Digital Commons Network^™

Care And Resource Support For Surrogate End-Of-Life Decision-Makers, Evelyn L. Globe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Surrogate end-of-life decision-makers are family members facing the emergent task of making end-of-life care decisions for their loved ones many times without prior knowledge of what their family members would want. Afterward, the surrogate decision-maker is often without support to process their experience and grief. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to provide a faith-based support group for those who have had the experience of being a surrogate end-of-life decision-maker and through an advance care planning and advance directives seminar and workshop provide an informational resource for individuals who have not had the experience and want to …

The Role Of Hymnody In Shaping Religious Identity And Beliefs In Churches: An Ethnographic Case Study In The Chesapeake Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Erwin Gabriel Nanasi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores how varying worship style preferences influence worship experiences, theological beliefs, and sense of belonging among clergy and congregants within the Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. While music and hymnody are integral to Adventist worship, differing stylistic preferences can lead to tensions, satisfaction gaps, and fragmented community life. Despite the formative role of congregational singing in shaping religious identity, little research has examined these dynamics within the Adventist context. Using a mixed-methods ethnographic case study design, the research combines qualitative interviews with 26 pastors and quantitative survey data from 257 congregants across diverse churches. It investigates the criteria …

An Analysis Of The Adequacy Of Preparation For The Totality Of Worship Leadership, Michael Kenneth Geake

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the gradual transition of “music minister” into “worship leader,” preparation and training for the expanded roles may be considered slow in terms of total responsibilities. While degree programs have incorporated in-depth coursework in essential ministry topics – such as theology, discipleship, and evangelism – there has been little recognition of their roles as managers and counselors. Many of these programs prepare students for jobs that no longer exist. This study focuses on the worship leader, both as a student and as one who has already started their career, with responsibilities in the church and to their family. Through qualitative …

The Interplay Between Hospitality And Patronage In The Greco-Roman World And Its Implications For Reading Third John, Julie L. Denham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation will seek to explore the social concepts found within the Book of Third John, examining the intricate and nuanced relationship between hospitality and patronage in early first-century Christian communities. By employing a comprehensive approach that integrates historical, cultural, and theological methodologies, this study aims to delve deeply into the multifaceted roles these practices played in shaping the social, spiritual, and theological framework of the early Church. Specifically, this dissertation seeks to address the following questions: How did first-century Christian communities navigate the interplay between hospitality and patronage as reflected in Third John? How did these practices influence communal …

Exploration Of The Congruence Between Environmental Concerns And Eco-Spirituality Programming At Retreat Centers As Experienced By Participants, Jean Golicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple-embedded case study was to explore the role of environmental awareness and concerns in influencing engagement in retreat practices that were organized around the theme of eco-spirituality and the impact on organizational leadership and program development at two retreat centers in the northeastern region of the United States. Roman Catholic retreat centers were the focus of the study as they endeavored to fulfill leadership directives reflected in the papal encyclical Laudato si’. The centers examined offered immersion in nature, reflection on the interdependence of organic systems, and the development of action plans to address environmental issues. …

African American Pastors' Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence Among Church Members, Nickeshia Evans-Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perspectives of African-American pastors’ experiences with (IPV) among their congregation members. This study applied the religious coping theory (RCT) to the experiences of African American pastors with IPV among church members. This helped the study provide valuable insights into how pastors utilize religious beliefs, practices, and support systems in addressing and supporting individuals affected by IPV. African-American pastors may encourage individuals experiencing IPV to seek solace, strength, and guidance through their religious faith. Understanding how pastors utilize religious coping strategies has contributed to fostering safer environments and more effective support …

Hope As A Source To Strengthen Chaplain Resiliency In The Christian And Missionary Alliance, Javier M. Torres-Chinea

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project intends not only to assess the levels of hope of the population of chaplains of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, but also to educate on how hope can strengthen resilience. Using Snyder's Theory of Hope (2000) provides a theoretical framework that allows a positive vision of the social and employment situation of millions of people. Snyder's Adult Hope Scale measures the hope trait in the chaplains, both male and female, between the ages of 25-65. For the participants, a questionnaire called the Hope Questionnaire was used. The SurveyPlanet website, to be distributed, answered, and collected data through …

Qualitative Analysis Of Chaplains’ Experiences Supporting Military Service Members And Veterans With Moral Injury, Marangely Mesa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study explored the frequent themes identified by chaplains while supporting service members and veterans (SM/V) from diverse Christian denominations, such as Catholics, Protestants, and other Christian groups, who have suffered a moral injury. I described the lived experience of chaplains using in-depth surveys as part of a phenomenological approach to data collection. In the qualitative interview, the interest is hearing the chaplains’ thoughts on the nature and manifestations of moral injury in chaplaincy contexts. The study explored chaplains’ observations concerning what service members and veterans have in common when they experience moral injury. This qualitative research approach …

Pastoral Unity Community Engagement Of Shiprock Area Ministry Association In Shiprock, New Mexico, Rosalind Ann Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This praxis project examines the Shiprock Area Ministry Association (SAMA), a pastoral group which represents different religious denominations of faith in the community. SAMA is located on the Navajo Indian reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico and has struggled to return as a group amid the post COVID-19 pandemic. Since its founding as an organization, the group has gathered for support in unity, prayer, and engaged in activities in Shiprock. The return of SAMA members and new membership is to include pastor spouses, church workers, and ministers within a 15-mile radius. The Hershey and Blanchard (2001) Situational Leadership Self-Assessment will be …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Individuals Who Participated In Pastoral Counseling And Discipleship Within The Assemblies Of God In Washington State, Jonathan J. Burger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of individuals who participated in pastoral counseling and discipleship within the Assemblies of God in Washington State. The first focus of this study was to describe congregants’ experiences with pastoral counseling in Assemblies of God churches in the state of Washington. Secondly, this study sought to understand and uncover any themes, trends, or influences that emerged from participants' experiences within pastoral counseling and discipleship. Four themes emerged from this study: Theme One: There is Power in Relationships, Theme Two: Pastoral Counseling is Foundational to Healing and Growth, Theme Three: The Impact of …

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 …

Transitions Of Faith: Navigating Pastoral Changes In Small African American Churches, Joshua O. Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of African American pastors aged 65 and older as they navigate leadership transitions within small churches in Florida. These churches, characterized by the absence of formal succession planning support from a parent organization, serve as critical pillars in their communities. Guided by Bridges' Transition Theory, this research investigated the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of pastoral transitions, focusing on the stages of 'Ending, Losing, and Letting Go,' 'Neutral Zone,' and 'New Beginning' (Bridges, 1980). Data collection methods included a pre-qualifying survey, individual interviews, and focus group discussions, analyzed through thematic analysis supported by …

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, …

Empowering Kansas City Veterans Administration Chaplains: A Spiritual Leadership Toolkit For Nursing Staff Support, Leonard Gicheru

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral research project addresses the critical issue of burnout among nursing staff at the Kansas City Veterans Administration (KCVA). Burnout is often worsened by a lack of spiritual support, thereby negatively impacting both the well-being of nurses and the quality of patient care. This project study aims to mitigate these challenges by implementing a spiritual leadership resource toolkit, tailored to equip KCVA chaplains with creative strategies to provide spiritual care for nurses.

Based on Spiritual Leadership Theory and guided by biblical principles, this project explores how structured spiritual direction can improve the resilience and emotional well-being of nursing staff. …

Taking A Stand: A Phenomenological Study Of Black Christian Pastors' Experiences Of Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence In The Church & Community, Karen Elaine Simmons-Clifton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe black pastors’ lived experiences of counseling and/or ministering to female victims (congregants & non-congregants) and survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Texas. These acts of violation against women occur at staggering rates worldwide, often leaving the victims and survivors with damages and issues they dare trust to share with a spiritual figure. In many communities, the Black Christian pastor is often the person these wounded women seek as their counselor, spiritual guide, and safe place, despite the pastor’s lack of education and/or training in IPV. Research indicates that these women …

Exploring Clergy's Use Of Suicide Risk Factor Knowledge: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Matilda Swanson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative descriptive study explored clergy members’ understanding of mental health literacy in relations to suicide risk factors and the interventions they used to prevent suicidality among congregants in Central Florida. Guided by Anthony Jorm’s mental health literacy theory, the study explored clergy members’ understanding of mental health literacy related to their knowledge of suicide risk factors and interventions they use to address suicide risk among church congregants. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and two focus groups. A total of 14 clergy members participated in the study. The findings were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis, leading …

Responding To Leadership Change: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Female Pastors And Their Congregations, Sharon Britz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore the lived experiences of female senior pastors and their congregants who have embraced leadership change from male to female. Although many denominations openly accept and ordain female pastors, and the number of women in pastoral leadership roles has risen, many women in ministry still face obstacles. Guided by the theory of change, in conjunction with liberation theology, this study addressed a gap in research related to the experience of female pastors in ministerial leadership, as minimal similar studies exist, and no other studies within the Congregational Christian Church were found. …

Pastoral Counselors And The Implementation Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing, Robyn Jarrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that since EMDR is not practiced at CCC, it decreases the quality of care and extends the number of counseling sessions. If Christian Counseling Center’s counselors use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing psychotherapy for trauma clients, then an increase in counseling quality will be demonstrated by decreased sessions. The study also sought to reveal EMDR's value to clients’ counseling sessions, given that CBT is the standard therapeutic approach in pastoral counseling settings. Qualitative methods included journaling, questionnaires, and focus groups. Two pastoral counselors completed the necessary training and adhered to EMDR procedures while treating eleven clients using …

Lead Pastor Stress: A Quantitative Study Of The Effects On Mental Health, Marriage, Family, And The Church, Sherri Lee Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church’s lead pastor has many roles and responsibilities, from teaching the Word of the Lord, baptisms, counseling sessions, and leading a staff. These are not the lead pastor’s only role; the majority also have a family, children, and a spouse at home who also need their attention. A balance must be considered between the ministry, family, and marriage. If this balance is off or the pastor becomes overwhelmed with any or all the three, their mental health may suffer and can cause depression and anxiety if not dealt with appropriately (Christianity Today, 2022). Lead pastors, while in ministry, have …

Ecclesiological Support For Veterans Suffering From Moral Injury: A Phenomenological Study, Douglas Guy Wood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For many military service members, the cost of their service is through the psychological, physiological, emotional, sociological, and spiritual scars from the trauma of conflict. This trauma is most associated with the diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Moral Injury (MI). Existing literature primarily focuses on a humanistic underlying philosophy to symptoms and patient care or uses a non-specific definition/categorization of religion/spirituality (e.g., Ames et al., 2019; Hill et al., 2000; Sharma et al., 2017). Studies have addressed psychological, physiological, emotional, and sociological healing (e.g., Åkerblom et al., 2020; Drescher et al., 2011; Gray et al., 2012; Nash & …

Spiritual Disciplines And Christian Formative Education: Tools To Jump-Start Spiritual Formation And Eliminate Stagnation, Darrick J. Willis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher aims to uncover the fundamental causes of spiritual stagnation, particularly the tendency to over-rely on established traditions, and to assess the detrimental effects of this phenomenon on the life and activities of the church. Spiritual formation is the process through which Christians are transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Intentionality and growth are paramount for believers, as neglecting these elements can lead to spiritual stagnation. Contemporary literature emphasizes that spiritual formative education is central to fostering intentionality. The correlation between increased knowledge and a heightened desire to learn is crucial; both …

At-Risk Students' Perceptions Of Holistic Advising: A Phenomenological Study, Jonathan David Broyles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand at-risk students’ perceptions of success after having received holistic advising practices at public, four-year universities located in the Southeast United States. The theory that guided this study was Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation, which emphasizes the importance of addressing students’ academic, social, personal, physiological, safety, and emotional needs to support their academic success better. The Central Research Question was: what are at-risk students’ perceptions of success after receiving holistic advising practices? The transcendental phenomenological approach allowed the researcher to explore the phenomenon with others who have experienced the same phenomenon through …

Revealing Roots: Examining The Intersection Of Trauma, Mental Health, And Bioecological Impact On Pentecostal Black Male Pastors, Dreama Delicia Cole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe Pentecostal Black male pastors in their understanding of (or experiences with) trauma and mental health in the context of the inclusion of bioecological effects and any thoughts about the potential impact on their congregations in California. The chosen theories complement the lived experiences of these pastors. Based on the research questions, interview questions, and data analysis, the following themes and one subtheme emerged: Their Roots Tell a Story: Lived Experiences of Identity Formation and Early Trauma with subtheme Rejection: Lived Experience of Exclusion and Emotional Wounding, Revelation: Lived Experiences of …

An Integrative Approach To The Existential Problem Of Evil In A Post-Pandemic World, Jacob Byrd

Liberty University Research Week

Only a few years have passed since the world experienced a unique manifestation of suffering brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem of evil and suffering has always been a difficult topic to address for Christian pastors and theologians who have now been left to address this problem in the wake of the pandemic. In addition to the suffering from millions of lives being lost, studies have shown a correlation between the pandemic and a significant increase in mental illness in the United States. This is one data point among many instances that add to the uniqueness of the …

Code Of Faith: Programming Spirituality In The Digital Age, Caleb Martin

Senior Honors Theses

With the increasing pervasiveness of technology in our daily lives, it is critical to consider the potential effects on an individual's religious practices and beliefs from software applications developed within a religious framework. This thesis delves into the relationship between software development and religious experiences, examining the manner in which the creation, operation, and application of religious technology can mold and impact an individual's spiritual development. This thesis aims to inform the implementation of technologies with a nonsecular application, ensuring that they are developed with a deep respect for the nuances of religious experience. The findings of this study will …

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Crossing The Bridge Between Biblical Confession And Pastoral Practice Regarding Divorce And Remarriage In Unie-Abc Congregations, Marco H. Kälin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Quite a few pastoral workers within the Unie-ABC perceive a discordance between their churches’ biblical-theological confessions regarding divorce and remarriage and the pastoral practice in which they minister. This could induce tension in which a pastoral worker’s counsel is constrained by the church’s biblical position on these issues. In order to diminish that gap, the purpose of this action research project is to implement a redesigned biblical-theological framework regarding divorce and remarriage in training seminars for Unie-ABC pastoral counselors. The project utilized quantitative data collected through email responses and documents provided by Unie-ABC congregations. In addition, qualitative data was developed …

Improving The Mq For Pastoral Counseling At Hesed Counseling Ministries To Benefit Pro-Life Victims Of Pro-Abortionist Violence, Sean Michael Patrick Ferreiro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Biblical Christianity has ubiquitously denounced abortion. Unfortunately, an unprecedented number of physical attacks on the pro-ministry’s volunteers and properties have resulted in traumatic experiences. Counseling services are the natural recommendation for these volunteers thereafter. However, secular counselors are often incongruent with the values of the pro-life ministry. Hesed Counseling Ministries offers counseling services for pro-life volunteers. As a group of solution-focused practitioners, they utilize the miracle-question (MQ). To create a counseling milieu congruent to the unique subculture of the pro-life ministry, they created their own MQ. It was bereft of the voices and verbiage of the pro-life ministry. Therefore, the …

The Ties That Bind: A Comprehensive Pastoral Counseling Approach To Bridge The Gap Between Christians Struggling With Same-Sex Attraction And Cornerstone Church, Barbara Pringle Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation project explores the need for a faith-based counseling program that aligns with biblical principles while fostering inclusivity and support for Christians experiencing same-sex attraction (SSA). The study addresses the challenges faced by individuals in the church community who often encounter isolation, shame, and rejection. It proposes a comprehensive pastoral counseling program to train church leaders in providing compassionate, transformative care. This project employs qualitative research methods, including focus groups and individual interviews, to gather insights from church leaders and members. It analyzes theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives to build a robust spiritual and emotional support framework. The research …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Children Of Clergy: What Has Become Of Them In Their Adulthood?, Chantel Danielle Staton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is noticeable that there are stereotypes associated with being African American due to prejudice and racism. It is identifiable, as well, that there are stereotypes associated with being a child of the clergy due to their expectations being higher than nonclergy children. How do the two coexist? This phenomenological study aims to understand how the lived experiences of African American children of clergy have impacted their adulthood. How has being an African American child growing up in the home of a pastor impacted how that child now copes mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as an adult? This study is designed …

Emotional Turbulence Of Children Of The Clergy, The Lived Experiences And Emotional Development Of Adult Children Of The Clergy: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tabitha L. Bennett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current study is a Phenomenological qualitative approach to understanding the lived experience of adult Children of the Clergy and exploring the various pressures and expectations faced by Children of the Clergy versus other church members. Everyone experiences external and internal pressures, but this will delve into whether it is an added layer simply from being a child of the clergy. The current study will investigate multiple families to understand family dynamics and the effects of growing up as Children of the Clergy into adulthood. Through phenomenological testing, utilizing the Bowen Family Theory and a sub-theory of the Labeling theory, …