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Christ’S Hallel And The Christian’S Hallelujah: A Comparative Analysis Of Jesus’ Last Supper Hymn With Contemporary Worship Songs, Maria Rica Silbol May 2024

Christ’S Hallel And The Christian’S Hallelujah: A Comparative Analysis Of Jesus’ Last Supper Hymn With Contemporary Worship Songs, Maria Rica Silbol

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples is one of the most iconic events in Christendom. One of the fewer talked-about scenarios in this historical event is Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26, when Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn before his crucifixion. This study examines the Hallel or Psalms 113–118, which Bible scholars believe was the hymn that Jesus sang with his disciples. The primary themes and emphases of these psalms are identified and coded. The goal of this research is to provide a metric for how the teachings from the Hallel may serve as a reference …


The Impact Of Psalm Singing In Corporate Worship In The Canadian Reformed Churches: Perspectives Of The Congregants, Jan Frederik Ezinga May 2024

The Impact Of Psalm Singing In Corporate Worship In The Canadian Reformed Churches: Perspectives Of The Congregants, Jan Frederik Ezinga

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Canadian Reformed Churches1 have a rich history of Psalm Singing, which originated in the 16th-century Reformation, continuing the early church and biblical tradition. Their first Synod in 1954 prioritized singing psalms, initiating the development of an English Psalter containing all 150 Psalms.2 After almost seventy-five years, Psalm Singing characterizes worship in over seventy congregations and church plants in Canada and the USA. Despite this tradition and culture of singing psalms in multigenerational worship, General Synods of the Canadian Reformed Churches have received continuous requests to add more hymns or other songs in the past twenty-five years. The arguments tend …


The Impact Of Marriage Immigrants On Worship In The Baptist Church In Korea, Ru Da Ko May 2024

The Impact Of Marriage Immigrants On Worship In The Baptist Church In Korea, Ru Da Ko

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study was designed to investigate the impact of marriage immigrants on the worship of Korean Baptist churches. This study aims to explore how the Korean church, tasked with proclaiming eternal truths in a rapidly changing world, perceives and responds to societal shifts, focusing on demographic changes over almost two decades. Mix-methods research with a Biblical worldview as the comprehensive framework was conducted to examine Korean Baptist churches’ response to demographic shifts in the surrounding locales as well as the worship experiences and expectations of marriage immigrants, who are pointed out as the main factors of this demographic shift. The …


An Inquiry Into The Perceived Effects Of Historical Revivalism On The Corporate Worship Behaviors Of Modern-Day Fundamental And Independent, Baptist And Bible Churches, Jeremy David Yowell May 2024

An Inquiry Into The Perceived Effects Of Historical Revivalism On The Corporate Worship Behaviors Of Modern-Day Fundamental And Independent, Baptist And Bible Churches, Jeremy David Yowell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Modern-day, independent Bible and Baptist churches continue to structure their corporate worship services after the pattern of the American revivalists of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The purpose of this qualitative study with an ethnographic design is to examine the lived experiences of pastors and church leaders from independent Bible and Baptist churches and seek to understand their perceptions of (1) the purpose of corporate worship, (2) the place of evangelism in corporate worship, and (3) the influence of revivalism upon corporate worship practices. Additionally, historical research about the revivalist movement and its influence on worship behaviors is considered. Several …


The Technical Code For Worship: Inquiry Of Technological Use In Corporate Musical Worship, Rayah Smith May 2024

The Technical Code For Worship: Inquiry Of Technological Use In Corporate Musical Worship, Rayah Smith

Senior Honors Theses

There are many people who have researched and written on the topic of technology in corporate musical worship. The research reveals eight biblical principles for the use of technology in those contexts as follows: technology in corporate musical worship is meant to be practical; is meant to help the Church communicate; is meant to be driven by the Holy Spirit; is meant to be intentionally efficient; is meant to encourage a unified heart of worship to God; is meant to communicate the gospel; is meant to reflect and amplify God; and is meant to be done with hearts pleasing to …


Ministry After A Leadership Failure: Principles For Transitional Worship Leader, Eric R. Medford Apr 2024

Ministry After A Leadership Failure: Principles For Transitional Worship Leader, Eric R. Medford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite much information and attention given to senior leadership transitions after a moral failure in leadership, there is little information regarding supporting pastoral staff moral failures and how to lead a ministry department to a place of healing and restoration. This thesis examined the distinct challenges of transitional leaders assuming the role of guiding a worship ministry department through a previous leader's moral failure. This study analyzes commonalities and themes to demonstrate the unique challenges the worship ministry faces apart from the church. Literature and research on leadership transitions due to moral failures tend to focus on senior pastoral leadership. …


Training The Volunteer Technical Artist For Their Role In Worship Ministry, Stephanie Wilkinson Feb 2024

Training The Volunteer Technical Artist For Their Role In Worship Ministry, Stephanie Wilkinson

Masters Theses

Church technical artists have an integral role in modern worship services due to the use of technology in church production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of different aspects of the role a technical artist has in worship ministry, as well as to explore current training practices and determine effective ways to train the volunteer technical artist holistically beyond their technical role. Church technical directors, technical volunteers, and worship pastors were interviewed and surveyed to collect data used to determine the level of importance of a volunteer’s different roles and responsibilities and how they affect worship …


Worship And The Generational Divide: A Study Of Inclusive Worship In The Church, Willie S. Moody Dec 2023

Worship And The Generational Divide: A Study Of Inclusive Worship In The Church, Willie S. Moody

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Every generation has a different way of engaging in congregational worship, sometimes at odds with another generation. The current challenge for pastors and worship leaders of churches with multiple generations is planning worship services that consider the congregation's complex make-up and remain faithful to the principles of biblical worship. The purpose of this qualitative research project is to provide a worship model that facilitates the worship styles and preferences of multiple generations within a church congregation. An atmosphere of worship is desired for all persons attending weekly worship services whose hearts and minds are receptive to the move of God …


Beyond Sunday Morning: Communal Singing And Corporate Identity, Justin Aaron Mckinney Dec 2023

Beyond Sunday Morning: Communal Singing And Corporate Identity, Justin Aaron Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Corporate worship singing long aided congregants in growing their communal identity and theological understanding of biblical principles. While modern singing trends help congregants grow their theological understanding, modern church singing trends suggest songs are not encouraging growth in communal identity mimicking cultural values of individualism in corporate worship song lyrics. Historically, individual first-person pronouns represented the individuals alongside the rest of the church; but with a rise in cultural individualism, first-person pronouns now represent individuals independent of one another. This individualistic focus can lead congregants to conclude they do not need the church and to remove themselves from the body …


The Online Member’S Experience Of Pastoral Care Through Worship, Ryan Michael Loche Sep 2023

The Online Member’S Experience Of Pastoral Care Through Worship, Ryan Michael Loche

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Online church services are normative for many churches. Given the relentless nature of creating a service every Sunday, church and worship leaders often do not consider how the online participant experiences the service they are viewing. Virtual reality church services are not yet as ubiquitous as online services but also warrant study. Careful attention must be given to how and why a church provides online and virtual services for its members. To not do so is a disservice to congregants and potentially a waste of time and resources for a church. This phenomenological qualitative study through the lens of a …


Worship In Modern-Day Society: Evaluating Music Of Corporate Worship, Lindley Christine Cameron Aug 2023

Worship In Modern-Day Society: Evaluating Music Of Corporate Worship, Lindley Christine Cameron

Masters Theses

Background Church services today incorporate a wide variety of worship music, stylistically and lyrically, depending on the congregation. Some churches place great importance on the gospel being included in the songs, while others focus more on the emotions felt during the songs. While there are churches that maintain an eclectic mix of the two, other churches have a significant imbalance in the worship songs they choose to sing each week. Matt Boswell says, “Every worship experience, in its order and content, is an expression of the congregation’s liturgy. It communicates something about your church, your doctrine, and the order of …


Liturgical Worship And Soulcare: Foundation And Ministry, Dustin Thomas Parker Aug 2023

Liturgical Worship And Soulcare: Foundation And Ministry, Dustin Thomas Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Throughout twenty plus centuries of Liturgical Worship, there have been two significant demands on those who teach and facilitate worship. The first call is for that worship to be faithful and orthodox, a continuation of the worship that has been handed down from those whose lives were marked by it. The second demand is to be relevant—that whatever is done be done in such a manner as to impact lives. This second call is a request that the souls of people who are led in worship be changed, healed, and matured. Through careful historical research and modern interviews, this dissertation …


Multicultural Worship Studies Of Military Chapels In South Korea, Abbey Nicole Bradley Jul 2023

Multicultural Worship Studies Of Military Chapels In South Korea, Abbey Nicole Bradley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite a large body of literature on Korean/American worship, there is little to no research that addresses multicultural worship of the United States Army Garrison (USAG) in the Republic of Korea (ROK) at the Protestant military chapels. In addition, there is also a lack of research regarding worship ministry at USAG installations in general, aside from general multicultural worship models. Developing a biblical and multicultural worship model for the Protestant USAG chapels in the Republic of Korea is essential because of the diverse ethnicities in the U.S. military and the diverse backgrounds, denominations, and cultures within the military chapel communities. …


Indigenous Genres On Digital Keyboards: Vitalizing Choral Worship In The Methodist Church Ghana, George Mensah Essilfie Jul 2023

Indigenous Genres On Digital Keyboards: Vitalizing Choral Worship In The Methodist Church Ghana, George Mensah Essilfie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research examines digital keyboard workstations for choral accompaniment in the Methodist Church Ghana from an Ethnodoxological perspective. The Methodist Church Ghana has a strong choral tradition and is known for using indigenous African musical genres to inspire congregational singing and liturgical music. Digital keyboards are adaptable and versatile, making them ideal for Christian worship and inspiring the Methodist Church Ghana composers to write and arrange music rooted in traditional African genres. Choral keyboardists often accompany choral ministrations using rhythmic patterns programmed and played on digital keyboard workstations. However, little academic research has been conducted on the spiritual implications of …


The “New Normal” Of Post-Covid Worship In A Renewed Atmosphere Of Spiritual Cooperation, Donna Marie Cain Jul 2023

The “New Normal” Of Post-Covid Worship In A Renewed Atmosphere Of Spiritual Cooperation, Donna Marie Cain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020 was a clarion call to the church in America. The crisis illuminated existing challenges and introduced new ones while offering unprecedented opportunities. Almost overnight, church doors were closed, and services had to be either canceled or creatively reinvented to be shared across digital platforms. In a Christ-like display of unity, a wide array of church leaders who were more adept at technology offered their wisdom to help others struggling to keep their worshiping communities connected online. Information on the widespread effects of this Pandemic on the church and its worship is still unfolding. To this …


Worship Leadership From The Beginning: A Comparative Study Of Exodus 15:1-21 And Judges 5, Vivian Ann Petties May 2023

Worship Leadership From The Beginning: A Comparative Study Of Exodus 15:1-21 And Judges 5, Vivian Ann Petties

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although many excellent books, commentaries, and journal articles have been written on worship leadership, no framework for worship leadership has been developed based upon Exodus 15:1-21 or Judges 5. The purpose of previous research has not been to discover principles of leadership, praise, and worship, or composition of music for use in ministry nor to develop a consensus about the roles played by the males and females in these texts. To develop a proposal for filling this lacuna, the present thesis will study Exodus 15:1-21 and (comparatively) Judges 5. This qualitative study will employ the exegetical methods of socio-rhetorical analysis …


Embedding The Theology And Principles Of Worship In Pastoral Training And Sermon Preparation, Janicka E. Newbill May 2023

Embedding The Theology And Principles Of Worship In Pastoral Training And Sermon Preparation, Janicka E. Newbill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A current literature investigation exposes a deficit in encouraging pastors and preachers to embed theology and principles of worship in their sermon preparation and pastoral training. This presents a concern when churchgoers gather in person or virtually to hear a sermon to strengthen their Christian walk each week. In addition, each year, seminary students and local church organizations graduate ministry leaders trained and prepared to deliver sermons designed to meet the spiritual needs of churchgoers. Yet, upon closer examination, there exist underpinning issues. Churchgoers are lacking in their understanding of worship. The Association of Theological Schools exposes a noticeable gap …


A Case Study Of Racial Reconciliation In An Antebellum Multiracial Christian Church, Ossie X. Mckinney May 2023

A Case Study Of Racial Reconciliation In An Antebellum Multiracial Christian Church, Ossie X. Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It has been fifty-eight years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in public places in the United States of America. Yet, in the twenty-first century, a racial divide still exists in the American church. The American church has not been able to mend the rift that occurred within the antebellum biracial church after the end of slavery. This study examines the actions of a biracial antebellum church that was inspired by its antislavery leaders and the Second Great Awakening to join social activism with worship to foster Christian unity and racial reconciliation. An examination of autobiographies, journals, …


The Historical And Modern Significance Of The Choctaw Hymnody, Angela M. Boatner May 2023

The Historical And Modern Significance Of The Choctaw Hymnody, Angela M. Boatner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Working with the Native Choctaw populations of early America, missionaries did much in the way of music and composition. One result was a compilation of original hymns written by English missionaries in the native Choctaw tongue, but there were also Choctaw composers and contributions. Singing these hymns in church services, gatherings, and social situations remains an activity where the Oklahoma and Mississippi tribal members participate today. The recorded history of the known hymns and composers is scarce and is disappearing daily in favor of teaching the ancient cultures rather than the religion of the white colonists. The research chose a …


Rediscovering The Protestant Reformation In African American Worship, Eddie Anthony Robinson May 2023

Rediscovering The Protestant Reformation In African American Worship, Eddie Anthony Robinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Foundations are fundamental. Whether in the structure of a building, developing the mind, or establishing the faith, foundations are critical. The five solas of the Protestant Reformation are foundational to the Christian faith. When thinking of the Reformation and the five solas it produced, Psalm 11:3 comes to mind. This passage reads, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do” (Psalm 11:3, King James Version)? Today’s church needs to return to its foundations. This study argues that the five solas are a firm and solid foundation for the church. During the turbulent times of the Reformation, they held …


Seeking Biblical Clarity Through Blended Worship In Georgia Baptist Churches, Angelia Weide Mcleroy May 2023

Seeking Biblical Clarity Through Blended Worship In Georgia Baptist Churches, Angelia Weide Mcleroy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite worship training, many leaders in Georgia Baptist churches struggle to combine music styles cohesively to produce biblical worship. Because of the musical “worship wars” regarding traditional, contemporary, and blended styles, many leaders encounter congregations that lack an understanding of blended worship that marries varied music styles. Guided by survey findings of Georgia Baptist music leaders, this qualitative research case study may identify challenges leaders face concerning stylistic music selections while striving to achieve biblical worship. By evaluating the educational and training process and biblical content, the methodological selection of music can be assessed through this study as documented worship …


"Praise Him With Instruments" The Successful Implementation Of Orchestral Ensembles In The Modern Contemporary Worship Service, William Armour May 2023

"Praise Him With Instruments" The Successful Implementation Of Orchestral Ensembles In The Modern Contemporary Worship Service, William Armour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the high demand for contemporary worship musicians to lead contemporary worship services, there remain classically trained orchestral musicians who desire to worship God with their instruments. Biblical evidence reveals, God, who highly values diversity and creativity, desires these traits in worship. Likewise, this evidence suggests God accepts and is pleased with all who offer Him true worship, regardless of their instrument. As such, there must be ways to accept these classically trained orchestral musicians into contemporary worship contexts and utilize them to enhance worship. Based on biblical evidence, industry resources, and music education materials, this qualitative study identifies the …


Mirroring Jesus’S Prayerful Approach To Interactions With Dissatisfied Followers Through The Lens Of The Modern Worship Pastor, Bryant Timothy William West Apr 2023

Mirroring Jesus’S Prayerful Approach To Interactions With Dissatisfied Followers Through The Lens Of The Modern Worship Pastor, Bryant Timothy William West

Masters Theses

This study shows the life and mission of Jesus through His interactions with conflict and will show how worship pastors can apply these lessons to the church. Detailing Jesus's prayer life and His approach to interacting with others, examining the approach worship leaders should have when interacting with similar people. The report will concentrate on three areas of study, including Jesus's prayer life, his ministry, and how the worship pastor can create a church that parallels Christ. Jesus' ministry and discussions with the Pharisees show worship pastors how they should approach church members. This discussion is due to the struggles …


The Impact Of Southern Baptist Worship Ministries On Denominational Effectiveness, Laura S. Brod Apr 2023

The Impact Of Southern Baptist Worship Ministries On Denominational Effectiveness, Laura S. Brod

Masters Theses

Worship ministries maintain prominent roles in Southern Baptist (SB) churches. Despite ample available literature for today’s church educational methods and congregational discipleship, little study has focused on ways SB music ministries can bolster the spiritual health of congregants. SBs currently experience the consequences of recent scandals alongside dwindling attendance numbers. To address this multifaceted, spiritually rooted issue, this historical qualitative study proposes to discover characteristics and methods of music and worship ministries (WM) and leadership qualities that can best promote spiritual growth within SB churches to strengthen the denomination’s health. To undertake this, the study will explore SB history and …


Music Educators As Worship Leaders: The Impact In Music Ministries Led By Music Educators, Patrick Robert Eckelkamp Apr 2023

Music Educators As Worship Leaders: The Impact In Music Ministries Led By Music Educators, Patrick Robert Eckelkamp

Masters Theses

Some of the most competent musicians in local communities are the music educators in local school districts. Since the Bible commands us to play skillfully to God, local music teachers may be an excellent resource for churches. Some churches cannot hire a full-time worship pastor from a seminary or Bible college. In these scenarios, a skilled music teacher looking for additional income and sharing convictions with their church may be a great candidate to fill a vacant worship leader role. Since music teachers primarily study classical and orchestral music, there may be challenges for classically trained music educators leading a …


Woke Religion: Effects Of Secularism And Progressive Politics On 21st Century Mainline Churches As Demonstrated Through The Worship And Witness Of College-Age Students, Brenda L. Widger Apr 2023

Woke Religion: Effects Of Secularism And Progressive Politics On 21st Century Mainline Churches As Demonstrated Through The Worship And Witness Of College-Age Students, Brenda L. Widger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the impact of Woke messages on young adults when delivered in church worship services and at youth events. A mixed methods research approach is employed, with quantitative data collected through an anonymous online survey and qualitative data gathered in a live focus group. The online survey responses and focus group discussion are coded and analyzed, providing a thorough presentation of the perceptions of all participants. Young adults are the future leaders of the Christian church. With so many churches moving toward welcoming or affirming stances on Woke ideology, the sermons delivered from the pulpit and the topics …


The Intersection Of Consumerism And The View Of The Christian Church In American Evangelicalism, Nathaniel Mumau Apr 2023

The Intersection Of Consumerism And The View Of The Christian Church In American Evangelicalism, Nathaniel Mumau

Senior Honors Theses

American Evangelicalism is a religious category that describes a wide variety of Christian denominations and their churches in the United States of America. Church attendance overall has declined, and rates of church membership have plummeted even faster. At the heart of this issue is a misunderstanding of the role the local church is meant to play in the lives of Christians. In modern American society, consumerism is essential to every part of living and thus has confounded the view of the church in the lives of evangelical Christians. The church is viewed as a product to be experienced and at …


Worshipers At War: The Church’S Call To Praise On The Frontlines, Keely Cox Apr 2023

Worshipers At War: The Church’S Call To Praise On The Frontlines, Keely Cox

Senior Honors Theses

As spiritual warfare wages on and battles are constantly fought, the worship leader must understand the power of worship the Church wields in the love and strength of the Lord. In order for the role of the worship leader to be fully recognized and understood as a significant part of the body of Christ, its unique history must also be examined. It can be seen in the appointment of the Levites to the ministry of the Israelite tabernacle and their leadership on the battlefield. It can be found in first-century Christian leaders who persisted to praise the one true God …


Transformative Learning Theory As Applied To Worship Studies, Loueda B. Bleiler Mar 2023

Transformative Learning Theory As Applied To Worship Studies, Loueda B. Bleiler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite extensive research regarding the application of Transformative Learning Theory in adult education, there is very little literature promoting applying these principles and practices within Christian Worship Studies. Transformative Learning Theory is an educational theory that researches and promotes perspective-changing teaching and learning. Structured educational opportunities and spiritual development through Christian worship both have the potential to be life-altering events in human experience. In each of these dimensions of learning, the final result may include a change in perspective which then leads to modified behaviors. Transformative change occurs in the life of the learner. This qualitative research study explores the …


Communicating The Gospel Authentically: Message Transmission Between The Christian Music Artist And The Audience, Lindsey Montez Graham Dec 2022

Communicating The Gospel Authentically: Message Transmission Between The Christian Music Artist And The Audience, Lindsey Montez Graham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study seeks to establish that congruence between the Christian artist and the piece directly affects the process of Message Transmission. Artist authenticity and perceived artist authenticity are central to this study. Authentic expression must be believed in the heart and then confessed with the mouth (Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 12:34; Matthew 15:18). In the secular space there is an expectation for the artist to embody or emulate the performance piece temporarily while performing the song, but to not “be” the piece in life. In the Christian setting, however, the artist is communicating the means by which people should live their …