Digital Commons Network^™

Ethical Decision Making In Nursing Practice: The Impact On Moral Distress, Anthony W. Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is significant research that indicates nurses working in a hospital setting experience moral distress while caring for their patients. While there are many barriers that prevent nurses from overcoming moral distress and moving toward moral resilience, this research project focused on eliminating barriers that nurses face in making good ethical, moral, biblical decisions. The research methodology for this project was qualitative, interpretive, and longitudinal. There was an initial interview with five participant nurses at Ellis Medicine regarding their knowledge of ethics in healthcare and moral distress. The researcher then provided an education program for participant nurses to increase their …

Creating Collaborative Missional Communities To Enhance Church Revitalization, Bradford William Reaves

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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This project utilizes the revitalization efforts of Grace Community Church in Winchester, VA to examine the precedence of collaborative strategies for church revitalization. In this study contemporary literature, theological foundations, surveys of church leaders in the United States, and interviews with collaborative church and ministry leaders from around the United States are evaluated to determine the need for greater collaboration for the health and revitalization of church and ministries. The findings of this research argue that contemporary church growth strategies that emerged from the recent church growth movement may actually inhibit church revitalization efforts …

A Framework For Utilizing Narrative Theory And Life Review In Healthcare Chaplaincy, Joshua M. Fagin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In healthcare chaplaincy, narrative theory can help the patient separate themselves from their grief or terminal illness. It has been said that chaplaincy is a “ministry of presence,” however, just showing up is a low-level intervention. The purpose for this Doctor of Ministry thesis is to equip chaplains with a comprehensive framework for apply narrative theory and life review in the healthcare chaplaincy context. This thesis seeks to explore and define biblical models of storytelling and spiritual narratives. This thesis will encourage chaplains to have meaningful, engaging and longer visits in individual and group visits. If the spiritual care department …

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 …

A Study On The Essence Of Worship In Online Worship Groups Under Covid-19 Pandemic: Focus On Korean Ministers In The Northern Virginia Area, Nakjung Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to review the current needs regarding online worship that were conducted by Korean ministers in the Northern Virginia area under the COVID-19 pandemic and thereby supplement the found needs through establishing a theological basis and a summary of essential elements of worship that should be applied to online worshiping groups. Thirty-three (N = 33) Korean ministers in the Northern Virginia area who conducted online worship under COVID-19 participated in this survey. Results showed that the dominant need in online worship was an education on the essence of worship followed by technical support and ways …

Seminary-Related Factors Contributing To Forced Termination And Voluntary Resignations From Full-Time Church Ministers, Ralph O. Bray Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive research was to understand if seminary-related factors are behind 18,000-20,000 pastors experiencing forced termination or walking away from the church ministry each year. This study collected data in the quantitative form regarding the reasons behind the forced termination and voluntary resignations of full-time church ministers. The concerns driving this research are: Why are so many full-time ministers facing forced or voluntary termination? And are today’s seminaries preparing ministers to handle today’s church? The church is in a world that is continuously changing. These changes bring contemporary issues and ideas into the church, which can …

Educating The Congregation On The Role Of The Pastoral Counselor, Richard Laverne Wilkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project is to educate the church staff, church members, and local surrounding community on the pastoral counseling practices of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (GSUMC) and a licensed professional counseling center located on the church premises. The purpose is to ensure that those who attend the church, whether on a weekly basis or less frequently, are aware of the counseling services that are offered. Chapter one introduces the church’s ministry context, the thesis statement, purpose statement, and any limitations to the research. A literature review in chapter two discusses the challenges and difficulties for individuals seeking counseling as …

Assessing Well-Being In A Pastoral Counseling Program, Neil B. Dodson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this project is to assess the efficacy of The Henry First Counseling Program by demonstrating the change in life satisfaction and client well-being. The Judson Baptist Association operates two Ministry Centers to serve persons in Henry County, Alabama, who are unserved, underserved, and marginalized. The Centers provide food assistance, moderately priced clothing and household goods, and spiritual resources for clients within the Judson Baptist Association of Henry County.

Reincorporating Senior Adults Into The Life Of A Local Church, Joe Lloyd Evans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This DMIN research thesis’s problem concerns that some senior adults have grown complacent in their walk with God at Judson Baptist. In response to this problem, the researcher desired to implement a trend of encouraging all senior adults to become fully engaged in serving Christ. This senior adult minister wanted to reincorporate inactive members into the life of the church. As the seniors were encouraged to reactivate their status, their prayer life and faith walk may have improved. The problem was addressed by using a specific plan and understanding its objectives of overcoming apathy and indifference in church life. A …

Prison Behind The Urban Walls Of Church, Walter L. Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that the men at the Federal Correctional Institution located in Safford, Arizona (FCI-Safford), which is located approximately 168 miles northeast of Phoenix, lack spiritual fulfillment through God. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for the men at FCI-Safford to seek and find spiritual fulfillment. The primary investigator conducted qualitative research and analysis through one-on-one interviews with twelve men at FCI-Safford.

Understanding And Managing Conflict In Leadership Teams Within The African-American Church, Damian Alexander Hinton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The African American church has been the cornerstone of many urban centers since its birth in the United States. While it has been a haven for so many, the African American church (or Black church) has faced conflict, especially among its leaders. Senior Pastors and staff are keys to ministry progress in urban centers. This study utilized data from leaders within the African American church in the form of surveys, focus groups, and private interviews to identify the sources of conflict between Senior Pastor in the church and their ministry staff or team members. The results showed that while there …

Applying Hope: A Preparatory Course For Lay Pastoral Counseling, Ryan James Ladner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project is a study on equipping laypeople at C3 Denton in basic pastoral counseling skills. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a six-week course in lay pastoral counseling that will enable its participants to provide pastoral counseling services to fellow congregants with minor pastoral counseling needs. C3 Denton is a church located in Denton, a rapidly growing city with two universities. Reaching emotionally wounded individuals has been a consistent focus of C3 Denton since it was founded, which lead to a strong need for pastoral counseling services for its congregants. The goal of this …

A Biblical Understanding Of Making Disciples, Gregory Douglas Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the many functions of the local church is to make disciples. Unfortunately, thoughtful and consistent efforts have not always proven to yield the results that accompany transformational living. This thesis project seeks to address and remove some of the barriers around discipleship and disciple-making in the local setting. This study provided a discipleship training course targeted toward spiritually mature male leaders. Individuals were invited to attend a six-session training course where they were equipped with a biblical understanding of discipleship, and training in spiritual disciplines, to aid in their personal growth and ability to teach others. Data was …

Promoting Health Literacy To Aging Christians To Combat The Scourge Of Euthanasia Through The Church, Willie Mae Corley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The many dilemmas that occur in the medical care of chronically ill seniors raise the question of whether senior populations have become the new black. The research seeks to provide an evidence-based review of limited health literacy among elderly African American Christians regarding diagnoses and medical treatments, which has resulted in unethical Christian practices becoming a norm. The researcher adapted the health literacy framework of Paasche Orlow and Wolf’s view of three distinct causes that influence health literacy: the access and utilization of health care, the patient-provider relationship, and self-care. The problem is that Victory Church members may not understand …

A Self-Check Model To Build Resiliency And Balance In Ministry Leaders, Mark R. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a significant problem with stress and burnout in ministry leaders. The purpose of this study was to develop a self-check model for ministry leaders to help them with life-balance and resiliency. To have and know peace in one’s life is to draw close to God and live by His design. Loving God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, strength and loving one’s neighbor as one’s self is critical for a healthy, well-balanced life and ministry. The researcher introduced a simple self-check model to enable ministry leaders to develop balance and resilience in their lives called the Star Model. …

A Study On The Practice Of Rural Mission Through Agricultural Activities: The Case Of Geumam Church, Jin Woo Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study has its purpose on presenting a model of rural missions by examining the case of Geumam Church which grew via agricultural activities. In the midst of crisis of Korean churches due to decline or stagnation in growth, situations for rural churches are far more disastrous. Yet, this does not mean that they should be disregarded. In this context, the researcher will examine biblical and theological grounds and related literatures to search for alternatives that would bring vitality to rural missions which, at the moment, have lost their vividness. There will be studies of rural culture characteristics through understanding …

Post-Traumatic Growth And The Meaning-Making Process After Traumatic Bereavement: The Impact Of A Spiritual Worldview, Joan Furlani, Joy Mwendwa

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Theoretical Proposal

Analyzing The Past & Predicting The Future: 120 Years Of Counseling Theories, Holly Lawson, David Jenkins

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Textual or Investigative

The Effects Of Ptsd Counseling On Military Chaplains, Bruce S. Kumor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States military has been involved in some level of active combat since 2001. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are no longer as active as they were in previous years, yet the hidden wounds of war are still carried by those that have gone forward. The psychological wounds of war, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, have been highlighted by increased direct combat experiences of service members. To alleviate these symptoms, the military has a mental health provider network to assist those in need. Within this network, military chaplains are often called to provide immediate emotional and psychological support for …

Fostering A Renewed Sense Of Hope Among Human Trafficking Victims In The Philippines Though A Group Bible Study Initiative, Emily Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Human trafficking impacts an estimated 25 million people per year. In the Philippines, human trafficking has reached an epidemic proportion as many migrant workers becomes victims of human trafficking each year. The Philippine government, aware of this growing dilemma, imposes legal sanctions and assists victims by providing medical aid, legal counsel, vocational training, and temporary safe housing. However, reintegration and trauma-focused support are rarely provided. The victims, as a result, often go back to their communities, where they remain in a state of isolation and despair. The purpose of this qualitative research is to assess if the study of biblical …

Quantitative Research On Peer-To-Peer Biblical Soul Care Through The Encourager Program, Michelle D. Dickens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study sought to discover what impact a church program could have on personal well-being, spiritual well-being and church engagement, well-studied constructs in a variety of other clinical type settings. Quality, long-term research has been lacking in regard to the efficacy of pure, biblical soul care, a type of pastoral care methodology, that is provided strictly in a church setting. This type of research could allow for critical conversations about the larger ministry of soul care and potentially withstand scientific criticisms as biblical soul care becomes a proven, quantitative resource to help those who are hurting. The significance of this …

An Exploration Of The Attitudes And Expectations Of African American Congregants Regarding A Proposed Mental Health Ministry, Faith Clarisa Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed methods research project explored the attitudes and expectations of African American congregants regarding a proposed mental health ministry in a large urban church in Miami Gardens, Florida. The scale component assessed the mental health literacy levels of congregants. The semi-structured interview revealed congregant needs and ways to address them, as identified by leaders of other ministries based on their interactions with congregants. Relevant themes were stigma surrounding mental health, the desire for spirituality in counseling, and Christ’s concern for humanity’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This project collected digital scale surveys from 51 individuals and conducted nine semi-structured …

Church Revitalization Resources And Connections For The Northside Of Indianapolis, William James Marshall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide a connection point and resources for pastors on the Northside of Indianapolis, IN to revitalize their churches. This project addresses the problem that many pastors on Indianapolis’ Northside may lack a connection point and resources to revitalize their churches. The research, resources, and connection points in this study focus on the biblical and practical leadership traits of a pastor, which are necessary to lead a church’s revitalization. This study offers a biblical-theological groundwork for a pastor/shepherd, emphasizing that a pastor should be of good moral character, affirming, aware of mutual need, caring, …

Discipleship: A Parental Responsibility, Ranny George Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary disciple-makers of children are the parents, which is mandated by God. Throughout the Scriptures, God empowered the family to lead their children into spiritual growth. God charged the family in maintaining a spiritual atmosphere where their children can learn and become His disciples. God makes it clear to parents that their responsibility toward their children while at home is a continuous process of teaching His Word to them. Even though the family unit is one, the primary spiritual responsibility resides with the father in maintaining the integrity of the family discipleship endeavors in Christ. The purpose of this …

Church Guests Matter: A Strategic Program To Welcome Guests, Adam Mark Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will measure the success of acquiring and retaining guests by gauging the efforts made to welcome guests by utilizing a questionnaire among community guests. A Church sitting in a diverse community in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, accessible to nearby schools and a local town is in decline. Today, small churches close their doors, and pastors are leaving the vocational ministry. The ministry of the church is to fulfill the greatest commandment by loving God and loving others. However, many churches today have confined the essentials of the church to inside the walls. A church willing to seek the …

The Comparative Differences Of Unit Level Chaplains And Family Life Chaplains (Flcs) In The United States Army Reserves, Jeremy Lynn Naugle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem presented in this project is that the senior leaders of the 108th Training Command in the Army Reserves lack an understanding of the primary differences between unit-level chaplains and the specialty of family life chaplaincy. By lacking an understanding of the differences in the roles and responsibilities of these separate entities, the FLC is often underutilized. The development of an education program was designed to provide these senior leaders with specific knowledge related to the family life chaplaincy. The 108th offered approximately 7700 potential participants, but the focus was directed at senior leaders throughout the command. Fourteen individuals …

The Way We See Matters: Developing A New Theological Vision For Effective Cross-Generational Evangelism, Michelle Naomi Jeremie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Today, North American churches have great opportunities and face unique challenges in fulfilling their mandate to make disciples. This DMIN thesis discusses the issue of how to more effectively evangelize the Millennial generation and Generation Z in a postmodern context. The purpose of this thesis is to address the need for church leaders to utilize a specialized evangelism training program to equip Christians to evangelize to non-believers across generational lines. The focus of this project is to implement the Cross-generational Evangelism Training (C-GET) Program at a ministry that has a low representation of Millennials and Generation Z. This Program will …

Christian Women's Pornography Usage: The Role Of Perceived Addiction, Social Anxiety, Shame, And Grace, Kathryn Ellen Bohannon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For decades, researchers have examined the relationship between pornography use, anxiety, and depression. The emotional component of shame has also been explored in connection with pornography use and other addictive behaviors. Recently, scholars have started to consider how the pornography user’s moral values and religious beliefs influenced their usage and outcome behaviors (Baltazar, Helm, H. W., McBride, Hopkins, & Stevens, J. V., 2010; Bradley, Grubbs, Uzdavines, Exline, & Pargament, 2016; Hook et al., 2015). Extensive resources have been dedicated to investigating the male gender’s usage of pornography both in solitude and relational settings (Hald, 2006; Manning, 2006; Twohig, Crosby, & …

Becoming Fitly Joined Together: Unifying The Church Body For Vision Manifestation, Keisha Hodge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This DMIN action research project fulfilled the purpose of increasing awareness within the four churches in the Greater Berea District concerning the value and function of having a vision. Preintervention and postintervention questionnaires, interviews, hypothetical case studies, and a class-styled intervention was employed. The one-day intervention educated participants concerning how a vision supports the work of the church, which enables it to be more fruitful. Furthermore, the class equipped attendees with a biblical foundation showing that God is a proponent and encourager of vision. The necessity of this study was determined when the researcher witnessed a church vision being cast …

A Correlational Study Of Transformational Leadership Behavior And The Spiritual Growth Of Congregants’ From Multicultural Churches Of Christ In The United States, James Phillip Chaisson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The world in the twenty-first century is becoming more integrated and interconnected which is affecting not only how one conducts business and education, but also how the church adapts to the fact that over the coming years it seems likely that one will find fewer and fewer monocultural congregations. The need to understand issues related to diversity and cultural sensitivity while at the same time remaining faithful to the Gospel and its promotion is vital. For those reasons, this study aimed to identify if transformational leadership behaviors contribute to the spiritual growth and maturity of members of multicultural Churches of …