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Gardner-Webb University Awards Degrees During Exercises On May 12, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner–Webb University hosted Spring Commencement on Monday, May 12 in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and over 700 graduates were honored during two separate ceremonies. The morning ceremony featured the conferring of over 370 degrees from the University’s graduate programs. Kimberly Denise Moore of Gastonia, N.C., who earned a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries, offered a commencement speech during the ceremony.

Youtube: Gardner-Webb University: Commencement: May 2014

2014 - 2015, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Undergraduate Academic Catalogs

2014 - 2015, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog. A. Frank Bonner, president.

A Training Program For The Mentoring Ministry At Spencer Baptist Church In Spindale, North Carolina, Bruce Ray Caldwell

Doctor of Ministry Projects

A training program was developed to equip adult volunteers to be mentor/encouragers to adolescents. Believing Christian adults have a responsibility to nurture and encourage the church's children and youth, adult volunteers were led through training to enable them to give this support. Surveys and questionnaires measured the effectiveness of the weekly training sessions. Following the training, the mentor/encourager program was initiated.

A Program Evaluation Of A Christian College Baccalaureate Program Utilizing Stufflebeam's Cipp Model, Victoria F. Hanchell

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was a program evaluation of an undergraduate program of study at a Christian institution of higher education. The college had not received a formal evaluation since the institution of their strategic planning in 2008. The program evaluation of this baccalaureate program was reviewed through the lens of the CIPP Evaluation Model (Stufflebeam, 2002). Through the CIPP Evaluation Model, the Context (C), Inputs (I), Processes (P), and Product (P) of this institution were evaluated.

Four research questions were developed to coincide with the four thematic areas of CIPP model. The four research questions were (1) Context: How were the …

Exposed Heads And Exposed Motives: Coverings As A Means To Unity At Corinth, April M. Hoelke

MA in Religion Theses

This thesis argues that in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 Paul asserts most centrally that women should wear head coverings while praying and prophesying in the Corinthian Christian assembly. I examine the honor and shame value system of the Greco-Roman world, both generally and in specific reference to head adornment, since head coverings and hairstyles were connected to honor and status. Then I look at Paul's treatment of honor and shame throughout 1 Corinthians, which denounces the worldly value system of status seeking in favor of the value system of the cross. Paul's stance leads him to subject cultural norms to gospel …

2014 - 2015, Gardner-Webb University Graduate Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Graduate Academic Catalogs

2014 - 2015, Gardner-Webb University Graduate Academic Catalog. A. Frank Bonner, president.

The Cleansing Of The Temple In The Fourth Gospel As A Call To Action For Social Justice, Douglas Thompson Goodwin

MA in Religion Theses

Historically, there has been the attitude that the writer of the Fourth Gospel, due primarily to his emphasis on the high Christology of Jesus, is uninterested, or even unconcerned, with the issues of social justice. The contention of this study is to show that this is just the opposite. By placing the Temple cleansing episode at the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, instead of the end as the Synoptics do, the author of the Fourth Gospel uses Jesus' Temple episode as the vehicle for showing the importance of caring for those in society who have no voice and no future. …

Discovery And Integration: A Framework Of Spiritual Formation For The Leadership Team Of Via Faith Community, Winston-Salem, Nc, Linda Marie Jones

Doctor of Ministry Projects

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinth, 3:17-18, NLT )

The process of spiritual formation can be seen throughout all of scripture; men and women, growing in faith, learning to truly love God, themselves and God's people. There is something so special to be on this journey of faith …

Mobilizing Cedar Spring Baptist Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina, For Creation Care Through Project "C.A.R.E." (Christians Assuming Responsibilty For The Earth), Malcolm Todd Lowe

Doctor of Ministry Projects

For many Baptist churches, the theology and practice of environmental stewardship has historically been viewed as irrelevant to the Great Commission. However, as environmental degradation increasingly affects the lives of people and the earth's ecosystems, it is imperative that Christians understand the connection between the care of the environment and God's redemptive work for humanity. Through a designed project called C.A.R.E. (Christians Assuming Responsibility for the Earth) which involved the congregation and a Bible study group from Cedar Spring Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this project proves that theological education can positively influence attitudes towards environmental stewardship.

Stations Of The Cross: An Imitative Devotional Exercise Conducted At Lamb Of God Lutheran Church Spartanburg, South Carolina, John Rickert

Doctor of Ministry Projects

The general goal of this project was to strengthen the spiritual life of the members of Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Spartanburg, SC. It was held that introducing a form of the Stations of the Cross at Lamb of God could help towards this goal. The congregation responded to both a pre-project survey and a post-project survey. Three couples were also interviewed before and after the project. The results indicate that the Stations of the Cross can indeed be valuable in strengthening the spiritual life of believers who use them.

Former Gardner-Webb University Vice President To Release Humorous Book, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Bob Shepherd has touched and enriched countless lives through his work in ministry—which includes a lengthy relationship with Gardner-Webb—for nearly 60 years. When his kids requested he compile his experiences and write a book, he didn’t hesitate. The result is an entertaining, heartfelt, and humorous collection of his firsthand accounts appropriately titled, A Shepherd’s Joys in Fields of Service.

Gardner-Webb University M. Christopher White School Of Divinity Celebrates 20 Years, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Individuals who dared to dream that a Baptist seminary could one day be established in the foothills of Western North Carolina gathered at Gardner-Webb University on Monday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity. Dozens of former and current faculty, staff members, and students attended a luncheon celebration followed by the 20th Anniversary Convocation, held in the Dover Chapel on the Gardner-Webb campus. Since its establishment in 1993, hundreds of people have achieved their post-baccalaureate educational goals through the Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity, which also began offering the Doctor of Ministry degree in …

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine 2013, Spring (Volume 48 No. 1), Noel T. Manning Ii

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine, previously titled The Webb Magazine, focuses on alumni news and campus events from Gardner-Webb College; now Gardner-Webb University. This issue includes an article about the progress Gardner-Webb made with their Higher Ground Campaign as well as several articles detailing honors and achievements within athletic programs. There are also numerous articles highlighting various noteworthy career paths of alumni and past faculty members including Neal Alexander and Sharon Decker being named to serve in North Carolina cabinet posts.

Gardner-Webb Students Receive National Recognition On Annual Who’S Who List, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner- Webb University is pleased to announce that 35 students have been named to the 2012-13 “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” Each year, more than 2,800 schools across the United States and the District of Columbia nominate students for selection of this prestigious award. For consideration into the Who’s Who Program students must have an outstanding grade point average (GPA), must participate in school organizations or leadership activities, must be involved in the community, must exhibit future leadership ability or potential, and any other requirements that the student’s member institution requires.

Fellows Scholarship Competition Showcases Gardner-Webb To Top Students, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Over 140 of the nation’s best and brightest high school seniors are now more familiar with the Gardner-Webb experience after taking part in the annual Fellows Scholarship Competition recently held on campus. Coordinated each year by the GWU Department of Undergraduate Admissions, the series offers students and their parents an opportunity to win one of 12 significant scholarships to attend the University this fall. A “Presidential Scholarship” is awarded to five students for full tuition, room and board for their four years of undergraduate course work at Gardner-Webb.

2013 - 2014, Gardner-Webb University Graduate Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Graduate Academic Catalogs

2013 - 2014, Gardner-Webb University Graduate Academic Catalog. A. Frank Bonner, president.

2013 - 2014, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Undergraduate Academic Catalogs

2013 - 2014, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog. A. Frank Bonner, president.

Dean Announced For Gayle Bolt Price School Of Graduate Studies At Gardner-Webb, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University is pleased to announce that Dr. Jeff Rogers has been named Dean of the Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate Studies. Rogers’ relationship with GWU began in 2004 when he was invited by the University to speak at its annual faculty retreat. Following that event, doors opened and opportunities grew at GWU for Rogers.

Gardner-Webb’S Jessica Greer Gets “Tough” With Inmates, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Jessica Greer, a marketing major and biblical studies minor, likes to sing and play the guitar. And she loves to go to prison. During her freshman year, Jessica learned about Gardner-Webb’s outreach to Livesay Correctional Institution, a minimum-security prison in Spartanburg, S.C., while attending a chapel service on campus.

Advent 2012, Gardner-Webb University

Advent Devotions

Annual Gardner-Webb University Advent devotional book from the year 2012 with contributions from various students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Each page in the book represents a day of Advent and contains a scripture and short devotion. There are also spaces provided for prayer requests and advent reflection.

2012 - 2013, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Undergraduate Academic Catalogs

2012 - 2013, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog. A. Frank Bonner, president.

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine 2011, Summer (Volume 45 No. 2), Noel T. Manning Ii

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine, previously titled The Webb Magazine, focuses on alumni news and campus events from Gardner-Webb College; now Gardner-Webb University. Inside this issue there are several new stories such as how GWU is setting new standards, for God and Humanity. GWU also bids farewell to Dr. Tony Eastman and Trustee Frank Stewart and his family gave $2 million to go toward the Tucker Student Center. Lastly, a few alum shares stories about culture, history, and heritage of the Cherokee to further support the idea of diversity on campus and why that is so important.

Gardner-Webb Professor Addresses Biblical Perspectives On Natural Disasters, Office Of University Communications, Matt Leonard

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Devastating natural disasters like the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan or last year’s earthquake in Haiti raise important and sometimes troubling questions about faith and belief. In an upcoming lecture, Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity’s Dr. Cal Robertson will examine ancient Israel’s beliefs about the spiritual significance of such disasters. As part of Gardner-Webb’s Joyce Compton Brown Lecture Series, Robertson’s lecture is free and open to the public, and will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in Ritch Banquet Hall.

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine 2011, Winter/Spring (Volume 45 No. 1), Noel T. Manning Ii

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine

Gardner-Webb, The Magazine, previously titled The Webb Magazine, focuses on alumni news and campus events from Gardner-Webb College; now Gardner-Webb University.This issue of the Gardner-Webb Magazine starts by providing word from Dr. A. Frank Bonner in which he focused on "reaching for higher ground". The magazine also works to recognize several other well-known people such as Dr. Gerald Keown, newly elected Chair of biblical studies, and the nurses striving to reach their goals. Gardner-Webb also launched a $45 million capital campaign. Other important topics of this magazine revolve around music, sports, and lending a helping hand.

2011 - 2012, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Undergraduate Academic Catalogs

2011 - 2012, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog. A. Frank Bonner, president.

Yahweh As Father: The Image In Ancient Israelite Context And Modern Appropriation, Joshua Wayne Lovelace

MA in Religion Theses

The goal of this thesis was to appropriate the image of Yahweh as father for modern Christendom in light of feminist critiques of the image. The methods in accomplishing this task were as follows: defining feminism and feminist biblical interpretation, conveying the critiques of Rosemary Radford Ruether and Julia M. O'Brien who were scholarly dialogue partners, studying the social milieu of ancient Israel, using historical, literary, textual, and social criticism to exegete texts that mention Yahweh as father, comparing findings of exegesis with social milieu of ancient Israel, responding to critiques of Ruether and O'Brien, and lastly taking the findings …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Outreach And Retention Methods Of Six Congregations Of The Brunswick Baptist Association, Jeffrey Gibby

Doctor of Ministry Projects

I chose two hypotheses to form a survey. The first hypothesis is that persons are reached by the style of building, existing relationships, or advertising. The second hypothesis is that persons maintain their membership based on the content of preaching, the quality of teaching programs, or fellowship.

I employed the Mann-Whitney Statistical Test to analyze the data.

The data revealed that good preaching, good worship, and good fellowship make a growing church. The data results also show the significance of the Pastor and revealed that age-graded Bible study groups are still valid in reaching and retaining members.

Helping The Parents Of Middle School Students Communicate Biblical Truths Of Sexuality At The First Baptist Church Of Lenoir, North Carolina, Thomas Russell Hinton

Doctor of Ministry Projects

An educational program was developed to discover the role of the church in promoting healthy parent/child communication about sexuality. Believing scripture affirms sexuality as a blessing from God, parents and middle school youth were recruited and led through the study. Surveys measured attitudes, opinions, and understanding of biblical knowledge, anatomy, and communication levels. After the program the families were given two months to observe parent/child communication. Final surveys indicated that the church can play an active role in promoting parent child communication about sexuality, and participants reflected a positive outcome by recommending the continuation of this program as a part …

The Israel Of God: A Literary-Historical And Sociological Examination Of Paul's Use Of Israel, Thomas Joshua Whitley

MA in Religion Theses

This paper attempts to test the hypothesis that the meaning of the term "Israel" actually was open to debate and that Paul was not the only one who defined "Israel" in such a way as to endorse a particular understanding of the term. This paper further examines whether there was literary precedence for Paul's use of Israel. These claims are examined how the use of "Israel" expanded during the relatively short period of time between the appearance of post-exilic Israelite literature and Paul's writings. This is accomplished by citing various examples of Jewish and Christian literature during this time period.

Developing A Process For Missional Formation: A Ministry Project In The Baptist Church Of Beaufort, Sc, Eric Thomas Spivey

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Traditionally, Christians and church leaders compartmentalize their lives into growing spiritually and serving other people. One studies the Bible, worships or serves others without much thought for how these spiritual disciplines of formation and missional living impact and influence one another. Through a designed pastoral experiment involving twenty-four individuals in three community groups, this project proves that missional living combined with spiritual practices increases the spiritual growth in the members of The Baptist Church of Beaufort (SC).