Date of Award
11-12-2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Heritage Studies, Ph.D.
First Advisor
Edward Salo
Committee Members
Deborah Chappel-Daniel; William McClean
Call Number
LD 251 .A566d 2021 W55
Abstract
Sunset International Bible Institute (formerly known as Sunset School of Preaching) began operation in 1962 and has continuously operated as a non-conventional ecclesial training school for ministers and missionaries of the Churches of Christ. The school’s establishment introduced a new methodology for minister training different from the traditional university model: it was an unaccredited institution, governed by the leaders of a local congregation, providing free tuition, with a pedagogical philosophy centered on comprehensive Bible curriculum excluding liberal arts or academic theological instruction. Following Sunset’s example, dozens of Churches of Christ throughout the United States established similar institutions, training thousands of preachers who have served congregations and mission locations throughout the past sixty years. This dissertation explores the impact that the development of Sunset, and the preaching school movement it began, have had upon the Churches of Christ in the United States. It examines the history and religious identity of the Churches of Christ, along with the events that brought about Sunset’s establishment. Additionally, this study observes how preaching schools have reinforced and challenged the beliefs, identity, and culture of the Churches of Christ in three key areas: cherished religious beliefs, methodology of ministerial instruction, and the integration of cultures and racial groups.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Kerry Wayne, "Sunset School of Preaching's Impact upon the History and Heritage of Churches of Christ in the United States" (2021). Student Theses and Dissertations. 286.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/286
