The Oral Defense for the Zinzendorf Doctor of Ministry program concluded on October 9th resulting in candidates successfully defending their final papers. The oral defense represents the last major milestone before receiving the doctoral degree. Candidates presented their projects and final papers representing a diverse body of ministry experiences.
One candidate, currently serves the Faith and Family ministry and presented the 'Pre-Marital Education Program for Single Christians'. Through this program, she introduced new courtship concepts as part of the spiritual pre-marital preparations.
Another candidate, who served as a missionary in Japan, presented the 'Hikikomori Help for Japan - Program'. Hikikomori is a special term for one who has shut himself off, and by providing a bible study program to one hikikomori and 20 quasi-hikikomori in Tokyo, the researcher was able to gauge the effectiveness of the text. This guide was utilized in the Tokyo Hong-Go (ben-xiang) Church, Osaka Ephesus Church, and Hukuoka New Hope Church. Among the 20 participants, 20 said they could think deeply about themselves, 18 said their heart became calmer, 19 could rely on God, and 19 of them felt increased self-esteem.
The candidates who passed their Oral Defenses are expected to complete their final papers with the guidance of their mentors. Final papers must conform to the Turabian Style guidelines, and papers must be bound before graduation.