This project provided support for the main prediction, which was
that the cruel and distant dimensions of God concept would be differentially useful in predicting distinct forms of divine struggle. As proposed, we found that seeing God as cruel dominated in predicting anger toward God and concern about God’s anger or disapproval toward the self, whereas seeing God as distant dominated in predicting doubts about God’s existence.
Understanding the dynamics of a community engagement approach
to integral missions leads to a healthy and biblical understanding of human dignity. Using he Social-Ecological and HWVA models to inform a CE approach, individuals and communities have not only experienced economic growth and access to educational opportunities but also greater sense of well-being and
peace in growing in their relationship with God as their Father, Redeemer, and Friend.
Currently, epidemiology is at the forefront of providing robust
evidence showing that associations between religion and health are causal. As the field engages more with this topic, inquiry should include the impact of the
changing religious landscape and inclusion of variables such as spirituality to establish causal inference. Epidemiologists are well equipped for this and therefore should also aim to establish causal inference through studies that
examine relationships between contextual-level religious measures and
individual health. Once systematic evidence has been developed, epidemiology will have meaningfully contributed to new theory and persuasive findings that can inform policy and health interventions to improve population health.
A similar feature among the models was the importance of understanding the impacts of a community’s worldview and beliefs on health to discussing the spiritual aspects of health and behavior change. Community engagement and cultivating relationships were two common themes motivating the models. A primary difference among the models was the direction of engagement.
Missionaries, NGO staff, and volunteers can engage in a spectrum of customized trainings from those serving on the front lines. These trainings give special attention to participatory engagement, understanding plants and appropriate technologies, and opportunities in community development.
Kingdom living requires a God-pleasing response to finances and
poverty. The Chalmers Center for Economic Development is a great resource and training organization to become a leader in Christian financial literacy and
economic development.
Resilient Recovery is an effective peer support ministry for individuals navigating the pathway of recovery. Alcohol, anger, porn, work, eating disorders, the list is long. Individuals desire intimate connection with each other
and with God. Resilient provides such an opportunity by providing biblical lessons walking participants through the cycle of law and gospel, confession and forgiveness, healing and reconciliation.
The study shows no significant differences in labor supply,
consumption, life satisfaction, or food security among ultra-poor households in the six months following the program. The study suggests “grit” as a possible mechanism of Protestant values on economic outcomes.
Participation in religious services is associated with numerous aspects of human flourishing, including happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships. Evidence for the effects of religious communities on these flourishing outcomes now comes from rigorous longitudinal study designs with extensive confounding control. The associations with flourishing are much stronger for communal religious participation than for spiritual-religious identity or for private practices. While the social support is an important mechanism relating religion to health, this only explains a small portion of the associations. Numerous other mechanisms appear to be operative as well. It may be the confluence of the religious values and practices, reinforced by social ties and norms, that give religious communities their powerful effects on so many aspects of human flourishing.
The study aimed to understand the implementation of CHE in the field and identify areas of variation and adaptation that could lead to opportunities or barriers in achieving the desired impacts of CHE. The results show variation in each of the four phases and provide a starting point to further study CHE as an integral mission model. The paper suggests additional opportunities for future research to identify core components that could strengthen and improve the effectiveness and practice of integral mission models.
Visit the Meros Marketplace to follow and contribute to impactful projects in need.
The Meros Center was created to be a place where faith-based health organizations, researchers, and learners can find the support they need to measure, innovate, and share their impact. In this vibrant hub of networking and discovery, believers work together to reflect the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus.
Our mission was brought to life by a partnership between Kingdom Workers and Wisconsin Lutheran College. Both organizations are committed to the vision of Meros.
