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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Improving Adoptive Mergers At River Community Church, Gavin Roger Adams Nov 2020

Improving Adoptive Mergers At River Community Church, Gavin Roger Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project cross compared the adoptive mergers of River Community Church (RCC) to identify the methodologies and strategies that created one successful campus via adoptive merger and a subsequent unsuccessful campus. Empirical analysis quantified the gap in success between RCC Chesterfield and RCC Fairway. Qualitative research provided the thematic points of differentiation in RCC’s adoptive merger implementations. The thematic findings detailed a potential revitalization plan for RCC Fairway, a common structure for future RCC adoptive merger considerations, and insight for churches contemplating adoptive merger pursuits.


A Qualitative Study On Internal Control Usage And Financial Accountability Among Baptist Churches In North Georgia, Melissa Jill Kirby Nov 2020

A Qualitative Study On Internal Control Usage And Financial Accountability Among Baptist Churches In North Georgia, Melissa Jill Kirby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study addresses the deficiency in knowledge on internal control usage and financial accountability in churches, and the effects they have on losses from theft, fraud, and misappropriation of assets. This study explores the perceptions of Baptist church pastors, administrative assistants, and other church leaders who are responsible for the financial activities of the church, on internal control usage and financial accountability. This case study consists of 24 Baptist churches located throughout north Georgia. Six themes materialized from this research, including corrective internal controls, detective internal controls, preventative internal controls, proper internal control procedures, financial accountability and stewardship, and …


A New Era: Utilizing Technology Tools To Enhance Elder Independence, April Lisa Phelps Nov 2020

A New Era: Utilizing Technology Tools To Enhance Elder Independence, April Lisa Phelps

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this integrative review was to examine the multitude of technology tools and the evidence which supports their use to enhance elders’ independence when residing at home. Multiple journal articles and books published between July 2015 and July 2020 were examined using the PRISMA model for evidence to support or oppose the use of technology to enhance the elders’s independence. A total of 27 articles were included in the final review. An exploration of gaps in knowledge related to the issue of elders using technology tools such as wearable sensors, artificial intelligence, home monitoring, robots, mHealth, Internet of …


Improving Teacher Retention In A South Carolina School District, Christine Proctor Gunter Nov 2020

Improving Teacher Retention In A South Carolina School District, Christine Proctor Gunter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study is to solve the problem of the teacher retention issue for a school district in South Carolina and to design a solution to address the problem. A multi-method design was used consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The first approach was structured interviews with administrators. The interviews with administrators aimed to set the foundation on their school’s teacher retention and attrition and provided an outline for supportive opportunities they offer early-career teachers. Surveys with early-career teachers provided insight to their thoughts and feelings about their profession and school. The third approach is to …


Establishing Christ Community Church As A Sent Community: Initiating Spiritual Conversation With Confidence, Relevance, And Conviction, William Leland Burch Ii Nov 2020

Establishing Christ Community Church As A Sent Community: Initiating Spiritual Conversation With Confidence, Relevance, And Conviction, William Leland Burch Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that Christ Community Church does not see itself as a ‘sent community.’ A ‘sent community’ is one where purpose and forward movement in Kingdom work is embraced. A church must seek to involve itself in the community, delve into the needs, and speak to the emptiness with the Gospel of Jesus. The purpose of this project is to establish Christ Community Church as a ‘sent community’ by offering a sustentative engagement program which will: 1) describe the mission of Jesus; 2) assess the culture in which the church is situated; 3) answer six frequently asked theological questions; …


Preaching And Teaching: An Integrative Evaluative Approach To Christian Practices At Fil-Am Sda Church, Ernst Jacques Nov 2020

Preaching And Teaching: An Integrative Evaluative Approach To Christian Practices At Fil-Am Sda Church, Ernst Jacques

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this thesis, biblical expository preaching is defined as the exegetical method that brings out the theological nuances of a narrative biblical passage in relation to content and context. Biblical expository preaching in the USA is facing a significant theological challenge as churches are becoming culturally diverse. Research has shown that theological understanding plays a great role in Christian spiritual formation; it has also shown that believers are generally more receptive to sermons that are contextualized. This thesis project aims to determine how biblical expository preaching can make sense to believers and spur them on to spiritual maturity in a …


A Phenomenological Study Of Abstinence Self-Efficacy Experiences Among Residential Servant Leaders With Substance Use Disorders, Scott J. Rancourt Nov 2020

A Phenomenological Study Of Abstinence Self-Efficacy Experiences Among Residential Servant Leaders With Substance Use Disorders, Scott J. Rancourt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the abstinence self-efficacy experiences of participants in a servant leadership program at a Christian residential therapeutic community. The central research question was: What are the lived, abstinence self-efficacy experiences of participants in a servant leadership program at a Christian residential therapeutic community? A purposeful sampling method was utilized to obtain 10 participants from the servant leadership program at the site. Two theories guided this study. The first is servant leadership theory, which focuses on the importance of passionately meeting the needs of others. The second is cognitive-behavior self-efficacy theory, which …


The African American Student's Perception Of Equity At Predominately White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Annitra C. Leigh Nov 2020

The African American Student's Perception Of Equity At Predominately White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Annitra C. Leigh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological qualitative study aimed to describe the perceptions of equity among African American graduates of Virginia predominately white institutions. Participants included 12 African American male and female student graduates who attended predominately white institutions in Virginia as full-time campus students. The theories that guided this study are Bandura’s social learning theory and the theory of self-efficacy as they focus on retention and motivation and the influence on one’s surroundings. Data sources included open-ended questionnaires, interviews, and a focus group. Data analysis followed the phenomenological method of listing and grouping, reduction and elimination, clustering, validation, and textural description of participants. …


An Experience, A Story And A Song: An Investigation Of How Using Biblical Parables Can Aid As A Method In The Creative Process Of Songwriting And Self Efficacy, Willie James Stroud Iii Oct 2020

An Experience, A Story And A Song: An Investigation Of How Using Biblical Parables Can Aid As A Method In The Creative Process Of Songwriting And Self Efficacy, Willie James Stroud Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Psalm 96:1 declares, "O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord all the earth." In essence, of this scripture, there is a need for the worship leader to return to this unique command. The church can be the creator of not only worship songs but also worship songs that are rich in theology. The interest for worship leaders and their staff to write their songs, operating in the role of a musical artist, is becoming more of a sought-after asset to produce a freshness on the worship platforms. Parables are stories used to capture the imagination …


Exploring The Perceived Impact Of Retired Senior Pastors On The Ministry Of Evangelical Churches Of America, Frank France Delange Oct 2020

Exploring The Perceived Impact Of Retired Senior Pastors On The Ministry Of Evangelical Churches Of America, Frank France Delange

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of retired senior pastors’ (RSPs) involvement in ministry following retirement. The study sought to understanding the perceived impact of RSPs on the ministry of American evangelical Protestant church of RSPs after retirement. The rationale behind the research was the phenomenon that a significant portion of the cohort of retired senior pastors continue to serve in ministry after they have retired. The study heard and analyzed first-hand data from RSPs who had lived experience in ministry after leaving the local church they led and RSPs who had lived experience …


Prayerlessness: Using Expository Sermons To Change The Way Believer's Pray, Joshua Kenton Smith Oct 2020

Prayerlessness: Using Expository Sermons To Change The Way Believer's Pray, Joshua Kenton Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In America, the church is operating with less supernatural power than it once did or currently does in other parts of the world, especially as it relates to those like East Barbourville Baptist Church who belong to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). For example, the Annual Church Profile data of the SBC for the 2018 year reveals that its overall membership has reached a thirty-year low. Likewise, the data reveals a decline in baptisms for the tenth year in a row. Yet, the church has access to more ministry tools and better training than any previous generation, so what is …


Improving The Classroom Behavior Of Black Male Students At Homestead Elementary School: An Applied Research Study, Terrance Walter Siler Oct 2020

Improving The Classroom Behavior Of Black Male Students At Homestead Elementary School: An Applied Research Study, Terrance Walter Siler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied research study was to solve the problem of classroom behavior for Black male students at Homestead Elementary School and to formulate a solution to address the problem. A multi-method design was used, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The first approach was semi-structured interviews with administrators. The second approach was to survey with teachers. The third approach was archival data using referral data from Homestead Elementary school. The sample size was 23 Duval County district employees. The site location was Homestead Elementary School. The central research question was: How can the problem of minority …


Using Social Media To Enhance Customer Service: A Study Of Independent Day Spas In Phoenix, Arizona, Krista Fabrick Oct 2020

Using Social Media To Enhance Customer Service: A Study Of Independent Day Spas In Phoenix, Arizona, Krista Fabrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media customer service is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses, and many small businesses struggle in this area. This qualitative study explored how independent day spas use Facebook and Instagram for customer service and their effectiveness on these platforms. The participants included ten small, independent days spas in the Phoenix, Arizona, areas with ten or fewer employees, have less than $1,500,000 in annual revenue, and have a presence on Facebook and Instagram. Four common themes arose from this research. First, day spa owners/managers generally have at least a basic knowledge of Facebook and Instagram. Second, owners/managers are typically the ones …


The Public Reading Of Scripture As Integral For Biblical Development, Raymond David Campbell Oct 2020

The Public Reading Of Scripture As Integral For Biblical Development, Raymond David Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry project is to show the impact the public reading of Scripture in worship has on spiritually developing the people of God, and by further showing whether public Scripture reading will enhance biblical literacy, spiritual development and a change of perception relating to Scripture’s role in worship. Despite the surge of worship practices in the contemporary evangelical church designed to attract people to the worship service, and practices which seek to develop spiritual growth, the actual biblical mandated practice of the public reading of Scripture as one method for developing individuals is negligible in …


Information To Transformation: The Implementation And Effects Of Sermon-Aligned Daily Bible Study On Spiritual Growth, Stephen J. Kimpel Oct 2020

Information To Transformation: The Implementation And Effects Of Sermon-Aligned Daily Bible Study On Spiritual Growth, Stephen J. Kimpel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

What would occur if the biblical text that was preached in a weekend sermon was not relegated to a singular communication of information? What would change if the life of the sermon was extended through the practice of daily, scriptural study? What growth could we expect from an individual who is involved in daily Scripture that is not only integrated in the community of faith, but also aligned with the weekend sermon? It is precisely from questions such as these, that this thesis was formed. The purpose of this project was to study the implementation and effects of Sermon-Aligned Daily …


The Utilization Of The Internet In The Advancement Of Discipleship In The Traditional Black Church, Marshall Williams Oct 2020

The Utilization Of The Internet In The Advancement Of Discipleship In The Traditional Black Church, Marshall Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Discipleship and technology are interrelated. Discipleship is the process of maturing in Christ through our actions, life, and words, as well as how we present ourselves to the world. This must become integral to the vitality and mission of the traditional Black Church. Technology is a resource that can assist the traditional Black Church to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. This thesis premise is supported by applied research (survey findings from pastoral leaders within the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia), academic research (scholarly material from experts in the fields of theology, sociology, statistics, and church growth), and …


The Leader's Role In Motivating Public Sector Workers, James B. Meeks Jr Oct 2020

The Leader's Role In Motivating Public Sector Workers, James B. Meeks Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In municipalities throughout the United States, there exists a belief that many public sector workers are unmotivated, disengaged from their work and disinterested in serving the public (Lavigna, 2014). This qualitative case study sought to understand the central phenomenon of the perceptions of public sector leaders in South Carolina for motivating their workers. Herzberg’s theory regarding the efficacy of leaders to understand the intrinsic motivational factors influencing worker performance, along with the four aspects of transformational leadership served as the theoretical framework for this study. Franklin (2016) explored the impact of leadership styles using Herzberg’s two-factor theory and a variety …


Determining The Effectiveness Of System-Based Solutions To Improve Fragmented Care For Oncology Patients Living In Rural And Remote Regions: An Integrative Review, Andrea Nicole Fulmer Oct 2020

Determining The Effectiveness Of System-Based Solutions To Improve Fragmented Care For Oncology Patients Living In Rural And Remote Regions: An Integrative Review, Andrea Nicole Fulmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this integrative review is to review, critique, and synthesize the current literature to determine the state of the science related to the established systems approach for improving healthcare management and care coordination of the oncology patient population in rural and remote regions. The oncology patient population with co-existing chronic disease living in rural and remote regions experience fragmented health care. New cancer diagnoses take precedence over other existing comorbidities and require focused and specialized care for lengthy periods of time. Research is significantly limited for the current state of science for the identified patient population living in …


Predicting And Preventing Inactive Members, James David Barrett Oct 2020

Predicting And Preventing Inactive Members, James David Barrett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Most churches have many members classified as inactive. The purpose of this project is to discover if there are any common characteristics among those who have become inactive that can be used to identify and prevent others from becoming inactive members. Based on surveys and questionnaires sent to pastors, active, and inactive members from several churches in the Cabarrus Baptist Association, the project seeks to identify patterns among members who have become inactive. It then reviews the information to propose strategies to identify possible methods for preventing members from becoming inactive in the future.


From Ideology To Implementation: Moving One Church Staff From An Aspirational Mindset Of Developing Leaders To An Actionable Movement Of Leadership Development, Trevor Blake Hislop Oct 2020

From Ideology To Implementation: Moving One Church Staff From An Aspirational Mindset Of Developing Leaders To An Actionable Movement Of Leadership Development, Trevor Blake Hislop

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to a recent article on “The Paradox of Leadership” from Harvard University, there are more than 15,000 books in print on the topic of leadership, and the number of works written about leadership in the past decade is greater than the total number of works ever written. So, if leadership is so highly valued in our culture today, then why is there a decline in leadership development in the church? Additionally, there are a growing number of churches that have detailed programs for leadership development; however, few churches are producing new leaders. Church at Viera in Viera, Florida, embraces …


The Impact Of A Lectio Divina Bible Reading Methodology In The Lives Of A Sample Of Congregants At Crestview Baptist Church, Robert Milton Stephens Oct 2020

The Impact Of A Lectio Divina Bible Reading Methodology In The Lives Of A Sample Of Congregants At Crestview Baptist Church, Robert Milton Stephens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Consistent Bible engagement is an indispensable spiritual discipline in the life of growing Christians. Many who profess they are Christian will also unashamedly state that they are too busy or have no time to read the Bible at all. Pastors who take upon the mantle of leadership within the local church must seek ways to be intentional about mobilizing their congregations to engage with Scripture in order to address this alarming trend. This thesis project desires to offer the local church a practical suggestion for getting their congregation to engage with the Bible in addition to times of corporate gathering. …


Peer And Professor Relationship Quality: A Moderation Model For Student Persistence In Distance Education, Rayella Stevens Oct 2020

Peer And Professor Relationship Quality: A Moderation Model For Student Persistence In Distance Education, Rayella Stevens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Relationships matter, as hypothesized. This study finds the association between the DE relationship variables of COI relationships, teaching alliance, student bonding, professor rapport, and impact of face-to-face learning on DE psychology/counseling graduate students’ factors are significant in relationship bonding environment. The ubiquity of relationships is seen in educational and social growth contexts within various populations’ bonding environments. Our research further establishes that social contact alliances and interaction are necessary elements for effective DE in psychology/counselor education. The findings of this DE study is consistent with psychological research on the associated factors within therapeutic bonding relationships. Results address whether the direct …


The Role And Function Of A Hospital Chaplain In An Interdisciplinary Team, Joseph Richard Jeffries Oct 2020

The Role And Function Of A Hospital Chaplain In An Interdisciplinary Team, Joseph Richard Jeffries

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Healthcare workers provide quality of care to patients who enter the hospital. However, to provide the holistic care, patients need interdisciplinary teams who meet and collaborate on a plan of care. There are various skills sets required on an interdisciplinary team including chaplains. However, members of an interdisciplinary team do not necessarily understand how to utilize the chaplain’s multifaceted training for the best holistic care of the patient. The purpose of this study is to review the interdisciplinary team in the hospital context and address the understanding of the chaplain’s role and function. The study will utilize a qualitative research …


The Rising Costs Of Hospital Pharmaceutical Shortages And The Impact On Patient Care: Exploring The Use Of Predictive Analytics In New York Area Hospitals, Leticia Laura Currin Oct 2020

The Rising Costs Of Hospital Pharmaceutical Shortages And The Impact On Patient Care: Exploring The Use Of Predictive Analytics In New York Area Hospitals, Leticia Laura Currin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative case study examined the rising cost of hospital pharmaceutical shortages and the impact on patient care. This study also explored the use of predictive analytics to reduce costs and improve patient care efficiency. Increased health-care spending is partially due to prescription medication prices. Management of hospital drug procurement affects patient health, quality care, and hospital budgets, while risk management needs to minimize possible medication shortages. For patients to get the drugs that they need, pharmacists need to have resources at their fingertips to obtain a deep insight into the knowledge of drugs through the supply chain. The research …


A House Mended: Hope For Christians Who Are Married To Or Cohabitate With Unsaved Spouses/Partners, Angela Marie Houchins Oct 2020

A House Mended: Hope For Christians Who Are Married To Or Cohabitate With Unsaved Spouses/Partners, Angela Marie Houchins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Some Christians face unique challenges within the context of their marriages and cohabitating relationships because their spouses or partners are unsaved. This unequally yoked spiritual dynamic may negatively impact not only their marital/cohabitating relationships, but also their Christian spiritual growth and maturity. Many of these Christians are unsure about what the Bible advises about their situation. Unfortunately, many churches do not have programming to support this Christian demographic. This thesis project, through a qualitative, phenomenological research framework, will seek to understand, interpret, and describe the experiences these individuals contend with as a result of their unequally yoked marital/cohabitating way of …


Biblical Worldview Development While Learning Origins Science, Charleton Dean King Oct 2020

Biblical Worldview Development While Learning Origins Science, Charleton Dean King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology was to understand the lived experience of how homeschooled high school students integrate origins science into a biblical worldview. For this study, biblical worldview development is the process of faith development in either form or content through an individual’s understanding and application of the Bible. The theoretical framework guiding this study is Fowler’s faith development theory as it relates an individual’s physical, mental, and moral growth to the development of their worldview. This study sought to answer the following research question: how do homeschooled high school students integrate origins science into a biblical worldview? …


Students’ Experiences Of College Professor Communication In Online Instruction: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, William E. Carpenter Oct 2020

Students’ Experiences Of College Professor Communication In Online Instruction: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, William E. Carpenter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe 13 students’ experiences of college professor communication in asynchronous online courses at a large urban community college in central North Carolina. The focus was to answer the central research question of how online students describe communication experiences in an online college learning environment. The theories guiding this study were Knowles’ (1980) theory of adult learning- andragogy, and Short, Williams, and Christie’s (1976) social presence theory, as they correlated the need for professor communication with adult learning and social presence since communication can impact academic success for adult learners. To collect …


Exploring The Perceived Barriers That Create A Disadvantage For Black Women To Obtain Leadership Positions In The Finance And Investment Industry, Porscha L. Baines Oct 2020

Exploring The Perceived Barriers That Create A Disadvantage For Black Women To Obtain Leadership Positions In The Finance And Investment Industry, Porscha L. Baines

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on the barriers implied towards Black women when they pursue leadership opportunities in the finance industry, because the demographic is obtaining secondary level degrees at a high level rate, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. The organizational standards that may disqualify Black women from achieving promotional opportunities in the workplace were explored for insight into the workplace experiences of Black women to determine the barriers present in the work structure that may cause promotional obstacles for the demographic. Through conducting interviews, the experiences of Black women that have been promoted to leadership roles along with those who …


Effective Church Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, Joshua T. Lancaster Oct 2020

Effective Church Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence, Joshua T. Lancaster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In On Leadership, John Gardner wrote, “Most of what leaders have that enables them to lead is learned.” Effective leadership skills can be learned and become habits. In Primal Leadership, Daniel Goleman wrote, “Not only can emotional intelligence be learned, but it also can be retained over the long term.” Southern Baptist congregants expect their pastors to be theologians, but also effective leaders. The emotional quotient barrier suggests that pastoral leadership is less effective because of behaviors such as inconsistent management of emotions, inability to genuinely connect with people, or leading without inspiration. This has led to stagnated or declining …


An Approach To Teaching Christian Apologetics To The Believers In The Local Church, Reba Renorder Gore Oct 2020

An Approach To Teaching Christian Apologetics To The Believers In The Local Church, Reba Renorder Gore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project is an academic research on apologetics, which will be taught in the in the future in local church. Many people in the Christian community may be attending the local church and living in their community that may not clearly understand apologetics. As followers of Christ, in the Christian community and the local church, can everyone defend the Faith and feel comfortable? In the Old and New Testament, God has given His road map for man. He came, lived, was buried, and resurrected for all humankind that would accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. As Christians, …