Digital Commons Network^™

Compassion Fatigue: The Effects Of Secondary Traumatic Stress And Vicarious Traumatization Among Baltimore Police Department Community Chaplains, Angela Teresa Jones-Ramirez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Baltimore is plagued with a history of high crime, violence, and murder resulting in trauma. The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry action research project was to educate Baltimore Police Department (BPD) Community Chaplains concerning compassion fatigue while maintaining effective quality care. A two-day workshop was developed as an intervention to address the problem. Pretest and posttest surveys were administered using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, Version 5, and the Skovholt Professional Practitioner Resiliency and Self-Care Inventory. Data in the form of surveys, group notes, field notes, recorded testimonials, and stories were collected and analyzed. Results of the data …

Pastoral Leadership: The Importance Of Succession Planning Development And Transition In Our Local Churches, Michelle Renee Jenkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A pastoral succession plan will address the issues of who will be responsible for leading the respective congregation if something happens to the current Pastor. Without clear direction, leaders leave their flocks in precarious positions. The problem is that churches may not have a concise succession plan to identify a qualified leader to take up the leadership mantle. The study will lay the foundation from a biblical perspective on the importance of identifying a leader’s successor and the advantages of providing a smooth transition for the assembly. The research will stress the importance of pastors not only identifying their successors …

To Stay Or Step Down: Assessing The Pastoral Qualifications Of Pastors With Prodigal Children, P. Kevin Garber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The pastor’s home life is a reflection of his ability to effectively lead Christ’s church. Two seminal New Testament passages (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9) address, among other qualifications, the behavior and testimony of the pastor’s children. This vital aspect of a pastor’s leadership within the home must be given important emphasis and due consideration. With an examination of the nuances of these two seminal passages, exploration of published literature relevant to this topic, and an in-depth investigation of three pastoral case studies, the writer will offer a resource for pastors and parishioners who are facing the dilemma of whether …

Pastoral Care And The Alleviation Of Compassion Fatigue In Staff At St. Mary's Hospice, Ellen Chloe Gardner-Cook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project studied compassion fatigue in hospice staff and the ways that Christian prayer practices can mitigate compassion fatigue symptoms and contribute to resiliency. The sample population included forty employees and the sample size was N=6. The participants answered four anonymous, self-report assessments to measure six areas, compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, perceived stress, and spirituality at the first of eight weekly sessions. These assessments included the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), the Perceived Stress Scale, the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Six weeks of prayer interventions followed the initial assessments then …

Protestant Prison Chaplaincy: Teaching Common Theology To Mature Inmates, John J. Caudle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Recent literature and studies concerning prison ministry focus more on relationships, the overarching work, and the day-to-day mission. Even then, this study acknowledges that the impact of prison chaplaincy still needs further studying. Few studies focus on Protestant chaplains' theological boundaries, maintaining diverse denominations. While attempting to understand the value of chaplaincy in the prison setting, the predominant group involved in prison ministry are Protestant prison chaplains. Protestant prison chaplains come from a diverse background of core theological beliefs and denominationally tied doctrine. This thesis looks at the theological views of 15 Protestant prison chaplains who previously or currently serve …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Teachers In Addressing The Social And Emotional Learning Needs Of Students, Justin Allen Whittenbarger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of teachers related to social and emotional learning (SEL) in a rural public school district in Tennessee. This study examined individual, explicit experiences of educators related to addressing the SEL needs of students. Bandura’s social cognitive theory primarily guided this study as it relates closely to the behavioral, personal, and environmental factors that all play a role in the way a teacher responds to professional learning. The data collection involved a qualifying survey, a questionnaire, interviews with participants (novice teachers and veteran teachers), and a focus group. Data …

Compassion Fatigue And Burnout: When Caring Becomes Too Much, Ruth Elisabeth Cole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this DMIN thesis is to provide resources and education for clinical staff to recognize and reduce compassion fatigue and burnout. Compassion fatigue and burnout in hospice clinical staff is a sizeable issue. Clinical staff was defined as doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and aides due to their direct and constant contact with dying patients. By providing resources and education on what compassion fatigue and burnout look like and the primary causes, the study aimed to help clinical staff in the hospice care setting to reduce the damage caused by compassion fatigue and burnout. Resources including counseling sessions, …

The Pandemic's Impact On The Efficacy Of Chaplaincy At The Baldwin State Prison, John Gomez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Chaplains usually provide pastoral care for inmates, staff members, and counseling for offenders and offenders’ families. Because of the pandemic, they have not provided adequate pastoral care and counseling in their respective facilities. The restrictions imposed by the pandemic have negatively impacted the chaplain’s ability to adequately provide pastoral care and counseling in most federal and state correctional institutions. The Department of Georgia Correctional facilities, particularly at the Baldwin State prison, has also experienced this decrease in pastoral care and counseling due to the pandemic. In the Georgia Department of Corrections, all visitations, including lawyers and clergy, have been suspended …

A Biblical Model Of Emotional Intelligence, Brittany Littrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Within the last 25 years, the concept and application of emotional intelligence (EI) has experienced exponential growth within academic, organizational, and practitioner circles. While the benefits of EI development appear universal, EI application remains primarily absent from ministry settings and religious research. Prior to ministry implementation, the scriptural sustenance of key EI factors (EQ-I; self-perception, self-expression, interpersonal relationships, decision making, and stress management; MHS, 2011) was explored from the perspective of pastoral leaders to determine biblical alignment or discord. Implying a qualitative case study, interviews with eleven pastoral subjects revealed majority support for all five EI factors alongside the introduction …

Evangelical Mental Health During A Pandemic: A Three-Way Interaction Analysis, Michael Sean Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID-19 quickly became a global pandemic and a biological disaster. Mental health deteriorated due to fear, stress, isolation, and loneliness. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and disturbed sleep have been associated with COVID-19. There is limited research on mental health and well-being among evangelical Christians. A primary concern is that church congregants and leaders are tired and struggle with mental health issues. Thus, care for the congregation and community is limited. The rate of distress and depression among the religious is on the rise. The purpose of this quantitative research is to evaluate the interaction of perceived stress and emotional …

Applying Biblical Teaching To Resolve Power Struggles Between The Pastor And Deacons In A Southern Baptist Church, Jason Oneal Sweeton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the Body of Christ, each person within the church must know their role and responsibility, especially the leadership. The Bible teaches that there are pastors, elders, and bishops referring to one office who have been given the authority to shepherd, or lead as it were, the church. The Bible teaches that deacons are an integral part of the church. They are to be servants in the church and minister to the needs of the congregation. The purpose of this project lies in the misconceptions surrounding the roles and biblical responsibilities of both deacons and pastors. Many churches simply follow …

Discovering Perceptions Of Adequacy For Domestic Violence Ministry Among Seminary Educated Evangelical Pastors In Southwestern Pennsylvania, Paula King Millsaps

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of adequacy experienced when ministering to domestic violence impacted congregants for evangelical pastors in southwestern Pennsylvania. Perceptions of adequacy when ministering to congregants experiencing domestic violence have been generally defined as a perception of adequate preparedness through education for ministering to the intricate needs of the family crisis of domestic violence. The theory that guided this study was van Manen’s (1997, 2014) interpretive phenomenological method of qualitative study as it was the method used by Zuet et al (2017) in a study of the feelings of adequacy for …

Increasing Church Growth Potential Through Education And Implementation Of The Biblically Defined Roles Of The Pastor And The Body Of Christ, Gregory Alan Kincaid

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project focuses on church growth. It posits that if a congregation is taught and implements the biblical roles of the pastor and the church Body, then the church should grow quantitatively and qualitatively. To test this assumption, the roles of the pastor and that of the Body were delineated, taught, and practiced throughout a year-long study. Emphasis was placed on how God equipped every member of the Body to perform ministry within the church and outreach from the church. To reinforce the differences in the roles, study participants were required to actively participate in life groups with …

The Effects Of The Global Covid-19 Pandemic On Pastors In The Church Of The Nazarene, Beth Bleadingheiser Heath

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of living through and ministering during the global COVID-19 pandemic for Nazarene pastors in Ohio. The theoretical framework that guided the research was Hope Theory and Resilience. The Conceptual Mapping Task was used to conduct interviews of eight ordained Nazarene pastors. Pastors described their experience and then worked with a researcher to create a concept map to organize their story. Pastors were asked to describe their story of living through and ministering during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Pastors were also asked how the global COVID-19 pandemic affected their church …

A Study Of Soteriology: A Commentary, Course, And Conclusion Of Brown’S Creek Baptist Church’S Soteriological Beliefs, David Shawn Head

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis identifies a church’s lack of theological awareness of biblical soteriology, investigates the literature for solutions to the ministerial problem, implements the review of literature into a course with curriculum, and the influences on the congregation’s beliefs. The church was a hodgepodge of soteriological beliefs. More specifically, the congregants purported to believe in Calvinism, Arminianism, and Semi-Pelagianism but could not accurately define, adequately describe, or appropriately defend said beliefs. A review of literature led this student to be selective of the soteriological literature known to exist. Simply, the ministerial problem was not because of a lack of literature but …

Examining The Influence Of Religious Attitudes, Acceptance Of Change, And Cultural Mistrust On The Utilization Of Therapy For African American Male College Students Utilizing Therapy, Jessica Miranda Shine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cultural mistrust and fear of potential racism from people in the medical profession may be contributing to a noted disdain for mental health counseling among African American men. The purpose of this study was designed to gain insight into how attitudes toward religious help-seeking, acceptance of change, cultural mistrust, and mental health stigma impact therapy utilization among African American male college students. The review of literature explored the theoretical frameworks followed by the historical perspective, epigenetics, family structure, masculinity concept and help-seeking behaviors, noting barriers, fear, stigmas, spiritual influence, and economic hardships. Acceptance of change-evolving action is not currently endorsed …

A Model For Identifying, Developing, And Installing Elders In The Church: The Path Family Church Has Taken, Stephen Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that Family Church does not identify, develop, and install their potential elders well. This intervention research project addressed this problem by establishing prerequisites for elder identification, a seven-week elder training workbook, and guidelines for installation after the research project. Current elders at Family Church completed a questionnaire, participated in case studies, and evaluated their intervention project in a focus group to establish an effective method of identifying, developing, and installing potential elders. This intervention research project produced a list of prerequisites for identifying potential elders, a seven-week elder training manual, and clear guidelines for ordaining elders at …

All God's Children: An Exploratory Study Of Factors To Promote Inclusion Of Autistic Children Within Local Church Congregations, David John Scott Quel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the gap that exists within the literature concerning the parent’s perspective for incorporating Autistic individuals into the life of the church. The theory guiding this study is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In Maslow’s hierarchy, there are five level of needs. These areas are physical needs, security needs, love and belonging, esteem needs and self-actualization. These are the most basic needs whether someone is disabled, has special needs, or has no problems at all. The problem remains, far too often, those individuals who are on the Autistic spectrum are looked at as …

Bullying Victimization In Middle Schools: A Quantitative Correlational Study, Corey Centwane Calhoun Sr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Bullying victimization is a very common, complex and potentially damaging form of violence among children and adolescents. Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior, which involves a real or perceived social power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (therefore, the definition excludes occasional or minor incidents). Bullying victimization in schools is not only alarming, but it has now become a persuasive concern, one that should be evaluated closely by educators, parents, and policymakers in all school systems. In public schools, 1 in 10 reports at least a case of serious violent crime, …

And The Lord Added To Their Number Daily: A Historical Overview Of The Growth Of The American Evangelical Church, Erica Morgan Wrench

Masters Theses

Chaplaincy: A Practical Approach To Caring For The Human Spirit, Susan Fair

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This DMIN project is based on the Pastoral Ministry program at Nyack College, which publicly promotes that it leads the student to become a professional in the ministry context. The problem is that the academic curriculum does not include components of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). The project facilitator reasons that the current environment demands that spiritual care providers possess a specific skill set extending beyond pulpit preaching, reading scriptures, and prayer. The literature review contains articles, journals, and books that explore caring for the human spirit within the physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, religious, and holistic context. The research methodology designed …

Premarital Counseling As Foundational To Discipleship, David J. Hollifield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This paper will examine the lasting impact of biblical, pastoral premarital counseling. Couples who have completed this type of program before marriage will be studied. This work will attempt to measure the impact of premarital counseling based on whether couples have used tools explored in their original counseling program in areas such as effective communication, conflict resolution, stewardship of money, and spiritual disciplines. If the tools and resources provided in counseling have never been utilized, this survey will seek to discover reasons the material was never used. The purpose of this study is to determine which areas are most helpful …

A Study Of Support For The Bereaved In The Local Congregation, Ngoy Nadine Ilunga

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The bereaved often face the ongoing challenges of grief with little support from the Church. This study aimed to resource the Church with practical methodologies to help congregants cope with grief. The study examined the troubling issues the bereaved experience after the death of a loved one. Survey data was collected from ten United Methodist members and had lost an immediate family member within the past five years. The measure consisted of interviews and questionnaires. An email and a verbal announcement during church worship service built the sample. Findings reveal that approximately 90% of participants experienced grief and emotional effects …

Pastoral Care Training: Equipping Pastoral Staff To Effectively Minister To The Local Community, Mark Dickerson Mehlig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is designed to train the inexperienced staff at Calvary Church in pastoral care ministry. The critical areas in pastoral care are represented in the acronym H.E.L.P. S., (H) Home and Hospital Visitation, (E) Eclectic and Effective Counseling, (L) Lessons in Marriage and Family, (P) Prayer in Caring Ministry, and (S) Support in Grief and Loss. Chapter one introduces Calvary Church's ministry and presents the research's problem, purpose statement, thesis statement, and limitations. Chapter two presents the literature review with the foundations of pastoral care, which supports the immediate need for training. Chapter three outlines the research conducted to …

Equipping Military Chaplains With A Framework For Mental Wellness: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Stephanie Okolo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although it is said that the sight of a battlefield after combat can fill princes with a love of peace and haunt them with the horrors of war, the mental health effects of war on soldiers are often frustratingly difficult to comprehend. It is, however, clear that warzones and the general environments in which deployed soldiers work can have negative impacts on their mental health. Military chaplains work closely with deployed soldiers and should be well-equipped with the knowledge to help them understand their mental health needs. It is important that they possess the right skills to do this well. …

Enhancing The Emotional Wellbeing Of Church Leadership At Trinity Baptist Church, Arron David Mcguffee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Effective church leaders are efficient in management of their emotional health. Research has diagnosed that most churches maintain dysfunctional learning environments because of emotionally unhealthy leadership. Dysfunctional environments are conducive to acclimatizing members to ill doctrine: methods instead of the mission, events instead of evangelism, expositors instead of exposures, and promote rituals instead of a righteous Savior. Emotionally unhealthy church leaders’ practice and promote democratic efforts instead of theocratic. Assessment instrumentation was utilized. The assessment implemented two credible tools, one for emotional maturity and the other for discipleship. Research invitations were distributed to twenty church leaders at Trinity Baptist Church …

First Responder Chaplaincy: Sending Sources As Key Social Support Structures, Christopher Alan Bassett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Police and fire chaplaincy comprises an emerging ministry profession that is underrepresented in academic study. This study addresses the problem of support structure inadequacies among First Responder Chaplains (FRCs) which create conditions that lead to burnout. The study examines their often-problematic connections to churches, denominations, and other endorsing agencies (sending sources). The purpose of the project is to assess those connections and provide remediation inadequacies. The thesis project examines Chaplaincy Organizational Agencies (COAs) and develops solutions for FRCs to build better initial and ongoing relationships with their sending sources. The thesis suggests that chaplains who are properly affirmed, supported, and …

Biblical Emotional Intelligence In Relation To Clinical Pastoral Education, Deborah Ann Digel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addressed the education of biblical emotional intelligence among chaplains and pastors in promoting self-care in ministry. A literature review revealed that research projects had not fully explored the relationship between biblical emotional intelligence and clinical pastoral education. This project explored biblical emotional intelligence as a teaching method that bridges the gap between pastors' clinical pastoral education and healthy emotional well-being. Emotional intelligence is a field that is associated with success in business and ministry. Pastors and chaplains are not addressing the lack of biblical emotional intelligence in their training and how it can affect ministry. This study aimed …

Victory Temple House Of Refuge: A Missional Focused Revitalization Strategy, David Lee Nalls

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose for this DMIN action research thesis is to develop a revitalization strategy for Victory Temple House of Refuge located in Fayette, Alabama, that will connect the hearts and minds of its leaders to biblical principles for restoring church vibrancy and growth. The purpose rises to confront a problem of church membership decline and community contraction, frequently associated with a lusterless existence. The purpose statement also introduces a study on church revitalization’s incipit principles of returning to missional activities and discipleship fundamentals as a means of restoring congregational vitality. Researching the problem is inextricable to a Christian community’s mandate …

Challenges That Clergy In Small Black Churches Face In The 21st Century During The Covid Pandemic, Samuel Paul

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Leadership plays a critical role in any institution. Church leadership can guide the institution in the direction that it should go. In Small Black Churches (SBC), this research will identify the strategic leadership styles used in handling challenges. The intent is to identify the effectiveness of these styles in managing challenges in the 21st century church and their effect on personal leadership fulfillment. The study will interview pastors of local churches who had seminary training and those who did not. This author intends to record and transcribe the interviews for research purposes. By identifying the interviewees' leadership styles, the researcher …