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Basic Bible Interpretation: Introducing The Inductive Bible Study Method, Jason L. Bell
Basic Bible Interpretation: Introducing The Inductive Bible Study Method, Jason L. Bell
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There is a dire need for Christians to know a viable method of biblical interpretation. This project seeks to address that need through teaching the inductive Bible study to a group of people in a Southern Baptist congregation. The participant learning outcomes for the project were to acquire a method of biblical interpretation, develop the ability to perform a method of biblical interpretation, gain knowledge of the book of Jude, and to utilize meditation as a means to enrich spirituality. This project used action research as its primary methodology. The triangulation method of data analysis was employed by collecting data …
Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor’S Guide To Ministering Chronic And Terminally Ill Children And Their Families, Barbara F. Holston-Jones
Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor’S Guide To Ministering Chronic And Terminally Ill Children And Their Families, Barbara F. Holston-Jones
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Millions of children will die this year due to chronic and terminal illnesses. The medical and psychological communities have attempted for decades to find a methodology that will help parents and the child find hope for the future. The psychological and medical communities’ meta-analysis studies have shown that the goal of hope has been elusive for children and families in all current modalities. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only true assurance for parents and children experiencing chronic and terminal childhood illness. Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Romans that believing in the gospel brings life all joy, …
A Study On The Effect Of Church Revival And Growth Through A Relationship-Based Evangelism Of Cell Church: The Case Of Seoul Sungbok Church In Korea 목장 교회의 관계전도를 통한 교회 부흥과 성장의 효과에 관한 연구: 서울 성복교회를 중심으로, Young-Woo Eun
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This paper aims to study the effects of the ranch church system to the growth and revival within a church by analyzing various cases of other churches organized as ‘ranch church’ among churches in Korea. The purpose of this paper is to propose methodology of a growth of the church which is necessary for Korean churches by describing and studying methods of relationships, nurture, services, mission works, training, etc. The Korean churches have gone through the growth and revival which are unparalleled in the world. However, there is a lack of the qualitative growth in proportion to sizes and numerical …
A Phenomenological Study Of Early Resignation Among Southern Territory Salvation Army Officers, Everette F. Platt
A Phenomenological Study Of Early Resignation Among Southern Territory Salvation Army Officers, Everette F. Platt
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand early resignation of Salvation Army officers in the Southern Territory by investigating their lived experiences with the phenomenon. The theories guiding this study were role identity, as it explains the differences in perceptions and actions that accompany a role and emotional intelligence (EI), which refers to a generic competence in perceiving emotions, both in oneself and in others. The central research question addressed how former Salvation Army officers in the Southern Territory perceive that their officership experiences impacted their decision to resign early. The subquestions for this study addressed (a) …
Reading Scripture: Developing Intimacy With God, The Church, And Community, Tammy Janiece Jacko
Reading Scripture: Developing Intimacy With God, The Church, And Community, Tammy Janiece Jacko
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
By addressing the biblical literacy that results from not reading Scripture, and lack of discipline, Christians will experience spiritual growth, maturity, and a Christian worldview as a result of applying proper exegesis and hermeneutics of Scripture. The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry thesis project is to help Christians read the Bible by engaging in proper biblical interpretation. According to Fee and Stuart, “a text cannot mean what it could never have meant for its original readers/hearers. The interpretation of the biblical text is what the original writer had first spoken or written,” directly from God; therefore, developing the skills …
The Role Of Biblical Literacy In Discipling Believers In The Local Church, Joseph G. Austin
The Role Of Biblical Literacy In Discipling Believers In The Local Church, Joseph G. Austin
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The degradation of biblical literacy has increased in recent years to the point that many church attendees have very little actual knowledge or understanding of Biblical truths. This lack of knowledge is a direct correlation to the lack of moral foundations for many of today’s believers, particularly with younger generations. The goal of this paper is to provide a balanced, substantive, and interactive plan for churches, large and small, to integrate into their discipleship programs or use to assist the local church in establishing a discipleship program. The process will include surveys gauging the level of biblical literacy among self-identified …
Declining Church Attendance: Five Reasons Why Millennials Have Stopped Attending Church, Charles Eugene Sumpter
Declining Church Attendance: Five Reasons Why Millennials Have Stopped Attending Church, Charles Eugene Sumpter
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
During the past decade, every denomination has recorded a decline in church attendance despite a continual increase in the US population. Research organizations including the Barna Group, Pew Research, and the Hartford Institute of Religion Research conducted an untold number of surveys providing statistics that ascertain reasons for declining church attendance and why people are leaving the church. Failure to address the issue of declining attendance will lead to more church failures and an increased number of people with no church affiliation. This research document will review data from the Barna Group, Pew Research, and the Hartford Institute of Religion …
Depression In Black Men: One Church’S Solution, Dwayne T. Baskin
Depression In Black Men: One Church’S Solution, Dwayne T. Baskin
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This dissertation examines the Black Church’s influence on Pentecostal African-American men who are depressed, and how the church may assist these men to heal from the wounds of despair through a Pentecostal experience. While many Pentecostal African-American men have matriculated through the ranks of leadership, establishing successful businesses, churches, ministries, and organizational denominations; they are teetering on the edge of an emotional and spiritual breakdown. Researchers have found that African-American men are understudied and underdiagnosed as it pertains to depression. Eight African-American Pentecostal men were interviewed and given questionnaires to examine how depression affected them while maintaining leadership roles in …
Short-Term Missions: Developing An Effective And Sustainable Program In The Local Church, Matthew Alan Trill
Short-Term Missions: Developing An Effective And Sustainable Program In The Local Church, Matthew Alan Trill
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Increasing numbers of churches, schools, and Christian ministries are sending out teams to foreign countries for brief trips. Without proper oversight these may become little more than sightseeing excursions. This project seeks to develop a ministry for the New Testament Baptist Church in Largo, Florida that will support its missionaries’ objectives and provide significant spiritual experiences for participants. The project focuses on determining proper objectives, training team members, raising funds, arranging logistical matters, and implementing components into a successful outreach. Research includes a thorough examination of biblical principles, contemporary resources on the topic, and at least sixty surveys from experienced …
Evaluating Discipleship Program Effectiveness Of Liberian Churches In Worcester, Massachusetts, Jesse G. Gibson
Evaluating Discipleship Program Effectiveness Of Liberian Churches In Worcester, Massachusetts, Jesse G. Gibson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This project is evaluating discipleship program effectiveness of Liberian churches in Worcester, Massachusetts. The goal of this thesis is to develop a strategy and effective program for the Liberian churches in Worcester, Massachusetts as a tool to train and educate the Liberian churches for effective and adequate discipleship programs. This project will survey Liberian Christians residing in Worcester, Massachusetts who are members of churches that are dominantly Liberians. This research will help others to understand their religious background, social lifestyles and commitment to discipleship. Implementation of the 12-step training proposed in this project will enable the Liberian churches to be …
Mitigating Decline Of Church Growth Resulting From Misunderstanding Of Selected Messianic Passages In Psalms And Isaiah, Hiwatha Bell
Mitigating Decline Of Church Growth Resulting From Misunderstanding Of Selected Messianic Passages In Psalms And Isaiah, Hiwatha Bell
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Paul admonishes the leaders in Ephesus to guard the flock whom God gave them oversight, to develop their spiritual insight by advancing their Scriptural aptitude so they would be able to withstand opposing forces outside the church as well as threats that would emerge from inside the church (Acts 20:28-30). Christ often engaged religious leaders in Judaism, accusing them of evangelizing to others (Matt. 23:15) and misleading those whom they had evangelized and proselytized (Matt. 15:1-13). The Bible is replete with Scriptures that require the shepherd to protect the sheep from wolves, thus the impetus for this report. This report …
Trying Times: 21st Century Sexual Revolution, Churches And Ministers At-Risk, Samuel H. Murray
Trying Times: 21st Century Sexual Revolution, Churches And Ministers At-Risk, Samuel H. Murray
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The 21st Century Sexual Revolution in America is redefining marriage, gender identity, human sexuality and public interaction while simultaneously challenging those who dare disagree. As the pastor of a small church, this writer is concerned about potential litigation as a result of these societal changes. These issues are rapidly emerging and evolving. Governmental bodies, corporations, advocacy groups, and courts at all levels are engaged. Churches and ministers may be at risk of adverse legal actions. A review of legal cases will reveal trends and precedents concerning these issues. Individual interviews will engage ministers and churches as to their preparedness and/or …
A Study On Church Revival And Growth Through Prayer Ministries: The Case Of Busan Sooyoungro Church In Korea, Dong Won Chun
A Study On Church Revival And Growth Through Prayer Ministries: The Case Of Busan Sooyoungro Church In Korea, Dong Won Chun
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this study is to emphasize the necessity and importance of prayer ministries by studying the effect of prayer church revival and growth and to offer practical and concrete suggestions. Korean churches are currently experiencing a serious crisis of stagnation and decline due to their focus on the quantitative measurement of success and the moral failure of pastors. It is certain that various aspects of churches must go through major changes in order to overcome the current crisis and to revitalize the churches. It is meaningful to highlight the role of prayer ministries as a part of the …
A Case Study Of The Culturally Diverse Worship At The Florida Hospital Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Richard Edwin Hickam
A Case Study Of The Culturally Diverse Worship At The Florida Hospital Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Richard Edwin Hickam
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church (FHC) is a multicultural, multigenerational church in Orlando, FL. This case study will examine the history of the worshiping community with particular attention to the change in the culture of the worship services enacted in 2014 and its ongoing impact. The church moved from a traditional and a contemporary service to two identical culturally conscious worship services. This format is unusual in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) denomination. Seventh-day Adventism was named in a Pew study as the most diverse religion in the United States, but that does not mean its people are racially worshiping …
Worship Pastor's Need For Pastoral Leadership Development, Jerry Leonard Newman
Worship Pastor's Need For Pastoral Leadership Development, Jerry Leonard Newman
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Pastoral leadership development must occur beyond the musical development that is gained through practice and musical education. The premise of this study considers the developmental needs of those in church leadership. Music ministers may be equipped for musical aspects of leadership. However, failure in obtaining knowledge, understanding, and enacting of the pastoral leadership elements required to fulfill the role of a music pastor may not have been developed. It can be argued that a change in role from ‘music minister’ to ‘a pastor who happens to lead worship' should occur. While little research can be found confronting the need for …
Implementation Of A Basic Exegetical And Hermeneutical Class For Students: To Interpret God’S Word Exegetically And Apply God’S Word Hermeneutically, Casey Whiteis
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
A course to use in student ministries that addresses the capabilities of students in being able to interpret and apply the Bible for themselves. The rationale for choosing this topic is that students are aging out of the student ministry without a basic understanding of how to read, interpret, and apply God’s Word for themselves. All too often, while attending the student ministry, students understand topics that relate to what they are experiencing in high school; however, are they receiving the tools required to continue applying God’s Word to their lives? Tools are provided to students that will guide them …
Developing A Strategy To Vitalize Volunteering For Successful Community Service In Korean Churches: Focusing On The Korean Baptist Church Of Blacksburg, Daijoong Park
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Volunteering is a practical method of community service which is an essential ministry of the church’s mission as the salt and light of the world. In order for a church to fulfill its mission of community service, the volunteer work of church members should be activated. However, many church members are still not participating in community service, and some volunteers have difficulty in continuing their volunteer work due to the lack of volunteer management for volunteering properly. The purpose of this study is to develop a viable volunteer management process to vitalize volunteering for community service of a church properly …
Resolving Intergenerational Conflict Within The Rural Black Churches Of Central Virginia, Patrick Ward Bland
Resolving Intergenerational Conflict Within The Rural Black Churches Of Central Virginia, Patrick Ward Bland
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this project is to assist church leaders and their congregations in the rural black churches in Central Virginia to become more aware of the intergenerational conflict that has governed and, in some instances, legitimated the church. Qualitative and quantitative analysis and academic research revealed a majority of rural black churches in central Virginia are challenged with limited increase in membership because of the frequency of blatant disregard shown among the various generations. This thesis proposes a biblical model for Christian pastors and church leaders to provide resourceful methods of leading their congregations into more productive growth.
The Unifying Theme Of The Mind Of Christ In Philippians Demonstrated By Paul's Use Of Rhetorical And Linguistic Devices In An Oral/Aural Culture, David Alan Posey
The Unifying Theme Of The Mind Of Christ In Philippians Demonstrated By Paul's Use Of Rhetorical And Linguistic Devices In An Oral/Aural Culture, David Alan Posey
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Among the debatable issues arising from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians are questions concerning the structure, integrity and thematic emphasis of the letter. This dissertation argues that the “Christ Hymn” (2:6-11) is the central point of a chiastic structure of the letter, establishing the “Mind of Christ” as the primary and, thus, unifying theme of this correspondence. Four primary fields of research lend support to this hypothesis. First, rhetorical criticism seeks to understand the meaning of the biblical text through recognized persuasive devices utilized within first-century literature and speech. Second, linguistic studies, in its simplest form, examines the selection and …
Effectiveness Of Religious Cognitive Behavior Therapy For The Treatment Of Clinical Depression In Religious People: A Single-Case Research Design Analysis, Richard Mark Cozart
Effectiveness Of Religious Cognitive Behavior Therapy For The Treatment Of Clinical Depression In Religious People: A Single-Case Research Design Analysis, Richard Mark Cozart
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This study used a single-case research design analysis to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of the Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health (Duke Center)’s religious cognitive behavior therapy (RCBT) with four deeply religious Christians reporting moderate to severe depression. Literature suggests that religious individuals prefer interventions that reflect their religiosity and experience at least equal recovery rates compared to the use of conventional cognitive behavior therapy (CBT); however, they may not have access to effective religious treatments in customary religious venues, and there is a lack of understanding of why such individuals respond to religious treatments. The four …
A Strategic Evangelism Project For The Youth Of The Newly Formed South Brooklyn Academy Sparklers: The Indiscriminate Distribution Of God's Four Everlasting Covenant Provisions, Courtney W. Wickham
A Strategic Evangelism Project For The Youth Of The Newly Formed South Brooklyn Academy Sparklers: The Indiscriminate Distribution Of God's Four Everlasting Covenant Provisions, Courtney W. Wickham
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
God’s prophetic word to Jeremiah (31:31-34) echoes God’s plan of redemption which was there, even before the foundation of the earth. In this prophecy, God declares that “He will write His law on the hearts of men”. God’s law is His Word, and this Word “became flesh and dwelt among men” (John 1:14). This Thesis Project focuses on the first stage of Evangelism, sowing. The membership of the South Brooklyn Academy Sparklers Pathfinder Club, represent the youth arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They are passionate about the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) and the Three Angels Messages (Rev. 14:6-12). However, …
How Public College Students Experience Biblically-Informed Literature Taught As Cultural Documents: A Transcendental Phenomenology, De'lara Khalili Stephens
How Public College Students Experience Biblically-Informed Literature Taught As Cultural Documents: A Transcendental Phenomenology, De'lara Khalili Stephens
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This transcendental phenomenology describes the experience of public college students who study biblical or biblically-informed literary texts that are taught merely as cultural documents in literature and humanities courses. Two primary theories informed this study: transformation theory in adult learning and the theory of literary apologetics. Furthermore, qualitative methodologies of data collection included journaling, individual interviews with 13 public college students, and focus groups. Data analysis included epoche, member checks, and horizonalization. Three research questions guided the study: (1) How do public college students describe their experiences with biblical or biblically-informed literary texts when they are taught simply as cultural …
Cultural Based Discipling According To The Strategies Of Jesus, Jonathan Smith
Cultural Based Discipling According To The Strategies Of Jesus, Jonathan Smith
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Many newly planted and existing churches in America have difficulty developing a discipleship culture. They focus on weekly worship gatherings and Bible Study classes. Gathering for worship and Bible Study is needed and right, but when this is the only activity, discipleship and a holistic healthy church culture is not occurring. Unfortunately, many churches engage in a consumer-driven culture with people unwilling to be in a sacrificial discipleship process for the Gospel’s sake. Jesus had four primary strategies for developing disciples. They are the gathered strategy, the small group strategy, the mentoring strategy and the sending strategy. Each is part …
Divine Physiology: Deity Revealed Within The Conception Of Jesus Christ, Robbin Nelson
Divine Physiology: Deity Revealed Within The Conception Of Jesus Christ, Robbin Nelson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This thesis project will develop an educational instrument linking science to faith supporting the deity of Jesus Christ, specifically as it relates to his conception. This information will be used by this author’s church to understand the identity of Jesus. This thesis project will employ analytical, theoretical, and scientific research methods as applies to a study of medical and theological information, as well as interviews with medical professionals, and religious leaders.
Saving The Sheep, Preserving The Fruit: A Plan Of Christian Education For The Millennials And Beyond In The Midwest Wesleyan Church, Keith Studebaker
Saving The Sheep, Preserving The Fruit: A Plan Of Christian Education For The Millennials And Beyond In The Midwest Wesleyan Church, Keith Studebaker
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This thesis involved a ministry plan for adequately preparing preteen youth in the Midwestern Wesleyan Church denomination. The goal was to ground those youth in their relationship with God until their relationship with Him and His Church will persist through their teenage years and beyond. The topic is crucial in view of the marked exodus of youth from the evangelical church by their late teenage years, often never to return. Data were collected to show what is actually being provided currently to preteen youth in Midwestern Wesleyan local churches through a mixed-methods survey of pastors or Christian education leaders in …
Developing A Discipleship-Training Model For Equipping The Laity With Both Emotional And Spiritual Maturity In Korean Churches, Jongsik Hwang
Developing A Discipleship-Training Model For Equipping The Laity With Both Emotional And Spiritual Maturity In Korean Churches, Jongsik Hwang
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There are a lot of discipleship training programs in South Korea, but there is no discipleship-training program that focuses on both emotional maturity and spiritual maturity at the same time for mature believers. By focusing so much on spiritual maturity, churches have neglected the parts of emotional maturity since the churches were planted in South Korea. Emotionally unhealthy believers cause conflicts in church and struggle with serious individual troubles. Therefore, Korean churches should have a discipleship program which focuses on the emotional aspects as Jesus came to the earth as a perfect human and an incontestable God. The purpose of …
Connecting The Church Beyond Prison Ministry: Transitioning The Discipled Prisoner Into A Discipleship Community, Joyce Weathers
Connecting The Church Beyond Prison Ministry: Transitioning The Discipled Prisoner Into A Discipleship Community, Joyce Weathers
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The prison population in the United States surpasses all other countries on a per capita basis. The number of released inmates, who return to prison (recidivism) is staggering. In-prison Christian discipleship programs have successfully transitioned parolees into the free world, but little research has been done to confirm a standard practice for the transition process. Theories abound from clergy and laity alike; yet apathy and fear remain persistent deterrents. The church is confronted with a biblical mandate to assist the incarcerated (Matt. 25:36) and to make disciples (Matt. 28:19). By addressing the current concerns of church and prison ministry leaders, …
An Examination Of Children’S Ministry Volunteer Development From Pastors And Laity In The Local Church, Kenneth Warren
An Examination Of Children’S Ministry Volunteer Development From Pastors And Laity In The Local Church, Kenneth Warren
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Developing children’s ministry volunteers in the local church is crucial to the sustenance of the body of Christ. Children’s ministry volunteers should be viewed as capable partners with both parents and church leaders in fulfilling the Great Commission. All volunteer ministries of the church matter, but those serving in children’s ministry have the unique opportunity to shape the lives of individuals who could serve the kingdom for a lifetime. Children’s ministry volunteer development is valuable because kingdom advancement hinges on lay ministry development as described in Ephesians 4:11–16. For this project, the researcher surveyed children’s ministry volunteers and pastors in …
7 Essential Keys To Success: Developing The Spiritual Discipline In The Leader, Bernard Winchester
7 Essential Keys To Success: Developing The Spiritual Discipline In The Leader, Bernard Winchester
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
To deny that some leaders have problems, and others do not, is to deny Scripture, history, and experience. All leaders may not have as many problems as some, but all leaders do have problems. These problems are not always produced by the grass-roots membership. Leaders are often the cause of the very problems they see and deplore in the church. It is apparent that this is true when a leader has dishonored the moral standards or departed from sound doctrine. It is more often true when the leader has been indolent, failed to plan his work or work the plan, …
Relational Reading For Biblical Discourses: A New Strategy For Preparing Biblical Preaching, Sung-Shin Park
Relational Reading For Biblical Discourses: A New Strategy For Preparing Biblical Preaching, Sung-Shin Park
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this thesis project is to propose a new strategy for preparing Biblical Preaching by demonstrating the value of using Relational Reading (RR). Since preaching is communication between God and His people, preachers must properly handle God’s message, His Word, written for His people. RR is a powerful interpretive tool that can help maintain the integrity of Scripture and assist pastors in their biblical preaching ministry. Theoretical and biblical research was conducted in relevant literature and articles on hermeneutics, homiletics and linguistics. Based on surveys sent to current pastors, the present situation of biblical interpreting and preaching was …