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From Tradition To Transformation: Cultural And Musical Inclusivity In Sda Worship Practices, Alicia Raquel Jones-Lumbuz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines worship inclusivity within multicultural Seventh-day Adventist congregations in the greater Houston, Texas, area, focusing on the experiences of migrants, first-generation Americans, and long-standing members. It highlights how their diverse cultural backgrounds, theological beliefs, and worship expectations shape congregational life. The study fills a gap in Adventist worship scholarship by exploring the lived experiences of worshippers in multicultural settings, particularly the perspectives of migrants whose attitudes toward worship are influenced by cultural heritage and traditional views of reverence. Data were collected through surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observations. Thematic analysis reveals eight interrelated themes, showing that …

One Body Many Members: Toward A Vision Of Individual And Corporate Maturity In The New Testament, Rebecca Mohr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The apostle Paul and the author of Hebrews both discern within the early Christian communities a critical deficiency: some individual believers did not realize the value they would bring to the corporate Church body by maturing and remaining committed to the fellowship. For Paul, growth in Christ is inherently ecclesial; the believer’s Christian maturity contributes to the edification and unity of the body, as articulated in Ephesians 4, where maturity in faith and knowledge safeguards the church from fragmentation and instability. Spiritual immaturity, therefore, is not merely an individual shortcoming but a communal liability that threatens the integrity of the …

Paul’S Second Missionary Journey In Acts: How Paul Was Adaptable In His Church-Centered Missiology For Fulfilling The Great Commission Among Jews And Gentiles, Terri P. Graham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation argues that the Apostle Paul fulfilled the Great Commission by employing a church-centered missiology throughout his second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 16–18. Through contextualized evangelism and intentional church-planting, Paul established covenant communities marked by baptism, discipleship, pastoral leadership, and theological instruction. His model demonstrates that the local church drives the agent and result of the mission, offering a biblically grounded paradigm for contemporary missions.

Multicultural Worship: How A Korean-Led Multicultural Church In America Works Toward Unity Through Diverse Worship, Kylie Barbara Halter

Masters Theses

This study follows Praise International Ministry (PIM), part of Praise Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, United States, for their first year of ministry. The pastor of the ministry is a Korean immigrant, and the ministry has served people from at least ten different nations, including China, Japan, Mexico, and Egypt. The goal of the study was to find out how a congregation made up of multiple cultures could attain unity.

To answer the above question, the researcher observed the congregation by attending services, as well as serving on the worship team and attending leadership meetings. In addition, she conducted …

Arguments For The Sovereignty Of God In The Book Of Job, Elizabeth J. Welch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The book of Job is a complex piece of wisdom literature studied for centuries using various methodologies to elucidate theological doctrines, biblical themes, and literary motifs. This dissertation aims to demonstrate that a midrashic form of exposition significantly expands the understanding of the Joban arguments for and against the sovereignty of God within the context of the ancient views of divine retribution and human suffering. Encapsulated in the legal motif, the disclosure and discussion of these views with associated themes, such as theocracy, theodicy, justice, and theophany, identified God’s sovereignty as the most prevalent doctrine in the book. The three …

Providing A Paradigm Of Pastoral Care For The Marginalized Through Jesus Centered Eyes At Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church, Dawn E. Pratt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project outlines a paradigm of pastoral care for the marginalized through Jesus-centered eyes. Enhancing resources and implementing pastoral care within Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church (CCF) will establish a Jesus-centered pastoral care center while developing a more profound theological paradigm to identify and implement strategies to enhance pastoral care in marginalized communities. CCF's pastoral theological approach to empathy requires that many layers of different circumstances be inquired about while keeping close to the subject or individual in need. CCF is the vehicle that has established a transformational view through the eyes of Jesus at the center. A solid literature review …

Understanding Of Love And Leadership Preferences: Cross-Cultural Approach, Alexander Averin, Richard Diddams

Journal of Fundamental & Applied Business Research

While there is a plethora of research about the influence of culture on leadership behavior (Den Hartog et al., 1999; Dickson et al., 2003; Dorfman et al., 2012), there is very limited and inconsistent understanding of the impact of love on leadership preferences. This paper examined the fundamental human sentiment of love and how understanding of it in different cultures informs leadership preferences in those contexts. The study employed a qualitative design methodology to explore understanding of love and leadership preferences via open-ended surveys and in-depth interviews of respondents representing two dissimilar cultures of China and the United States. These …

Authenticity And Worship Technology: An Evaluation Of The Use Of Prerecorded Vocal And Instrumental Tracks In Worship In Augusta, Georgia, Susan R. Burgess

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Every week, congregations in Augusta, Georgia, gather for corporate worship. A common practice among these congregations is incorporating pre-recorded music technology in their services. Technological advancements have significantly transformed the worship landscape. In this performance-oriented culture, the focus at times shifts from congregationally focused praise to a worship stage production, overshadowing the importance of biblical and authentic worship. This phenomenological case study investigates the lived experiences of worshipers in Augusta, Georgia, focusing on the perceptions of authenticity of worship when pre-recorded music is used. The study involved 15 participants from the Central Savannah River Area, examining their perspectives on authentic …

Church Adoption: Three-Pronged Elements That Support The Revitalization Of Coastal Church Battery Park Location In Virginia, Michael Christopher Bard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church is God’s plan for delivering the good news of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross. This finished work is evidenced through the bodily resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15). In the US a steady decline in church attendance has been prevalent over the past three decades and church buildings are either near empty or closing. This research explores the concept of church adoption merger in hopes of one avenue that would promote revitalization of local fellowships. Though multiple elements are supportive in revitalization this research explore three elements that should lead towards centralizing the church on Christ. …

Metamorphosis Of The Traditional Church: The Hybrid Church Model, Steven Edward Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For several decades, Church attendance in America has steadily declined. This observation is corroborated by extensive surveys and academic research analyzing church attrition. The national attendance phenomenon is evident is also evident at Livingwater Church of God. Using the Livingwater Church of God as the test lab, this project utilized and implemented the Hybrid Church Model, and evaluated its effectiveness for improvements. Substantiated by practical research surveys, interviews, and academic research, this thesis addresses attendance decline with a systematic implementation, evaluation, and modification of the Hybrid Model for the local church unique to the Western North Carolina area. This ministry …

Moravians Amongst The Cherokees: An Account Of The Springplace Mission, Ethan T. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This work is a study of the relationships that were built between two people groups that resulted in a harmonious culture being established between the Cherokees and the Moravians during the 19th century. Often, too little credit is given to the Moravians for their work amongst the Cherokees during a most tumultuous period for the Natives, however, this work highlights the cultural barriers that were broken as a result of the labor undertaken by the Brethren at Springplace, Georgia on James Vann’s Diamond Hill Plantation at the turn of the 19th century. Furthermore, this study concludes by showcasing the lasting …

Older Adults And Digital Technology For Worship Service During A Pandemic At Saint Paul's Baptist Church In Richmond, Virginia, Donnie Lewis Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the church to move from in-person worship to digital, online, and virtual worship services. This thesis project aims to determine if going to an alternative worship platform has presented problems for the elderly and senior Saint Paul’s Baptist Church members. Because of the large number of seniors at Saint Paul’s, the church’s leadership must be ready to help in any way to ensure that all members can participate in worship services during these unprecedented times. Since there is no projected timetable for when and if the church will return to worship services as we know …

A Process For Training In Godliness: A Team Approach To Personal And Spiritual Growth, Kraig Alan Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to address a problem relating to spiritual discipleship within a group of local church men. The men of Heritage Baptist Church may not have a process for training in godliness. The thesis will supply a process for training in godliness, developed by the author and based on numerous streams of thought from the literature with regard to spiritual growth. The thesis will also illustrate hindrances to training in godliness, looking at past and current trends which have stymied spiritual growth, particularly in men. This study will suggest that current methods for training in godliness …

Recommendations For Improving The Practice Of Instructing An Online Pre-Health Course At A Private University, Kimberly Smith

Liberty University Research Week

Doctoral

Applied

Obeying The Commission: A Model For Equipping Christians To Make Disciples, David Kofi Bempong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Jesus was explicit when He gave His disciples specific instructions before His ascension. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissions his followers to be disciple-makers. Christians today are beneficiaries of the previous generations’ efforts to fulfill this commission. The purpose of this project is to evaluate how discipleship is accomplished at Riverdale Baptist Church and to propose a strategy demonstrating practical ways people can begin making disciples. The traditional church model is losing relevance amid a society that is increasingly dissociating itself from formal religion. The body of Christ must be in touch with their communities and find effective ways of making …

The Engagement Of Digital Technology And Social Media At Promise Land Church Following Covid-19, Rowevina G. Herring

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project aims to explore the full integration of digital technology and social media at a local church following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic formed a global perspective, consisting of so-called "new rules" of churchgoing resulting from different social engagement expectations, cleanliness, and protecting vulnerable populations. During and following the pandemic, the world awaited sheltering-in-place and social distancing to return to some semblance of normalcy. Considering these changes, most churches struggled to understand how to maintain and proliferate the gospel. The focus of this study is based on a local non-denominational church that failed to predict expository preaching and …

Young People And Full Time Pastoral Ministry In The Church Of Pentecost U.S.A., Inc, Frank Asirifi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The shortage of young pastors to replace the aging and retiring pastorate is an alarming reality confronting Christian churches regardless of location, size, and denomination. This research project's primary objective was to explore the factors discouraging young Christian adults born in the United States of America from responding obediently to God's call into full-time pastoral ministry and create corporate awareness of the holistic nature of the problem and seek a collaborative solution plan to motivate young Christian adults to obey God’s call into full-time pastoral ministry. The project focuses on young American-born adults in the ministry context of The Church …

The Erosion Of Theological Understanding, Thomas Glenn Sleeth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many Christian churches have been experiencing declines in attendance at Sunday services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings, and have experienced the affects of an apathetic attitude toward Christian community engagement. The lack of teaching scripturally accurate Biblical doctrine and applying scripture to daily life has led to a sharp decrease in discipleship. By examining the attitudes and reasons contributing to this lack of Christian participation and scriptural understanding, pastors and other church leadership can address the specific rationales for not living the scripture in daily life. Through the advent of a discipleship program an increase for the desire of congregants …

The Effectiveness Of Servanthood Training, Shirley Godard Peele

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project researched the leaders at Divine Praise Ministries to determine the effectiveness of servanthood training. The leaders at Divine Praise Ministries were interviewed, trained, and equipped to serve a local homeless shelter in Washington, North Carolina. The leaders were informed of the biblical reason to serve based on Matt. 25:35-40. They were also informed of the physical reason to serve based on the needs of the homeless population. In addition, the need for this thesis project was fueled by the desire of the pastor to find out why the leaders at Divine Praise Ministries lack a desire to …

A Look At Short-Term Mission Trips In The Context Of Cypress Baptist Church As A Sending Unit, John Daniel Bodine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project is a study on short-term missions in the context of Cypress Baptist Church as a sending unit. The purpose of this project is to seek answers of why many of Cypress members are choosing not to engage globally by being part of the ministry of short-term missions at Cypress. Cypress Baptist Church is a rapidly growing church, and as it grows it should see more members participating in short-term missions. The goal is to ask the people of Cypress questions centered around this project so the project manager can get candid, real answers to why many are …

A Strategy To Plant Missional Churches That Multiply In Small Urban Communities, Michael Scott Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis will use Hopewell, VA, as a microcosm of small urban towns across America that are in need of spiritual and economic revitalization. The purpose of this thesis will be to develop a strategy for planting churches in Hopewell, VA, that is not only able to reach its community but serve as a model to reach other similar urban communities. The rationale for this topic is to shine the light on the need for revival in spiritually and economically depressed towns. Demographic and ethnographic research will be done, as well as interviews with a minimum of ten local leaders. …

Women In Ministerial Leadership Roles, Sherith Carline Gutzmer

Masters Theses

The literature shows that women in positions of leadership are more accepted in the realms of business and politics than in the church. There is an increase of women entering seminary programs and theological training centers in the pursuit of ministerial leadership roles yet, upon completion, job placement is challenging. There is still a polarized view of women in ministerial leadership that has led to inconsistencies, confusion, and the need for clarity. The purpose of this study is to identify the views of graduate students in Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity on women in ministerial leadership roles. The most …

Universal Leadership Model, Derwin Lamont Hickman Sr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Great Commission is the call of Jesus to his people to go out into the world and make disciples. The universal leadership model presents an opportunity for disciples/leaders to step up and fulfill the Great Commission. The church should be involved in discipleship training, outreaches and supporting the issues that are aligned with Christian ideology and important to people in the communities they serve. An effective universal leadership model should include diversity, training, desired change, accountability and effectiveness of change. In so doing, the church can then find parishioners within the church who may be transformed into disciples/leaders and …

The Effect Of Ethnic Identity On Biblical Unity In Its Role As An Apologetic, Caroline Boozer

Masters Theses

This thesis will consider the effect that ethnicity has on identity formation as it impacts church unity. Unity is the chief form of evidence by which the Christian church is supposed to be recognized. The way that believers love one another is how Jesus teaches people will know that they are His disciples (John 13:35). Ethnic tensions are a cause of disunity in both the Old and New Testaments. The issue of ethnic identity and relations and the impact that they have on unity in the church is an apologetic for the power and counter-cultural teachings of Jesus. The purpose …

The Transitioning Of A Non-Functional Church Into A Functional Church: The Great Commission Commandment Mandate, Charlie Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

From conception, America has embraced the Christian church as its cornerstone. However, as noted by Barnes and Lowry, “Church attendance has decreased substantially in recent years in comparison to the 1950s and 60s. The majority of Americans do not attend church on a regular basis.” This thesis project will research churches with regards to their effectiveness and will both isolate and analyze the characteristics of churches that fit into operative categories. A survey using a quantitative research instrument, such as the Likert Measurement Scale, will examine the New Hope Missionary Baptist Association of North Carolina. The survey’s purpose will be …

Unique History, Unique Opportunity: Evangelicalism In Austria Since 1945, John D. Doss M.Div.

Liberty Theological Review

The article deals with the history of evangelicalism in Austria, a subject on which there is hardly any scholarly research. In focus is the development of the newly recognized baptist, charismatic, mainline evangelical, mennonite and pentecostal denominations since 1945. The role of immigration in the growth of evangelicalism is examined, especially during two periods: the decade after WWII (1945-55) as well as the massive immigration from Eastern Europe (particularly from Romania) after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. The article also presents examples of indigenous church movements among the Austrian people themselves, especially during the 1970's and 1980's. …

Joonhyun, Joonhyun Bae

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

During the last decade, most new church plants in South Korea remained as small churches of less than one hundred members that are not self-sustaining or growing, because their leaders are heavily dependent upon limited discipleship models of few megachurches that rarely reflect the characteristics of small churches. Since newly planted churches rarely grow in the absence of effective discipleship models that suit their given cultures and geographical locations, their leaders need to be equipped with a biblical framework and applications for establishing discipleship models that aptly respond to the needs of their churches. The purpose of this thesis project …

The Challenges Of Missionary Training In The 21st Century: A Manual For Training Of Missionaries, Kola Aiyedogbon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The thesis project is a case study of the Redeemed Christian Church of God that has more than 600 parishes in the United States and mission work in over 130 countries of the world. The study will involve the local mission Board members; trainers in the mission school, missionaries on the mission field in more than 400 parishes, and a sample of two mission churches. It will explore the global reverse mission enterprise and the gap in the training of missionaries from Africa in reaching the nationals of the mission field. This project will be action based and inter-disciplinary. It …

Business As Missions: Applying Business As Missions To The Hospitality Industry, Leah J. Reist

Senior Honors Theses

Business is a vehicle highly useful for achieving specific missions for the kingdom of God that could not otherwise be accomplished. A Business as Missions (BAM) organization is one structure of business that focuses intently on accomplishing the mission of reaching others for the kingdom of God. BAMs can be utilized in virtually any industry; however, the following thesis focuses on the unique opportunities that exist within the hospitality industry. These unique opportunities are present because of its relational components and consumer demands for community and social interaction. A hostel is one specific form of a hospitality company that has …

Dando Um Jeito: An Integrated Theological, Historical, Cultural And Strategic Study Of Missio Dei To, In And Through Brazil, Joao Mordomo

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Since it’s descobrimento on April 22nd, 1500, Brazil proved to be resistant to Protestant and Evangelical Christianity until the 20th century. However, by the end of the century, Brazil had, in many missiologists’ minds, transitioned from being a missionary field to a missionary force. There is one Brazilian trait in particular that serves well to describe both God as He has orchestrated the evangelization of Brazil, and Brazilians as they increasingly have fulfilled their role in God’s global mission to, in and through Brazil. This trait is summarized in the expression dar um jeito (pronounced “darh oon jhei’-to”). While a …