill
areas.
Conversations between
Age-level appropriate,
life skills
and choose
career
area
including
skills, and ministry outreach skills could give every generation in the church
more
role to
significant
premarital programs indicated in this research project is accurate, pursuit of the untapped
Burton 134
generations represents
significant
dissertation
reading,
project personally
This
on
marital and
increased my
awareness
often
family relationships
contemplations
each
literature
of people within
marital
congregations.
faith worth
sharing, to
relationship
Those
congregations to challenge
peers to have
pointed my
community of
generations,
and to
respect other generations. I also observed that several research projects in which
answers
perceived from a woman's perception radically changed the ways in which the results
interpreted solely by men.
had been
incurred
American
focus
me
to
congregations.
began this project with a strong personal bias regarding the need for ministry to
on
and made
possibly manage.
direction. This
As hard
as
tried,
project served to
I found
increase my
as
objectively
as
I could
concem
congregational ministry such that leadership consistently evaluates its influence upon the
Burton 135
daily lives
of congregational
congregational ministries
empower
to
and
in order to
enriched my
participants
congregation.
The
ensure
maturity and
project also
of this
a concem
research from other branches of research endeavors. The works of several Christian
psychologists
Association served to
mind that I
highlight this
concem.
These
concems
initiatives to
disciplines.
became
for
me
to
so
relevant in my
help create
from
multiplicity of
Burton 136
APPENDIX A
INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Begin interview by introducing myself and my background as both church planter and
minister of pastoral
care
who has
presented marriage
seminars and
performed pastoral
counseling.
Give
assurance
of protection of privacy.
few
lives of Christians.
introductory questions
such
as
where
have, what types of careers they have, and their favorite activities
Marital
Changes
in marital
or
they
hobbies.
Cluster
1) In responding to the request for couples to participate in this research project, you
indicated your marriage has
would you
use
to
improved
or
what
were
the
highlights,
at
that time?
b)
Were there
c)
Were you
commitment?
or
attend
marriage
consist of?
>
help
or
attend the
marriage
seminar?
Burton 137
relationship
smce
that
time?
Do you think you
i)
anything
ii)
more
or
>
or
perfect.
perception of
a) Ways
or
describe weaknesses?
>
speak encouragingly,
6)
help
each other
>
7)
ceased humiliation,
Has your
changed?
brag to
others
changed?
or career
interests
Spiritual Growth
1)
Cluster
changes
occurred in your
marriage?
2)
changes
started to change?
1
What has
relationship
Burton 138
2.
intimacy, prayer,
motivation for
of God,
3)
>
4)
In what
a)
Christian?
ways? Why?
Was your
c)
God
or
changed at all?
Has that
Moral Affective
Capacity
attitude
b)
any
hear God's
If so,
guidance?
why?
Cluster
changes
changes
Do you relate to
about
people
outside your
people differently?
or
things changed?
4)
Have you
Is that
changes
Who?
3)
>
family?
you
or care.
Do you make
>
can
relationship improved,
b) Ability to talk to
2)
mature
recognize
1)
a more
changed?
In what
ways?
in
Burton 139
1)
it
developed a new or different ability to speak truth to people when
isn't comfortable?
2)
Has your
to
ability to
confessions
or
confess your
shortcommgs
or
ask
forgiveness changed?
To listen
give forgiveness?
as
use
changes
smce
in how you
your marital
use
respond to
relationship improved?
emotions when
can
changes to
each other
or
interact
4) Any other observations you would like to make about the way you express yoxir
Christian life to others has
changed
since your
marriage changed?
5)
6)
changes
in your marital
help
unportant?
Burton 140
APPENDIX B
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
This
Burton toward
are
about to
This notice
for the
interview in
reviewing
of faith and
marriage, I discovered many research projects over several decades that described various
aspects of the influence of religion and spirituality upon marital relationships. To my
surprise,
even
and
marriage enhancement, I found practically no research that explored the impact that
to
give
discover
insight to the impact their marital enhancement efforts make upon Christian discipleship.
The information you fill out
on
the
reverse
comparisons of the interviews will be distinguished by a code made from the numbers of
mother's initials,
your street address,
analytical
The
original recordings
of tiie
on
Husband's Name
Wife's Name
which Wife
City,
ZIP
Today's Date
Location of Interview
was
bom
Burton 142
APPENDIX C
Invitation to
in
Participate
ministry dissertation project
Needed:
Christian
couples
who agree their marriage has
significantly improved in the last several years
Each
couple may
If you would be
contact
me as soon as
(770)
634-6152 cell
ron-burton@comcast.net
possible.
Burton 143
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