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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Spiritual Disciplines For Men In A Medium-Sized Church, Scott Lowry Willis Oct 2020

Spiritual Disciplines For Men In A Medium-Sized Church, Scott Lowry Willis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that the men of Freedom Fellowship Church in Canyon, Texas, do not have adequate training in the spiritual disciplines. Training in the spiritual disciplines would offer to the men in the church the proper leadership instruction that would give them the tools necessary to accomplish this goal. If the men of the church receive instruction in the spiritual disciplines, they will be able to utilize them in their daily lives. The men will, in turn, be able to use the spiritual disciplines in leadership positions in the church with confidence in being able to increase the spiritual …


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 …


A Biblical System For Growth In Traditional Churches Through Evangelism And Discipleship, Marcus Denton Floyd Sep 2020

A Biblical System For Growth In Traditional Churches Through Evangelism And Discipleship, Marcus Denton Floyd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The prominence of self-centered philosophies in today’s culture has infiltrated the minds of contemporary believers and has produced a difficult context for urban traditional churches to function in because many parishioners are gravitating away from churches that faithfully proclaim the selfless nature of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. The thesis project will contend that the erosion of truth can be opposed through a systematic process that underscores biblical concepts, which have been proven to be effective. Additionally, the thesis will demonstrate the importance of churches being spiritually healthy to gain and retain members by interacting with the scriptural mandate …


Evaluating Critical Dysfunction Of Leadership In The Church: Motivating The Church To Growth, Frank Graham Iii Aug 2020

Evaluating Critical Dysfunction Of Leadership In The Church: Motivating The Church To Growth, Frank Graham Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to examine the decline in church membership. Leaders in the church are not addressing the issue of why people are not staying once they join the church, or why are the ones that have been there for a while leaving the church. It seems like our leadership department is out of zinc. There is far too much confusion between each other. Leaders are not focusing on the initial issue of the church, instead they are fighting amongst one another. I think that it may be beneficial if leaders would take a profile assessment about …


Mental Illness And Demonic Influence: The Difference Between Them And The Difference It Makes, Alton Kawan Parks Jul 2020

Mental Illness And Demonic Influence: The Difference Between Them And The Difference It Makes, Alton Kawan Parks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project presented how mental illness and demonic possession were viewed by and how counseling was beneficial for the members of Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church. The gathered information was used for an informed outlook on the subject matter, and research was gathered through surveys. This process was designed to increase knowledge, consideration, and understanding of the subject matter to promote an in-depth basis for development.


Strategies And Biblical Principles To Keep Church Plants From Closing Its Doors Within The First Three Years, Damian Billups Jun 2020

Strategies And Biblical Principles To Keep Church Plants From Closing Its Doors Within The First Three Years, Damian Billups

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christians are commissioned to disciple the nations. Many attempts to fulfill this commission encounter variables that hinder the fulfillment of this dictum. Statistics indicate significant proportions of church planting endeavors are challenged to survive beyond one year. This project will expose reasons church planting efforts struggle to thrive and will provide strategies and biblical principles to remedy the identified obstacles. The data will be utilized for current and future church planting efforts. The goal of this project is to reduce factors that cause church plants to close prematurely. Church laity and clergy will be surveyed for their perspectives regarding church …


Reinstating The Altar That Pleases God In The New Generations Of Worshipers Located In The Central Mountain Region Of Utuado, Puerto Rico, Luz Estelle Rosado Méndez Jun 2020

Reinstating The Altar That Pleases God In The New Generations Of Worshipers Located In The Central Mountain Region Of Utuado, Puerto Rico, Luz Estelle Rosado Méndez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Through the years, each generation of worshipers has conceived throughout their service many beliefs about worship; some inspired by the Holy Spirit, and others, self-proclaimed. Many of these self-acknowledged concepts do not align with biblical truths because instead they follow the needs and trends of the culture surrounding the church. These clashes of opinions, feelings, and preferences among the Christian community have been slowly deviating congregations from the altar encounter established in the Bible to an entertainment stage experience where the human senses are enhanced. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study is to establish the importance of the …


Leadership Development: Creating A Culture Of Developing Leaders In The Church, Vincent John Charron May 2020

Leadership Development: Creating A Culture Of Developing Leaders In The Church, Vincent John Charron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Addressing the issue concerning churches needing an effective leadership development process that encompasses everyone from the new convert to the church leadership team is the focus of this thesis. The purpose of this DMIN thesis is to address the problem of the leadership development deficit by implementing a process that will engage more than 30 percent of the average attendance. For this research, the main focus is primarily engaging people who are already Christians and are on board with the vision and mission of the church to assume a leadership role and responsibility. The focus of the project is to …


The Need For Solid Teaching On Spiritual Warfare, Charles Louis Trammell May 2020

The Need For Solid Teaching On Spiritual Warfare, Charles Louis Trammell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Literature verifies an abundance of information on spiritual warfare, while resources that teach its concepts and practices are limited. Many bad experiences lead one to question whether church leadership adequately addresses biblical spiritual warfare. The purpose of this project is to 1) determine the need for Bible-based teaching on spiritual warfare, 2) discuss the importance of the full armor of God, and 3) discuss the implementation of the armor to provide the opportunity for an abundant life in Jesus Christ. Academic journals, articles, and books will discuss spiritual warfare concepts, theology, history, and weaponry. Also, data and statistics will demonstrate …


Discipleship As Understood And Practiced By Worship Leaders, Pastors, And Congregations Of Selected Southern Baptist Churches, Bridgette Lashawn Yancy May 2020

Discipleship As Understood And Practiced By Worship Leaders, Pastors, And Congregations Of Selected Southern Baptist Churches, Bridgette Lashawn Yancy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the growing interest in Christian faith development through Bible study, prayer groups, literature, and other media, there has been little to no research completed in the area of discipleship of worship leaders. This study will be an examination of discipleship activities that are offered within the Southern Baptist churches and the average duration of engagement of these activities by worship leaders. How the discipleship of the worship leader affects the ministry of the worship leader, participation in leadership-focused activities, and the personal and professional growth of the worship leader will be examined through questionnaires for both pastors and worship …


A Case Study On The Key Habits Of Long-Tenured Pastors In The Southern Baptist Convention, Thomas Larson May 2020

A Case Study On The Key Habits Of Long-Tenured Pastors In The Southern Baptist Convention, Thomas Larson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pastors face a unique set of challenges as well as fierce spiritual warfare. Statistics reveal many pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention change churches every few years. In contrast, a minority of pastors withstand the difficulties and challenges, enjoying a long tenure in their churches. Studies also show a positive correlation between the long tenure of pastors and church health, which should necessarily encourage pastors to weather the storms and remain in their churches for the long haul. This project will focus on senior or lead pastors of Southern Baptist churches who have served at the same church for more …


Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor’S Guide To Ministering Chronic And Terminally Ill Children And Their Families, Barbara F. Holston-Jones Feb 2020

Pastoral Counseling: The Pastor’S Guide To Ministering Chronic And Terminally Ill Children And Their Families, Barbara F. Holston-Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Millions of children will die this year due to chronic and terminal illnesses. The medical and psychological communities have attempted for decades to find a methodology that will help parents and the child find hope for the future. The psychological and medical communities’ meta-analysis studies have shown that the goal of hope has been elusive for children and families in all current modalities. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only true assurance for parents and children experiencing chronic and terminal childhood illness. Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Romans that believing in the gospel brings life all joy, …


Behind The Iron Curtain: The Impact Of Persecution On Evangelical Worship, Christy Gabrielle Solomon Feb 2020

Behind The Iron Curtain: The Impact Of Persecution On Evangelical Worship, Christy Gabrielle Solomon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite detailed accounts of religious persecution faced by evangelicals behind the Iron Curtain, many narratives are incomplete, and therefore, the understanding of the extent persecution impacted the worship of believers is limited. With more Christians today being persecuted for their faith than ever before, it is important for believers in America to understand what happens in the lives of their Christian brothers and sisters when they face persecution. By comparing the religious practices of these evangelicals before, during, and after the lifting of the Iron Curtain, the differences in corporate and individual worship as a result of persecution become evident. …


Developing An At Risk Youth Prevention Model In Local Church, Norman Dwight Vick Dec 2019

Developing An At Risk Youth Prevention Model In Local Church, Norman Dwight Vick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Congregations must be spiritually positioned to receive and pass on the Gospel baton to all believers. This work will concentrate on those that are at risk for emotional disorders, particularly at the stage of adolescence. This effort will point to the young with emotive challenges that will assist them in being able to pass on the faith constructively and wholesomely. This dissertation will utilize an analytic approach that consists of multi-components related to mental health classifications and disorder, therefore, Christian leaders should be looking beyond secularism to provide support for adolescents who are at risk. Given the presence of millions …


The Intersection Of Ministry And Mental Health: Worship Leaders With Depression, Benjamin Bartow Harrison Dec 2019

The Intersection Of Ministry And Mental Health: Worship Leaders With Depression, Benjamin Bartow Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the fact the mental health issues are becoming more destigmatized among those in society, pastors and other church staff still face unique challenges when seeking treatment for mental health issues. This study considers the perspectives of ministers who often struggle in silence with depression. This qualitative historical research study will identify the unique challenges faced when battling depression that have not yet been studied concerning the lives of worship leaders in various stages of such mental health issues. Time demands, financial challenges, and stigma have emerged as common themes through exploration of a small body of existing literature and …


The Relationship Between Academic And Social Satisfaction Among Post-9/11 Veterans In Higher Education, William Alton Hammac Nov 2019

The Relationship Between Academic And Social Satisfaction Among Post-9/11 Veterans In Higher Education, William Alton Hammac

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined reintegration of Post-9/11 military veterans into higher education as measured by their satisfaction with a private southeastern university. This research was accomplished through the study of the potential relationship between the academic satisfaction and social satisfaction of Post-9/11 military veterans attending a private southeastern university and how they felt about their overall educational experience. The research questions were derived from the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory which was administered by the university, surveying the quality of student life, and serving as a national benchmark comparison for educational institutions nationwide. This research was a non-experimental, ex post …


Impact Of Combat Experience On Adult Learning For Students Enrolled At Liberty University In Spring 2019, Stephany Dawn Pracht Oct 2019

Impact Of Combat Experience On Adult Learning For Students Enrolled At Liberty University In Spring 2019, Stephany Dawn Pracht

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation joins an active conversation in the behavioral sciences regarding the challenges of assimilating the adult experienced trauma into the adult education setting. This quantitative study employed a nonexperimental, causal-comparative research design to explore the perceptions of current and former combat-experienced military students about their academic experiences. By exploring the needs in higher education that are concerning and prevalent among those who have experienced active combat, this paper discusses the effects of the combat experience on current and former military members as they seek to acclimate to the academic world. This study was guided by Malcolm Knowles’s idea that …


Comparing Security Self-Efficacy Amongst College Freshmen And Senior, Female And Male Cybersecurity Students, Lane H. Melton Aug 2019

Comparing Security Self-Efficacy Amongst College Freshmen And Senior, Female And Male Cybersecurity Students, Lane H. Melton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study sought to determine if there was a difference in the self-efficacy of freshman and senior, female and male Cybersecurity students relating to threats associated with various information systems. The design for this quantitative study was non-experimental, causal-comparative and known as group comparison used to determine if there was a causal relationship between variables. The method used to make that determination utilized a self-efficacy survey developed by Phelps (2005), to identify the independent variables specific level of self-efficacy. Research was conducted at a small, southern university with total of 33 participants. Each student was enrolled in the Computer Science …


Would An Omnibenevolent God Allow Some To Be Lost Who Would Have Been Saved In Different Circumstances? A New Molinist Theodicy Against The Problem Of The Contingently Lost, Zachary Paul Breitenbach Aug 2019

Would An Omnibenevolent God Allow Some To Be Lost Who Would Have Been Saved In Different Circumstances? A New Molinist Theodicy Against The Problem Of The Contingently Lost, Zachary Paul Breitenbach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation addresses a particular issue within the soteriological problem of evil: Would an omnibenevolent God allow anyone to be lost who would have freely chosen to be saved in other circumstances? It critiques various Molinist theodicies that respond to this issue, especially the prominent theodicy of William Lane Craig. Ultimately a new Molinist theodicy is proposed. An argument is also given for how this soteriological theodicy can help to reduce concerns in the broader problem of evil relating to the amount of evil observed in this life and the apparent gratuitousness of some evil.


The Logic Of Intersubjectivity: Brian Mclaren’S Philosophy Of Christian Religion, Darren M. Slade May 2019

The Logic Of Intersubjectivity: Brian Mclaren’S Philosophy Of Christian Religion, Darren M. Slade

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To survey harsh criticisms against Brian Douglas McLaren (1956‒), readers gain the inaccurate impression that he is a heretical relativist who denies objective truth and logic. While McLaren’s inflammatory and provocative writing style is partly to blame, this study also suspects that his critics base much of their analyses on only small portions of his overall corpus. The result becomes a caricature of McLaren’s actual philosophy of religion. The thesis of this dissertation is simple: McLaren is, in fact, a rationalist and empiricist, who utilizes irony, humor, generalization, and ridicule to disturb those expressions of faith common to mainstream, Western …


An Examination Of Preaching And Church Leadership Within Royal Baptist Church, Jeffie L. Powell Jr Apr 2019

An Examination Of Preaching And Church Leadership Within Royal Baptist Church, Jeffie L. Powell Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout this qualitative investigation, the researcher will examine prevalent preaching and leadership styles to promote congregational growth and development. Additionally, a proposed organized dossier for Royal Baptist Church will be implemented, delineating a biblical, practical, compelling leadership style. To explore for analysis, the researcher will assess their contemporary church leadership style juxtaposing favored leadership styles found in the literature. After creating a baseline, the researcher will interview seven ministers via face–to–face, telephone, video messaging, and email, assessing their church preferred leadership style, comparing their preferred preaching and leadership style against techniques found in the literature. Lastly, the researcher will provide …


The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Factors And Academic Skills Among Officer Aircrew, Michael Lopez Apr 2019

The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Factors And Academic Skills Among Officer Aircrew, Michael Lopez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical fitness and academic skills among a group of 110 aircrew flight officers. The study compared Air Force flight officers’ physical fitness scores to academic skills. Prior research suggests a person’s physical fitness levels are directly related to academic skills; however, current research has not addressed a military aviation population. This study used regression analysis to examine the relationship between physical fitness scores as tested by the Air Force physical fitness test (predictor instrument) and academic skills as tested by the Wechsler Fundamentals: Academic Skills Numerical Operations Sub-Test (criterion …


The Experience Of Meaning And Purpose In Life Among Adult Iraqi Refugees In Jordan: A Qualitative Study, Reem Issa Abbasi Mar 2019

The Experience Of Meaning And Purpose In Life Among Adult Iraqi Refugees In Jordan: A Qualitative Study, Reem Issa Abbasi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research was to present a study that promotes understanding and exploration about how adult Iraqi refugees living in Jordan can still experience meaning making and hope in the face of suffering. The significance of this research lies in its unique findings that contribute to the body of literature concerning trauma recovery. A qualitative phenomenological in-depth interview methodology was used to explore the phenomenon of meaning in suffering among adult Iraqi refugees. The following research questions were used in this study to explore the phenomenon of meaning in suffering: Can life still be experienced as meaningful in …


The Impact Of Using Elementary Science Specialists On 5th Grade Science Achievement Scores, Wesley Armstrong Roach Jan 2019

The Impact Of Using Elementary Science Specialists On 5th Grade Science Achievement Scores, Wesley Armstrong Roach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

American students score significantly below several other countries in the area of science achievement. With threats such as epidemics and cyber terrorism facing modern society, it is important for schools to prepare students to succeed in science. Research has shown, however, that substandard science instruction at the elementary level leaves students ill-prepared for future success in science. And, even worse, low quality science instruction in elementary school is, for some students, correlated to the loss of interest in science altogether. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to examine the effect of using science specialists in elementary schools on science …


The Relationship Between Epistemological Beliefs And Attitudes Towards Science Of Undergraduate Elementary Education Majors, Renae Reimer Bullock Dec 2018

The Relationship Between Epistemological Beliefs And Attitudes Towards Science Of Undergraduate Elementary Education Majors, Renae Reimer Bullock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Much of the educational research that has investigated the attitudes of pre-service elementary educators towards science has seemed to show that their attitudes are negative towards science. Research also indicates that factors of gender, perceived competence, anxiety, perceived relation to their lives, and epistemological beliefs are related to pre-service elementary educators’ attitudes towards science. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between epistemological beliefs of undergraduate elementary education majors at a large, private, faith-based university in the southeastern United States and their attitudes towards science. Schraw et al.’s Epistemological Beliefs Inventory (EBI) (Schraw, Bendixen, & Dunkle, 2002) …


Examining Emergent Systems Management Strategies In Overseas Operations, Kristofer Hawbaker Dec 2018

Examining Emergent Systems Management Strategies In Overseas Operations, Kristofer Hawbaker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Stadler, Mayer, and Hautz (2015) believed that most global companies did not possess the right management capabilities to make overseas movement profitable. Businesses must manage a bevy of internal and external organizational and process interdependencies to achieve success globally (Dynes, 2008), and these organizational processes have become increasingly more complex and adaptive (Anderson, 1999; McKelvey, 2001; Stacey, 1992; Wheatley, 1999). Today’s business leaders still develop reductionist solutions to solve complex problems despite this type of thinking's practical limitations (Menkes, 2011). Comstock (2016) foresaw emergent management as a necessity in the current era, which requires organizations to unify around information flows …


The Religious Persecution Of Christians, Novella L. Crudup Nov 2018

The Religious Persecution Of Christians, Novella L. Crudup

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The thesis project addressed the religious persecution of Christians in Kenya, East Africa, and the United States. The problem is that Christians deny Christ to avoid persecution. There is a need for a proposed solution that emphasizes the need to believe that persecution is a reality, and that every believer should anticipate and prepare for it. Furthermore, the proposed solution should emphasize that God has a purpose for allowing Christians to face persecution. The methodology used for this project was qualitative analysis. The researcher applied the content analysis approach towards interpreting the data that was collected from thirty-one participants completing …


Effectively Transporting A Spiritually Based Intervention For Reducing Subsyndromal Anxiety And Increasing Coping Skills In Urban Adolescents: A Multiple Baseline Design, Morais Cassell Jun 2018

Effectively Transporting A Spiritually Based Intervention For Reducing Subsyndromal Anxiety And Increasing Coping Skills In Urban Adolescents: A Multiple Baseline Design, Morais Cassell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A critical review of literature revealed a gap in the literature of spiritually based interventions, most notably the subject of a spiritually based intervention for reducing subsyndromal anxiety and increasing coping skills in urban adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a spiritually based intervention, a triangulation approach, subsyndromal anxiety, and coping skills in urban adolescents, employing the add-on/integration of a Prayer Wheel intervention. Utilizing a multiple baseline design across subjects to demonstrate the controlling effects of spiritually based intervention/prayer wheel, research revealed a decrease in subsyndromal anxiety levels, and an increase in coping skills …


Ministry Through Musical Performance: Establishing Biblical, Historical, And Pedagogical (Educational) Precedent For The Christian Performing Artist, Lindsey Graham May 2018

Ministry Through Musical Performance: Establishing Biblical, Historical, And Pedagogical (Educational) Precedent For The Christian Performing Artist, Lindsey Graham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As a performing artist, the author suggests in an “American Idol” culture, Christian artists have largely lost their identity as worshipers with a ministry of the Gospel through music. The Christian performing artist has the responsibility to commit to spiritual maturity and personal growth. This thesis project proposes the artist is a communicator of the Gospel through music and seeks to substantiate the Christian performing artist through biblical, historical, and educational rationale and precedent. Biblical rationale of the Christian performing artist is considered in Old Testament and New Testament principle and precedent. Historical rationale and precedent is established through the …


7 Essential Keys To Success: Developing The Spiritual Discipline In The Leader, Bernard Winchester Apr 2018

7 Essential Keys To Success: Developing The Spiritual Discipline In The Leader, Bernard Winchester

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To deny that some leaders have problems, and others do not, is to deny Scripture, history, and experience. All leaders may not have as many problems as some, but all leaders do have problems. These problems are not always produced by the grass-roots membership. Leaders are often the cause of the very problems they see and deplore in the church. It is apparent that this is true when a leader has dishonored the moral standards or departed from sound doctrine. It is more often true when the leader has been indolent, failed to plan his work or work the plan, …