Digital Commons Network^™

Assessment Inventories In Counseling, Stephen Stratton

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Advanced Issues In Cross-Cultural Counseling Inindividuals And Families, Tapiwa Mucherera

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Care Of Persons, Anthony (Tony) Headley

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Pastoral Diagnosis In Care And Counseling, Tapiwa Mucherera

Syllabi

No abstract provided.

The Banner - V. 160, No. 7 - (September 2025), Christian Reformed Church In North America

The Banner

No abstract provided.

Andrews University Welcomes Chaplain Jonathan Fetrick, Andrews University

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Shaping Youth Ministry: Exploring Influences On Youth Pastors’ Approaches To Programme Design, Timothy A. Mullen, Trudi Cooper

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The literature on youth ministry practices is mostly anecdotal, and empirical research into the practices, goals, and meanings of youth ministry to youth pastors is rare, especially in Australia. In this study, 20 youth pastors in Perth, Western Australia, were interviewed about their goals, priorities, practices, training, and what influenced them. This study forms part of a larger doctoral research project. The interview data were analysed utilising a phenomenological approach, drawing upon Goffman’s framing analysis to examine the link between ‘meaning making’ and explicit and tacit motivations for youth ministry practice. The research found that youth pastors were most often …

The Path Of Preparation: Engaging The Spirit’S Work In Your Soul To Be Ready For The Life God Has For You, Janelle Koontz

Masters Theses

Spiritual preparation is the ongoing act of engaging faith and life in a way that helps a follower of Jesus become more aware of what God is doing in his or her life. With a developed sense of how God is moving, followers of Jesus are able to engage surprises, both positive and negative, in a grounded way. This grounding is rooted in the knowledge that God is with them and that He has been working from before time and through their lives to get them ready for these moments. A biblical understanding of preparation based on word studies and …

Integrated Growth: Developing A Sustainable Continuum Of Whole-Person Discipleship For Cultivating Healthy Leaders, Joyce A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Leadership, particularly within ministry contexts, involves complex responsibilities that often lead to chronic stress, burnout, and diminished well-being. These challenges underscore the need for a holistic, sustainable framework that supports leaders in every dimension of life. This Dissertation in Praxis explored a biblically grounded, multidimensional wellness initiative designed to foster integrated health among ministry leaders at The Harvest Church, a nondenominational congregation in North Houston, Texas. Framed by biblical principles of stewardship, wholeness, and relational unity, this study implemented and assessed a structured wellness program addressing four critical domains of a leader’s well-being: emotional resilience, financial stability, physical/nutritional health, and …

Paul’S Second Missionary Journey In Acts: How Paul Was Adaptable In His Church-Centered Missiology For Fulfilling The Great Commission Among Jews And Gentiles, Terri P. Graham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation argues that the Apostle Paul fulfilled the Great Commission by employing a church-centered missiology throughout his second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 16–18. Through contextualized evangelism and intentional church-planting, Paul established covenant communities marked by baptism, discipleship, pastoral leadership, and theological instruction. His model demonstrates that the local church drives the agent and result of the mission, offering a biblically grounded paradigm for contemporary missions.

Defining Moral Injury: A Delphi Study For A Comprehensive And Consensus-Based Definition, Darius J. Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study utilized a modified Delphi method to develop a consensus definition of Moral Injury across theological, clinical, and experiential domains. Recognizing the term's interdisciplinary ambiguity, the research engaged chaplains, clinicians, ethicists, and professionals from healthcare, military, and psychological contexts to discern shared language and conceptual frameworks. The Delphi process consisted of three iterative rounds, progressing from open-ended questions to structured Likert-scale responses and definition validation. While consensus (80% agreement) was not achieved, a majority (61.5%) of panelists affirmed a pneuma-oriented definition that positions Moral Injury as a wound to the spirit resulting from a violation of deeply held ethical …

A Chaplain-Specific Care Plan For Addressing Moral Injury And Promoting Holistic Well-Being In Nurses That Have Transitioned From Hospital Care To Hospice Care, Franklin Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project, “A Chaplain-Specific Care Plan for Addressing Moral Injury and Promoting Holistic Well-Being in Nurses That Have Transitioned from Hospital Care to Hospice Care,” addresses the lack of chaplain-led interventions for nurses suffering from moral injury. Many nurses who transitioned from hospital to hospice care reported ongoing moral residue from ethically distressing events in acute settings. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a spiritually grounded care plan, developed and facilitated by a board-certified chaplain, to address these moral wounds and promote holistic well-being among hospice nurses.

Twelve hospice nurses in West Tennessee participated …

Integrating African American Veterans Into Church Life: The Impact Of Urban Neo-Tribalism At Olivet Church, Dennis Allen Rose Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American veterans at Olivet Baptist Church attended worship services but did not participate in broader church activities. Many remained disconnected except during annual recognition events. This project was developed to address that gap. The Veteran Re-engagement Module (VRM) was delivered through six small group sessions. It focused on helping veterans talk through their past experiences, explore how those experiences affected their faith, and reconnect with the church. The approach centered around Scripture, group conversation, and spiritual storytelling. To evaluate its impact, data came through before-and-after surveys, individual interviews, and session notes. Twelve veterans participated. Some said this was the …

The Role Of Standard Business And Biblical Principles In The Strategic Human Resource Management Practices Of Contemporary Protestant Churches, Brandon Marshall Mccutchen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) practices have consistently evolved in the for-profit business sector to support business profitability. Nonprofit organizations have also adopted strategic HRM practices. Despite their status as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, contemporary Protestant churches have not been included in the current literature discussing the use of strategic HRM practices in nonprofit organizations. Adoption of an HRM strategy varies across the spectrum of nondenominational Christian churches, and churches that are affiliated with a denomination. This qualitative study assesses the leadership perspective of five local churches to determine how standard business practices and biblical principles combine to create a formal …

Enhancing Collaborative Care: A Training Manual For Improving Veterans Affairs Mental Health Chaplaincy, Eddie L. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) launched a study to investigate the integration of chaplains in mental health care. This research expands on that study by focusing on the critical need for enhanced collaboration between chaplaincy and mental health services at local VA facilities. While existing literature affirms the integral role of chaplains in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals, significant gaps in awareness and effective collaboration practices were identified at the Marion, IL VA Health Care System (VHCS). This study aimed to assess and address the specific training …

Hospital Chaplains Integration Within Interprofessional Healthcare Teams To Improve Patient Outcomes, Sarah Low, Lucia Florindez, Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth, Bernice Coleman, Jason Weiner, Christina Shu, Linda Y. Kim

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: While spiritual care is considered vital to the holistic care of patients, healthcare systems often fail to fully understand, value, and utilize chaplaincy expertise.¹ Despite a growing body of research demonstrating the impact of chaplaincy on improved patient outcomes^2,3 chaplains often report feeling their roles are not well understood by patients or staff and do not feel well integrated into the interprofessional healthcare team.^4,5 The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of chaplains in improving patient experience and health outcomes, emphasizing the need to better understand factors that foster their integration into the interprofessional healthcare team. …

A Phenomenological Study Of Caregivers For Sexual Minority Hospice Patients, Catherine H. Bianchi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals face disproportionate barriers in healthcare across the lifespan that persist and often intensify at the end of life. Despite hospice’s mission to provide comfort, dignity, and patient-centered support, it remains unclear whether these services equitably meet the needs of sexual minority patients. Seeking hospice care presents a unique conundrum for many LGB individuals: it necessitates inviting representatives of a historically exclusionary healthcare system into the privacy of their homes - spaces that often serve as sanctuaries of identity, safety, and autonomy. The already vulnerable experience of seeking care in one’s final days can be …

Evolving Role Of Hospital Chaplains: Optimizing Patient, Staff, Self Well-Being During Pandemic, Linda Y. Kim, Sarah Low, Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth, Jason Weiner, Christina Shu, Bernice Coleman, Lucia Florindez

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Abstract Text: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented strain upon healthcare systems worldwide, presenting hospital chaplains with unique challenges in responding to the increased emotional, mental, and spiritual distress experienced by patients, families, and staff, while also having to prioritize their own well-being.1-3 Traditional methods of providing care were largely unavailable to these chaplains during the pandemic, requiring them to adopt new strategies and innovative ways to maintain engagement with patients and hospital staff.4-5

Study Aim: This study aimed to explore chaplains' experiences in caring for patients, family, and staff during the height of the pandemic, as the initial step …

Stewardship, Generosity, And Percentage Giving Changing Attitudes On Financial Generosity Through Bible Study Concerning The Tithe For The New Testament Christians Of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church In Kingman, Az, Timothy A. Barkett

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

The Church today finds itself navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, generational shifts, and a growing sense of spiritual indifference. Within this context, generosity continues to serve as a profound expression of both faith and mission. The research presented in this project affirms that when generosity is taught with a spirit of grace, rooted in Scripture, and exemplified by leadership, it has the power to bring renewal—not only to individual believers but also to entire communities. In an era characterized by financial anxiety and spiritual consumerism, the biblical and theological foundations of stewardship and generosity provide both a necessary …

Cybersecurity: Digital Stewardship In A Violent World, Rocky K. C. Chang

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This paper defines cybersecurity based on the principle of biblical stewardship. The focus of this principle is God, not the technologies, who is the creator and owner of cyberspace and everything in it. Humankind is called by God to steward them by protecting the digital property of our neighbors in cyberspace from malicious attacks. In the context of cybersecurity, a neighbor can be any individual cyber user, practitioner, educator, organization, tech company, or even hacker. However, as argued from the perspectives of human sin and human finitude, the defending stewards can never win over evil in this spiritual battle. Instead, …

The Pastoral Ministry Perspective Of Church Librarians, Ka Lim Cheung

The Christian Librarian

This article explores the pivotal role of church librarians from a ministry perspective, highlighting their importance in fostering spiritual growth and knowledge dissemination within congregations. It articulates the essence of ministry, emphasizing accountability to God and the spiritual significance of knowledge, as rooted in biblical teachings. The article outlines the multifaceted responsibilities of librarians, including resource management, communication, and relationship building, while advocating for a holistic approach that addresses congregants’ diverse needs. Furthermore, by highlighting the values of empathy, service, and hospitality, the article illustrates how librarians can create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages engagement with faith. It also explores …

Integrating Mental Health And Pastoral Counseling At Calvary Baptist Church, Jacqueline Y. Ghee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a critical need to provide mental health support to the congregation in the Black church, especially at Calvary Baptist Church. During the research study, the participants have made it clear that they need more support when it comes to emotional help for those who are facing mental health challenges. To address this, initiatives such as mental health training for clergy, establishing support groups, or partnering with mental health professionals can be implemented. Based on the outcome of the one-on-one interviews, the focus group participants from Calvary shared their disappointment with the pastor and leaders for not being able …

Lived Experiences Of Black Clergy Counseling White Female Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence In Predominantly White Churches Of Christ, Archie Ray Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of Black male pastors in predominantly White Churches of Christ who provide pastoral care to White female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). These Black male spiritual leaders often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking help, yet they may face unique challenges shaped by cross-racial, gender, and theological dynamics. This study examined how spiritual beliefs, educational preparation, and ministerial experiences influenced the responses of the participants to IPV. The findings revealed that in the absence of formal IPV training and institutional protocols, pastors often relied …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Role Of Resilience In Trauma Recovery Of Those Living In Southeastern Rural America, Summer D. Loduca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the ways in which adults who live in rural communities in the Southeastern United States convalesce from trauma within the framework of barriers and limited access to mental health services. Garmezy’s (1991) developmental psychology approach to resilience, which highlights internal and external protective factors, guides this study as personal resilience, and how it contributes to trauma recovery in underserved settings, is explored. Ten participants aged 32 to 49, engaged in semi-structured interviews as they shared their lived experiences of coping with, and healing from, trauma. Five principal themes were reach in analyzing the data through …

An Exegesis Of Matthew 18:15-17 And The Hermeneutical Challenges Of Unrepentant Sexual Immorality, Jennifer Morris

Masters Theses

Sexual immorality (πορνεία) is mentioned twenty-five times in the New Testament. In one of the earliest cases of church discipline, Paul addresses a particular example of sexual immorality, namely incest, where a member of the Corinthian church is engaging in consensual sexual relations with his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5, New International Version).¹ Church discipline can be viewed with a negative connotation; however, disciples of Christ understand He rebukes and disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19) through His Word (“rebuking” and “correcting” in 2 Tim 3:16).² Thus, the scriptural basis for church discipline practices are the …

Biblical And Spiritual Disciplines And The Worship Leader, Milagros Rodriguez Trinidad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the expectation of spiritual leadership from worship leaders, many of them may struggle with consistently practicing biblical and spiritual disciplines. This qualitative study examines the need for spiritual preparation, the importance of spiritual community, and the spiritual life of the worship pastor/leader, all of which are central to the spiritual health of worship leaders. To build and grow in the daily practice of spiritual disciplines and to mature in spiritual formation, worship leaders must have a correct understanding of these disciplines and a humble spirit to self-evaluate their presence through the lens of Scripture. This understanding is crucial not …

The Indications Of The Need For Training For Biblical Worship Principles In Evangelical Churches In Texas, Carlos Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite numerous Evangelical churches in Texas, most churchgoers hold limited ideas about what defines worship. There is a shortage of biblically principled teaching in the Evangelical Church, particularly in the areas of First and God-honoring worship and its practices, including the Great Commission. This research primarily defines and explores the current state of worship in the Evangelical Church. This research examines how the original Adam and Eve beings, created to worship, have transformed into present-day worshipers. Today's worshipers include Sunday-only attendees, schedule-driven individuals, and spiritually drained souls, with a particular focus on those in Texas. This study will also provide …

Understanding How The Spiritual Formation Process Has Been Affected In A Post-Covid 19 World, Matthew E. Hunter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The need for community is essential in the life of the believer. Without a solid community, a believer may fall into isolation and even driven away from God instead of closer to Him. Psychologists have stated that community impacts human cognitive and moral development. James Fowler takes this a step further, outlined a believer’s stages of faith compared to human development. These levels of development directly impact the spiritual formation process in the life of a believer and demonstrate the vital role it plays in the believer’s life. Discipleship remains an important tool for helping a believer move through these …

Smokejumper Biographies For 1964 Rookie Class, National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper Biographies by Rookie Year

This document contains short biographies of smokejumpers who rookied in 1964.

Smokejumper Biographies For 1963 Rookie Class, National Smokejumper Association

Smokejumper Biographies by Rookie Year

This document contains short biographies of smokejumpers who rookied in 1963.