Thursday, December 26, 2019
Alzheimer s Disease A Progressive And Neurodegenerative...
Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, reasoning, judgement and decision-making, recognizing, as well as behavior, and is serious enough to interfere with daily life and activities, that eventually leads to profound physical as well as mental disabilities, resulting in the need for institutional care (Hoyer Roodin, 2009). AD is most widespread in senior population aged 65 and over, which constitutes approximately 85-95% of the cases, in the rest of 5-15% of the times Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Disease can have an early-onset (before 60 years of age) (Hoyer Roodin, 2009). According to Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Association, today Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Disease is at the forefront of biomedical research, as it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States (alz.org). Researchers hope that better understanding of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s and related dementias can lead to discovering new and effective treatmen ts. United States is not the only country that is facing this issue, this problem is global. According to the recent epidemiological studies, the worldwide prevalence of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Disease will rise from 27 million people worldwide in 2006 to 66 million in 2030, and 115 million in 2050 (Werner, 2012). The main risk factor for developing AD is chronological age (Hoyer Roodin, 2009). This means that by 2050, one in three persons over 80 years of age will most likely suffer from some sort of dementia, most likely from ADShow MoreRelatedAlzheimer s Disease : A Common Neurodegenerative Disease1110 Words à |à 5 PagesAlzheimerââ¬â¢s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease. It is the most common form of dementia which is a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life (Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Disease Dementia). Dementia and Alzheimerââ¬â¢s have been around for centuries, but Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease wasnâ⬠â¢t first described until 1906 by Dr. Aloysius Alzheimer. In the past, there was a stigma for elderly people with the disease. People with dementia and Alzheimerââ¬â¢s wereRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : A Progressive Disease925 Words à |à 4 PagesAlzheimer s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other vital mental functions. Alzheimer s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. AD can eventually render a person unable to function in society and to even care for themselves. Since the disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States constant research is being done to try to prevent it and to find a cure. Alzheimer s diseaseRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease And Its Effects On The Lives Of Millions Americans Essay1714 Words à |à 7 Pages Ã¢â¬Æ' Introduction Neurodegenerative diseases continue to affect the lives of millions Americans each year, with incidence and prevalence rates ever increasing. These diseases cause degeneration or death of nerve cells in the brain. These diseases can cause a financial and emotional burden on not only patients themselves, but also family members and care givers as well. Molecular mechanisms that underlie these diseases have remained relatively unclear, despite much research. Understanding the mechanismsRead MoreThe Mystery Of Alzheimer s Disease1537 Words à |à 7 PagesAlzheimerââ¬â¢s Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to discuss medical definition, etiology, signs and symptoms, stages of disease progression, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease is Ultimately fatal. Medical Definition. Alzheimer s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain s nerve cells, or neurons, resultingRead MoreDealing With Dementia Essay979 Words à |à 4 Pagesmemory and performance issues were due to a disease. (Life with ALZ)â⬠This disease causes the loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Dementia, is one form of this disease that gradually gets worse over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. (WebMD, 1995) ââ¬Å"Changes that take place in the brains of people. These brain changes may cause the memory loss and decline in other mental abilities that occur with Alzheimers disease. Alzheimerââ¬â¢s generally affects the brain makingRead MoreCase Study: Alzheimerââ¬â¢S Disease. Mary Wipf. Phgy 220- Gerald1252 Words à |à 6 PagesStudy: Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Disease Mary Wipf PHGY 220- Gerald McGraw April 2, 2017 In the world, there are new cases of dementia for somewhere between 10 and 15 people per 1000. Five to eight per 1000 are cases of Alzheimerââ¬â¢s. Dementia is a term that simply defines a mentally deteriorated condition. Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is a type of dementia. Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the most common cause of dementia in older people. Alzheimerââ¬â¢s is a disease of the brainRead MoreMedical Management Decisions And The Plan Of Care Decisions Essay1102 Words à |à 5 PagesAlzheimerââ¬â¢s is a chronic medical neurodegenerative disease, therefore is a neurological illness which departures the brain cells, causing it to act in memory loss and mental failure. Early-onsets Alzheimerââ¬â¢s can be noticed in an individual beginning from ages 40-50s. Statistics show that of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer s, an estimated 5.2 million people are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 individuals are und er age 65 (Alzheimerââ¬â¢s Association, n.d.). The course of this disorderRead MoreEffects Of The Brain On Alzheimer s Disease1467 Words à |à 6 PagesChanges in the brain may a play role in Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease Introduction ââ¬Å"Alzheimerââ¬â¢s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks individuals with AD may start having symptoms their mid-60sâ⬠(nih.gov). AD is a multifactorial and progressive neurodegenerative disease. ââ¬Å"Parts of AD, for example, increased oxidative state, amyloid plaque deposition, and neurofibrillary tangle of tauRead MoreIs Dementia A Cure For Dementia?1814 Words à |à 8 PagesDementia is a neurodegenerative, progressively deteriorating and terminal clinical syndrome characterized by a loss or decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. Most recent scientific thinking is that dementia may be caused by various diseases and conditions affecting over 5 million Americans and 27.7 million worldwide. It is projected that the number of Americans with dementia will exceed 7.7 million by the year 2030 and from 11 to 16 million by the year 2050. Ther e is presently not a cureRead MoreNot Only Is It Detrimental To The Social Development Of1604 Words à |à 7 Pagesdegeneration. Individuals with dementia who maintain active lifestyles will ultimately be happier, while also increasing their physical strength (Shaikh). Another piece of evidence that found to support the ideology that recognizing these symptoms and intervening early is important states that, ââ¬Å"Many of these lifestyle changes have been shown to lower the risk of other diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to Alzheimer sâ⬠(Alzheimer s Association Organization). Even
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Hannibal Ancient And Modern Interpretations And Perceptions
In both ancient and modern interpretations and perceptions, Hannibal is infamous for leading the Carthaginian army and a squadron of elephants athwart the Southern European region and the Alps Mountains against the Roman Empire, who were manifested as the most powerful army, in the Second Punic War. Hannibal is overly expressed and given light to throughout his career and conquest in Italy by prominently well-renowned historians, including: Titus Livy, who was considered as the least reliable source as he was tremendously reliant on other eyewitness accounts of contingency, and was greatly one-sided toward the Romans. Polybius, who was ultimately much more detached, and perceived sources objectively with balance. And modern historians,â⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Another ancient one-sided perception of Hannibal is in the source: ââ¬Å"Hannibal turned back once more towards Placentia, and after marching about ten miles went into camp. The next day he advanced against the enemy with twelve thousand foot and five thousand horse. [2] Nor did the consul Sempronius, who had now returned from Rome, decline the combat. That day there were only three miles between the two encampments. On the following day they fought, with great spirit and with shifting fortunes. At the first encounter the Romans had so far the best of it that not only were they victorious in the battle, but they pursued the beaten enemy to his camp, and were soon attacking the camp itself. Hannibal stationed [p. 177]a few defenders on the rampart and at the gates1 and received the rest in a crowded throng within the enclosure, where he bade them watch intently for the signal to sally forth.â⬠[2] This written source perspicuously outlines the chronology of the Second Punic War, and Livyââ¬â¢s one sided perception, on how they fought with ââ¬Ëgreat spirit and shifting fortunesââ¬â¢, in order to embellish the Roman Empireââ¬â¢s image, ultimately resulting into him going into great len gth to demonise Hannibal. A final source to quintessentially exemplify the ancient Roman depiction of Hannibal is: ââ¬Å"Hannibal moved out of his winter encampment. He had tried before this to cross the Apennines, but had failed because of the intolerable cold. [2] And the delay had beenShow MoreRelatedRastafarian79520 Words à |à 319 Pagestruth of how religions grow and sustain themselves, but Edmonds realizes that models that have been used to explain other religious phenomenon dont always apply comfortably to the peculiar developments of Rastafarianism. For instance, very few modern religions have assumed such a signiï ¬ cant place in the mainstream of popular culture through the use of music. Marley is not seen as a religious ï ¬ gure; rather he is seen as a rock star, a pop hero, an icon. And yet his faith is at the core of hisRead MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words à |à 846 Pagesacademic spheres in accounting, I sense that the two worlds have less and less to do with one another. It is therefore ever more important to reflect on the contributions which Michael Bromwich has made. He played an important role in the diffusion of modern practices of capital investment appraisal in the United Kingdom. He has been constantly open to the insights which advances in economic theory can provide into the accounting art, in many areas pushing at the frontiers of international knowledge in
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Industry Analysis
Question: Analyse the electric operated vehicles sector in order to determine the feasibility of entering into the new industry. Discuss the size of industry, and the value factors affecting b2b business environment. Answer: Introduction Intel is the largest manufacturer of semi conductors in the world. The business model adopted by Intel is based on business to business (B2B) i.e. it sells its products primarily to other computer manufacturing companies. However, the management of the company has decided that it would enter into the battery operated vehicle segment as a part of its strategy to increase revenues and diversify business (Grosjean et al. 2012). Therefore, the purpose of this report is to undertake the analysis of electric operated vehicles sector in order to determine the feasibility of entering into the new industry. The report also discusses the size of industry, and the value factors affecting b2b business environment. In addition, the report also undertakes the analysis of key competitors and customer buyer relationships in order to successfully develop marketing plan. Further, the report has also discussed about the future growth potential of the company through forecasting techniques followed by a brief implementation plan. Electric vehicle industry Electric car manufacturing industry is in nascent stage, the industry comprises of various companies that manufactures electric vehicles, superchargers, and other spare parts specific to the need of the industry. Intel as a part of its growth strategy has decided to enter into the electric car manufacturing industry to develop high-end vehicles systems that would be marketed primarily to other business and organizations (Carley et al. 2013). Electric vehicle industry is expected to grow at a rate in next decade and by 2026 it is furcated that the industry would comprise 12% of the overall automobile industry. Currently, Tesla motors have 70 % market share in the electric vehicle segment, but with the entry of major automobile industry such as Ford, Hyundai, BMW, etc. the industry is experiencing greater investment and growth. Intel to establish would require strategies such as product differentiation or cost leadership. Competitor analysis A through competitor analysis for Intels new business plan would be completed by undertaking following steps discussed below Competitor Identification: The major players in the electric car manufacturing industry are Tesla Motors, Toyota Prius, Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, Zapworld, smart cars, etc. Competitor analysis is a crucial component of industry analysis as it provides information about the industry in which Intel is planning to operate i.e. electric vehicle manufacturing segment. Strengths of Competitors Weaknesses of Competitors Most of the competitors of Intel are well established automobile manufactures Economies of scale Large production capabilities Better inventory management and supplier relations Due to first mover advantage and brand equity among the customers competitors have greater market share that Intel would have to chip in to establish itself in the industry. Over dependence on gasoline operated cars to maintain and develop market share Moved into the electric vehicle to mark their presence in the industry Lack of desired level of investment in Research and Development activities exception being Tesla Motor Therefore, it is evident from the above analysis of competitors that Intel would have to heavily invest in research and development activities, devise better supply chain capabilities and also in marketing communications to spread awareness about the brand and create positive image in the market (Calabrese 2012). Customers Customers are very crucial factor that need to be considered before developing a marketing plan as it is the customers for whom the company produces or manufactures its products. For Intels battery operated vehicle segment would be the government (Wesseling et al. 2014). Key business consumers The main customers can be primarily consists of three broad sectors as Government: Intel aims at selling its electric vehicles to government as the company plans to capitalize on government commitment to support and implement environmentally vehicles. Commercial enterprises: Intel can also sell its vehicles to other commercial organization that can market its vehicle to different markets and to different end users. Since Intel would require huge investments to implement its own supply chain to meet the demands of the various customers that are geographically spread, selling its products to commercial enterprise would enable the company to enter into different markets more conveniently. Environmental analysis Environmental analysis is a strategic tool that enables to identify various internal and external elements that affects business operation of an organization discussed as PESTLE analysis Political factors: The political factors affecting the business preposition of Intel to manufacture and market electric cars are positive as the Australian government is committed to generate employment in the country. In addition, the proposed business is expected to bring Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country and with successful implementation of business plan would be a source of revenue generation for the country (Afroditi et al. 2014). Economic factors: For Intel to foray into the battery operated vehicle segment, this an appropriate time as the company would be benefited by various firefighting approach adopted by government to stabilize the economy such as lower interest rates, special economic zones and other infrastructural support and also the fast pace of economic growth (Al-Alawi and Bradley 2013). Social factors: The standard of living in the Australian population is high and people are well educated. In addition, automotive vehicles are seen as necessity rather than luxury, therefore, it can be inferred that the social factors would contribute positively for the development of electric cars by Intel (Hamilton and Webster 2015). Technological factors: Intel can have an upper hand in the industry as the company is known for providing cutting-edge technology to its customers. Additionally, the company has an opportunity to establish itself in the market as the concept of electric cars is still in development stage and Intel with its drive for innovation can dominate this segment (Moritz et al. 2015). Legal factors:. The various laws that needs to be complied are environment protection law, privacy laws, employee protection act, workers health and safety, anti discrimination laws, etc. (Hollensen 2015). Environmental factors: Intel is in favorable position as it plans to manufacture and market battery operated vehicles that runs on cleaner energy as opposed to gasoline operated vehicles that emits pollutants and degrades the environment (Vitali 2012). Porters five forces Porters five forces is a tool that enables a business to determine the level of competition in the market and overall attractiveness of the market (Ambec et al. 2013). Threat of new entrants (LOW): battery operated vehicle is in nascent stage and have fewer players. Therefore, the battery operated vehicles poses little barrier to the new entrants as no company is well established and any organization that have financial capabilities and well devised business model that can be effectively implemented by the business (Barringer 2012). Threat of substitutes (Medium): The substitutes of battery operated vehicles are many as for customers the benefits or utilities is similar whether they are using battery operated or gasoline operated vehicles. Therefore, the battery operated vehicle also faces competition from gasoline-operated vehicles and also public transport mediums (Rothaermel 2015). Bargaining power of customers (High): The customer have ultimate power that determines the success (or failure) of a business, the reason being that there are many options available for the customers to choose from. Therefore, it is customers who dictates their expectation and demands that has to be taken into consideration by any company to succeed in the market (Cuellar and Gomez 2013). Bargaining power of suppliers (Medium): Battery operated vehicle manufacturing segment is highly dependent on its suppliers as the manufacturing industry requires various components to manufacture the end product. However, this dependency is reducing as many supplier companies have entered the market and the battery operated vehicles have various options to source its parts and components (Magretta 2013). Industry rivalry (High): The battery operated vehicle industry is marked by high level of inter industry rivalry as size of this sector is relatively small and many major automobile manufacturing is trying to increase their market share by targeting the same customer groups (Upson et al.2012). Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) Segmentation: In order to identify the potential customers, the company needs to segregate the target market into different categories to identify the most profitable segment of customers. Customer segmentation can be discussed in context of Intels proposed business as Macro segmentation Geographic: the buyers of electric vehicles are vastly segregated in terms of geographical distribution. The major customers of the Intel are government and private commercial enterprises that can be segment based on their geographical location or area of their operations. Customer type: the customers of electric cars can be divided as business-to- business customers that includes government agencies, institutions and other business organizations. Other customer type includes b2c customers that the company is not planning to target, as it will require developing its own chain of suppliers. Micro segmentation Purchasing criteria: b2b customers are more concerned about the value they derive from products purchased as b2b businesses involver bulk purchase of items. Other purchasing criteria that influence customers are quality and speed of service delivery, customization of products as per the unique need of the buyers, and ability of the seller to respond as per the changing demands of the customers. Purchasing strategy: electric vehicles are a newer concept in the market and Intel would require persuading its customers about the benefits that the company provides. Therefore, Intel can segment its buyers on the basis of their purchasing strategy i.e. whether they purchase items as one time purchase or systematically places their order as per their requirements. Targeting: Intel can target government agencies as its customers to take advantage of the governments commitment to move towards cleaner or greener forms of energy consumption. Apart from that large institutional customers can also be effectively targeted to take advantage of increase presence in the market and increase revenues. Positioning: is a premarketing concept that aims at creating a favorable impression of the business in the minds of the customers. Positioning of companys product can be achieved through educating the customers about the benefits of the products through seminars, conferences and other forms of presentations. Appropriate brand or product positioning enables the organization to attract more customers and creates a positive brand image of the company in the market (Fleisher and Bensoussan 2015). Growth potential and feasibility There is huge growth potential for battery operated vehicles in the near future as most of the vehicles that are running on the road today is fuelled by petroleum products (gasoline, petrol, diesel). However, the petroleum products are depleting at a rapid rate as these are non renewable sources of energy. It is predicted that by the end of 2050 petroleum products would be completely exhausted if its consumption remains at the current levels In this context, it can be said that in the future battery operated vehicles would dominate the market as they run on renewable sources of energy and does not degrade the environment (Kolios and Read 2013). Intel being one of the most reputed brands in innovation and technology sector can take advantage of the situation by developing high performing battery operated cars. Therefore, by successful development of battery vehicles and appropriate positioning and marketing can grow in this sector and increase its revenue as well as help in sustainable development of the society. There it would be profitable for the company to enter into this segment and take advantage of the opportunities present in the business environment (Aithal 2016). Implementation From the above discussion, it can be said that there is huge opportunity in the market for Intel to grow. But it would require proper implementation of the marketing plan, this can be discussed as The marking mix of the company includes product, price, place, promotion. The product of the company is the electric vehicles that has the USP of being environmentally friendly and operated by battery. The pricing is the other important marketing that affects the success of the company. Intel can adopt cost leadership strategy to by providing value added products at cheaper cost then the competitors, other pricing strategy can be price differentiation. The distribution channel of the company can be outsourced to third party service providers before the company establishes itself in the market. Promotion is the last but most important aspect of the marketing mix. The company can engage with the customers by online advertising, social media management, and sponsoring events. Other important part of implementation is the estimation of financial requirements, budget scheduling and evaluation of the current performance and taking appropriate actions in case of deviations. Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that electric car industry is in growth stage and there is huge opportunity in the market that is expected to grow at the annual rate 12% and gain 20% of the overall automobile industry that can be utilized by the Intel to convert them into its own advantage. From the analysis of inter.nal and external environmental forces it is clear that the overall environment is supportive of electric car industry as petroleum products are depleting at a faster rate and the world requires such cars that can run efficiently on renewable energy sources. In addition, Intel Company has all the resources and organizational competency to manufacture and market high-end electric cars, that would be beneficial for both the company as it allows them to diversify their business and provide solution to the environment degradation by gasoline fuelled cars. References Afroditi, A., Boile, M., Theofanis, S., Sdoukopoulos, E. and Margaritis, D., 2014. Electric vehicle routing problem with industry constraints: trends and insights for future research. Transportation Research Procedia, 3, pp.452-459. Aithal, P.S., 2016. Study on ABCD Analysis Technique for Business Models, business strategies, Operating Concepts Business Systems. International Journal in Management and Social Science, 4, pp.2321-1784. Al-Alawi, B.M. and Bradley, T.H., 2013. Review of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicle market modeling studies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 21, pp.190-203. Ambec, S., Cohen, M.A., Elgie, S. and Lanoie, P., 2013. The Porter hypothesis at 20: can environmental regulation enhance innovation and competitiveness?. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, p.res016. Barringer, B., 2012. Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures, (2012). Calabrese, G. ed., 2012. The greening of the automotive industry. Springer. Carley, S., Krause, R.M., Lane, B.W. and Graham, J.D., 2013. Intent to purchase a plug-in electric vehicle: A survey of early impressions in large US cites. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 18, pp.39-45. Cuellar-Healy, S. and Gomez, M., 2013. Marketing Module 4: Competitor Analysis Example (No. 186568). Cornell University, Department of Applied Economics and Management. Fleisher, C.S. and Bensoussan, B.E., 2015. Business and competitive analysis: effective application of new and classic methods. FT Press. Grant, R.M., 2015. Contemporary Strategy Analysis 9e Text Only. John Wiley Sons. Grosjean, C., Miranda, P.H., Perrin, M. and Poggi, P., 2012. Assessment of world lithium resources and consequences of their geographic distribution on the expected development of the electric vehicle industry. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(3), pp.1735-1744. Hamilton, L. and Webster, P., 2015. The international business environment. Oxford University Press, USA. Hollensen, S., 2015. Marketing management: A relationship approach. Pearson Education. Kolios, A. and Read, G., 2013. A political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental (PESTLE) approach for risk identification of the tidal industry in the United Kingdom. Energies, 6(10), pp.5023-5045. Magretta, J., 2013. Understanding Michael Porter: The essential guide to competition and strategy. Harvard Business Press. Moritz, M., Redlich, T., Krenz, P., Buxbaum-Conradi, S. and Wulfsberg, J.P., 2015, August. Tesla Motors, Inc.: Pioneer towards a new strategic approach in the automobile industry along the open source movement?. In Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), 2015 Portland International Conference on (pp. 85-92). IEEE. Rothaermel, F.T., 2015. Strategic management. McGraw-Hill. Upson, J.W., Ketchen, D.J., Connelly, B.L. and Ranft, A.L., 2012. Competitor analysis and foothold moves. Academy of Management Journal, 55(1), pp.93-110. Vitali, G., 2012. Agreements and Joint Ventures in the Electric Vehicle Industry. In The Greening of the Automotive Industry (pp. 225-239). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Wesseling, J.H., Faber, J. and Hekkert, M.P., 2014. How competitive forces sustain electric vehicle development. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 81, pp.154-164.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Proximity Is Everything Implementing free essay sample
While I do not condone are even rebuke any that pursue their own peppiness in this life, I do caution and forewarn those that do not take heed of the Word of God whilst proceeding in their own pursuits first. To delve farther into the background of family theology and how one can implement a strong foundation in their perspective congregations, family theology must be defined and refined to meet our current cultural needs. I do not mean the needs of your local town, area, or region. I mean the cultural needs of the Church. The Church and body of Jesus Christ, His chosen bride to accompany Him into eternity. The first word in the phrase, family, is in fact the first sanctioned union given to an by God, through Adam and Eve. Once God had Adam name all of the animals, Adam realized that, while all the other animals in the kingdom had opposites, he did not. We will write a custom essay sample on Proximity Is Everything: Implementing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page God created woman from man and wed them on the first day, charging them to be fruitful and multiply, to fill and subdue the world and all in it, and to always and forever be faithful to Him, who created and protected them. Family was around before sin fell on man and Earth. The marriage of man and woman was sanctioned before any other in time. It falls before any youth program, any counseling, any bible school class and is truly only second in attention to God Himself. Families are close to Gods heart (Uniting and Uniting, 2006, Para. L). Uniting and Uniting add, Even after they fell into sin, (Adam and Eve) God continued with His plan for families, and even spoke prophetically of the salvation that would come through the seed of the woman in Genesis 3:1 5 (Uniting and Uniting, 2006, Para. L). The second word of the title is theology. Family theology is parallel and synonymous with family ministry. Family ministry, according to Stations and Jones, describes how a church partners with parents so that the Christian formation of hillier occurs not only at church but also in the household (Stations and Jones, 2011, p. 15). Theology, broken down by Elmer Towns, takes place, Anytime someone takes several Scripture verses and synthesizes them into one sermon or Sunday school lesson, he is constructing a theology (Towns, 2008, p. 5) He further explains that theology is similar to someone saying, I know where you are coming from when you make a statement. Theology describes an approach to a topic trot the point to view of the instructor. We identify these principles, categorize them, see how they fit into consistent pattern and how they relate to life. This is the role of theologize (Towns, 2008, p. 9). Theology is simply the process of taking the Word of God and His works, in both the supernatural and natural, and rationally inquiring, using faith and the scientific method of demonstra ting with a purpose of organizing the results into a complete expression that can be translated and defended. Systematically we can conclude that family theology is the study of the Bible and its teaching on family. We culminate a constructive and plausible set of teachings designed around what Gods word says about the family. We then inject these biblical truths and ideas by any meaner necessary. Most commonly, the median in which the information is translated is sermons, bible studies, and occasionally modeling. As one looks around, however, and examines the current status of our nations families and its declining ability to fulfill the great commission biblically, it is clear that the current methods are no longer appropriate for secular and church culture. Thusly, we as family minister must take drastic and radical shifts to realign our theologies back to the bible and centering on the family at its core. Too often, if a church even has a family ministry, it is centered around secular entertainment with an occasion scripture insertion to keep the elders and staff content with their purpose. Our ministries do not need more entertaining ideas, we need to re-root into our biblical ideas. We, as family ministers, do not need another DVD with attached fill in the blank handouts, we need families making their own DVDs together and constructing their own theology as such. We, as family ministers, do not need more programs and events to go attend together. We need to create our own events, entered first around God in worship and praise, then around each other in our perspective families. We, as family ministers, do not need to split up the teens from mom and dad, and then mom from dad, we need to be ministering as a whole family at the same time, and teaching dads and moms to minister to each other and their children. It is time for the first sanctioned union to come back to the first position in the family, instead of last or a close second-last. It is time for family ministers to begin swimming against cultural flow and cut a path for other families to follow and disciple with. Life Way, out of Nashville, Tennessee, has created a great study guide and material plan for minister attempting to re-center their church culture around the family instead of individualism. They break out a system of five steps to help churches build families. First is evaluation of the current family ministry. For some, this will be an easy task as many churches do not have a family ministry. Others have a limited ministry, or a ministry that may be similar, but not exact, such as marriage and family counseling, or a youth group that incorporates all members of the family on occasion. Life Way goes so far as to give you a free, printable evaluation sheet to fill out to assist in the effort. This form is easily found on the website listed in the bibliography of this paper. This writer does not condone or condemn the effectiveness of this evaluation nor have any affiliation with Life Way, only applauds them tort their generous Otto arts and ease to access and use. Secondly, they describe creating a plan for ministry based on the actions and activities identified from the evaluation. The evaluation may reveal that you already have the pieces in place to minister effectively to all age groups However the evaluation may reveal gaps in your plan or ministries that need to be strengthened (Anonymous, n. D. P. 3). Third is to communicate a comprehensive strategy. In this section, Life Way states to make regular updates regarding the family ministry page on your church website, make regular announcements in the services, and any other opportunities that come to pass. I would strongly add that the primary method be face to face, person to person. In this way, by word of mouth and face to face, the message is personal to the recipient. Forbes Magazine posted an article on their website titled, 5 Ways To Make a Killer First Impression. The author, Forewoman, gives some great secular pointers to follow that flow effortless for any minister as well. First, is to set an intention. This involves work on your part before you even enter into the event or meeting. Think about the kind of people you want to meet and what kind of interactions you want to have (Forewoman, 2011, Para. 4). Next, is to think about your ornaments. This is, of course, not pertaining to the Christmas Tree, but rather your own apparel, such as shoes, Jewelry, watches, and even make-up (ladies). Forewoman suggests getting several outfits together and having friends and colleagues Judge them for you in accordance with the particular event or occasion. Make sure the way you look is app ropriate to the portrayal of our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ. Next, be conscious of your body language. Forewoman challenges you to simply be aware of the body language you present. If you find yourself having a hard time doing this, video tape yourself giving a sermon or lesson, or simply watch yourself in a mirror. She reminds us to notice where we point our feet, the position of the shoulders and the way you shake hands. Fourth, is to avoid bad days. Forewoman says that if you are having a bad day, stay home if at all possible. If you cannot stay home, find a way to snap yourself out of the bad mood. For ministry, going home is rarely an option, therefore, we must find what motivates and encourages us. For myself, it is usually listening to certain songs of worship, such as the Revelation Song, by Kari lobe, or Lead Me To the Cross, by Hellions. For you the reader, that is something that you must prepare for well in advance of starting this process, and involves you and God. Lastly, is to be interested and interesting to he group and person. This goes hand-in-hand with the whole idea of servant-hood and obedience to Christ. As effective ministers, we must take interest in the lives of our disciples. A very easy way to bridge the gap on the first impression or first introduction, is to serve the people, in some way, you will be ministering and administering to. The fourth item on Life Ways list is to make their specific magazine part of your strategic resource. Again, I am not affiliated with this group, so I will alter this item by stating that as family ministers, we must use any and all resources at hand to be detective and nougat ministers. Witt the advent to the internet, so many phenomenal resources are now available to all ministers and teachers. With the good comes great evil, however, and one must use a high level of caution when choosing what sources he will accept as true and appropriate. A minister must always put information and instruction to the test, the test of the Word of God. The last step in the Life Way list is to allow yourself to become a channel for Christian families and help them on a daily basis. This is done by including a family emphasis in the congregation, such as a minute, comment or complete update urine worship times, asking members to share testimonies about the church and their family, starting a productive blob keeping families updated to new things happening with the ministry, have family based small group studies and sessions, have family geared outings that bring all members together, and other great ideas such as visiting the homes of each family and ministering to them there emphasizing things like eating meals together around the table, family prayer time, constructive TV viewing, praying for each other, and servant-hood. A recent survey conducted by Life Way Church Consultants polled several of their gained church participants as to what the top five concerns of their congregations were. They were, with percentages: 65% Finances, Economy; 50% Family, Family Relationships; 27% Time Management (work and home); 26% Discipleship; 10% Illnesses (Anonymous, 20 11, p. 10). After examining several other surveys, very similar results are concluded . The top four concerns are all things that stem around and from the family and that we have direct control over. The last is simply a fact of life and must only be endured through. It should be very clear and evident that the church is yearning for a change. It is yearning to be reconnected with its families. It should also be apparent that we, as family ministers, have at our disposal an arsenal of tools and ideas to assist in our efforts, let alone the most important key to all ministry, the personal backing of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whose purpose is so much greater than our own in our ministries. One of the most important ways to reach out to these families is a matter of which I have already brushed up upon. It is that ministers need to get into the trenches down and dirty with these families in their own territories. This meaner that we have o be in the homes and dwellings of the lives of the families. Jesus Himself did most of His miracle and discipleship in small groups and processions. Instead of working the crowd, Jesus invited a handful of men to Join Him in a three-year mentoring relationship (Early and Guttering, 2010, p. 274). By this method alone, we are able to multiply ourselves. We show them what it meaner to follow and obey the Lord biblically in their natural environment. Eating at the table, praying together, worshiping together, loving and supporting each other, encouraging each other, and training each other to be better servants, all as a family. We show them the pitfalls from our enemy and the most common problem starters, such as finances, employment issues, school and education of the children, fights with outsiders and each other, sibling rivalry, and media corruption. By snowing an active and personal interest in their family, they learn about true servant-hood, discipleship, and most importantly, the relationship a true man/woman of faith has with Christ. Multiplication may be costly, and in the initial stages, much slower than addition, but in the long run, it is the most effective way of accomplishing Chrisms Great Commission And the only way. (Early and Guttering, 2010, p. 276). Investing time in our families with multiply themselves over and over again and only exponentially increase the Kingdom and your personal Heavenly rewards. Another great and inspiring aspect of family ministry is gratitude. This is true with all ministry, but especially important to family ministry. If we are truly grateful ministers, then gratitude will be a common anthem in our sermons, writings, publications, e-mails, and conversations. Grateful ministers beget grateful worshippers! (Early and Guttering, 2010, p. 90). We want to be grateful for what the Lord entrusts to us, as well as mentor others to do the same. Our own example is the greatest way to show this. Ryan Rush, author of Walls, why everybodys stuck (and nobody has to be) makes many great and enlightening points in his book. He shows that we all face walls that separate and isolate us from each other and from God. He defines, A wall is an unhealthy mind-set that keeps you from living life as God intends (Rush, 2011, p. 22). The point I want to add to this is that a family as a whole can also construct a wall that divides them from the rest of the world, especially the church. Many times without even knowing it. For example, many families quite simply deny that they need any assistance at all from anyone, even though they fight constantly, yell and scream at each other, or even get physically abusive. Or one parent is completely neglectful to the other or their children. This wall would be of pride. Family ministers are faced with exposing these walls and getting the family all on the same page as to what God tells us about these walls to begin to tear them down, brick by brick. I encourage any ministry pastor, leader, and even volunteer to take the Walls Evaluation online to get to understand their own walls and learn of the others that exist that will be encountered. The last, greatest, and sometimes hardest portion of family ministry is proper, biblical discipleship of our youth. With youth, and teens especially, proximity is everything. Research is quite unanimous, parents matter most in shaping the religious lives of their children. (Dean, 2010, p. 1 12). Youths ability to imitate the attitudes and Mind of Christ depend, to a daunting degree, on whether or not the parents do. But, many parents lack conviction and the confidence to provide and live out this faith, let alone teach it to their children. Therefore, we as family ministers, must yearn and strive to equip them to do so. We also must equip parents to be bi- lingual. By this I mean they must speak the unadulterated Word of God to their children and be able to explain it, but they must also speak the language of the youth, in a way that the youth can relate back and connect with their parents and mentors. In conclusion, Tamil ministry is not dying in this world, it is changing. Like the ancient Roman civilization, if we do not adapt the Church culture, we too will fade into history. Our commission is both so very simple, yet impossible without the trench, conviction and motivation that the Holy Spirit gives to us. The family is the key element to the church. It is the backbone to the Church of Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven. It was the first sanctioned union on this Earth and will be the final sanctioned and eternal union in Heaven, between Christ and His bride. Let us not only endure forward but blaze forth a new path into uncharted waters.
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