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The Contribution of Ambrose Jessup Tomlinson to Classical Pentecostalism
No full textThis work is embargoed by the author until 07-01-2026.The historiography of Pentecostalism customarily identifies Charles Parham and William Seymour as first-generation founders. Parham and Seymour are unquestionably central to the debut of Pentecostalism in North America in the early twentieth century. However, the development of the Pentecostal phenomenon into the entity of Classical Pentecostalism is complex and involves a myriad of leaders. Ambrose Jessup Tomlinson, though a less recognized leader than either Parham or Seymour, is nonetheless a significant leader who contributed to the growth and development of Classical Pentecostalism during its first four decades. Research and analysis indicate that Tomlinson’s influence was evident not only in the founding of two Classical Pentecostal denominations—the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) and the Church of God of Prophecy—but also in education, a pragmatic pacifism, global missions, and race relations.
Chapter 1 establishes the purpose, thesis, and value of the dissertation while acquainting readers with A. J. Tomlinson. Chapter 2 surveys the three main streams of Pentecostalism: Classical Pentecostalism, the charismatic renewal, and neo-Pentecostalism (a.k.a. third wave). The primary focus, however, is on the development and nuances of Classical Pentecostalism. Chapter 3 provides a brief biography of A. J. Tomlinson. Chapter 4 examines Pentecostalism’s appeal to the disenfranchised and marginalized people groups. Tomlinson’s tendency to take his message to the marginalized is explored. Chapter 5 surveys the evolution of Pentecostalism from a sect to a movement with greater respectability. Chapter 6 explores and analyzes the contribution of Tomlinson to the greater Classical Pentecostal movement. The analysis shows that Tomlinson’s contributions had both positive and negative outcomes. Chapter 7 provides conclusions and proffers topics for future research concerning A. J. Tomlinson
Developing a Plan to Increase Understanding of the Cooperative Program at Greenhorn Valley Baptist Church in Rye, Colorado
Full text linkThe purpose of this project was to increase Cooperative Program understanding among members at Greenhorn Valley Baptist Church in Rye, Colorado. Chapter 1 of this project explains the ministry context and rationale as well as steps to be taken toward accomplishing the project goal.
Chapter 2 provides study of three primary passages from the book of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11:19–30; Acts 12:24–13:3; Acts 15:1–35) along with a two-part message from a compilation of selected verses (2 Tim 3:16–17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:44) and supporting verses. These passages expose a foundation of a cooperating spirit in the early church upon which the Cooperative Program is built.
Chapter 3 looks at the history of the SBC and the Cooperative Program and then considers the future of the Cooperative Program.
Chapter 4 explains the implementation of the project and includes the projects sermon series.
Chapter 5 examines the effectiveness of the project and its stated goals
Ezekiel 26 as a Case Study for Interpreting Problematic Prophecy
Full text linkThis dissertation argues that rather than describing Tyre’s literal destruction, Ezekiel employs formulaic language to stylize Tyre’s judgment after the pattern of YHWH’s judgment against Israel and those who opposed it. To defend this thesis, I present an overview of how various scholars have interpreted the oracles against foreign nations in the Hebrew Bible. Next, I catalogue various solutions which scholars have presented to reconcile the discrepancy between what Ezekiel prophesies in chapter 26 and his concession in chapter 29. Third, I examine key texts in the oracles against the nations in the Hebrew Bible. After making conclusions concerning the nature of prophetic oracles against the nations, I provide a detailed examination of the language which Ezekiel utilizes to foretell Tyre’s destruction and compared this language to the actual events that occurred. In light of the disparity between Ezekiel’s language and its historical fulfillment, as well as the shared descriptions of judgment which the prophet pronounces against Tyre when compared with other prophetic texts, I suggest that Ezekiel was using formulaic language that did not expect literal fulfillment. I conclude by suggesting that Babylon’s siege against Tyre was successful in reducing Tyre’s economic control over the Levant, thus judging Tyre for its economic exploitation of Israel in the wake of Jerusalem’s destruction, even if Tyre’s destruction did not occur in literal accordance with the prophet’s words.
Alternate abstract:
Esta tesis sostiene que, en lugar de describir la destrucción literal de Tiro, Ezequiel emplea un lenguaje formulista para estilizar el juicio de Tiro siguiendo el modelo del juicio de YHWH contra Israel y los que se oponían a él. Para defender esta tesis, presento una visión general de cómo diversos estudiosos han interpretado los oráculos contra las naciones extranjeras en la Biblia hebrea. A continuación, enumero diversas soluciones que los eruditos han presentado para reconciliar la discrepancia entre lo que profetiza Ezequiel en el capítulo 26 y su concesión en el capítulo 29. En tercer lugar, examino textos clave de los oráculos contra las naciones de la Biblia hebrea. Después de sacar conclusiones sobre la naturaleza de los oráculos proféticos contra las naciones, examino detalladamente el lenguaje utilizado por Ezequiel para predecir la destrucción de Tiro y lo comparo con los hechos reales ocurridos. A la luz de la disparidad entre el lenguaje de Ezequiel y su cumplimiento histórico, así como de las descripciones compartidas del juicio que el profeta pronuncia contra Tiro cuando se comparan con otros textos proféticos, sugiero que Ezequiel utilizaba un lenguaje formulista que no esperaba un cumplimiento literal. Concluyo sugiriendo que el asedio de Babilonia contra Tiro consiguió reducir el control económico de Tiro sobre el Levante, juzgando así a Tiro por su explotación económica de Israel tras la destrucción de Jerusalén, aunque la destrucción de Tiro no se produjera de acuerdo literalmente con las palabras del profeta
The Martyr as Model in John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
Full text linkJohn Foxe’s Actes and Monuments of These Latter Perilous Days Touching on the Matters of the Church is without doubt one of the most influential books of the English Reformation. Under its more colloquial name, “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs,” there is hardly a student of English literature or history who has not encountered this book or its influence. Scholars of early modern England widely acknowledge that it was so broadly read and embraced as to attain the status of a “quasi-biblical text,” achieving an “influence second only to that of the English Bible.”
Ironically however, the book’s massive success has served to obscure its original intent. As Foxe’s history gained wide acclaim, it began to be adapted for use in political and polemical purposes. Foxe’s book, once released from his pen, would be used to condemn and vindicate all manner of individuals and movements, some of which, Foxe had never even encountered. Within the space of a century, the book would be used to both defend and overthrow the Crown, forge national identity, villainize foreign armies, and prophesy popish plots. Unsurprisingly then, much of the scholarship on the book has been interested in the effects of the book rather than its intent. A great deal of scholarship has focused on the reception history of the book. At the same time, while many scholars have looked at the effects of the book, others have looked to its sources. Since the work of S. R. Maitland in 1837, much of Foxian scholarship has turned to text critical issues within Acts and Monuments, exploring the wealth of sources behind the text and variously criticizing or defending Foxe’s accuracy and motives in using them.
In the wake of all this, however, there has been comparatively less focus on Foxe’s own intentions for the work. In fact, the abundance of scholarship searching for meaning behind and before the text of Foxe’s book has in some cases served to obscure the work itself. Foxe and his work have been described as propagandist, nationalist, royalist, or any number of other monikers. These do not adequately describe, and some even distort, the true context and intent of Foxe and his work. Striking by their absence are modern scholarly assessments of Foxe’s work in light of what he held most dear: his theology and piety. That is the goal of this dissertation
A Mixed Methods Multiple Case Study of Church-Based Multiethnic Leadership Development Programs
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to better understand how multiethnic churches develop leaders from within their congregations. The urgency for this study arises from two observations. First, the biblical-theological narrative points towards leadership teams reflecting the ethnic makeup of the environment in which they are situated. Second, leadership teams that match the diversity of their context have been demonstrated to better reach their cities and the next generation and more effectively lead diverse churches. These two convictions, in combination with demographic trends that point toward a diversifying United States, create a need to develop leaders who will faithfully and effectively lead the next generation of multiethnic American Christians. If we are to develop these leaders for tomorrow, then we must better understand how multiethnic churches are developing these leaders today.
The research sought to identify two aspects of leader development within the multiethnic church context: (1) the desired outcomes for developing leaders and (2) the designed strategies for accomplishing those outcomes. A mixed-methods design was utilized by which a questionnaire established the desired outcomes and in-depth interviews uncovered the strategies.
Chapter 1 outlines the theological and practical need to better understand leader development in a multiethnic church context. Chapter 2 presents the precedent literature in the field of leadership development. This chapter is organized from broad to narrow, starting with the historical development of leadership theory, followed by Christian leadership development literature. Finally, this chapter presents literature addressing leader development in a multiethnic church context.
Chapter 3 overviews the mixed-methods multiple case study methodology utilized in this research study. Chapter 4 presents the findings from the research study. Specifically, the themes from the coded interview transcripts and an in-depth analysis of the leader outcomes questionnaire are provided. Chapter 5 summarizes the findings from chapter 4, relates them back to the precedent literature, lists possible implications for multiethnic churches, and suggests further areas of needed research.
Appendix 6 contains a second round of research which examines possible reasons why the majority of the research participants in the main research project mentioned college-age ministry in their interviews. The second round of research demonstrated evidence that these leaders utilized college-age ministries to embrace the missional opportunities on their local college campuses. Furthermore, there is an indication that college ministries can contribute to advancing a church’s journey toward a multiethnic vision and culture
Rediscovering and Applying God's Holiness in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4 Through the Lens of Abraham Kuruvilla's Hermeneutical and Homiletical Approach
Full text linkThis dissertation investigates the rich theological concept of God’s holiness in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, utilizing Abraham Kuruvilla’s hermeneutical and homiletical method for preaching. This study focuses on elucidating a comprehensive understanding of God’s holiness, which includes both its transcendent majesty and immanent presence. It also explores how the concept of God’s holiness can be effectively communicated through preaching, with the aim of inspiring transformative experiences that align with God’s ideal of holiness.
Chapter 1 addresses the contemporary neglect of God’s holiness in preaching and identifies three main reasons: the complexities surrounding its semantic meanings of the words “holy” or “holiness,” the challenges in finding an appropriate hermeneutical approach, and a lack of homiletical applications. Introducing Abraham Kuruvilla’s hermeneutical and homiletical method, this chapter advocates for a renewed approach to preaching God’s holiness that is both theologically sound and practically relevant.
Chapter 2 surveys an in-depth analysis of the concept of God’s holiness in Scripture initially in a general sense and then specifically in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. This chapter accentuates the need of a theological approach to fully grasp the dual aspects of God’s holiness—its transcendence and immanence—and their implications for preaching.
Chapter 3 focuses on refining hermeneutical methods for effective preaching on God’s holiness in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. It advocates for Kuruvilla’s hermeneutical approach, the world in front of the text, as a means to achieve a comprehensive interpretation that not only resonates with the author’s original intention but also establishes a pertinent connection to modern listeners, thereby enhancing the sermon’s impact.
Chapter 4, building upon the established hermeneutical foundation, seeks to explore the relevance and resonance of homiletical practices for articulating valid applications, particularly for the topic of God’s holiness in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. It demonstrates how God’s immanent holiness evokes personal repentance and authentic worship, underpinned by the foundation of his transcendent holiness.
Chapter 5 concludes the dissertation by summarizing the key arguments and insights presented. It reiterates the significance of Kuruvilla’s hermeneutical and homiletical approach for preaching about God’s holiness and encourages preachers to boldly preach God’s holiness, aiming for the transformation of the congregation
Sing Me a Sankey: The Story of Ira D. Sankey and the Rise of Gospel Hymnody, Volume I: 1750-1883
No full textEquipping Leaders of Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries in Kubamitwe, Uganda, for Biblical Counseling
Full text linkThis project sought to equip leaders of Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries in Kubamitwe, Uganda, for biblical counseling. Chapter 1 presents the historical and ministry context of Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries and the aims of this project. Chapter 2 provides the exegesis of three passages of Scripture (Col 1:24-29; 1 Cor 2:6- 13; Heb 10:19-25) to show that Christian leaders have sufficient God-given resources to counsel biblically. Chapter 3 presents the multitude of available resources for biblical counselors. Chapter 4 describes the project, explaining and describing the content and teaching methodology of the course material. Chapter 5 evaluates the effectiveness of the project by examining the completion of specified goals. This project sought to equip Christians with the confidence and competency to lovingly counsel sinners, sufferers, and saints with biblical truth
Male and Female He Created Them: The Implications of a Paradigmatic Reading of Genesis 1–3 for the Complementarian-Egalitarian Debate
Full text linkThis DMin thesis argues that Genesis 1–3 contains, in seed form, the essence of maleness and femaleness as seen in patterned relationships that are upheld, expounded, and applied by biblical authors across the canon. Chapter 1 surveys various works representing three streams of thought on the nature and significance of male and female within the Christian tradition. Chapter 2 proves that a male-female paradigm is established in Genesis 1–3 and interprets its didactic significance. Chapter 3 defends such a reading of Genesis 1–3 in light of apostolic recognition and appropriation of the male-female paradigm established therein. Chapter 4 surveys scriptural narratives of men and women in various canonical contexts, examining how the biblical authors embraced and developed the paradigm established in Genesis 1–3. Chapter 5 explores the implications of a fully-formed scriptural vision of the sexes for the life of the church
He Makes Her Desert Like the Garden of YHWH: A Typological Understanding of the Birth of Isaac as Resurrection from Death
Full text linkThis dissertation argues that the birth of Isaac from Sarah’s barren womb typifies resurrection from death. This typology is author-intended, prospective, and culminates in salvation history in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, resurrection from death as typified by Isaac’s birth is the anticipated means by which YHWH will accomplish his promised destruction of the serpent (Gen 3:15) and restoration to life in his presence. To defend this thesis, I argue that Moses inaugurates death and resurrection typology in the Eden narrative (Gen 2:4–3:24) with the disinheritance of Adam and Eve from the garden alongside the anticipation of return and renewed access to the tree of life through the promised seed (Gen 3:15). This promised return to Eden as resurrection from death is developed both in Deuteronomy’s expectation of exile and return for the people of Israel (Deut 30–31) and in Sarah’s veiled reference to Eden regarding YHWH’s promise of restored fertility (Gen 18:12). Additionally, textual indications in the accounts of Abraham’s encounter with Abimelech (Gen 20) and the barrenness of Rebekah (25:21) and Rachel (Gen 29:31) together with the macro-literary structure of Genesis further support the connection between barrenness and death and between birth and resurrection in the book of Genesis. The interpretive perspectives of both the prophet Isaiah and the author of Hebrews, among several other later biblical authors, further join the barrenness of Sarah to the desolation of exile and the birth of Isaac to restoration from exile to the fertility of Eden (Isa 51:1–3). This dissertation seeks to demonstrate the prospective nature of anticipatory typological structures and the hermeneutical primacy of inner-biblical interpretation based on authorial intent in biblical theology