Digital Commons Network^™

The Russian Gulag: Understanding The Dangers Of Marxism Combined With Totalitarianism, Mark C. Riley

Senior Honors Theses

This study examines the Soviet Gulag, the main prison camp administration implemented in the Soviet Union. The GULAG represents an institution that is not well known, and this paper will explain why it existed and why it remains in the shadows of history. Terror, propaganda, and belief in progress represent the three ideas that directed the Soviet totalitarian system. This thesis will accordingly explore the ideology behind totalitarian government and Marxist practice in order to understand why the Gulag was allowed to exist. Finally, it investigates the reasons why the Gulag has not taken a priority position in human knowledge …

The Software Life Cycle Applied To The Development Of The Avnul Rpg Character Creation Program, James C. Rogers Iii

Senior Honors Theses

This project will endeavor to replicate the "cradle-to-grave" software engineering life cycle development process. This process takes a software project through many stages of existence, from requirements gathering to software design, coding, testing, and maintenance. In this thesis we apply this process to a character creation program, which will be constructed for a client to facilitate the design of his tabletop roleplaying game.

Over the course of developing this software, contact was maintained with the client, but difficulties were encountered in the form of shifting requirements as he refined and modified his as-yet unfinished game rules. Without regular communication, these …

Homegrown Pastors: Seven Timeless Reasons Why You Should Consider Starting A Church In Your Community, Joshua Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis is an investigation into the advantages of planting churches in the lead planter's hometown. According to Dr. Jim Slack, missiologist for the International Mission Board, "The only feasible and viable means of planting enough churches to gain on the yearly population gains and the primarily unchurched/unsaved basic population is to plant indigenous, generationally multiplying neighborhood, `house' churches initiated by neighborhood laymen who can pastor those new churches." This claim is reinforced by the understanding that the best person to reach a national is a national within that people group who already possesses valuable connecting resources through family and …

Professional Naval Chaplaincy: The Ministry Of The Navy Chaplain In A U.S. Navy Bureau Of Medicine And Surgery Hospital, Russell Hale

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Through a review of the literature and personal experiences, it was found that many U.S. Navy chaplains do not see the potential opportunities and value in ministering to personnel, dependents, and retirees in a U.S. Navy hospital setting. Based on the findings of a quantitative survey sent to clinical staff, ancillary staff, Marines, and Sailors serving at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, this project reviews historical paradigms and present institutional perspectives and attitudes regarding the value of the chaplain ministering in a U.S. Navy hospital. Since the chaplain ministers as a member of the interdisciplinary care team, it then …

The Role Of The Pastor As The Primary Worship Leader In The Local Church, Roger Holliman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to encourage pastors to embrace their role as the principle worship leader, rather than to accept and believe "I am not the worship leader." This thesis project investigates and examines a senior pastor's theological duty and obligation as the worship leader of his or her church, and provides the biblical mandate and approaches for how to do this effectively and as a team leader. Through personal interviews of six pastors, plus current research on the topic of worship, this thesis provides instructions on how senior pastors may implement strategies to enhance their understanding of …

The Effect Of Online Collaborative Learning On Middle School Student Science Literacy And Sense Of Community, Jillian Wendt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the effects of online collaborative learning on middle school students' science literacy and sense of community. A quantitative, quasi-experimental pretest/posttest control group design was used. Following IRB approval and district superintendent approval, students at a public middle school in central Virginia completed a pretest consisting of the Misconceptions-Oriented Standards-Based Assessment Resources for Teachers (MOSART) Physical Science assessment and the Classroom Community Scale. Students in the control group received in-class assignments that were completed collaboratively in a face-to-face manner. Students in the experimental group received in-class assignments that were completed online collaboratively through the Edmodo educational platform. Both …

Transitions: Surviving Congregational Change, Reginald Weems

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Holston Baptist Association is the oldest Baptist Association in Tennessee. Established in 1786, the Association presently boasts 106 congregations. Yet for all of its success, statistics reveal that pastoral longevity is not the norm for its churches. This project will analyze the tenure of present pastors within the Holston Baptist Association and provide a blueprint for pastoral longevity in the midst of local church transitions. It will utilize the history of Heritage Baptist Church, Johnson City, Tennessee (USA) and the present pastor's 21-year tenure as a source of research and model for successfully navigating that change. Although specifically intended …

The Fight For The Family: Biblical Applications For Navigating Life's Toughest Challenges In Ministry, Wendell Bishop

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project is an assessment of the life of a minister's family. The purpose of this project is to prepare new pastors, missionaries, and other Christian leaders so that they do not lose their own children while they are reaching the world. After careful research from contemporary ministries and research projects, the Christian leader will be aware of the challenges before him or her and have biblical applications that will help the families navigate through the difficult life of ministry. As a result of reading this thesis project, the reader will become aware of the battle that is taking …

Robert D. Kaplan: The Revenge Of Geography Study Guide, 2013, Steven A. Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Bold Faith, Elmer L. Towns

Books

No abstract provided.

Fasting With The Lord's Prayer, Elmer L. Towns

Books

No abstract provided.

Alan Ryan: On Politics, Book One Study Guide, 2013, Steven Alan Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

A Thread In Japan’S History: The Historical Journey Of Japanese Christianity To The Brink Of Modern Japan, Rebecca Velker

Senior Honors Theses

A Jesuit missionary named Francis Xavier pioneered the Christian faith in Japan in 1549. Japan was open to the gospel, and many missionaries followed Francis Xavier. Japanese people from a wide range of social standings supported Christianity for a variety of reasons. The Tokugawa government soon viewed Christianity as a threat to the authority of the Japanese government. Japan persecuted the Christians and the Japanese church was driven underground. Over two hundred years later during the Meiji Restoration, Japan altered its policies towards the West and tolerated Christianity in Japan. Despite never being fully welcomed, the Christian belief resonated with …

An Examination Of Reaching, Teaching, Feeding And Loving People For The Kingdom Of God, Gwendolyn Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the biblically prescribed methodologies and innovative tools for attaining the desirable results of more disciples instead of followers of Christ. It is incumbent on every believer to fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission, to go out into the world and preach the gospel to every ethnos. There are several contributing factors that are conducive to people globally starving holistically mainly due to a deviancy of knowledge imparted and less implementation of discipleship. The inclusion of this thesis is a partial account of interviews with some Christian leaders and selected Disciples of …

The Essential Leadership Elements For Transforming The Ethos Of A Local Church, Austin Rammell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the essential leadership elements involved in transforming the ethos of local church from a community organization for Christians into a movement to change the world. It is a case study of what took place at Hardin Baptist Church (now Venture). In addition to published scholarship, the findings from the case study will be compared with five other churches that have experienced a similar transformation. The reason for this project is to document the key elements of the transformation of Hardin in hopes that the changes will serve as a tool for other …

Pierre Manent: Democracy Without Nations? The Fate Of Self-Government In Europe Study Guide, 2012, Steven A. Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Erik Von Kuehnelt-Leddihn: Leftism: From De Sade And Marx To Hitler And Marcuse Study Guide, C. 1990-2012, Steven A. Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Charles Hill: Trial Of A Thousand Years: World Order And Islamism Study Guide, 2012, Steven A. Samson

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Epic Families: Equipping Parents To Reclaim Their Biblical Mandate While Inspiring Children To Know And Love The God Who Made Them, Marybeth Meltzer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates that there is a fundamental problem in the church today: the church has taken on the primary role of discipling children, while many parents have abrogated their biblical mandate as outlined in Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Surveys of parents as well as practical ministry experience confirm that great confusion exists among parents as to the scope of their biblical responsibilities. This project reviews historical perspectives and the present situation in the church and offers guidance to both parents and ministry professionals to help parents reclaim their God-given responsibilities.

Making Executive Privilege Work: A Multi-Factor Test In An Age Of Czars And Congressional Oversight, Ken Klukowski

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Modern Day Rome? The Correlation Between The Roman Republic And The United States Of America, Katie L. Raybould

Senior Honors Theses

When America’s founding fathers sought to create their new nation, they turned to the reliability and practicality of the Roman Republic. While careful to not create a carbon copy of the Republic, the founders drew inspiration from Rome’s symbolism and everyday life, government, philosophy, military strategies, and religious tolerance. This paper will highlight the similarities that exist between the Roman Republic and the United States in the above mentioned five areas. Much of Rome’s example has outlived both Rome and the founding fathers in its effectiveness and viability. The Roman Republic may have fallen, but her influence lives on through …

Diagnosing The Demonic, David W. Appleby

Faculty Publications and Presentations

One of the most difficult tasks for a therapist is to determine whether a client’s difficulty is psychologically based or spiritually based. Scripture shows us that virtually any physical, psychological, or social symptoms might be attributed to demonic spirits. The enemy attacks on all possible fronts, which complicates the whole process of diagnosis. The most accurate diagnoses come not from looking only at symptoms, but at predictive life experiences. If the individual has opened certain doors there is an increased probability that demonic involvement is present. These include (1) generational curses, oaths, and soul ties, (2) occult involvement, (3) trauma …

The Dilemma Of Genocide In The Old Testament, Daryl Neipp

Masters Theses

The Old Testament command to destroy every breathing thing within the cities of the Promised Land has long been a problem for those who seek to understand God. In some cases this has become welcome fodder for those who desire to question the credibility of Scripture, while for others it just creates an ethical gap that is simply too far to cross. This thesis will address the challenging issue by demonstrating how God's command to destroy the Canaanites was an essential component of his redemptive plan in that it brought to fruition the goals of the Abrahamic Covenant and established …

An Examination Of Key Foundational Elements For Pastoral Identity As Found In The Life And Writings Of The Apostle Paul, Carl Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The challenges of pastoral ministry can be seen since New Testament times. Studies reveal that an alarming number of pastors leave the ministry each year. Those that remain in ministry often see their families in turmoil as a result of the hardships of ministry. The Apostle Paul's ministry challenges are detailed and described for today's pastor through the New Testament. Today's pastor can learn a great deal from Paul's example in regard to how to finish the race of ministry. Through an examination of Paul's writings, writings about Paul in the book of Acts, surveys with pastors, and a review …

Holistic Healing Ministry: A Practical Guide For Korean Presbyterian Churches, Yanghyun Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study attempted to provide practical and effective advice to Korean Presbyterian churches (KPCs) for adapting Holistic Healing Ministry (HHM), not as an optional ministry but a necessary ministry for all local churches through the exact biblical concept about HHM. Through the analysis of survey for HHM conducted in many congregations of KPCs, this thesis evaluated the present reality of HHM ministered to KPCs, examined holistic health conditions of the congregations of KPCs, and identified which domain of health - physical, emotional, or spiritual - KPCs are currently interested in. Moreover, this thesis drew up a plan for KPCs to …

Mentoring Men For The Master, International: The Unique Man, Ministry, And Model Of Discipleship, Mark Keith Huckaby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to research, illuminate, and communicate the model of discipleship developed by Dr. William L. Bennett of Mentoring Men for the Master, International (MMM). This project will examine the biblical nature of mentoring, and the history, philosophy, development, organization, functionality, and effectiveness of this unique model through the use of primary sources: interviews with Bennett, his writings, interviews with mentees, an online survey, and personal analysis. Supportive discipleship resources undergird the research. Special attention will be given to Bennett's call, influence, and involvement in the establishment and operation of MMM as its Founder and President.

The Significance Of Developing Core Counseling Competencies In Pastoral Care Ministry, Craig L. Younce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to present the importance of developing four specific core competencies in the area of pastoral counseling. It is problematic that most pastors have received minimal or no training in counseling resulting in inadequate therapy when parishioners seek pastoral counseling during times of crisis. The material presented in this thesis project enables pastoral care givers to become proficient counselors through a series of learning objectives, best practices, critical tasks, and accomplished practices directed toward improving counseling competencies in the area of personal, marriage, and family counseling. Additionally, this project addresses the problem of pornography, …

An Examination Of Key Foundational Elements For Pastoral Identity As Found In The Life And Writings Of The Apostle Paul, Carl Jason Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The challenges of pastoral ministry can be seen since New Testament times. Studies reveal that an alarming number of pastors leave the ministry each year. Those that remain in ministry often see their families in turmoil as a result of the hardships of ministry. The Apostle Paul's ministry challenges are detailed and described for today's pastor through the New Testament. Today's pastor can learn a great deal from Paul's example in regard to how to finish the race of ministry. Through an examination of Paul's writings, writings about Paul in the book of Acts, surveys with pastors, and a review …

The Biblical Use Of Rewards As A Motivation For Christian Service, Bill Fredric Korver

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current cultural trends and Christian literature reveals very little writing and preaching about a motivation for personal obedience in general and vocational ministry in particular. The purpose of this project will be to demonstrate how one's motivation for service to Christ will be greatly enhanced when considering the possibility of gaining, or losing, rewards from Jesus Christ both in this life and more specifically at the future judgment seat of Christ. It will be the intent of this project to demonstrate conclusively that not only is this a scripturally sound motivation, but also that it is a …

What Factors Of Cultural Intelligence Predict Transformational Leadership: A Study Of International School Leaders, Emerson K. Keung

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

International schools are a microcosm of the globalization that is occurring throughout the world. Effective leadership is critical to ensure that schools are successful in accomplishing their missions. This study examines if there is a relationship between cultural intelligence and effective leadership, defined as transformational leadership, in international school leaders, and if so, what factor(s) of cultural intelligence best predicts transformational leadership in international school leaders. International school leaders received an online survey that included the Cultural Intelligence Scale and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5X. Standard multiple regression analysis was used. The results indicate that there is a significant positive …