Unit 1- Chapter 01:Can All Become Divinely Called Leaders? A Phenomenological Study of Korah’s
Rebellion
Fred
Wantante Settuba-Male, PhD
Abstract
A phenomenological exploration of the sense of calling and
power struggle in a leadership team as recorded in Numbers 16:1–50 reveals a
deadly power play in a group of leaders. Socio-rhetorical criticism was used to
gain a deeper understanding of the leaders’ interpretation and sense-making of
their lived experience of what was going on in the group. In agreement with previous
studies, the study confirms that hierarchical power dispersion promotes
predictability and role clarity, thus minimizing the potential for group
conflict. God alone is the “calling” and appointing authority. However,
low-power variety (i.e., when all members draw their power from the same
source, such as the same transcendent source) contributes to group conflict.
Certain levels of leadership are a privilege God gives to some. According to
French and Raven (1960), there are six sources of power and influence. The
findings highlight divine power or enablement from a transcendent source as
another source of power. The study provides gaps for future research by
exploring the significance of divine empowerment and calling from a
transcendent source among leaders.
Unit 1- Chapter 02:
Significance
of the Source of Calling: Jeremiah Chapter 1
Jason Styles, PhD and Lisa J.
Knowles, PhD
Abstract
This study is
a sacred texture analysis of Jeremiah 1:1–19 (NIV) that uses ancient text from
the Old Testament to glean how a prophet was chosen and mentored to perform the
Lord's work and fulfill God's purpose at a specific time in Israel's history of
disobedience, specifically with the tribe of Judah. Specifically, this study examines the
emerging prophetic authority and inspiration of a young man named Jeremiah, who
comes of age and prophetic ministry before and during a time of immense tumult
for the children of Israel. Osborne (2006) surmises that it is usually linked
to a specific historical event (p.267). Such
is the case with Jeremiah: a clear calling from God, with a clear message that
followed, before and during the Babylonian invasion and captivity of the
children of Israel. To better understand the nurturing of the prophet Jeremiah,
this study uses socio-rhetorical criticism, such as sacred texture analysis, to
explore the divine aspect of Jeremiah's deific journey. Therefore, the research
for this study was structured around the question: How do we identify the
significance in the source of Jeremiah's calling?
Unit 1- Chapter 03:
God’s Calling of Samuel: Calling as a Process
Sarah Rolle, PhD
Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to examine Samuel’s
calling and the impact of that calling on Samuel’s life. This study used phenomenological
research to investigate the phenomenon of calling. 1 Samuel 1-28 was used as
the data source via bracketing. The themes were combined to create
superordinate themes, which were applied to modern relevance to understand
calling. This study found that calling is a process rather than a singular
event. As a process, calling evolves over time and leads to action behaviors. A
person’s calling is influenced by others and can result in negative emotional
outcomes. This research is unique as it studies 1 Samuel 1-28 in light of
phenomenological research to study calling.
Unit 1- Chapter 04: Predictors
of Calling: The Example of Joseph
Frederick S. M. Kawuma, PhD
Abstract
This chapter discusses the predictors of a divine call, with a specific focus on
the life of Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob. A hermeneutical phenomenological
approach is used in examining Joseph’s lived experiences, as given in the Biblical text of Genesis 37:1–50:21, a strategy
that helps understand the meanings in the context of a
person's lived experience. A socio-rhetorical analysis of the above text guided the answers to these
questions: (a) What were the predictors of the divine
call in Joseph’s life? (b)What were the phenomena in Joseph’s
experiences that pointed to the divine call on his life? (c) How were the
characteristics of a divine call evident in Joseph’s life? Pitt’s (2012) four
characteristics of the divine call, altruism,
authority, autonomy, and abstract expertise,
are examined explicitly in their relevance to Joseph's experience in aligning with
the predictors of the call on his life from the Biblical record. The evidence
of Joseph's call is seen at an early stage in his life when he shared the
dreams that he had dreamt, which his father could relate to, from his own
experience. His father asked, “What is
this dream that you have
dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” (Genesis 37:10
NKJV). Notwithstanding the call on his life, Joseph had to be taken through a
period of testing and preparation before God could
unveil the role that He had prepared for him to become Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph was a man who stood out
significantly in light of the various tests where he remained faithful to God and became
an excellent example of a person that
fulfils the call that God had on their life.
Unit 1- Chapter 05: Lessons from Solomon for Christian’s Today
Debra J. Dean, PhD
Abstract
From worldly standards, Solomon had it all. He was healthy,
wealthy, and wise. He had women, wine, and countless worldly possessions. This
chapter will examine how a person with so much wisdom can make such a big mess
of life. This chapter serves as a guide for believers to avoid the pitfalls of
life while focusing on all the abundant blessings from God. This study will
examine Solomon, the tenth son of David, the second son of David and Bathsheba
(born 1010 BC), and the third king of Israel (970 to 931 BC) who spent seven
years erecting the First Temple in Jerusalem (957 BC). The same Solomon that
wrestled with idolatry, power, and wealth despite his God-given wisdom. In
closing, this chapter will offer recommendations for Christians to avoid sin,
temptation, and worldly pleasures today while keeping a keen eye on honoring
and glorifying God.
Unit 2- Chapter 06: The Evolution of God’s Call: A
Phenomenological Investigation of Abraham’s Calling Over Time and His
Communication with God
Gia
R. Tatone, MS, PhD
Abstract
This
chapter is a phenomenological longitudinal research study that uses qualitative
methods to investigate the phenomenon of Abraham’s calling as written in
Genesis to underst
