Digital Commons Network^™

Effective And Sustainable Church Planting Strategies For Persians From A Muslim Background In Britain, Jonathan Aptin Samadi

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Planting With A Limp : Recovering Lament In Growing New Churches, Robin P. Ham

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Christian Nationalism: Comparing Sociological Critiques To Christian Political Theologies, Daniel Christopher Samms

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The definition of Christian Nationalism which attempts to link White Nationalism to Christian appeals to God as the basis for justice is not reflective of any prominent, contemporary version of Christian political theology. This is demonstrated through an analysis of the prominent definition of Christian Nationalism used by sociologists such as Samuel L. Perry, Andrew L. Whitehead, and Joshua B. Grubbs as well as an analysis of three prominent Christian approaches to Christian Nationalism and their respective approaches to the basis for civil law in the public square.

Developing Effective Discipleship Tools For Disciple-Makers In The Digital Age, John Isaac Brandt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Doctor of Ministry portfolio explores the development and implementation of digital tools to equip and empower disciple-makers in the local church context. Rooted in the ministry of First Baptist Church of Hempstead, Texas, where I have served as Senior Pastor for over a decade, this project addresses the challenge of cultivating a culture of biblical discipleship in a small-to-mid-sized church setting. The portfolio is structured around four integrated Micro-Projects: the launch of The Rudimental Discipleship Podcast, the creation of a YouTube channel, the development of a discipleship-focused blog, and the construction of a comprehensive website (www.rudimentaldiscipleship.com). Each of these …

“What Is Good For The Children Of Man To Do”: Ecclesiastes And The Covenant Instruction, Elaine A. Higgins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The epilogue of Ecclesiastes may be considered an addition by a redactor in an attempt ensure theological orthodoxy to a writing which is often thought to have little in common with the remainder of Scripture. However, this research proposes that the concluding statements of Ecclesiastes cohere with the overarching message of the book and are based on connections to the covenant instruction in Genesis and Deuteronomy. Moreover, the concluding statement is consistent with the New Testament epistle of James. Thus, human beings should conduct their lives in reverent fear of the covenant making God who has given his people the …

A Descriptive, Comparative Study Of Preexisting Leadership Qualities And Leadership Effectiveness Of Theologically Conservative United States Army Battalion-Level Chaplains, Aaron Jonathan Fabian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This immediate demand for spiritual and professional leadership can be overwhelming for a new battalion-level chaplain (Blackaby 2001; Howell 2003). They perform or provide religious service for Soldiers who have volunteered to serve their country. By going through the same military training in conjunction with their religious education and experience, chaplains are able to integrate with Soldiers where traditional clergy cannot. There is additional pressure to perform because chaplains, as commissioned officers, are evaluated immediately through an annual Officer Evaluation Report (OER hereafter, DA Form 67-9). With no time to acquire new skills, battalion-level chaplains are forced to rely on …

How Did Peter Use The Torah? A Bible Exposition Of Every Petrine Use Of The Torah, Jacob Christopher Berlin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to answer an unasked research question: How did Peter use the Torah? The findings help fill a hole in scholarship on the NT’s use of the OT and provide practical guidance to the modern church as it struggles to use the Law appropriately. The question was answered by conducting a Bible exposition of every Petrine use of the Torah, which totaled 20 pericopes. The research assumed that Peter wrote or significantly influenced the Petrine corpus, comprised of 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and all the words Peter spoke in the canonical Gospels and Acts. The …

The Messages Of James To The Rich: Warnings Rather Than Exclusions, Joseph Daniel Peters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

James frequently references or alludes to the poor and the rich throughout his epistle (1:9–11; 2:1–10, 14–20; 4:13–17; 5:1–6). Even though most scholars throughout church history have accepted that the poor are Christians among the churches James is writing to, it has been debated on whether he is presenting the rich as Christians or as outsiders. If the wealthy are outsiders to the churches, then his messages about them would serve to encourage the recipients by assuring them that their rich oppressors will be punished, which would also discourage any imitation of their oppressive practices. However, if the wealthy are …

The Challenges Small And Medium-Sized Businesses Face Adopting Digital Supply Chain Technologies: A Case Study Of Firms In Traditional Industries In The United States, Michael S. Stevens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research examined the digital transformation of supply chains within small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), focusing on the challenges firms in traditional industries in the United States face in adopting these technologies to improve performance. Through a single case study qualitative approach, the study examined why some SMBs face these challenges, digital supply chain technologies affect business performance, and which technologies they contemplate to achieve their desired outcomes. Key findings indicate that most SMBs are between the digitization and digitalization phases of the digital transformation journey and are driven to adopt digital technologies that enable operational performance for scalable profitability. …

Select Independent Baptist Church Family Worship And The Impact Of The Church Family Ministry, Joshua Wayne Yancy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A growing number of young adults leave the church once they reach the age of majority, leading many congregations to reevaluate the interplay between family worship, parent-equipping, and intergenerational ministry. Adopting a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, this study combined a nationwide quantitative survey of 125 parents with qualitative interviews of senior, youth, and children’s ministry leaders from four Independent Baptist churches. The survey explored how frequently parents engage in worship and discipleship practices within the home. At the same time, the interviews shed light on how church-led intergenerational worship and parent-equipping efforts influence families’ home practices. Findings reveal that …

A Weapon In One Hand And A Bible In The Other: Places Of Worship Are Under Attack, Edmond J. Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative descriptive study aims to ascertain the degree of preparedness for reducing and preventing extreme violence and the countermeasures that are in place (or lack thereof) at houses of worship. All places of worship in this study are considered soft targets and not “holy ground” as traditionally referenced. The terms “places of worship” and “church” will be used interchangeably in this study. A place of refuge for both the physical and spiritual is now considered vulnerable as the congregants are focused on worship rather than protection from an attack. Violence against places of worship will be described at this …

Paul’S Vision Of Λογικός (Logikos) Worship: A Biblical-Theological Exegesis Of The Sacrificial And Transformative Motif Of Worship In Light Of Ἐν Χριστῷ (En Christo), Thang Lam Piang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the Apostle Paul’s vision of λογικός (logikos) worship in Romans 12:1–2 as a theologically rich and integrative expression of sacrificial self-offering and transformative renewal, grounded in the believers’ union with the crucified and resurrected Christ. While Pauline scholarship has often approached worship either as moral exhortation, liturgical metaphor, or philosophical concept, this study contends that Paul’s worship theology cannot be adequately understood apart from his theology of ἐν Χριστῷ (en Christo), a holistic, sacrificial, transformative, and Spirit-empowered union that redefines the believers’ identity, vocation, and existence. The study conducts a biblical-theological exegesis of key Pauline texts, situating …

From Recovery To Restored: A Thesis Action Project Developing Addiction Restored Groups Transitioning Individuals Out Of A Recovery Cycle And Into A Church Small Group, Scott Kingsley Schneiderman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

People at New Beginnings Church (NBC) who suffer from addiction currently do not have an intentional path into a life-giving Core Group without the need for ongoing support groups. This DMIN action research project aims to design, implement, and evaluate Restored, at NBC, an eight-week addiction recovery process. Restored utilizes individual self-evaluation through Scripture, collective discussion, and tailored sin-cycle diagrams. The innovation in this project focuses on the transitional phase, unlike other addiction recovery programs, and the integration of Christians into a church small group. This DMIN action research project will enable Christians struggling with addiction to identify their sin, …

Leadership Training And Development For The Purpose Of Biblical Literacy In The Christian Fellowship Church Membership, Bancroft Augustus Battick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem at Christian Fellowship Church in Anguilla is the high rate of biblical illiteracy due to the lack of trained leaders to preach and teach the Word effectively. The purpose of this action research project is to train and develop five leaders to preach and teach the Word effectively. If leaders are trained and developed to preach and teach the Word effectively, the biblical literacy of the CFC membership will increase. The goal of this leadership training is to create a cadre of leaders who will be qualified to preach and teach the Word. During the action research, the …

Gen Mz Discipleship: Training A Generation To Live In The Postmodern Age, Christian E. Kolthoff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church exodus of Gen MZ is one of the most significant issues affecting the health of churches in the West. Recent research has indicated that many in Gen MZ have left the church not for lack of knowledge but because of a lack of understanding of the why. It has also indicated that Gen MZ has not been trained to respond to why they are holding on to the hope of the Gospel. So, when presented with opposing views, they struggle to maintain their faith in today’s postmodern society. It is an age in which a war on ideas …

Identity Restored: High School Students Overcoming Social Media’S Influence To Embrace Their Identity As Sons And Servants Of God, Daniel M. Christiaans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research question for this action research project relates to the impact of social media on the identity formation of believers through their high school years. As a youth pastor of 20 years and father of four teenagers, I’ve noticed that high school students maintain many of the social media habits and addictions seen in the secular world. This regular interaction with social media is detrimental to their identity formation; they are not adopting the identity provided for them in Christ as communicated by the Word of God. This project will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the believer's identity …

Citizenship Christian Values Education Empowerment In Papua New Guinea Through Integration Of Curriculum, Funding, And Professional Training, Timothy Hawes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since 2018, the Papua New Guinea Education Department has opened the door for Christian Citizenship Value Education, but previously, no organization has successfully addressed this opportunity. The problem is that the CCVE program in PNG does not integrate curriculum, funding, and professional training. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to develop and deploy the CCVE Empowerment plan. Through a survey given to CCVE teachers and multiple focus groups with six different CCVE leaders, the CCVE Empowerment plan was developed. The plan included a new organizational structure, the prayer model, the self-teaching student journals, sufficient funding, and applied …

Developing Divine Love Into Christoform Obedience: Understanding And Applying The Theological Framework Of Divine Love In A Measurable Growth Praxis, Jayson Pengra Derowitsch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth outcomes of participants from a curriculum intervention on divine love with the goal of Christoform obedience. The point of the curriculum was to define divine love properly by using synthesized vantage points derived from precedent literature. These vantage points were developed into a four-step praxis of transformation in divine love. This praxis was the capstone of the curriculum. Three methods of data retrieval were used throughout the intervention process to target intellectual concept improvement, self-assessment improvement, and praxis improvement. As a result of the data, it was determined that fifty …

Do Justice, Love Mercy, John Peckham

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Strength In Weakness: Grace In Times Of Vulnerability, Adriani Rodrigues

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Faith Deconstruction: The Challenge Of Answering The Questions Affecting The Faith Of Young People, Rogelio Paquini

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

A significant trend, faith deconstruction, has recently been popularized among young believers affecting youth ministry. This occurrence has gained noteworthy attention as many young Christians, including Adventist and non-Adventist individuals, have begun questioning and deconstructing their faith. Pastors across various denominations have responded by preaching sermon series dedicated to faith deconstruction. As the sources of information on religious beliefs become more diverse, faith deconstruction challenges traditional conceptions of faith formation and spiritual development. Many young Christians, influenced by countless factors, including access to information, changing societal values, and exposure to diverse perspectives, are grappling with doubt and seeking to reconcile …

Under Siege: Marriage, Family And The Great Controversy, Jasmine Fraser

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Faith Formation And Discipling For Metamoderns, Kenley Hall

Journal of Adventist Youth and Young Adult Ministries

What does the future of faith formation and discipling look like for “Metamoderns” with their cultural logic of toggling, which presents both a challenge and opportunity to the corporate and the local church? The unique cultural logic of Metamodernism has the potential not to weaken faith but rather create a deeper faith than that seen in previous generations and will suggest how the church can create a space for that faith to develop. Metamodernistic spirituality is still in its nascent formation. Depending on how the church, corporately and locally, responds on both levels will either lead Metamoderns into a deeper …

Better Than Home: Abiding In Christ, Silvia Bacchiocchi

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Reaching Generation Z With The Gospel, Rodney Palmer

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Blessings Of True Greatness, John Peckham

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Connection, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2025 Talisman:

• Alali, Cecilia & Ragan Harrington. Connection
• Hardesty, Emma. On a Roll – Dungeons & Dragons
• Muscutt, Carson. Grinding Through Life – Molotov Skateshop
• Cox, Kate. Stopwatch
• Harrington, Ragan. 1 Campus, 7 Strangers – Logan Hesse, Nicholas Basile, Spencer Winterbottom, Alliyah Jones, Alex Gehring, Annie McClurg, Rowan Finley
• Vickers, Abigail. Forged in Combat – Mixed Martial Arts
• Wood-Morris, Oli. Survivors to Neighbors – Bosnian Refugees
• Jordan, Shylin. Severed Roots
• Bivens, Emily. Behind the Screen – Social Media
• Dean, Clarissa. Shear Talent – Shake Rag Barbershop
• Sutton, Avery. For the Love of the Old – Thrift Shopping
• Phelps, Maggie. …

The Golem, Sayanti Ganguly Puckett Dr.

Sabbatical Projects

My research explores the Jewish mythical figure of the golem and the symbolism behind it from contradictory angles that juxtapose the figure as a subservient defender of the oppressed Jews and as a monster over whom his creator has lost control and who then runs amok slaughtering those it is created to protect. My research attempts to make sense of these clashing propensities to understand how this figure can become such a bewildering yet ominous figure to Christians and Jews alike. Additionally, in the ultimate destruction of the golem, I would like to explore societal anxieties, fears, and securities about …

The Icarian Dilemma: The Battle Of Faith Versus Identity Addressed With Scenic Design, Allistar G. Barrett

Senior Honors Theses

American Christians and the LGBTQ+ community have long been in a cultural war with one another. However, queer Christians – individuals who are both LGBTQ+ and Christian – have rarely found solace in either community, instead being shunned and ostracized for their beliefs and identities. Using the transformative art of theatre to address cultural divides, a theatrical scenic design was developed for Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare’s R & J, a retelling of the traditional Romeo and Juliet script through the lives of four Catholic school girls. This design uses the Greek mythology of Icarus, Catholic culture, the original Romeo and Juliet, …

A Focus On Face-To-Face Communication As A Source Of Relational Life And Renewal Of Community Within The Church, Ronald Edwin Hammer

DMin Project Theses

Increased digital engagement at the cost of in-person interactions has negatively impacted communal life in the Gateway City Church — St. Charles Ministry. Amid an increase in online connectivity, relational connections have suffered as church members add more and more to their already busy schedules. Research has noted multiple ways in which this significant drift from inperson engagement has brought harm to people’s overall health. The literature demonstrates a key root of this phenomenon to be widespread efforts to incorporate digital church engagement in an attempt to supply convenient access to spiritual resources. This tension between convenience and suffering relational …