Digital Commons Network^™

Comparing Leadership Scores Of Collegiate Level Basketball Players And Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (Rotc) Students, Lawrence A. Braue

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the differences in the transformational leadership practices of collegiate level basketball teams and students from an Army Reserve Officers Training Program as measured by Kouzes and Posner’s Student Leadership Practices Inventory (SLPI) (2006). The purpose was to determine if ROTC students with formal leadership training obtained higher leadership scores on the SLPI than the basketball players who had not received formal leadership training. The study compared the overall mean scores of ROTC students who had participated in at least one year of formal leadership training and the players from a university men’s and women’s basketball team who …

The Cell Keys Are Turning: Spiritual Integration In The Treatment Of Christian Women With Anorexia Nervosa, Lisa Sosin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study explored Christian spirituality, counseling practice, and recovery from anorexia nervosa. A spiritual integration model based on a comprehensive review of the literature was proposed. This model reflects a step care treatment approach, including the current standard of practice, spiritual integration, and Christian spiritual integration.

Next, a phenomenological analysis of document, interview, and observation data revealed several themes pertinent to counseling practice with Christian women suffering with anoexia nervosa. These themes were classified as (a) prior to treatment: spiritual disconnection, including suffering and brokenness, taking control of brokenness through anorexia nervosa, and her broken faith; (b) during treatment: …

The Relationships Between Cognitive Deficits And Spiritual Development, Charles Nolan Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An individual’s spirituality is shaped and supported by his or her cognitive capacities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between various cognitive deficits and the spiritual development in individuals who qualified for special education under the category of Specific Learning Disability. Participants were randomly selected through systematic sampling of students and former students of Kellyville Public School who met the criteria. The cognitive deficits were measured by the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (2001) or the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery- R (1989), and spiritual development was measured by the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (2002). The results of …

The Relationship Between Selected Predictor Variables And Successful Completion Of Online Courses, Murray Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected variables (age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, financial assistance, student status, number of previous online courses, current online course load) and grade achievement of nontraditional, online students at a selected theological institution. Students who received a grade of A, B, or C were categorized as passing or successfully completing the online courses. Students who received a grade of D, F, W, WD, WP, or WF were categorized as failing or not completing the on line courses. Data for the study was collected from the institution’s enrollment/student database. The participants …

How To Successfully Mature A Small Church, Richard Patrick Mcgee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a tremendous amount of Christian writings that defines a successful pastor as one who has increased numerical growth each year. The purpose of this paper is to encourage the small church pastor that obedience to the Great Commission, which includes reaching, baptizing, and teaching, is God’s measuring standard for success. The evidence of success will be discipleship-making according to the opportunities that God has given each pastor. It emphasizes that God equally provides all pastors the spiritual tools necessary to mature His church. A case study of Grace Church illustrates how it matured over the last forty-five years.

Impact Of Racial, Ethnic, And Socioeconomic Diversity: Student Perceptions Of Educational Outcomes In A Northern Virginia Public School System, Joseph F. Fontanella

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between diverse learning environments and students’ perceptions of their educational experiences within a large Northern Virginia public school system via quantitative, nonexperimental, survey methods. Five areas reflecting frequently established goals of education were explored: student diversity; curricular diversity; student learning and peer interaction, to include development of critical thinking skills; future educational aspirations; and goals and perceptions of support by the school. Subjects were 11th-grade high school students from across a selection of the 10 high schools in the subject school division. Data was derived from the Diversity Assessment Questionnaire (DAQ), an instrument that asked …

Character Traits In Newbery Award Literature 1997-2007, Julie Beth Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the character example elements in the Newbery Award winning books from 1997-2007. Content analysis was used to identify the pertinent character traits identified by the researcher using the acronym C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. These example elements include: (a) caring/compassionate, (b) helpfulness, (c) acceptance, (d) respect, (e) ambition, (f) citizenship, (g) trustworthiness, (h) encouragement, and (i) responsibility. Using a coding system developed for this study, four readers read and discussed the books to attempt consensus as to the character traits identified. The researcher sought answers to the following questions: (a) Do the Newbery Award winning books …

National Board Certified Johnston County Teachers’ Perceptions Of National Board Certification In Contrast To Their Non-National Board Certified Counterparts, Laurene Patricia Lawless Madern

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship of perceptions of national board-certified teachers and eligible but non-certified national board teachers in the process of national board certification. The primary participant population for this study consisted of 47 national board-certified teachers and 282 eligible but non-certified national board teachers from Johnston County, North Carolina. Data was collected in a study which was electronically conducted in June 2005. The data sources included the application of this research and research from a previously administered study conducted on eligible but non-certified national board teachers in Tennessee. Factors that were analyzed included gender, years of experience and …

The Continuing Personal Spiritual Development Of Pastors, George Wayne Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Personal Continual Spiritual Development of Pastors is intended to be solution based project. The proposed solutions are intended to empower pastors to minister for a life time. The issues and the proposed solutions are not declared to be comprehensive. The solutions are intended to be a spring board for continual spiritual development of pastors.

Freshmen Experience At A Community College: Its Relationship To Academic Performance And Retention, Robert Andrew Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated an optional new student orientation program, Freshmen Experience, at a rural, public, community college. The results of academic performance, attrition, and retention of participants and non-participants were examined through an ex post facto study of student participation over two semesters: Fall 2004 and Fall 2005. Two groups of first-time freshmen students, an orientation group and a comparison group, were tracked through their first semester and the start of their second semester to determine the programs effectiveness. Three hypotheses were tested using independent t-tests and z-tests. Results indicated that no significant differences existed between groups for the variables …

Connecting With One Another: A Step By Step Approach To Guest And New Member Assimilation, Kevin Ray Milburn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project was born out of frustrating experiences at assimilating new members into church life, and disheartening statistics proving this is a common problem in Kentucky Southern Baptist churches. After reviewing literature pertaining to the topic, it became apparent there was a need for a simple, workable program for churches to use in assimilation. This project highlights the CONNECT strategy, a small group Sunday School program, which this author created to put into place at a model church. After gathering statistics from this model church since the program’s inception, it is evident that this CONNECT strategy does work for assimilation.

The Relationship Between University Nursing Student Classroom Engagement Activities And Academic Performance, Helen Reyes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Academia is struggling to meet an increasing nursing shortage with limited resources; therefore, student success is paramount in any university nursing program. Research data suggests one major reason for increased attrition rates is course failure. Research also reveals that college students often feel disengaged in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between classroom engagement activities and the academic performance of professional nursing students. Is there a relationship between nursing student classroom engagement activities and academic performance? The Classroom Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE) was administered to 317 university nursing students enrolled in seven different …

An Analysis Of Rx For Discovery Reading For Elementary Students Below Average In Reading, Susan Kay Stanley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Rx for Discovery Reading® is an intervention developed by the National Institute for Learning Development to impact the reading abilities of students below grade level in reading. The program was designed to address every area of reading acquisition, but, for this study, the areas of phonological processing, decoding, and fluency were investigated using pre- and post-test scores from the KTEA-II, GORT, and DIBELS. The problem studied was whether Rx for Discovery Reading® would raise the mean standard scores in the three areas at the conclusion of the field test. Using a small-group format, twenty-nine students who were not on grade …

The Relationship Between The Beliefs Of School Board Members Concerning Young Earth Creationism And Old Earth Creationism And The Inclusion Of Creationism In The Science Curriculum Of Georgia Public Schools, Karen S. Cook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated district location and the beliefs of school board members regarding Young Earth Creationism (YEC) and Old Earth Creationism (OEC) associated with the inclusion or exclusion of creationism in the district science curriculum of Georgia public schools. A random sampling of 144 mailed of a total population of 1,034 local school board members was selected as subjects. Data analysis indicated that beliefs of school board members in Young Earth Creationism had a weak, positive association with the permitted inclusion of creationism in the district science curriculum while board member beliefs in OEC had a moderate, negative relationship. No …

Christian School Administration: Exercising Biblical Competence: A Consecrated Heart And An Educated Mind, Julia Curruth Mcmillan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is minimal research conducted to assist Professional Educators with effective ministering and administration in Christian Schools. While secular academic training and experience provide the Administrator with great preparation, there are specific dynamics unique to the Christian school environment that warrant deliberate attention if the Administrator is to be effective. Observed from the perspective of a parent, having served faithfully as both teacher and the current Principal of the Bible-Based Fellowship Christian Academy; in its young life, this nine-year old school had experienced eight different administrators, most recently in January 2005. Inconsistency in leadership had stunted the growth of the …

Effective Strategies For Healthy Church Growth In The Hap Dong Jung Tong Presbyterian Denomination In Korea, Manoh Han

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to understand the biblical principles of healthy and highly effective strategies of church growth and to apply them to today’s Hap Dong Jung Tong (Hap-Jung) Presbyterian Denomination (HJPD) in Korea. Based on surveys and interviews, this project also analyzes and evaluates current conditions within 328 HJPD churches, exploring growth factors such as: pastors’ leadership, preaching, professional development, prayer, evangelism, making-disciples, ministry focus, the reasons for HJPD growth, and strategic approaches for future ministry. Finally, this project suggests twelve healthy and effective principles to develop HJPD churches for the next ten years.

Increasing Financial Stewardship In The Church Of Christ, Ben A. Bruce

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

INCREASING FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST Ben A. Bruce Liberty Theological Seminary, 2007 Mentor: Dr. Frank Schmitt God desires for man to make wise stewardship choices that will glorify Him. The purpose of this research paper is to increase financial stewardship in the Church of Christ. The author discusses the Biblical principles pertaining to financial stewardship, the qualifications of financial stewardship, and the dangers of poor stewardship. This dissertation also includes an analysis of a stewardship survey sent to members of the Church of Christ. Over 3,000 members of the Church of Christ completed the survey. The last …

An Introduction To A Model For Teaching Spiritual Formation To Student - Athletes In A Christian Educational Setting, Edmund Jude Gomes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is an attempt to provide a biblical foundation for teaching spiritual formation to student-athletes. A brief history of Liberty University and its athletic achievements are presented in this paper; also included are some of the people and circumstances God is using to teach athletes about spiritual formation, character development and whole-person development. The process God uses for teaching those things is interwoven throughout the paper. Practical problems that are associated with spiritual formation are addressed, and the final chapter of the paper places special emphasis on some of the outcomes of the thesis.

A Study Of The Care Ministry, Jeffrey Eugene Mims

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

CARE is total church ministry that places people into service based on their spiritual gifts. It was started at Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina, by Mark Hunnicutt. This project seeks to determine if CARE can be implemented successfully in a small, rural church setting. It also documents the changes made during the implementation process. Finally this project evaluates whether or not the CARE ministry has been successful at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dillwyn, Virginia, and at other churches of varying size.

A Strategy For Educating The Church Concerning Those With Special Needs, William Blake Shrout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this paper is to inform and educate the church of the needs of people with disabilities. There is information given as to what the church can do to assist and understand the needs of the people, the requirements of the Law and the moral obligations as Christian disciples. Through a questionnaire, the author has compiled statistics for an overall view of what some churches are doing to accommodating these people. This thesis will also give Biblical and theological perspectives as the foundation for the research.

Evangelism On Target: A Proposal To Use Hunting And Fishing As Means To Evangelism And Discipleship, Jackie Andrew Mccullough

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Reach people where they are. The purpose of this project is to identify, explore, evaluate and recommend practical means of using hunting and fishing as tools of evangelism and discipleship. A review of printed literature reveals little about this subject. Other available information shows effective use of these means for the proposed purposes. The research utilized responses to questionnaires completed by pastors, seminary students, seminary graduates, and outdoor speakers who employ these means. Hunting and fishing are being used effectively for these goals. Practical methods for implementation of these means are explored and presented.

Alone In A Crowd: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Loneliness As Experienced By Pastors' Wives, Jama L. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated the individual experiences of eight pastors’ wives with the phenomenon, loneliness. The topic of loneliness generated emotionally charged responses from women who live their lives in the public eye. Data was collected using informal, conversational, taped and transcribed interviews. Descriptions of the experiences of loneliness and the general factors contributing to loneliness were identified by the participants. The experiences and general contributing factors were compared and contrasted. Participants identified loneliness as an indescribable void, resulting from guardedness, and a normal experience. General factors contributing to loneliness were identified as explicit or implicit. Explicit factors, those directly …

Towards An Effective Christian Cross-Cultural Youth Training Model: A Youth Ministry International Case Study, Jeddy Katule Kaleli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project is an attempt to explore the indispensable components of an effective Christian cross-cultural youth training model within the context of contemporary youth culture. Taking Youth Ministry International training philosophy as a case study, it analyzes it from an African Christian perspective within the framework of Biblical, anthropological and missiological perspectives. The study has revealed that an effective Christian cross-cultural youth training model must take seriously the cultures in which others live without compromising the authority of Biblical absolutes.

Encountering God Through His Creation, Philip Joseph Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A review of current literature demonstrates the need for a comprehensive understanding of the revelation of God through His creation. The purpose of this project is to examine this subject from a biblical, historical, and theological perspective. Personal testimonies, pertinent research, and the writings of numerous authors have also been employed in this study. Additional insights have been gleaned from a survey given to the members of seven Southern Baptist churches. The project concludes with a number of recommendations for those who wish to pursue more meaningful encounters with God through His creation.

Online Bible Training: New Opportunity For Church Planting In Thailand, Thanu Wongthanathikul

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Church planting is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit. Bible training is necessary in the process of successful church planting. With the growth of the internet, some institutes use an online training program for training other Christians for planting churches. The purpose of this project is to examine church planting on the basis of cultural, theological, online, model practical and historical principles. Based on research and study, the project first reviews seven principles of an online Bible training program for church planting. It then reviews an application of this training which is based on Thailand's context, and …

Christian Premarital Training In The Local Church Setting: A Study Of The Effectiveness Of The Symbis Model In Reducing Divorce And Producing Stable And Satisfying Martial Relationships, James Paul Marks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The state of marriage in the United States of America and inside the four walls of the local church is alarming. Marriages are going by the wayside at record numbers which has lead to family breakdown, rise in child delinquency, increased numbers of cohabiting couples and confusion in the church. It is upon this backdrop that the SYMBIS premarital program at Hyland Heights Baptist Church was birthed. The fundamental goals of the program were to virtually eliminate divorce in the church body and to significantly reduce the amount of marital counseling brought by troubled couples. In order to accomplish these …

The Relationship Between Participation In Service-Learning Projects And Youth Leadership Life Skills Development Among Middle Grade Students In Selected Private Schools, William A. Kamm

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Middle grades are a time of transition and development. It is during this time, as students move through grades 6, 7, and 8, that the development of life skills, especially for those who have leadership potential become increasingly important. Within these few years engaged learning and the pedagogical tool of service-learning enhances the meaning and impact of traditional course content and offers potential in helping to develop leadership skills in middle grade students. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of the effectiveness of a community service-learning project as related to the specific development of leadership skills. The …

Instructional Management Profiles: The Relationship Between Teaching Styles, Grade Level Preferences, And Related Factors, Amy K. Mcnaughton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored the relationships between age level characteristics and complementary instructional management styles. The data gathered from published materials provided the information for the research survey questions on teaching styles and age level characteristics. The data gathered from teachers who are currently in the field provided the basis for determining there is a relationship between PreK-8 teachers’ instructional management profiles and their preferences for teaching either lower (PreK-3) or upper (4-8) elementary grade students. Together, published information and survey results indicated that: (1) different instructional methods are more developmentally appropriate for different ages of learners; (2) teachers have natural …

Effect Of Short Internships On Student Self-Concept, Toni S. Oakes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the effect of short internship on college students’ self-concept. The null hypothesis of this study is that there will be no significant difference in the total self concept, as measured by a standardized self-concept instrument, with college students who complete a course requiring a short internship and students who complete a course that does not have a short internship component. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: Second Edition was used to assess the self-concept of the participants. Higher education institutions have increased the requirement of service learning experiences and internships in their curriculums. There has been little research to …

High School Athletic Eligibility Policies: A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Perspectives Of Public School Athletic Directors, Harlie G. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

High school students in North Carolina public schools must meet academic eligibility requirements in order to compete on school sponsored teams. While all districts must follow the state association guidelines, local education agencies may elect to create policies that are more rigorous. This mixed-methods study investigated the impact of the academic eligibility policies on high school campuses. The research relied heavily upon interviews with high school athletic directors, but also analyzed measures of student academic success. Interviewees were male and female, white and African-American. They had varied years of experience, and were from schools that were different geographically and demographically, …