Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of The Pastor In Southern Baptist Churches: A Biblical View Versus A Prevailing View, Wilford A. Stone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will address the role of the pastor by looking at the Biblical view of the role of the pastor and the prevailing view of the role of the pastor in the Southern Baptist Church. Biblical research will be conducted and will be presented in the Biblical view of the role of the pastor. Based on surveys sent to Southern Baptist pastors, Southern Baptist seminary students, and laity in Southern Baptist Churches, perspectives on the prevailing view of the role of the pastor will be presented. Then, the two views will be compared.

Characteristics Of A Healthy Church From The Seven Churches Of Asia That Can Apply To Yohan Tokyo Christ Church, Jong Yoon Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to understand the characteristics of a healthy church from the seven churches of Asia, using Revelation 2-3 and to apply those characteristics to Yohan Tokyo Christ Church. The project carefully examines the characteristics of a healthy church from Jesus Christ’s commendations and condemnations to the seven churches of Asia. It also analyzes and evaluates current situation of the Yohan Tokyo Christ Church based on surveys. Five practical strategies for spiritual health development of the Yohan Tokyo Christ Church are offered. Those strategies will help the spiritual health of the Yohan Tokyo Christ Church and …

Distance Counseling: Perceived Advantages And Disadvantages Among Christian Counselors, Anthony J. Centore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Not available.

“Waltzing With The Monster,” Interventions With The Substance-Abusing Adolescent For Pastors, Treatment Providers, And Family, Philip A. Watkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The biblical story of the "Prodigal Son" is a universal experience made significantly more precarious by the use of mind altering chemicals. A review of the literature reveals that approximately half of all problems impacting American families are caused or exacerbated by the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. This project's focus is the impact of substance abuse on the developing adolescent. Chemical "hijacking" of the brain's pleasure centers and resultant dysfunction is examined. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are discussed. Interventions which facilitate the young person's "homecoming" and implications for the community of faith are integrated.

The Effect Of Spiritual Attitudes On Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, Ralph W. Fox Ii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study hypothesized that there is a relationship between religious orientation (conservative, moderate, or liberal) and the occurrence of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) among Christian women. The participants of this study were 71 married Christian women who were patients from a Christian obstetrical! gynecological medical practice in southern Georgia and who volunteered for an anonymous survey. The survey instruments used in this study included the Sexual Self-Assessment Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Christian Religious Orientation Scale. Demographic information was also gathered on each participant.

Results showed that all of the women had a conservative orientation and …

Developing A Spiritually-Formative Leadership Mentoring Ministry At Southwood Community Church, Aaron David Rock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mentoring is increasingly being recognized as a tool for advancing the God-initiated life-long quest for spiritual formation in newer believers. The purpose of this project is to develop a mentoring ministry at Southwood Community Church in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The project first explores biblical, historical and contemporary mentoring principles and strategies, develops mentors through a training course, and couples them up with a mentee. The mentor and mentee engage in a mentoring relationship with an assessment tool administered before and after a three-month mentoring process to evaluate the impact of the relationship upon the mentee.

Early Childhood Cognitive Development: A Descriptive Study On The Effectiveness Of Preschool Curricula, Alisa Shook Dyson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the lack of rigorous, systematic evaluation of preschool curricula utilizing three survey instruments developed by NSSE: Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, Staff Questionnaire, Program Specific Indicators o/Teaching and Organizational Effectiveness. The measures were designed to reflect the concepts of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) as presented in the revised 2005 NAEYC guidelines, Association of Christian Schools International Intended Student Outcomes, and The National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE) accreditation assessment instruments. Two hundred surveys completed by nonprofit, Christian early childhood center administrators across the United States were utilized in this study. Quantitative data presented utilizing NSSE's psychometric instruments provides the information …

The Perceived Effectiveness Of A Beginning Teacher Mentoring Program In Central Virginia, Toni M. Flanagan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This descriptive study examined the perceived effectiveness of a beginning teacher mentoring program in a public school district in Central Virginia. A total of 87 participants, including beginning teachers, new-to-district teachers, mentor teachers, and administrators were surveyed about the perceived effectiveness of the teacher mentoring program and general demographic information. In addition, 17 of the survey respondents were interviewed as a follow-up to the study. A 5-point scaled survey questionnaire based on Virginia’s guidelines for teacher mentoring programs was the primary means of assessment. Results from the study indicated that the teachers and administrators surveyed had overall positive perceptions of …

Analysis Of Reading Comprehension And Thinking Process , Kevin D. Washburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

According to the U.S. Department of Education, middle school literacy research in four areas is currently mandated: neurocognitive elements, instructional processes, instructional materials, and professional development. This study presents appropriate statistical analysis of fifth grade student gains in reading comprehension and thinking processes. The results suggest reading programs based on findings from the four key areas of research produce significantly greater student achievement in reading comprehension and thought processes than programs not based on findings from the key research areas. The study includes a Research-Based Rubric for Reading Comprehension Components, detailing findings from the four research areas. This rubric serves …

Internet Training For Lay Leaders To Meet Pastoral Care Needs, David W. Peterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature and ministry websites demonstrates that very little material is available online to assist ministry leaders and teachers with the pastoral needs issues they face in their ministries. Most ministry websites are information based rather than education based. Based on surveys and questionnaires sent to leaders and teachers, the project reviews educational website material and takes the reader though the process of developing a ministry educational website for their own ministry. The result is an educational website that may be further developed to equip for meeting pastoral care needs encountered in ministry.

Continuous Quality Improvement: A Two-Year Analysis Of One School’S Achievement During Initial Implementation, Peggy Garrett Coffey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine two intervention programs to determine if participation in one or both programs affected student achievement. Both programs addressed student achievement in reading, language arts, and mathematics. The programs emphasized score disaggregation, teacher instruction, weekly assessments, tutorial and enrichment classes on the academic concepts. This study compared ninety-six fifth grade student scores who completed both intervention programs. The hypotheses were tested using paired t-tests. Participation in the first intervention program showed a statistical significant difference at the .05 level for language arts and no statistically difference for reading or mathematics. Participation in both …

Selected Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Programs Variables Impacting Graduate Scores On The National Council Licensure Examination For Registered Nurses, Lois B. Borek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Students graduating in 2005 from a state approved BSN program in a Christian University experienced a reduced passing rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination as compared to their peers in 2004. An examination of program variables provided insight into the cause for such decline. The quantitative analysis of variables reported in this study identified the significant differences occurring between the two groups of students as (a) cumulative GP A, (b) grades in selected pre nursing science courses, and (c) grades in post admission nursing courses. Findings from this study may enable program administrators to better identify students who have special …

A Consideration Of Church Planting Through Radio Broadcasting In Thailand, Byung Jo Chang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation focuses on the meaning of church planting, and the successful church planning through radio broadcasting and its benefit in Thai missions. Radio broadcasting is the best way of opening up the door for spreading the gospel to start church planting. The research focuses on founding and organizing the broadcasting station in the hopes of giving non Christians opportunities to hear the gospel for the first time, and helping them to become Chris like.

The potential radio broadcasting missions carry, the meaning of it all, and the efficiency behind planting a church through the broadcasting missions is examined. These …

Introversion And Self-Advocacy: Concomitant Predictors Of End-Of-Year Attrition Rates For College Freshmen With Learning Disabilities, Shirley E. Tucker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This attrition research investigated the social aspect of two independent variables, introversion and self-advocacy, and explored whether they functioned as a concomitant unit to reliably predict end-of-year attrition rates for college freshmen with learning disabilities. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator categorized subjects dichotomously as introverts or extraverts while the Tucker Self-Advocacy Tool used a continuous scale to indicate the degree of self-advocacy each subject exhibited.

Several statistical procedures facilitated this correlational study: the Fisher's Exact Test compared the percentage of dropouts between the introvert and extrovert groups while a two-sample t-test compared the average self-advocacy score between the group that dropped …

An Assessment Of Effective Senior Level Leadership Within The United States Air Force Chaplain Service, David W. Kelley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this dissertation is to determine what leadership qualities, traits, and/or behaviors will produce effective leadership of chaplains within the Air Force Chaplain Service. Twelve senior level Air Force chaplains were assessed using three tools: the Dimensions of Leadership Profile, the Contextual Leadership Questionnaire, and Personal Leadership Interviews. Based upon the responses of the senior chaplains the results of these leadership tools will be analyzed and conclusions drawn in reference to successful leadership within the Air Force Chaplain Service.

The Relationship Between Student Perceptions Of Parental Involvement And Grade Eight Reading And Math Achievement In A Rural Georgia Middle School, Wayne A. Hickman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between students' perceptions of parental involvement and grade 8 reading and math achievement as measured by the Georgia Criterion Reference Competency Test (CRCT). This study relied on a theoretical framework developed by Epstein (1987). This framework includes a six-part categorization of parent involvement typologies (Type 1—parenting, Type 2—communication, Type 3—volunteering, Type 4—learning at home, Type 5—decision-making, and Type 6—collaborating), which were used as the basis for data collection and analysis. The High School and Family Partnerships: Questionnaires for Teachers, Parents, and Students were developed by Epstein and Salinas (1993) for …

A Chronological Presentation Of The Writings Of Elmer L. Towns From 1999-2005, Noting The Interrelatedness Of His Teachings And Writings From 1980-2005, Gabriel Benjamin Etzel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will analyze the contributions of Elmer L. Towns to six distinct disciplines, i.e., Church Growth, Sunday School, Christian Education, Bible Study and Exposition, Christian Life, and Theology. This is the third in a series of projects centered on the writing ministry of Elmer L. Towns. This project will examine the writing ministry of Elmer L. Towns from 1999-2005, and also include an analysis of his teaching ministry within higher educational settings. In addition, conclusions will be drawn from a survey of supervisors of the teachings of Elmer Towns from 1980-2005.

Strategies For 21st Century Healthy Church Growth Through The Spiritual Diagnosis Of Osan Baptist Church In South Korea, Gi Chul Choi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis project is to understand the nature, purpose, and a brief history of healthy church growth, and analyze the spiritual factors of Osan Baptist Church in Seoul, Korea based on Natural Church Development written by Dr. Christian A. Schwarz, who suggests eight quality characteristics of growing healthy Churches.

Through this research, strong points for healthy church growth and weak ones for hindering church growth will be discovered. Finally, six strategies of healthy church growth will be suggested to the Osan Baptist Church and other churches for 21 st century.

Gender Equity Of Traditional And Non-Traditional Career Roles In Newbery Award-Winning And Honor Books, Mark Boster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Newbery Award-Winning and Honor books from 1995-2004 present careers in a traditional or non-traditional manner. Two of the most recognizable titles, due to recent Hollywood productions, are Because of Winn-Dixie and Holes. Though there has been much research in the area of gender roles, which indicates males and females in children’s literature are depicted stereotypically, no research was found concerning the area of literary gender stereotypes in careers. After reviewing the use of bibliotherapy and theories of career and gender development, this quantitative descriptive study found careers in Newbery Award and …

A Model For Pastoral Care And Shepherding Of A Large And Growing Church, Aaron J. Rummage

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study addresses the challenges related to the care giving ministry of New Lire Church located in LaPlata, Maryland. This revitalized church has grown from 60 attendees in 1999 to over 1,100 by 2004. The growth has led to many challenges, including the development of a shepherding strategy that will meet the needs of the congregation. The leadership team sought to answer the question of an appropriate shepherding strategy through examining scriptures, reviewing the history of shepherding and evaluating current models of care giving used in large Wesleyan churches. Additionally, a survey of pastoral care methodology employed in large Wesleyan …

The Complexities Of Training National Leaders During The Twentieth Century That Led To A Vast World-Wide Shortage Of Trained Leaders For The Twenty-First Century Church, Francis O. Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is worldwide evidence of a severe modern-day shortage of trained leadership in the church. The purpose of this thesis project is to understand the reasons for the shortage and suggest achievable solutions. Yes, the army of missionaries deployed around the world has accomplished great things for Christ. However, this vast shortage of qualified national leaders came about due to a lack of vision and poor recruitment of theologians and missionary candidates. While missionaries have done a great job planting churches, most were unprepared to train national leaders for these churches. Further, for the last thirty-five years, missiologists have debated …

A Spiritual Disciplines-Based Discipleship Curriculum For The Local Church, Steven Hugh Mathews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The practice of the spiritual disciplines in local Baptist churches is in decline, and there does not exist a curriculum designed to implement the disciplines into the public teaching ministry of the local church. The purpose of this project is to design, implement, and evaluate such a curriculum, with respect to participants' understanding of, motivation to practice, and perceived effectiveness in, ten key spiritual disciplines. The curriculum is evaluated by a diagnostic tool based on Bloom's Taxonomy, and is intended to measure increases in knowledge, motivation, and effectiveness.

Toward The Establishment Of A Worship Theology In The Presbyterian Church Of Korea, Jong Bin Rhee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the existing problems of worship in the Presbyterian Church of Korea and develop worship theology with biblical, historical and liturgical insights. The biblical foundation for an understanding of worship theology is laid by examining a representative cross section of classic passage and pertinent liturgical tests. A brief sketch is made of the Reformed tradition. especially Calvin and Presbyterian in the British Isles and America. It will also analyze current problems in the worship of the Korean Presbyterian churches, and includes some suggestions for establishment of worship theology in the Presbyterian Church …

Family And Consumer Sciences In Higher Education: Common Elements In Undergraduate Curriculum, Susan Lovett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study of undergraduate programs was undertaken to create a current portrait of Family and Consumer Sciences programs and to determine whether common ground exists among the various academic units particularly in the area of curriculum content. The thirty four schools having accreditation with SACS and AAFCS were chosen as the population to be studied. Two lists of curricular element categories were created to evaluate the programs: a 28 item list derived from historical categorizations used in professional journals and educational reporting and a 16 item list taken from the national standards for FCS in secondary programs. The subject matter …

An Evaluation Of The Moody Bible Institute Ministry Based Partnership As A Ministry Training Tool, Danny Ray Cochran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility of churches partnering with theological institutions to offer college-level ministry training in the local church. The Ministry Based Partnership of Moody Bible Institute that was a ministry at Holly Creek Baptist Church for four years is used as the model for evaluation. Student questionnaires are used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. The Biblical basis for an equipping ministry in the local church is examined. The effectiveness of distance learning programs is examined using literature from the field of education. Conclusions are developed using information from the previous processes.

A Model For Computational Undergraduate Research Using Molecular Orbital Theory And A Low-Cost Unix Workstation, David Raymond Dinsmore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study used current molecular orbital theory and UNIX desktop computer workstations running the PSI suite of programs developed by Dr F. Schaefer group of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia to investigate the structures and characteristics of several hypothetical hydrogen-lithium compounds. The researcher, a physics professor with no background in computational quantum chemistry, and very limited chemistry background, experienced this project much like an upper-level undergraduate science or mathematics major. Approaching the research experience from the perspective of an undergraduate research student, the researcher was able to gain unique insight into the undergraduate …

Practical Strategies For Campus Evangelization Through Creation Science Class At Myongji University, Woong Sang Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

No abstract provided.

Historical Perspectives Current Operation And Future Projections For Temple Baptist College, Layne Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation study will propose to present the rich historical past of Temple Baptist College, as well as the current operations and future projections. The trend in current academia is to move away from biblical principles and established moral standards. Many Christian schools too, have succumbed to the pressure of the age. This dissertation was written not merely to record the history of Temple Baptist College (which was never done before) but also to provide standards and guidance to other small Christian institutions. The information recorded in this dissertation was collected after researching archived records and minutes of several Board …

A Strategy Of The Worship Renewal For The Korean Church In Postmodern Times, Yoojung Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project examines the worship in Korean churches in the postmodern era, and presents the most suitable worship model for the congregation. The Korean church is acknowledged for accomplishing one of the greatest church growths within the shortest period of time. Currently they are going through a transitional era of crisis and chaos. The worship field has not changed enough, since Christianity was introduced to this country one hundred years ago. Instead, they have had conflict between traditional and contemporary styles, unable to find the right solution. This project studied specific suggestions for implementing a strategic task, along with field …

Teacher Certification, Teaching Style, And Student Achievement In Arizona Charter Schools, Jill Lambert Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002 mandated teacher certification criteria and accountability for student academic growth for all public schools, including charter schools. At the time of this study, Arizona had 464 charter schools and was one of three states and the District of Columbia that did not require charter schools to employ certified teachers. This quantitative study examined the effect of teacher certification status on student reading achievement and the relationship between teaching style and student reading achievement in Arizona charter schools. Thirty-nine subjects, selected from a convenience sampling, were third through sixth grade Arizona charter …