http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2 2026-04-12T05:11:06Z 2026-04-12T05:11:06Z Christie, Peter http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7731 2025-06-11T18:52:48Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

New Christians Carry Their Crosses: The Significant Challenges to the Vocation of Adult Converts Christie, Peter When one of God’s elect comes to faith, it is an immeasurable blessing in their life. However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows for them and their future. They will face plenty of challenges now that they are living a new life focused on Christ. What are some of the significant challenges in the vocations of adults who joined the Lutheran church? This paper will explore the doctrine of vocation: What is it? What are some of the vocations that Christians today have? This paper will also look at Lutheran adult converts and their vocations through qualitative research from first-hand interviews. What were the challenges these believers faced? Are there some challenges that they still face? Are there any commonalities between the struggles of each individual? The research demonstrated in this paper gives an idea to pastors or future pastors about the struggles people have and how those affect their different vocations.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Wranovsky, Nathaniel S. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7688 2025-05-19T21:17:49Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Consciously Thinking of the Nonconsciousness: Intuitive Formation Theories in the Light of God's Word Wranovsky, Nathaniel S. There has been an explosion in the understanding of the mechanics of the human nonconscious mind. People are led primarily by nonconscious cognition—innate and formed patterns of thinking—that gives impressions, makes associations, and creates stories. These are what consciousness thinking follows, defends, relies on, and is inspired by. Intuition formation theories are a cluster of interrelated attempts to take this new understanding of the nonconsciousness and apply it to formation of skills, values, and worldview. They propose tactics for workplaces, classrooms, and institutions to form the thinking of their workers, learners, and members. As those who seek to form followers of Christ, there is much that seems inviting and useful about intuition formation theories. However, do they match up with Scripture’s view of both cognition and formation? If so, which parts of the theories would be useful for pastors, teachers, staff ministers, parents, mentors, and more to use? This thesis will explore intuition formation and propose a framework for formation that can be used in almost every part of ministry. Senior Thesis

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Wenzel, John J. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7687 2025-05-19T21:16:52Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Bringing Jesus to Buddhists: The Basics of Buddhism for the Purpose of Evangelism Wenzel, John J. This thesis aims to educate and instruct the pastors, teachers, and laypeople of WELS congregations, the fundamental basics of Buddhism for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Christ. It gives a summary of the core tenets of the Buddhist religion in terms a general audience can understand. Then it gives a critique of each doctrine according to Christian theology. Finally, it offers avenues of thought that will prove useful for a Christian to use for evangelizing Buddhists. It seeks to answer the question: What core truths of Buddhism must a Christian address with biblical truths to begin evangelizing? By focusing on the crushing weight of perfection, the personal relationship we have with our God, and the honor restored to us in Christ, the reader can begin to evangelize Buddhists. Senior Thesis

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Walther, Christopher G. http://essays.wls.edu:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/7686 2025-05-19T21:16:05Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Faithful Stewards: Maximizing Church Property for Income and Mission Walther, Christopher G. It is a challenging time for Christian churches in the United States. Membership and attendance are in decline. Giving is decreasing while costs are increasing. This has led some churches to try new approaches to grow or survive. They have turned to non-traditional funding sources, such as using their property and facilities to generate income. This is usually done by leasing part of the church’s space to outside organizations. Using insights from Scripture, literature, and personal interviews, this paper will determine the viability of this approach for congregations considering using their space in this innovative way. Senior Thesis

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