Toward a Local Theology of Financial Support for Pentecostal Churches and Ministries in Post-Soviet Latvia

Roberts, Jerry (2019) Toward a Local Theology of Financial Support for Pentecostal Churches and Ministries in Post-Soviet Latvia. Doctoral thesis, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri.

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Abstract

In the early 1990s, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to exist. This geopolitical shift broke down physical and political walls that had limited the open proclamation of the gospel for over half a century. Western missions organizations rushed through this newly opened door. Groups such as the United States of America Assemblies of God began to work in cooperation with existing church organizations that had survived many years of communist oppression. However, missionaries from these groups began to experience philosophical challenges related to how to indigenous church principles should be understood in the post-Soviet context. Many questions arose concerning the relationship between missionaries and the national churches, especially in relation to the funding of national ministries. This study seeks to discover a local theology of financial support for indigenous Pentecostal churches in post-Soviet Latvia. This study will serve as a platform for better understanding between intercultural workers and leaders of Pentecostal churches in Latvia on issues related to financial support. This dissertation explores biblical issues related to financial support through an exegetical review of Scripture and study of biblical theological sources. It researches cultural and historical issues through a literature review of significant sources pertaining to the region. A Q sort study along with semi-structured interviews with present and former bishops of Pentecostal Unions in Latvia discovers the theological perceptions held by pastors and leaders in Latvia's churches. Introduction to the Problem -- Socio-Cultural Context for a Local Theology Ministry Support in Latvia -- Overview of the Research Project -- Cultural Influences on Views of Support Discovered in Interviews -- Biblical-Theological Context for Developing a Local Theology of Ministry Support in Latvia -- Developing a Local Theology of Ministry Support for the Latvian Context.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Money, Religious aspects; Economics in the Bible
Divisions: Baltic countries > Latvia
Depositing User: Users 3 not found.
Date Deposited: 14 Oct 2020 20:44
Last Modified: 14 Oct 2020 20:44
URI: https://ceeamsprints.osims.org/id/eprint/1796

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