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The Rise Of Corporate Individualism In Twenty-First Century Worship, Russell Allen Robbins Sep 2020

The Rise Of Corporate Individualism In Twenty-First Century Worship, Russell Allen Robbins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Western society has experienced a monumental paradigm shift which has influenced the way in which the church worships in the twenty-first century. Postmodernism has led to an increasingly self-focused individualism in corporate worship which overvalues personal experience and undervalues the communal aspect of corporate worship. Despite much discussion concerning postmodern generations, the influence of postmodern thought upon the rise of corporate individualism in worship has yet to be examined. The purpose of this qualitative, historical study is to examine the factors that have led to the rise of corporate individualism in worship, the indications of corporate individualism in worship, and …


Experiencing God: Engaging Elementary-Aged Children In Corporate Worship, Laura Rushing Hancock Sep 2020

Experiencing God: Engaging Elementary-Aged Children In Corporate Worship, Laura Rushing Hancock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The engagement of children in meaningful worship has been neglected, despite the investment of modern churches in essential safety protocols and digital media in children’s ministry. The twenty-first-century consumerist mindset is driving worship design, essentially undermining the worship leader’s role as the shepherd of a child-centered and Christ-focused approach. Many churches are neglecting the biblical instruction to cast vision and express value for children’s corporate worship. A sense of awe and wonder is notably absent in many corporate services designed for children. Drawing upon biblical principles, educational theory, and corporate worship practices throughout history, this qualitative historical study seeks to …


The Influence Of Charismatic Worship Forms In The Local Evangelical Church In The 21st Century In The United States, Kyle Edward Grizzard Sep 2020

The Influence Of Charismatic Worship Forms In The Local Evangelical Church In The 21st Century In The United States, Kyle Edward Grizzard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite a continued desire to understand the direction of worship liturgy in the American evangelical church culture, many scholars are unable to identify the influence of charismatic worship forms in various evangelical churches in the United States. This research is important for understanding the future of worship in the local evangelical church in America and will aid in determining the theology, liturgy, and philosophy of worship and its practices. Guided by scholars of worship in both charismatic and traditional evangelical worship cultures, this qualitative historical research study provides insight to the worship culture in current evangelical worship. Perspectives on behavior, …


The Jewish Origins Of The Ordinances Of Christianity: Worship Within Baptism And The Lord's Supper, John Edward Ross Aug 2020

The Jewish Origins Of The Ordinances Of Christianity: Worship Within Baptism And The Lord's Supper, John Edward Ross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The modern evangelical denominations have worship services that include many forms of worship and functions to bring the worshiper into communion with the living God as a disciple of Christ. These worship forms include the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Generations of denominational congregants have participated in these ordinances with little knowledge of the origin of these two rites. This qualitative historical study focuses on the roots of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper formed within Christianity during the early church years. Using research from Christian and Messianic Jewish scholars along with Jewish sources, this …


The Responsibility Of Christian Female Influencers: A Biblical Response To Progressive Christianity, Alicia W. Garcia Jun 2020

The Responsibility Of Christian Female Influencers: A Biblical Response To Progressive Christianity, Alicia W. Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many Christian female influencers have large followings of Christian women, although many influential Bible study authors, teachers, motivational speakers, musicians, worship leaders, social media, and online influencers may not be instructing Christian women in the core beliefs of Christianity. As a result, many Christian women are not defending the Christian faith, but are rejecting core Christian beliefs and are identifying with the diverse beliefs of progressive Christianity. Christian women who have embraced progressive Christianity are therefore no longer worshipers of the God of the Bible but are idolaters who practice the progressive ideologies of relativism, pluralism, and cultural tolerance. In …


Reinstating The Altar That Pleases God In The New Generations Of Worshipers Located In The Central Mountain Region Of Utuado, Puerto Rico, Luz Estelle Rosado Méndez Jun 2020

Reinstating The Altar That Pleases God In The New Generations Of Worshipers Located In The Central Mountain Region Of Utuado, Puerto Rico, Luz Estelle Rosado Méndez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Through the years, each generation of worshipers has conceived throughout their service many beliefs about worship; some inspired by the Holy Spirit, and others, self-proclaimed. Many of these self-acknowledged concepts do not align with biblical truths because instead they follow the needs and trends of the culture surrounding the church. These clashes of opinions, feelings, and preferences among the Christian community have been slowly deviating congregations from the altar encounter established in the Bible to an entertainment stage experience where the human senses are enhanced. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study is to establish the importance of the …


Intentional Worship During Times Of Mourning: The Worship Leader's Plan For Praise, Kchristshan Howard May 2020

Intentional Worship During Times Of Mourning: The Worship Leader's Plan For Praise, Kchristshan Howard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The intent of this study is to examine the characteristics of a worship leader dealing with personal trauma or grief. This thesis also provides strategies for the worship leader, congregation, and pastoral leadership regarding how one grieves. Guided by the actual experiences of grieving worship leaders, this qualitative thematic analysis identifies perspectives that have not yet been explored and documented concerning the lives of Christian worship leaders. Perspectives on grief have emerged as themes through exploration of a small body of existing literature and personal interviews with participants who serve in their local churches and community. While serving in their …


Staying Alive! Reengaging Boomers In Second Adulthood Ministry: Guidance For 21st-Century Church Leaders, Hilery L. Ward Jr May 2020

Staying Alive! Reengaging Boomers In Second Adulthood Ministry: Guidance For 21st-Century Church Leaders, Hilery L. Ward Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Never before in American history have five generations lived together within the same time period. In 1900, the average life span in the United States was 48. Since 2015, the average life span in the U.S. has expanded to 79. The advances in technology, healthcare breakthroughs, and scientific discoveries in medicine have increased longevity, creating two new, life stages: emerging adulthood and second adulthood. Emerging adulthood is the life stage that encompasses the expanded development of young adults from late teens through mid to late twenties. Second adulthood, primarily a Baby Boomer experience, begins around age 65 and continues to …


Multigenerational Worship: Liturgical Dance And Mime Within The African American Baptist Church, Lydia Marie Toliver May 2020

Multigenerational Worship: Liturgical Dance And Mime Within The African American Baptist Church, Lydia Marie Toliver

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, the African American Church has utilized movement to express personal faith. As attitudes towards movement changed, many churches limited or banned the use of dance in worship. Currently, many African American Baptist Churches have developed liturgical dance teams, providing a ministry for a variety of generations. These lyrical movements are danced to live or recorded music, usually contemporary Gospel music. Popularity of the liturgical dance teams has expanded to include mime, also known as Gospel mime. Many churches that worship in a multigenerational model provide relevant and transformational opportunities for all ages. Incorporating liturgical dance and mime as worship …


Discipleship As Understood And Practiced By Worship Leaders, Pastors, And Congregations Of Selected Southern Baptist Churches, Bridgette Lashawn Yancy May 2020

Discipleship As Understood And Practiced By Worship Leaders, Pastors, And Congregations Of Selected Southern Baptist Churches, Bridgette Lashawn Yancy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the growing interest in Christian faith development through Bible study, prayer groups, literature, and other media, there has been little to no research completed in the area of discipleship of worship leaders. This study will be an examination of discipleship activities that are offered within the Southern Baptist churches and the average duration of engagement of these activities by worship leaders. How the discipleship of the worship leader affects the ministry of the worship leader, participation in leadership-focused activities, and the personal and professional growth of the worship leader will be examined through questionnaires for both pastors and worship …


Contextualized Songwriting In The Japanese Church, Katie Ann Mcwilliams May 2020

Contextualized Songwriting In The Japanese Church, Katie Ann Mcwilliams

Masters Theses

The Christian Church of Japan has very few songs written in their own language and style. Most songs are translated from English or another language. While Japan is a very westernized country, this is a problem because things can get lost in translation and these songs are not always representative of their musical style. Furthermore, they have a unique voice of worship that is currently missing from the global Church. My research project was intended to identify songwriters and encourage songwriting for the local church with the intention of expanding the Japanese voice in the global context and raising awareness …


Mentoring Worship Leaders To Become Mentoring Worship Leaders, Robert Todd Craig May 2020

Mentoring Worship Leaders To Become Mentoring Worship Leaders, Robert Todd Craig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although Jesus provides the biblical example for the process and significance of mentoring others, today’s ministry leaders often fail to take up this mantle. Much research exists on the value of mentoring, especially in the corporate world where those at the highest levels intentionally mentor those who display significant potential. Recent literature addresses the importance of ministry leaders mentoring others, such as veteran pastors showing those expressing a call to ministry how to be a minster. However, a gap exists in the body of literature regarding the importance of the mentoring relationship between veteran and novice worship leaders. Due to …


Congregational Singing In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church: An Examination Of Engagement, Anwar Gabriel Myron Ottley May 2020

Congregational Singing In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church: An Examination Of Engagement, Anwar Gabriel Myron Ottley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditionally, Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) congregations are known for a rich history of worship music. However, the 21st century has introduced an expanded variety of worship music to reflect a number of musical genres found in American culture. SDA worship leaders face the challenge of engaging their congregations with songs that are reflective of the diverse cultures and ages represented, as well as achieving a balance of newer music and music from the historical SDA tradition. Nevertheless, without intuitive song selection, worship leaders may encounter disengagement among congregants during the time of congregational singing. This quantitative descriptive study measured which elements …


Shared-Traumatic Experience And The Role Of The Minister Of Music: A Case Study Of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wayne Singleton May 2020

Shared-Traumatic Experience And The Role Of The Minister Of Music: A Case Study Of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wayne Singleton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The ministry of the minister of music is essential when the local church has experienced a shared-traumatic event. Since many churches have never experienced a shared-traumatic event, there is little research to aid worship leaders in leading their congregation through loss and grief. There is a need to study the significant role of the minister of music when confronted with a life-changing event that has affected the local church ministry. Mother Emanuel AME Church, located in Charleston, SC, experienced a tragic event that significantly influenced the worship leader’s role in leading the congregation through a shared-traumatic event. This phenomenological study …


“Give Me A Clean Heart”: The Life And Music Of Margaret Pleasant Douroux, Damian Demond Price May 2020

“Give Me A Clean Heart”: The Life And Music Of Margaret Pleasant Douroux, Damian Demond Price

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Margaret Pleasant Douroux (b. 1941) of Los Angeles, California is one of the most influential African American female gospel music composers of the twentieth century. She has penned classic hymns and gospel songs such as "I'm Glad," "We're Blest," "God is Not Dead," and "Rivers of Joy". Her compositions "Give Me a Clean Heart," “He Decided to Die," and "If It Had Not Been for the Lord on My Side" have become standards in the African American Church and have been sung by congregations and choirs for decades. However, in the roster of composers who have contributed to the genre …


The Role Of Leading Worship In The African Church, Emmanuel Olugbenga Adu Apr 2020

The Role Of Leading Worship In The African Church, Emmanuel Olugbenga Adu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the surge in worship leadership, some African evangelical churches have historically placed little emphasis on the role of leading worship. A review of worship on worship leadership in the African evangelical church reveals little information specifically useful for the training and mentoring of African congregational worship leaders. Therefore, this project researched and presents a primary argument for the practical training of worship leaders in the African evangelical congregation and brings attention to the lack of emphasis on worship leadership. Moreover, the thesis investigates the proposition not only for the role of worship leading in the African church to target …


The Qualities Of The Worship Leader Perceived To Engage Others To Serve In Worship Ministry, Dawn H. Cochran Apr 2020

The Qualities Of The Worship Leader Perceived To Engage Others To Serve In Worship Ministry, Dawn H. Cochran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The person serving in the role of the worship leader represents one of the primary positions of leadership within the Church. In the corporate worship setting, the worship leader is entrusted with the responsibility of fostering an atmosphere that is conducive to active participation, but may lack the proper skills needed to accomplish this task. This thesis project proposes that the worship leader must demonstrate the essential qualities necessary to engage others to serve in the worship ministry. This project will focus on four specific qualities that are crucial in this process: character, capability, commitment and chemistry. Through the examination …


Comforting The Grieving Through Worship, Thomas Wayne Doss Apr 2020

Comforting The Grieving Through Worship, Thomas Wayne Doss

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the most challenging aspects of the human experience is dealing with the loss of a loved one. Although death marks the end of human life, it can affect the life of the ones closest to the deceased. Often, the griever is left in a sea of pain, which can produce doubts, isolation, and emotional conflict. Although the grieving believer may turn to the church for support in his/her time of grief, the church body may find itself unsure of how to respond best and support the needs of the bereaved. This qualitative historical study examines the literature pertaining …


Begin With Worship Pastor Longevity In Mind: A Biblical Guide For The Evangelical Worship Pastor Search Committee, Thomas Christopher Gonzales Apr 2020

Begin With Worship Pastor Longevity In Mind: A Biblical Guide For The Evangelical Worship Pastor Search Committee, Thomas Christopher Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Within contemporary Western Protestant evangelicalism, congregations rely heavily on search committees for onboarding pastoral staff. Though this measure for pastoral acquisition is commonly practiced throughout contemporary Western Protestant evangelicalism, the ambiguity and/ or unexpressed expectations of the committee inhibit the securing of a candidate who offers greater longevity and effectiveness, thus provoking subsequent and frequent pastoral turnover. Provided the innate need for mitigating the unintentional oversight and understudied approach by the pastoral search committee, this research investigates and assesses the governable factors on the committee’s behalf that calibrate the search towards securing compatibility by way of effective leadership and longevity. …


Not A Megachurch? Creative Methods Toward Intergenerational Worship Within A Small Evangelical Church: A Case Study, Brenda L. Widger Mar 2020

Not A Megachurch? Creative Methods Toward Intergenerational Worship Within A Small Evangelical Church: A Case Study, Brenda L. Widger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Larger churches have historically had the advantage in the realm of creative worship ministry due to larger budgets, more volunteers and dedicated professional staff. While megachurches have dominated the creative worship model, smaller evangelical churches have struggled to capture the essence of creativity in their services. There is a need to explore the obstacles faced by the smaller church along with methods that can be applied to overcome the challenges to offer effective worship experiences that include creative worship elements in a multigenerational model. In this qualitative historical case study, insight into the processes and resources necessary to move the …


Church Leadership: Examining The Role Of Non-Pastoral Leadership In A New Church Plant, Douglas Martin Beckman Mar 2020

Church Leadership: Examining The Role Of Non-Pastoral Leadership In A New Church Plant, Douglas Martin Beckman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In today’s western Christianity, many small churches are closing their doors; hundreds of pastors are quitting the ministry. Churches are planted quickly, and just as quickly close and disappear. What can be done to bring a halt to this downhill slide? The great message of Jesus Christ is as important and powerful as it always has been. However, in many churches today, there are dissident elements working to take attention away from the gospel. Dissident non-pastoral leadership (a person or persons who undermine the Pastor’s authority and cause disruption for their own benefit) can destroy the entire vision of a …


The Ministry Of Ezra: A Biblical Model Of Intergenerational Worship, Matthew Ryan Nix Mar 2020

The Ministry Of Ezra: A Biblical Model Of Intergenerational Worship, Matthew Ryan Nix

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite many studies on intergenerational worship, there is little focus on a specific biblical character with the aim to edify the Church family as a whole in terms of intergenerational worship and how it impacts all generations and family types in the Church today. This study focuses on the ministry of Ezra and how he led others through a time of intergenerational worship and transition. Guided by examples from Ezra’s ministry, along with historical research, this study will seek to discover ways that Ezra taught worship across generational lines, lessons that the 21st-century church can glean from his ministry, and …


Congregational Hymn-Singing At The Weimar Seventh-Day Adventist Church: A Case Study, Erwin Gabriel Nanasi Mar 2020

Congregational Hymn-Singing At The Weimar Seventh-Day Adventist Church: A Case Study, Erwin Gabriel Nanasi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout the New Testament and the history of the church, congregational hymn-singing has been utilized to edify Christians in worship. Although congregational hymn-singing has been an integral part of Christian worship, many 21st century Christian denominations have departed from this practice. Utilizing contemporary worship music instead of hymns has become the norm. The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics and benefits of congregational hymn-singing. Using a qualitative case study, this research attempted to determine the efficacy of congregational hymn-singing on perceived theological insight, emotional wellness and group unity at the Weimar Seventh-day Adventist church. The subject church …


Behind The Iron Curtain: The Impact Of Persecution On Evangelical Worship, Christy Gabrielle Solomon Feb 2020

Behind The Iron Curtain: The Impact Of Persecution On Evangelical Worship, Christy Gabrielle Solomon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite detailed accounts of religious persecution faced by evangelicals behind the Iron Curtain, many narratives are incomplete, and therefore, the understanding of the extent persecution impacted the worship of believers is limited. With more Christians today being persecuted for their faith than ever before, it is important for believers in America to understand what happens in the lives of their Christian brothers and sisters when they face persecution. By comparing the religious practices of these evangelicals before, during, and after the lifting of the Iron Curtain, the differences in corporate and individual worship as a result of persecution become evident. …


Mentorship Of The Female Worship Leader, Tammy L. Jarboe Dec 2019

Mentorship Of The Female Worship Leader, Tammy L. Jarboe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent years, some evangelical churches have seen a rise in the number of females involved in worship ministry leadership. Despite the female worship leader’s significant call to ministry, many challenges still exist in fulfilling God’s call on her life. Some of these challenges include clarity of call, difficulties in a male-saturated work environment, and perceived lack of opportunities for ministry. Additionally, some female worship leaders feel marginalized by the reluctance of churches to ordain them to the ministries in which they already serve. Although this paper will not address the question of whether women should or should not be …


The Intersection Of Ministry And Mental Health: Worship Leaders With Depression, Benjamin Bartow Harrison Dec 2019

The Intersection Of Ministry And Mental Health: Worship Leaders With Depression, Benjamin Bartow Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the fact the mental health issues are becoming more destigmatized among those in society, pastors and other church staff still face unique challenges when seeking treatment for mental health issues. This study considers the perspectives of ministers who often struggle in silence with depression. This qualitative historical research study will identify the unique challenges faced when battling depression that have not yet been studied concerning the lives of worship leaders in various stages of such mental health issues. Time demands, financial challenges, and stigma have emerged as common themes through exploration of a small body of existing literature and …


Development And Implementation Of Selected Spiritual Disciplines For The Worship Team Leaders Of Monte Vista Baptist Church, Clifton Edwin Kosier Oct 2019

Development And Implementation Of Selected Spiritual Disciplines For The Worship Team Leaders Of Monte Vista Baptist Church, Clifton Edwin Kosier

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the foremost doxological problems of the twenty-first century is complacency in worship. Deficient spiritual development of the follower of Christ is rampant among Christians; many believers, suffering from this, have moved away from the purpose of man - to have a love relationship. This relationship has been replaced with a task-oriented spirit. No longer do we leave worship ready to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, but Christians come to complete a task and remove it from a long list of “to dos” in their busy world. Corporate worship has become habitual while lacking spiritual meaning. …


A Study Of The Renewal Of Worship Through The Restoration Of The Public Nature Of The Gospel: A Case Study Of The Seed Church, Jubilee Together, And Cris, Kang Hyeok Lee Aug 2019

A Study Of The Renewal Of Worship Through The Restoration Of The Public Nature Of The Gospel: A Case Study Of The Seed Church, Jubilee Together, And Cris, Kang Hyeok Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Korean church which advocated evangelicalism is now in crisis. It is because the actual meaning of the Kingdom of God and the public and social significance of the gospel have been lost while the aspect of the individual salvation or the church itself has been its primary concern. As a result of losing the social meaning of sin and salvation, Christianity as a holistic truth has been excluded from the public sphere and is merely regarded as a personal religion. The gospel and the church, which have been reduced to religion and institutions and have acquiesced in the divided …


The Rise Of The Part-Time Worship Leader In The Mid-Size Southern Baptist Church, Donald Oren Blakeney May 2019

The Rise Of The Part-Time Worship Leader In The Mid-Size Southern Baptist Church, Donald Oren Blakeney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of part-time, bivocational, semi-retired and volunteer worship leaders within mid-size Southern Baptist church and the need for further training and education through a denominationally-driven mentor program. The known decline in attendance and financial giving that most Southern Baptist churches have experienced has affected the moneys available to fill staffing needs and thereby require a reassessment of staff positions; the percentage of the budget allocated for staffing and continuing education. Most of these part-time worship leaders are already educated in another field and cannot allot the resources for a return to …


The Impact Of Lyric Choices On Spiritual Edification, Hanna Jane Byrd May 2019

The Impact Of Lyric Choices On Spiritual Edification, Hanna Jane Byrd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Modern Christian worship music has gained influence within the evangelical community. The words of these songs, sung corporately, have the potential to influence the spiritual lives of church congregants, making it important for worship leaders and songwriters to identify the most beneficial lyrics. Despite numerous opinions about theological and personally relevant lyrics, little research has been conducted on the spiritual effects of lyric content within the lives of Christian believers. Diminutive scholarly inquiry has been limited to historical, theological or qualitative methodologies. Utilizing the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Spiritual Transcendence Index (STI), this quantitative quasi-experimental study …