Digital Commons Network^™

Effective Discipleship In Central Virginia: Contextualizing The Great Commission In A Changing Southern Culture, Andrew Gregory Moroz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The overall mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations. Gospel Community Church is a church plant that is striving to make disciples in central VA and around the world. The purpose of this thesis is to develop an effective discipleship strategy for GCC. In order to develop this strategy, this thesis first considers the history and culture of central VA, the Biblical mandate and examples of discipleship in the Bible, snapshots of discipleship throughout church history, and current forms of discipleship in central VA churches.

The Effects Of The Nxt Robotics Curriculum On High School Students' Attitudes In Science Based On Grade, Gender, And Ethnicity, Sandra Lyn Jewell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the effects of the NXT Robotics curriculum on high school students' attitudes about science. A quasi-experimental research design was employed in the evaluation of the NXT Robotics class. The program was evaluated by comparing the attitudes and interests of 57 students who participated in the elective NXT Robotics class and not a science class, and 57 students who participated in a science class and not the elective NXT Robotics class. While a treatment group and a control group were compared, the groups were intact groups chosen out of convenience rather than through random assignment into the treatment …

Pornography Addiction: A Cognitive Approach In Combating The Lies Christian Males Believe, Farid Awad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pornography addiction has grown in epidemic numbers. Its bondage is evident within and outside the church walls. While sex and sexually explicit images saturate our daily lives, God continues to call His people to be holy as He is holy. Freedom from pornography addiction can be achieved only through intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and by accepting the atoning work of His cross for all believers. This thesis will redefine pornography through the lens of the Scripture and primarily focus on cognitive lies regarding oneself and others, which are crippling and ensnaring men into the trap of pornography. This study …

The Experiences Of Teen Text Messaging In The Context Of Family Communication, Relatedness, And Connection: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Jackie Thayer Craft

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study is a phenomenological inquiry of teenagers' text messaging in the context of family communication, relatedness, and connection. Interviews with teenagers and parent are conducted to investigate the experience of text messaging within the family context. Journal entries are also used as sources of data for this study. Transcripts of the audio recordings for the interviews are analyzed for thematic data. Additionally, the participants and two reviewers evaluated the transcripts and interpretations for accuracy. The data for the teenage interviewees is examined next to the data of the parent interviewees for comparative purposes.

The Changing Role Of The Pastor's Wife In Today's Evangelical Church, Debra D. Benoit

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to explore the changes that have occurred in the lives of pastors' wives over the years in regards to her position in the church, her role within the family and her life outside of the church. Research will be conducted through interviews of pastors' wives in various stages of ministry and church experience, as well as a research/literature review of materials showing the historical role of the pastor's wife and how her role has continually developed and changed over the years. The underlying goal of this thesis is to provide a framework for teaching …

A Proposal To Develop Christian Leaders For South Africa's Kingdom-Focused Church, Roney Lucas Ndala

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

My proposal centers around developing Christian leaders to believe in themselves and aspire to building kingdom- focused churches in line with the Great Commission. With the alarming growth of churches in South Africa it is imperative to focus attention to the development of leaders who will align and focus the growth to the kingdom. The purpose of this project is to introduce leaders to the concept of kingdom- focused churches that will move people within the ministry of the growing church. The project reviews some principles of a healthy growing church and the need for alignment during this growth stage. …

Mathematics Self-Efficacy Of Community College Students In Developmental Mathematics Courses, David Walker Clutts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mathematics self-efficacy was defined as an individual's beliefs about how he or she would perform a specific math task or in a specific mathematics or related course. Mathematics self-efficacy was differentiated from self-esteem. Previous literature found self-efficacy in general and mathematics self-efficacy in particular to be significantly related to enrollment, retention, and completion. This study used the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Survey to investigate whether age, gender, developmental mathematics course, or developmental mathematics grade were significantly predictive of mathematics self-efficacy among developmental mathematics students course at a Kentucky community college. Multiple linear regression found that none of these variables were statistically significant …

Reflections Upon Korean And American Evangelical Church Models For Effective Strategy In Developing Missional Churches, Kyoung Jun Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to present my reflections upon Korean and American evangelical church model for effective strategy in developing missional churches. God is reviving Korea and North America with missional churches. Some churches in Korea and America are changing their paradigm, not focusing on church buildings and programs but on missions and outreach. This thesis offers reflections about the missional church concept by presenting a set of case studies of well- known missional churches. The result of the case studies provides helpful insights on establishing a missional church. Drawing from case studies of missional Churches and a …

An Analysis Of Pastor Sunhee Gwark’S Sermons By Using Hermeneutic Methods Of Practical Theology For Improving Sermon Paradigm, Jinhyu Park

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to analyze the sermons of Sunhee Gwark, the former senior pastor of So-Mang church, into hermeneutic methods of practical theology for improving sermon paradigm. The relationship between the world of Scripture and the world of audience was investigated and the world of audience was valued equally with the world of Scripture in sermon. In order to analyze Gwark's sermons, the standards of evaluating sermon were provided. An improved sermon paradigm was suggested and the author wants this study to contribute to refreshing sermons to be balanced between the world of Scripture and that of …

Influence Of Assessment For Learning Professional Development In Rural Georgia Public Schools, Marianne W. Cole

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the effect of two models of professional development concerning Assessment for Learning on teacher perception of the effectiveness of Assessment for Learning strategies and student achievement as measured by standardized Georgia End of Course Tests. The study hypothesized that a positive relationship exists between teacher perception of the benefit of Assessment for Learning strategies and increased student achievement as measured by student performance on standardized Georgia End of Course Tests. The study hypothesized that a positive relationship exists between teacher participation in Assessment for Learning professional development and teacher positive perception of the benefit of Assessment for …

Forged By Conviction: An Historical Overview Of The Southern Baptist Conservatives Of Virginia, Jeffrey Reid Pinder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to capture the history of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV). The information presented in this dissertation can benefit other state conventions engrossed in overwhelming bureaucracy. The SBCV also serves as a model assisting other state conventions in reclaiming their convention's conservative theological moorings. The organization, structure, and example of the SBCV can help other state conventions in need of either restructuring or revitalization. This project reveals how God providentially guided the SBCV, and as a result of their faithfulness and efforts, the world and prevailing culture has been impacted by the power …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Attitudes & Perceptions Of Middle School Students Towards The Character, Advocacy, Remediation, Enrichment, & School Spirit (Cares) Program, Nathan John Buhl

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological research study, using three tiers of interview and focus group data, described the attitudes and perceptions of middle students towards the Character, Advisory, Remediation, Enrichment, and School Spirit (CARES) program implemented at a rural middle school in north Georgia. The CARES program is a middle school advisement program designed to better meet the needs of the adolescent learner with the intent of creating a caring learning community which supports the social, emotional, and academic needs of middle school students. Results of the study showed that the students perceived the CARES program positively. Specifically, students communicated high levels of …

Survey Of Best Practices For The Development Of Online Religious Communities, Daniel Charles Doody

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the procedures to develop an Internet-based online church and seminary. Ultimately, the research will define the tools, technologies, and best practices of building religious online communities to better serve the unchurched, church members and seminary students. Research will address the shared resources common to both the online church and seminary for evangelism, teaching and training. The findings of the study will also result in the creation of an implementation guide for the future development of other religious online communities.

A Strategy For Training Hispanic Laymen To Minister In The United States, James Beryl Boswell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature shows that little material is available for the training of Latino Laymen to minister in Spanish here in the United States. The purpose of this project is to focus on the urgent need for training Hispanics with meager educational opportunities to minister to the overwhelming immigration of Latinos who lack in education also. This strategy is developed in regard to the nature of the project, its common elements, and the adequate strategizing in preparation of the project. Based on interviews, testimonies and personal counseling with Latino Layman and teachers,the project reviews, textbooks, religious journals, blogs, …

Engaging Postmoderns In Worship: A Study Of Effective Techniques And Methods Utilized By Two Growing Churches In Northern California, Jon Paul Lepinski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide effective methodology for engaging postmodern worshipers. Bethel Church and The Stirring, both located in Redding, California, were the target churches for this study. Each of these culturally-relevant churches was researched for the period of five weeks and data was collected through personal interviews, worship observations, and questionnaires. The findings of this study have produced numerous techniques for appropriately engaging postmoderns.

A Multi-Plantation Ministry: Blending A Multi-Site And Church Planting Strategy In The Local Church, Nick Floyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature shows a growing interest in the multi-site movement. However, very little is written about churches who are showing a commitment to both multi-site and to church planting. This kind of both/and commitment is called multi-plantation. The goal of this project is to provide a resource to pastors who are actively seeking to find new ways to fulfill the Great Commission. Through a study of the theological, ecclesiological, practical, and personal matters of multi-plantation ministry, the goal will be accomplished.

An Analysis Of Rev. Oak, Han-Hum's Sermons, Dae Shik Yoo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An accomplished preacher, teacher, and church-planter, Rev. Oak, Han Hum was the pastor of Korea's famous Sarang Community Church, which he founded with less than 50 members but grew under his leadership to over 80,000. In an attempt to better appreciate Rev. Oak's success, this thesis will analyze Rev. Oak's sermons, giving special attention not only to his preaching techniques and style but also his mindset, philosophy, and attitude toward his pastoral responsibility. Unquestionably, his passion for and commitment to preaching the Word of God, was a significant part of his ability to connect to his congregation through his sermons. …

The Vision Explosion Company: Its Creation And Development, Robert Steven Hallett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Vision Explosion Company will provide a consulting ministry in a business context to mentor churches throughout each of the developmental stages for defining their Vision Journey, implementing those results into the programming life of the church, and deploying the gospel troops to staff those programs. It is a company that is newly created by this author and his wife, and will be staffed by ministers/consultants who serve as Vision Mentors.

It is easy for churches to fall into complacency and routineness, having understood their general vision theologically, but do not have it specifically defined for their church, and have …

The Demise Of Compassion: A Casualty Of A Changing Culture, Donald Grady Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There are numerous forces that influence and/or impact churches. The various effects of culture have become one of the greatest forces that churches and pastors are facing. Dealing with various cultures have always been a challenge for society and the church. Now, more than ever, the church needs to take a close look at the effects of cultural influence. Unfortunately, many churches are embracing cultures that are not consistent with the teachings of the Scripture. This project will address one such issue: The Demise of Compassion.

Comparing Academic Achievement Of African-American Males Who Do And Do Not Participate In High School Athletics, Thomas Victor Montgomery, Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study was conducted to investigate the impact on academic achievement that high school athletics had on African-American male students who participated in high school athletics against African-American male students who did not participate in high school athletics during the 2008-2009 school year. The results were measured by grade point averages (GPAs) and surveys developed by the researcher. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not African-American males that participated in high school athletics showed higher academic achievement than African-American males that did not participate in high school athletics. The study also assessed attitudes about the relation …

Developing A Strategy Of Worship For Evangelical Believers Born From 1945 To 1955, Rodney Dale Whaley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project researched the need for developing a worship ministry strategically designed to meet the cultural, spiritual, musical, and emotional demands of early senior adults, those born from 1945 to 1955. The research question is, "How can the evangelical church meet the worship needs of her members born from 1945 to 1955?"

Non-Traditional Entrants To The Teaching Profession: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of The Motivations, Experiences, And Reflections Of Second-Career Teachers, William Darrell Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Individuals entering the teaching profession from other fields have much to offer in terms of practical experience in fields such as business, private industry, law enforcement, and the military. This study examined the phenomenon of second-career teachers with specific emphasis on the motivating factors, common experiences, and reflections of the participants in this study concerning the decision to leave already established professions in order to pursue a career in teaching. The study also inquired into the process involved in professional preparation as well as in assimilating to the culture of schools. Twelve diverse second-career teachers were purposefully chosen for this …

Reading Comprehension, Learning Styles, And Seventh Grade Students, Judy Lynne Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Reading is a basic life skill. Unfortunately, in 2007, only 29% of all eighth graders were able to comprehend at or above a proficient reading comprehension level. Sensory learning styles (kinesthetic, tactile, auditory, and visual) affect the way that students prefer to learn and the areas in which they will have difficulty learning. This study examined sensory learning styles as one possible factor effecting seventh grade students' reading comprehension level. The purpose of this study was to see if a relationship exists between any sensory learning style and reading comprehension levels. The subjects for this study were seventh graders from …

A Study On The Motives Of High School And Undergraduate College Students For Using The Social Network Site Facebook, Michael Hart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An online survey conducted at a mid-Atlantic university and two high schools located in close geographical proximity sought to determine the motives for using the social network site Facebook.com. A redesigned instrument based upon the Interpersonal Communication Motives (ICM) scale used in past uses and gratifications research measured motivations for Facebook use. Motives of undergraduate college students and high school students for using Facebook attempted to predict attitudinal and behavioral outcomes of Facebook use. The study compared the descriptors of the behavioral and attitudinal outcomes of high school students to the descriptors of the behavioral and attitudinal outcomes of undergraduate …

The Effect Of Athletic Participation On Academic Achievement For High School Seniors In Eastern Tennessee, David Andrew Gorman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This causal-comparative study with a narrative component investigated the effect athletic participation on the academic achievement of senior student-athletes and non-athletes who attended three public high schools in Eastern Tennessee. The impetus for the study was the conflicting research as it relates to the impact athletics participation had on academic success at the college and high school levels. Through student athlete and non-athlete comparisons of ACT scores and GPAs, the researcher found athletic participation did not affect academic achievement for high school seniors who graduated in 2009 from the three target high schools when compared to non-athletes. However, statistically significant …

Effective Blended Family Ministry In The Twenty-First Century Church, Ronald Lee Beck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Blended or Step family is the number one family unit in the United States today. As a result, it is imperative that the New Testament Church learn to more effectively minister to the needs of this growing family group. Although the blended family has many issues, six of the more prevalent issues are discussed in this thesis with solutions given to help any family in the blending process to have a better chance of success.

Influence Of Technology On Adolescent Development And Spiritual Formation, Kevin Daniel Monahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescence is the time when a person develops perceptions about religious thoughts and with proper guidance, can be a stronger follower of Christ. The purpose of this project is to analyze the effects of technology on young people and to show a direct correlation between the influence of technology and spiritual growth of adolescents. I will argue that both the positive and negative influences of technology have made our students more informative yet less personally intimate. This shift of personal interaction presents a challenge to the cognitive development and spiritual formation of all students.

Rural Schooling In Georgia: The Experiences Of A Minority Community Service Organization Involved In Local School Decision-Making Activities, Cynthia Louise Altman Lowe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation study was a descriptive case study of a minority community service organization whose members were actively involved in local school decisionmaking and activities in a rural Northeast Georgia community. Rural schools face unique challenges in light of current educational trends. To address the challenges, rural schools must learn to encourage, develop, and sustain effective collaborations with increasingly diverse social groups in order to capitalize on all available social, economic, and intellectual resources. The purpose of this study was to collect and examine the stories and experiences of members of a rural, minority community service organization who actively sought …

Addressing The Lack Of Male Elementary School Teachers: Factors That Influence Grade-Level Preference, Michael David Patrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine which, if any, specific factors are deterring male teachers from pursuing elementary education. The number of male elementary teachers in America's public school systems had continued to decline, and this survey sought to discover what specific factors had contributed to this. This study surveyed 231 male public school teachers from six different school districts in Tennessee, Georgia, and Missouri. Male participants recorded their viewpoints regarding male elementary teachers while at the same time they provided personal information concerning factors which contributed to their own personal grade level selection. Participants were surveyed to …

Impact Of Self-Esteem And Identification With Academics On The Academic Achievement Of African American Students, Edward Earl Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of self-esteem and identification with academics on the academic achievement of African American students in a charter school setting. Ninety-three students participated in this study. Using a pretest/posttest control group design, both the experimental group and the control group were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory and the School Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) as pretest measures of self-esteem and identification with academics at the beginning of the experiment. The control and experimental groups were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory and the School Perceptions Questionnaire (SPQ) at the end of the experiment. The control group received no intervention …