Fluent Essays

I have some research question for my Doctor of Ministry dissertation. Will you be able to write this project? I can forward you more information Thanks. Ill forward you a attachment of my proposal and 3 research needs to be answered a minimum of 10 page each. you can also work my bibliography. Please let me know if this you will able to successfully finish THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS IN CHAPTER 4 Even though its 10 pages minimum per question, if you go a little over its fine. Attachments area DJUKA LAND—AFRICA IS STILL IN ME: HOW THE NARRATIVE OF THE NEVER HELD IN BONDAGE DJUKA PEOPLE CAN INSPIRE AND AID IN THE HEALING PROCESS OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY By DANIEL DOMINI A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT PROPOSAL New York Theological Seminary 2019 Challenge Statement As the founder of Christ Impact Center and Domini Enterprises Inc., which is in Fayetteville, GA, I am concerned that many people in the United States and around the world do not know the story of the Bush Negroes, and specifically the Djuka tribe in Suriname, South America. As a tribal member, I feel compelled to share my tribe’s story with the world so that they may know that while slave traders captured and sold millions of people into slavery, some people managed to flee the horror and maintain their freedom. This demonstration project will encourage people from the diaspora whose ancestors where enslaved and those who experienced any form of oppression by illustrating my ancestors’ faith, resilience, and endurance through workshops and a theatrical production. ii Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SETTING ....................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2 PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE CHALLENGE .............................. 7 CHAPTER 3 PLAN OF IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................... 10 CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ........................................................................ 12 CHAPTER 5 MINISTERIAL COMPENTENCIES ......................................................... 15 CHAPTER 6 EVALUATION PROCESS ........................................................................ 21 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 23 APPENDIX A: TIMELINE .......................................................................................... 24 APPENDIX B: BUDGET ............................................................................................. 25 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................. 27 1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE SETTING Ghana Council of Georgia Organizational Brief The Ghana Council of Georgia is an organization that was established in 2009. It aims at establishing cooperation and positive relationships that revolve around the religious and ethnic groups of Ghanaian associations. Through this organization, individuals can exchange information, ideas, and information resources regarding Ghana and the culture and traditions of the country. The organization operates in a non-political dimension. At the same time, the Ghana Council of Georgia aims to form connections with all individuals and parties interested in establishing association with the Ghanaian community in the state of Georgia. In the past, the organization focused on the Ghanaian community in Atlanta, Georgia.1 However, the recent past has shown increased interest among many citizens in various places in the state of Georgia. Therefore, the Ghana Council of Georgia shifted its focus statewide as it focused on linking all individuals interested in Ghanaian associations from the entire state. History of the Organization The history of the organization revolves around the interest of the people of Atlanta in maintaining Ghanaian culture. The organization emerged in 2009 in Atlanta, a region with a high population of individuals with diverse and vibrant characteristics of 1 David K. Henderson-Quartey, The Ga of Ghana: History & Culture of a West African People (London: DK Henderson-Quartey, 2002). 2 Ghanaian origin. Thus, the organization aimed to create a channel through which the people of Atlanta could establish connections and maintain their Ghanaian culture. However, soon after its establishment, the organization realized the need to spread statewide due to the increased interest among many citizens in Georgia to establish connections with other individuals within Ghanaian culture. There are various associations for the Ghanaian people in the state of Georgia. The Ghana Council of Georgia aims to bring all these associations together to air their concerns and interests under a common roof. Also, the organization holds a significant purpose among the Ghanaian community in Georgia by organizing and conducting various functions and events to celebrate and represent the culture, events, and holidays of Ghana in the community. The main aim of the organization is to link people together by providing them with a channel through which they can enjoy their traditions and cultures as they focus on their Africans roots through their ancestors who found themselves in Georgia, among other places in United States, during the eras of slavery and slave trade. Mission The Ghana Council of Georgia exists to foster cooperation and positive relationships among the religious, ethnic, and other Ghanaian associations in the state of Georgia, provide a governance structure for participating associations, provide a forum for the regular exchange of information and ideas, and serve as an information resource about Ghana and its culture for the community. Vision The organization has no vision statement. However, the Ghana Council of Georgia aims to bring various associations from Georgia together to celebrate cultural 3 and social diversity and Ghanaian culture and holidays, as well as maintain and develop relationships in the Georgia community. Organizational Demographics Established in 2009, the organization started its operation of focusing on Atlanta by joining people with African origins or histories. However, the organization expanded its focus to statewide due to strong interest among many Georgia citizens outside Atlanta in joining the organization. Therefore, the organization extended its influence past Atlanta to focus on the entire state to reach more members. The Ghana Council of Georgia does not limit its activities to the individuals from Georgia alone. Instead, the organization also focuses on providing various services, such as residential services, to individuals who move from Ghana to Georgia. Thus, the Ghana Council of Georgia is not a single-race or American organization only. It is open for individuals from Georgia and other regions, especially Ghana. Secondly, the organization offers services such as fundraising and the provision of grants to individuals from various associations who have needs. Therefore, the organization deals with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds. The council has exceptional agency and an aim to uplift and promote the lives of individuals from Ghana and non-Ghanaians who are linked to the organization. Through the services that revolve around organizing events and activities, celebrating culture and holidays, and hosting individuals, the organization ensures that all members remain united to achieve a common goal. At the same time, the council has set resource centers in various parts of Georgia to be used as sites of reference while looking for various types of information concerning the history of the community, the organization itself, and the scheduled activities. 4 Partner Church in Austell, Georgia The church was founded by Bishop Dale Bronner and called the “Word of Faith Family Worship Center” in its initial stages in the early 1990s. In December of 1991, the church was inaugurated during its first ever service. Before the establishment of the church, Bishop Dale Bronner served as a pastor in the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. After serving for two years at Mt. Olive, Bishop Bronner went ahead to start the Word of Faith Family Worship Church, which came to him as a divine calling. The church ministry focuses on serving the Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. At the same time, the church has a significant focus on spreading the Gospel across the whole world, aiming at “Reaching the Lost and Teaching the Found” as its guiding statement.2 With Christ establishing the focus on having the Gospel reaching every person across the world, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background, the church also aims at spreading the word of God to every individual from all backgrounds as a way to instill faith and hope in them. History of the Church The history of the church dates back to the early 1990s, when Bishop Dale Bronner used to pastor at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. At Mt. Olive, Dr. Cornelius Henderson, who was a Methodist minister at the time, issued a prophesy that Bishop Bronner would offer his service to the church for two years before God progressed him to where He wanted him to be. After two years, Bishop Bronner was setting the path for the Word of Faith Family Worship Church. By the time that the church began in early 1991, it had around 120 members who were from the Austell 2 Milmon F Harrison, Righteous Riches: The Word of Faith Movement in Contemporary African American Religion (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005). 5 region. However, toward the end of the same year, and during the inauguration of the church, it had more than 350 members.3 After four months, the church formed a choir during the Easter season, which grew to become famous across Georgia and the whole country. By 2000, the church started offering three different services to its followers every Sunday. By 2003, the church decided to relocate to 150 Riverside Parkway. Four months later, during Easter, it moved again to 212 Riverside Parkway. Mission Our mission is to build a multidimensional church that trains and equips people for their ministry, working together for the glory of God, reaching our world for Jesus. Vision The vision is to be a local family church—a church God uses to take the Word of Faith message to the people of Georgia—equip people with the word of God to help them mature spiritually, so each can love God and serve others, unify the influence of many voices to build the Body of Christ in the state of Georgia and the world, and bring the financial resources of the state of Georgia into the Gospel of distribution. Church Demographics Firstly, as a family church, the church focuses on preaching and conducting ministry services to all members of its family. Therefore, the members of the church are of all ages, including children, young adults, and adults. According to Bishop Bronner’s vision, the church should focus on praying and serving others 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Secondly, the church has evangelistic outreach programs that aim at preaching and spreading the Gospel to the streets, where there are real people and in large numbers. 3 Harrison, Righteous Riches. 6 This program is led by the CEO of the Street Ministry and the Mission Ministry. In this light, the church does not limit its focus to some specific members of society. Rather, it focuses on individuals of various statuses in the society, regardless of their socio- economic backgrounds and stabilities.4 Lastly, the church conducts a community outreach program with various services focusing on financial distribution and helping others. In this case, the church uses the power of the community by having some of the members of the church offer what they have to help others who are in need. Through this, the church believes that it can help in effectively distributing the resources of the state through bringing individuals together to share what they have to help each other in time of need. 4 Sunday Adelaja, Church Shift: Revolutionizing Your Faith, Church, and Life for the 21st Century (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma Media, 2014). 7 CHAPTER 2 PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE CHALLENGE Challenge Statement As the founder of the Christ Impact Center and Domini Enterprises Inc. located in Fayetteville, GA, I am concerned that many people in the United States and around the world do not know the story of the Bush Negros and the Djuka Tribe in Suriname, South America. As a tribal member, I feel compelled to share my tribe’s story with the world so that it may know that while slave traders captured and sold millions into slavery, some managed to flee the horror and maintain their freedom. This demonstration project will encourage all those from the diaspora whose ancestors where enslaved and all who experienced any form of oppression by illustrating my ancestors’ faith, resilience, and endurance through workshops and a theatrical production. The Problem: The Emotional Impacts of Slavery on the African American from the Pastoral Care Point of View The path toward acceptance, healing, and emotional stability among African Americans over the years has not been a simple one. Up to today, the issue of slavery has been a source of emotional weakness and grief among the Black community. From the pastoral care point of view, the legacy of slavery coupled with discrimination has a continued impact on the social and economic stability of African Americans. Many African Americans still cling to the thoughts that transfix them to the impacts of slavery and discrimination at the expense of White supremacy in the country. 5 The impacts of racism and slavery have led to constant feelings of anger, low regard for self, and outrage among African American communities in various parts of the United States. The image of the Whites created a platform for unjust actions that have lasted for centuries in the 5 Andreas Johannes Franciscus Köbben, “Continuity in Change: Cottica Djuka Society as a Changing System,” Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land-en Volkenkunde 1ste Afl (1968): 56-90. 8 Americas, since the 15th century. Millions of African Americans have suffered the experience of being subjected to mistreatment at the hands of their fellow men. The pastoral view depicts slavery as a major force that has caused African Americans to draw a clear picture of inhumanity among other races, especially Whites in the United States. At the same time, the impacts of racism and slavery caused socio-economic instability and imbalances with other races in the United States. Even today, many African American communities in the United States lag behind their white counterparts due to being confined by the pressures of poverty, low income, unemployment, poor living standards, and other socio-economic disadvantages. Most of these issues are associated with the histories of these communities that involve slavery, racism, discrimination, and prejudice. However, despite all these forces and challenges for African Americans, the church has acted as an agent of social reform and source of a sense of survival among these communities. At the same time, the church has acted as an institution that has helped African Americans to shape their views of the White people in the country.6 Through the church, African Americans have been able to embrace resilience and forge social ties in their localities and across the nation. This has enabled them to overcome adversity. Also, resilience has helped communities and individuals to maintain positive mental health that is free from thoughts about past experiences in slavery, racism, discrimination, and prejudice.7 According to various sociologists and scholars, such as Andrew Billingsley, the Black church has acted as an instrument and buffer that has 6 Andreas Johannes Franciscus Köbben, “Unity and Disunity: Cottica Djuka Society as a Kinship System.” Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land-en Volkenkunde 1ste Afl (1967): 10-52. 7 Silvia Wilhelmina de Groot, Djuka Society and Social Change: History of an Attempt to Develop a Bush Negro Community in Surinam 1917-1926 (Assen: Van Gorcum, 1969). 9 provided mental strength and life meaning among African Americans. At the same time, it has helped in bridging the social gaps that previously existed among African Americans and other races in the United States. Therefore, slavery has contributed to the rise of church and religious activities among African American communities. This has been helpful in erasing the memories and feelings of hatred, anger, and outrage due to past painful experiences. 10 CHAPTER 3 PLAN OF IMPLEMENTATION Goal and Strategies Goal 1 - The first goal is to raise awareness about the Djuka Tribe and its people’s history as runaway slaves to create a specific learning platform for all those who have experienced any form of slavery, oppression, and injustice. • Strategy 1: Invite activist, community, and spiritual leaders in Atlanta to a 90-minute seminar that will discuss the state of their communities as it relates to the effects of slavery and the importance of creating an environment in which they can broaden and deepen their knowledge of how to turn the negative effects of slavery into positive experiences. • Strategy 2: Visit the communities in the aforementioned strategy during the creation of the movie “Djuka Land” to observe the techniques used to engage the emerging communities. • Strategy 3: Meet with activist, community, and spiritual leaders individually to discuss the observations made during the meetings and how the Djuka Land experience could work in their community settings. Invite adults of all ages to be participants in the project. Evaluation of Goal 1: Activist, community, and spiritual leaders in Atlanta will complete a survey about the impacts of slavery in their communities. During the seminar in Strategy 1, the leaders will be invited to detail how they believe their communities can be enhanced based on “Djuka Land” (the runaway Africans). During the individual meetings with the leaders in Strategy 3, the completed surveys will be reviewed in light of the observations that took place in Strategy 2. 11 Goal 2 - The second goal is to create an environment in which people can come and share their stories to advance the healing process in their personal lives and the lives of others. • Strategy 1: Participants will attend a storytelling session with a professional storyteller. He or she will share stories and discuss the storytelling process. • Strategy 2: Participants will share their personal stories as part of the healing process. • Strategy 3: Participants will be videotaped telling their personal stories, folktales, or biblical narratives. Evaluation of Goal 2: Participants will answer a questionnaire based on their experience of the storytelling process. Goal 3 - The third goal is to write and present a play based on the Djuka Tribe called “Djuka Land.” • Strategy 1: Is to receive feedback on the play. • Strategy 2: Cast auditions for the play. • Strategy 3: Is to conduct a table read with all the actors. Evaluation of Goal 3: To receive feedback from Site Team and actors on the table-read experience. 12 CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS Research Question 1 (Goal 1): Socio-Historical Research and Analysis How did the Djukas’ escape from captivity inform their identity? In what way did the partnership with the indigenous Surinamese people influence them, and how did they maintain their African culture? The Djukas, or “Bush Negroes,” are the descendants of runaway slaves who were imported from Africa and took refuge in the dense Suriname (former Dutch Guiana) bush and established African villages along rivers, whose rapids were their fortifications. During the end of the seventeenth century, these Negroes were growing by numbers unyieldingly up the Suriname River. However, they were sufficiently organized and prepared to make repeated raids on the plantations for guns, gunpowder, machetes and women. Several campaigns were conducted against them, but eventually, final treaties were signed with the Dutch owners of the colony, which guaranteed their freedom. Today, when a Bush Negro drinks with a white man, his toast is “Free!” In the Guiana bush, however, where these runaway Negroes and their descendants have been living, the fortunes of African kingdoms and the cultural contacts that have affected the Africans have not touched their tribal destinies. Neither has the civilization of the White man nor that of the Indian introduced basic changes to the Djukas manner of living or thinking.8 8 Melville J. Herskovits and Frances S. Herskovits, Rebel Destiny: Among the Bush Negroes of Dutch Guiana (Amsterdam: S Emmering, 1970). 13 Research Question 2 (Goal 2): Biblical Research and Analysis In what ways does the biblical narrative support slavery and in what ways does it challenge slavery? Which biblical story touches on slavery? If we could ask God about slavery, I do not think he would say it is okay to force other people to be slaves. So, why doesn’t the Bible speak out against it? Why does it talk about slavery as if it is normal—and even give instructions to slaves about obeying their masters? It all has to do with context. Context refers to the circumstances in which something happens. The Bible is the word of God, but it was written at a time in history during which slavery was normal. Thus, the Bible talks about it as if it is just the reality of the world. The reason I believe God would hate slavery is that it does not fit with Jesus’ teachings. Of course, no one really knows what Jesus said about the topic; he never specifically addresses it in the Gospels. We can apply Jesus’ teachings to specific topics. One of the biggest things Jesus taught was that love is the core of all God’s commandments. “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another” (John 13:34, MSG). Slavery does not fit under “love each other.” In addition, Paul wrote, “Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman” (Galatians 3:28, CEV). This would have been a radical teaching in the context of its time. In fact, some scholars say it was the very first time in the history of literature that all people were declared equal! Christianity today strengthens the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful Gospel. 14 Research Question 3 (Goal 3): Theological Research and Analysis Why the power of theatrical genre? In what ways is theater a theological and powerful art form? Theater in general seems to be our most politically potent art form right now. No other medium is getting under its audience’s skin in quite the same way, and that is because theater is uniquely immediate, making it more intimate and more susceptible to disruption than any other medium. Systematic theology consolidates human experience as a way of informing one’s understanding about God. How does the theology of transformation apply to slavery? How has entertainment media impacted the theological discussion of slavery and the church? What is the theological understanding of the digital community? 15 CHAPTER 5 MINISTERIAL COMPENTENCIES The Process The member of the site team dedicated substantial time and energy to joining me in the process of conducting competency assessments. The involved site team members were Andres Martinez (Atlanta, GA), Narciso Montas (Miami, FL), Albert Domini (Queens, NY), Paula Woods, Kristi Predu (Atlanta, GA), and TiQuisha MoneQue Hines (Atlanta, GA). A summary of the assessments of ministerial competencies of the site team and me follow. The Assessments Theologian As a theologian, Rev. Domini understands the doctrine of the church, scripture, and sociology, and relates all to the members of his congregation. Rev. Domini has a strong foundation in biblical studies and theological reflection with excellent interpretation of the Word and reflects on experiences and lifestyles from a theological perspective. The candidate feels the need to focus on a theological foundation that highlights the multicultural context in a highly intentional way. Preacher As a preacher, he has strong delivery, good organization of thought, and biblically based interpretation, challenging his congregation to grow spiritually. The content of Rev. Domini’s preaching is spirt-centered. His delivery is effective and addresses contemporary concerns with well-prepared, Christ-centered material. 16 The candidate wants to embrace his African/American heritage more in his preaching style. Worship Leader As worship leader, he has the ability to make worship come alive for the congregation and needs to continue to developed sacred music and other art forms to increase the understanding to the liturgical message. As a worship leader, Rev. Domini is skilled in involving the congregation in a very positive manner. He has expressed a deep desire and taken action to develop worship music in a multicultural, multi-faceted way. He provides worship opportunities that are well grounded in the church’s tradition. The candidate wants to utilize more culturally specific rituals in the worship experience. Prophetic Agent As a prophetic agent, Rev. Domini motivates and equips others with the word of God in order to develop a better understanding of the supernatural, which involves the foretelling of God’s future plan. Rev. Domini’s goal is to challenge individuals to pursue and develop their prophetic gifts. The candidate wants to build confidence in utilizing and encourage others to utilize the gift of prophesy. Leader As a leader, he motivates others, respects talent, delegates responsibilities, and is appreciative of jobs well done. He needs to build confidence in his creative ideas. Rev. Domini has tremendous respect for the abilities of others. He motivates, encourages, and shows appreciation for their support. He is creative in using worship, music, and educational ideas, which enables others to use their gifts. The candidate wants to develop self-confidence as a leader. Religious Educator As a religious educator, Rev. Domini is open to dialog and has a good grasp of his subject matter as an educator. He is adept at supervising, involving, and training volunteer leaders. Rev. Domini is a creative and effective religious educator on many levels. He has the ability to involve adults and children in the learning 17 process. The candidate wants to develop an extensive collection of audio, text, video, and other resources that emphasize the role of inclusivity and spiritual development. Counselor As a counselor, he is approachable and skilled at communicating. He can aid in spiritual healing, even under difficult circumstances. As a counselor, Rev. Domini is self-accepting, open, and ideally suited to establishing creative relationships with various groups. Rev. Domini is an open, genuine, and skilled communicator who is able to walk with others on their journeys of faith. The candidate feels the need to utilize his counseling skills in a structured way. Pastor As a pastor, he encourages and involves newcomers to the church. He is an effective shepherd who encourages and nurtures his flock. He is able to comfort, pray, and show appreciation for church members. The candidate will develop the gift of hospitality in a more intentional way. Spiritual Leader As a spiritual leader, Rev. Domini is attentive to his spiritual journey and the journeys of those in his pastoral care. He is an effective spiritual guide and leader who knows his tradition well. Rev. Domini is an excellent group leader and attentive pastoral leader, and he understands the importance of spiritual practices. He should endeavor to take more time for personal spiritual refreshment. The candidate feels the need to develop his skills and knowledge of spiritual development. Ecumenist As an ecumenist, he reaches out to other faith traditions and seeks opportunities for interdenominational worship and educational experiences. He excels in the appreciation of interfaith activity and dialog. He believes in unity and has knowledge of other faith traditions. The candidate feels the need to be more 18 intentional about and learn more about the multicultural realities of other denominations and faiths. Witness and Evangelist As a witness and evangelist, Rev. Domini is successful in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the unsaved and encouraging believers to share their faith by creating activities that enable them to share with to those outside the confines of the church. Everyone agreed that Rev. Domini should continue in all categories. Administrator As an administrator, he has shown steady improvement in …