Dissertation Published: Biblical Feasts and Family Discipleship Research Overview

Posted on by I Was Just Thinking Ministries

We are pleased, and deeply grateful, to announce that Rev. Dr. Sanette Fleming’s Doctor of Ministry dissertation has officially been published through Regent University and archived with ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

This milestone represents years of theological study, lived Biblical Messianic practice, pastoral ministry, and original research focused on one central question:

What impact does observing God’s Appointed Times—the Biblical Feasts of Leviticus 23—have on the modern believing household, particularly families and children?

The findings are clear, compelling, and deeply encouraging.

What the Dissertation Is About

Dr. Fleming’s dissertation, Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Appointed Feasts and the “Christian” Home, is a qualitative, quantatative, and mixed-methods research study examining how intentional observation of the Biblical Feasts shapes:

  • Family discipleship
  • Biblical literacy and engagement
  • Identity, continuity, and rhythm in the home
  • Intergenerational faith transmission
  • Children’s spiritual formation

The study was conducted with intentional integration of Biblical truth and real-world practices, as it should be.

Unlike purely theoretical works, this research was immersive and applied, involving structured teachings, home observances, surveys, and in-depth interviews with participants.

What the Data Revealed

The dissertation includes:

  • Quantitative data (scaled survey responses)
  • Qualitative data (open-ended responses and recorded interviews)
  • Thematic analysis across multiple weeks of Feast observance

Key Findings Include:

✔️ Increased Biblical understanding of both “Old” and “New” Testaments
✔️ Stronger family unity and intentionality around faith practices
✔️ Children demonstrating deeper engagement with Scripture and worship
✔️ Greater clarity regarding Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah within the Biblical calendar
✔️ A shift from abstract belief to lived discipleship

Participants consistently reported that observing God’s Appointed Times provided structure, meaning, and continuity that many families felt was missing from modern Christian practice. The Scriptures came to life in ways they did not believe was possible. To many modern believers, the Scriptures can, at times, seem distant and abstract. However, by observing God’s Appointed Times, the Scriptures become personal lived experiences and therefore, powerful testimonies.

In short:
The Biblical Feasts positively impact families and children in measurable and meaningful ways.

Open Torah scroll and Bible on a study table as a Jewish family engages in discipleship, reflecting doctoral research on Biblical Feasts and Messianic family formation
Dr. Fleming’s doctoral research explores how observing God’s Appointed Times, the Biblical Feasts, strengthens family discipleship, deepens Biblical literacy, and nurtures children’s faith within a Messianic theological framework.

Why This Research Matters

For generations, many believers have been taught, explicitly or implicitly, that the Biblical Feasts are “Jewish,” outdated, or irrelevant for followers of Jesus.

This dissertation challenges that assumption Biblically, historically, and pastorally.

Grounded in Scripture (Leviticus 23; Luke 24; Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 5; Colossians 2 rightly interpreted), the research demonstrates that the Feasts are:

  • God’s Appointed Times (מוֹעֲדֵי יְהוָה / Moedim)
  • Christ-centered and prophetic
  • Discipleship-forming, not legalistic
  • Life-giving rhythms, not burdens

This work contributes to the growing field of Messianic Theology and provides a scholarly foundation for what many families are already discovering experientially.

Establishing Scholarly and Biblical Authority

Dr. Fleming brings to this research:

  • Over 20 years of pastoral, intercultural, and teaching experience
  • Advanced theological training (MDiv, DMin)
  • Specialization in Messianic Judaism, Messianic Theology, and Apologetics
  • A commitment to Biblical fidelity, historical accuracy, and pastoral care

At I Was Just Thinking Ministries, our mission has always been to provide Biblically sound, historically rooted, and spiritually formative teaching, especially in areas often misunderstood or neglected within the broader Christian world.

This dissertation strengthens IWJTM’s role as a trusted authority and educational resource on:

  • Messianic Judaism
  • The Jewish roots of Christianity
  • The Biblical Feasts / God’s Appointed Times
  • Intergenerational discipleship

You can explore related foundational articles on our site, including:

👉 Visit IWJTM.org for ongoing articles and teachings.

How to Read the Dissertation

The full dissertation is available through ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

🔗 Access the dissertation here:
https://www.proquest.com/docview/3248477945/7935C5D8D4634A33PQ/1?accountid=13479&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses

Access Options:

  • Readers affiliated with universities, seminaries, or public libraries may already have free ProQuest access.
  • Others may preview the abstract or purchase access through ProQuest.
  • Those who prefer may also reach out to IWJTM for guidance on accessing or understanding the research. Admin@IWJTM.org, ‪(717) 467-1440‬.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this dissertation will help you:

  • Understand why God’s calendar still matters
  • See how Bible truths translates into real family discipleship
  • Gain language to explain the Feasts Biblically and Christ-centered
  • Discern the difference between tradition, legalism, and obedience
  • Be equipped to lead your home, ministry, or congregation with clarity

This is not merely academic; it is deeply Biblical, pastoral, practical, and faith-affirming.

📅 What’s Next: Learn With Us

This research is not the end—it is a foundation.

Dr. Fleming will continue her research, writing, teaching, publishing, and public engagement on the Biblical Feasts and Biblical Messianic discipleship.

📣 Upcoming Event:
A Return to God’s Appointed Times
🔗 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-return-to-gods-appointed-times-registration-1664253871129?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cost: Free

This event will offer teaching, Biblical grounding, and practical insight for individuals, families, and leaders seeking to rediscover God’s redemptive calendar.

Stay Connected

Be sure to:

  • Watch for upcoming blogs and scholarly-accessible articles
  • Subscribe to the IWJTM Podcast
  • Follow us for teaching series, events, and resources
  • Join us as we continue to call God’s people back to Scripture, back to context, and back to God’s Appointed Times

“These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed time.”
— Leviticus 23:4

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Home » Dissertation Published: Biblical Feasts and Family Discipleship Research Overview
Are the Biblical Feasts relevant for Christians today?

Yes. According to Scripture, the Biblical Feasts are God’s Appointed Times (Leviticus 23), fulfilled and embodied in Yeshua (Jesus). When understood Biblically, they deepen faith, discipleship, and understanding of redemption without promoting legalism.

What does research say about the Biblical Feasts and family discipleship?

Dr. Fleming’s doctoral research demonstrates that families who intentionally observe God’s Appointed Times experience stronger spiritual engagement, increased Biblical literacy, and more meaningful faith formation in children.

How can I read Dr. Sanette Fleming’s dissertation on the Biblical Feasts?

The dissertation is published through Regent University and is available via ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. Many libraries provide free access, and readers may also preview or purchase it directly online.

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