Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Role And Possible Impact Of Music Administrators On School District Music Programs, Tracee Garrison White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In order to assist in building a successful music program that is conducive to the learning of all students within a school district, administrators and board members must be informed of the role and impact of a district music administrator. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to identify perspectives that have not yet been explored and documented concerning the positive effect district music administrators have on school music programs. Perspectives on support, accountability and advocacy have emerged as themes through an exploration of limited existing literature and feedback from questionnaires. Although the information is available for administrators who …

The Way We See Matters: Developing A New Theological Vision For Effective Cross-Generational Evangelism, Michelle Naomi Jeremie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Today, North American churches have great opportunities and face unique challenges in fulfilling their mandate to make disciples. This DMIN thesis discusses the issue of how to more effectively evangelize the Millennial generation and Generation Z in a postmodern context. The purpose of this thesis is to address the need for church leaders to utilize a specialized evangelism training program to equip Christians to evangelize to non-believers across generational lines. The focus of this project is to implement the Cross-generational Evangelism Training (C-GET) Program at a ministry that has a low representation of Millennials and Generation Z. This Program will …

A Study Of American Rural Music Educators: The Impact On Community Involvement In Music, Stanley Norman Harris Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study intends to discover and evaluate positive and negative relationships that music educators experience while teaching in rural educational settings and to discover if broader community involvement can help mitigate resource reductions. Influences such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) have accelerated reductions in music programs. The purpose of the investigation is to recognize the feasibility of rural music educators leveraging increased support through community involvement to benefit their local music programs and students. The study's focus is twofold: first, to discover and examine what causes rural music educators to not participate …

Correlation Between Reading Motivation And Engagement And Student Reading Outcomes In Title One Elementary Schools, Tashenna Renee Wiggins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following research described a correlational study to examine whether there was correlation between reading motivation and reading engagement on students’ outcomes on the HMH Reading Inventory® in Title I schools for students reading below grade level in grades three through five. Additionally, the research indicated the importance of utilizing motivation and engagement to increase reading achievement. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between reading motivation and reading engagement to reading outcomes in grades three through five for students who are not reading on grade level in Title I elementary schools in the Southeast section …

Understanding Discipleship And How To Effectively Spread The Gospel, Christopher Earl Kornegay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will work to help Greater Purpose International formulate a plan that will better serve its congregants and aid them in gaining the confidence to share their faith with others. Although the overall health of the church may have been attributed to a lack of discipleship, it is evident that congregants can be comfortable sharing their faith even if expected results are not obtained. The fundamental purpose of this study is to focus specifically on the congregants of Greater Purpose International and their ability to share their faith with others. Using qualitative research, a collection of interviews, and group …

An Analysis Of The Roles And Responsibilities Of The Music Ministry In The African American Church, Jeffrey Leonta Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The perfect church does not exist. All churches have issues, and Church of Faith and Deliverance in Kinston, North Carolina, is no exception. The church has a problem within the music ministry. The purpose of this DMIN action research thesis is to teach and provide adequate training on the roles and responsibilities of the music ministry at Church of Faith and Deliverance. If the roles and responsibilities of individuals in the music ministry are taught at Church of Faith and Deliverance, then unity of worship may result. The church is a living and breathing organism. When parishioners gather in the …

"Eugenics Is Euphemism”:The American Eugenics Movement, The Cultural Law Of Progress, And Its International Connections & Consequences, Bessie Sue Blackburn

Masters Theses

While often hidden under the guise of race betterment in both a scientific and even moral sense, eugenics was a bioethical movement that captivated many at the turn of the 19th century and through the Progressive Era—which was defined by a crisis of identity in the American mind. Sir Francis Galton, the coiner of the term "eugenics," predicted that this science would first infiltrate academia, then become a practical concern, and finally enter into the conscience as a new religion. This thesis examines this prophecy through the lens of the Scopes Monkey Trial, Carrie Buck's case, and the later horrors …

An Abductive Argument For Theism: A Comparative Analysis, Erich P. Reule

Masters Theses

A theistic ontological foundation and authority for moral obligations is an essential element of theism. And, any replacement of theism must provide an explanation for moral obligations. As such, the core claims of both theism and atheism depend heavily on the research question of this thesis - What is the foundation and authority of moral obligations?

Theism provides a better explanation for the foundation and authority of moral obligations than the atheist worldview, or the utilitarian and robust normative realist ethical systems. Furthermore, it seems that moral obligations are real, objective, universal and human, and as such are best explained …

Non-Traditional Means Of Worship, Courtney Ann Blanchard

Masters Theses

The purpose of worship is to praise the God of all and give Him thanks for all He has done. Based on the Old Testament and the New Testament, one thing is certain: God has always desired to have a relationship with His people. However, it was not until the death, resurrection, and ascension of God’s only Son that believers could worship God freely. Now, worship is unhindered. Jesus Christ broke every chain and has become the bridge-way for all God’s people to have a free relationship with Him. This research paper will uncover the biblical principles discovered in the …

Classical Education, Mythos, And Philosophy, Luke Hancock

Senior Honors Theses

Classical education offers a superior education K-12 because it is uniquely equipped to incorporate mythos and philosophy, two important parts of an education that are not included as well in other systems of education. Mythos, which has to do with narratives, story, and myth, has significant uses and benefits in many contexts, including religious, cultural, and academic. Philosophy is important in order for one to live the good life, and is lacking in today’s culture of education. These two concepts are emphasized in classical education. They fit into the classical canon and are best taught in a classical context. For …

Election And Israel: Following Paul’S Thought Through Romans 9-11, Colton Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Paul’s dealings with Israel in Romans 9-11 have long been viewed as some of the most theologically controversial teachings in the New Testament. Throughout these three critical chapters located in the middle of his greatest theological treatise, Paul teaches both on the doctrine of individual election and on the future of ethnic Israel. In this paper, the text will be approached using the discipline of biblical theology with the hope of interpreting the text using a literal hermeneutic with the whole of Scripture in mind. The doctrine of unconditional individual election will be affirmed by this research, and both a …

Investigating The Prevailing Worldviews Of American Public Education: A Brief Analysis And History, Chester Walker

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis investigates whether the philosophies and worldviews underlying U.S. public education contradict or purposefully undermine Biblical Christianity. It provides readers with an understanding of the Biblical Christian worldview to enable them to analyze and contrast prominent worldviews of public education. Pragmatism and Marxism run rampant in public education today. Both strongly oppose fundamental tenets of the Biblical Christian worldview. To determine any purposeful anti-Christian agenda, the author examines the men behind the worldviews. Christianity maintains that ideas and practices in education originate from deeply-held, personal beliefs, which are passed on to students. Education is a means of discipleship to …

The Stars Kept Shining: The Wartime Diary Of Esther Mathilda Sørensen, Larisa C. Neilson

Senior Honors Theses

In fulfillment of the Liberty University Honors Department Thesis requirement, the following is a creative thesis in the form of an historical fiction novella diary, written in the first person. The story follows the life of Esther, a young Danish woman, as she navigates what it means to be a Jew in World War II era Europe. Though the characters are fictional, the story presents possible real-life experiences for a person living during this time.

The style of this novella is popular among middle and high school teachers and can be an important teaching tool as it is an engaging …

Pastoral Leadership Strategies For A Multisite Church In A Small Church Setting In The African American Community, Lionel Reynard Catchings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There are many mega churches that are moving to multisite facilities. This project focuses on the small church that wishes to establish multisite facilities to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The project will provide a guide for small churches who may desire to embrace multi worship sites for their congregations. It will identify strengths of small churches and the challenges they face when they seek to found multisite churches, and ultimately demonstrate that small church multisite facilities are possible and feasible. This project will also validate the importance of teamwork in recruiting, enlisting and training volunteers for multisite responsibilities. …

Resolving The Shortage Of Youth At Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Sharion Dianne Otey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to examine the lack of youth at Mouth Moriah Baptist Church. The participants’ perspective is crucial to understanding why youth are not returning to the church after graduating from high school. The following chapters show the need for youth in the church and the why youth are leaving the church after graduating high school. In this project, the data will demonstrate the causes for the lack of youth. Furthermore, it will present changes that are needed to increase the number of youth in the church. Current literature provides insight into what others have done …

You Think You're Called... Now What? Intervention For Discerning And Confirming A Call To Ministry: A Study To Identify Interventions For Gaining Confirmation On The Call To God, Jacquelyn Elaine Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

You think you are called… Now What? The purpose of this research project is to guide those who feel they have been called to ministry into action—from the point where they sense a call to ministry, to gaining confirmation and moving them forward by answering the call. Selected participants have expressed a range of experiences, while still struggling with the confidence to embrace and walk in their calls. This research will assist leaders to encourage and nurture others to walk in their purpose—fulfilling the “Great Commission The intervention will consist of: (1) an initial two-day conference designed to clarify and …

Training Lay Preachers To Preach Expository Sermons In The Wesleyan Church In The Amazon District Of Brazil, Grace Ury Ensz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is an urgent need for lay preachers to know how to divide the Word of God and preach biblical sermons. This project addresses lay preachers’ needs in the Wesleyan Church in the Amazon district who carry out their significant ministry without any training. The purpose of this project is to supply practical training and to offer a viable preaching model to continue to preach expositional sermons. Action research methods will be used. There will be surveys, interviews, and evaluations done to help and understand the lay preacher. Triangulation will be used by comparing information from the researcher, the research …

An Exploration Of The Attitudes And Expectations Of African American Congregants Regarding A Proposed Mental Health Ministry, Faith Clarisa Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed methods research project explored the attitudes and expectations of African American congregants regarding a proposed mental health ministry in a large urban church in Miami Gardens, Florida. The scale component assessed the mental health literacy levels of congregants. The semi-structured interview revealed congregant needs and ways to address them, as identified by leaders of other ministries based on their interactions with congregants. Relevant themes were stigma surrounding mental health, the desire for spirituality in counseling, and Christ’s concern for humanity’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This project collected digital scale surveys from 51 individuals and conducted nine semi-structured …

Servant - Leadership In Christ Apostolic Church North America: Leadership And Discipleship To Build Trust And For Church Growth, Emmanuel Oluwafemi Olorunnisola

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Due to the infiltration of Nigerian authoritarian culture into the church, many Nigerian churches today are struggling with leadership issues. This has resulted in many of the younger generation losing faith in the church despite the outburst of “revival” and churches in virtually every community. Some had struggled in vain to attain leadership positions in the church. Nevertheless, the church teaches on leadership, but from the authoritarian point of view. A major case in point is the Christ Apostolic Church, the first indigenous Pentecostal church in Nigeria, which has assemblies in the United States. This research will look into the …

Semeiotic And The Problem Of Panentheism For Christian Natural Theology, Nathan G. Wheeler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation considers the theological suitability of Charles S. Peirce’s philosophy of signs (semeiotic) for use in theories respecting the great Christian tradition. As a case-study, this dissertation examines panentheism as a problem for a Christian approach to natural theology utilizing semeiotic, as proposed by Alister McGrath. Leading interpreters of Peirce’s philosophy of religion, Michael Raposa and Robert Corrington, hold that Peirce’s semeiotic entails a panentheist ontology. If that is the case, then a fully developed use of semeiotic by McGrath may inad-vertently risk the coherence of his theory. The present study takes a systematic theology approach combined with an …

Church Revitalization Resources And Connections For The Northside Of Indianapolis, William James Marshall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide a connection point and resources for pastors on the Northside of Indianapolis, IN to revitalize their churches. This project addresses the problem that many pastors on Indianapolis’ Northside may lack a connection point and resources to revitalize their churches. The research, resources, and connection points in this study focus on the biblical and practical leadership traits of a pastor, which are necessary to lead a church’s revitalization. This study offers a biblical-theological groundwork for a pastor/shepherd, emphasizing that a pastor should be of good moral character, affirming, aware of mutual need, caring, …

Discipleship: A Parental Responsibility, Ranny George Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The primary disciple-makers of children are the parents, which is mandated by God. Throughout the Scriptures, God empowered the family to lead their children into spiritual growth. God charged the family in maintaining a spiritual atmosphere where their children can learn and become His disciples. God makes it clear to parents that their responsibility toward their children while at home is a continuous process of teaching His Word to them. Even though the family unit is one, the primary spiritual responsibility resides with the father in maintaining the integrity of the family discipleship endeavors in Christ. The purpose of this …

Students' Evangelical Worldview In Public High School Content Areas: A Phenomenological Analysis, Russell Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although much research has been conducted regarding Christian worldview in private high schools and Christian colleges, very little information exists regarding Christian worldview at public high schools. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe how 10 evangelical students in public high schools interpret content areas through their worldview. The study answered the following critical question: How do evangelical students in public high schools interpret content areas through their worldviews? Participants were found using criterion sampling in central Pennsylvania and document analysis, interviews, and focus groups were used to collect data. Moustakas’s (1994) approach was used for data …

Enhancing Church Health Through Sermon Preparation, James A. Johnson Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The transformative power of the Word of God is vital to the health of the church. Today, many churches in the Original East Texas Baptist Association see a considerable decline in church membership and the development of disciples due to man-centered preaching. The goal of this project is to align and realign pastors with expository preaching. The Supremacy of God, the scriptural foundation of preaching, evaluating preaching, and the original writer's intent are essential for God-centered preaching. The research methods of this project challenge preachers to pay close attention to the biblical text and expose truths that promote personal growth …

Examining Emergency Safety Preparedness Training In Baptist Churches In North Carolina Against An Active Shooter Threat, Kim Mark Auten

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the threat of human-made hazards intensifies, church leadership will need to examine their church safety preparedness policies to keep congregations safe while on the property. This research's primary objective was to determine if there are current safety protocols in which address potential threats and if church leadership has procedures in place that cover the various disasters that churches are exposed to in the state of North Carolina. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to examine the churches serving North Carolina in a rural, suburban, and inner-city setting to determine if there is any correlation in leadership's perception …

Biblical Parenting, Mehret Kahsai

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this Doctor of Ministry thesis project, Biblical Parenting, is to equip parents with tools that will enable them to conduct Bible study and family worship in an age-appropriate manner, so that their children will grow up understanding the Word of God and have a biblical worldview that will direct their daily decisions. Some of the parents at Calvary Baptist Church and Covenant Christian Academy appear not to be accomplishing their God given task of evangelizing and discipling their children at home. Instead they have relegated that responsibility to the church. However, according to the Bible, parents are …

Church Guests Matter: A Strategic Program To Welcome Guests, Adam Mark Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project will measure the success of acquiring and retaining guests by gauging the efforts made to welcome guests by utilizing a questionnaire among community guests. A Church sitting in a diverse community in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, accessible to nearby schools and a local town is in decline. Today, small churches close their doors, and pastors are leaving the vocational ministry. The ministry of the church is to fulfill the greatest commandment by loving God and loving others. However, many churches today have confined the essentials of the church to inside the walls. A church willing to seek the …

Proven Biblical Discipleship: Make It According To The Pattern, Anthony Ray Mckee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The first-century church’s spiritual growth methodology functioned to achieve the goal of Christlikeness through discipleship. God crafted a design for his church to advance followers of Jesus toward Christian maturity. God’s instruction for Israel to “see that you make it according to the pattern” came from God’s perfect mind and is practical guidance for today’s spiritual growth practices. According to the countless number of discipleship methods available, some churches communicate that Christian maturation can be achieved through any discipleship perspective. This project aims to study local churches that offer a discipleship program, process, or pedagogy and compare them with twelve …

Charismatic And Expository Preaching: A Case Study Of Two Preaching Methods Within The Local Church, Lewis D. Mathis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Preaching by far is the primary tool used within the Body of Christ to spread the gospel throughout the world and draw people to the ecclesia (church). For centuries the fundamental approach to heralding the Word of God has been rooted in expository preaching. This theologically sound approach has been shadowed by the rise of the Charismatic Movement and its preaching. Therefore, this thesis project study foci will be on "Charismatic and Expository Preaching: A Case Study of Two Preaching Methods within the Local Church." This study is necessary to determine if these two forms of preaching can co-exist or …

Evangelistic Strategy To Communicate The Gospel To Hindu Community In Morris County, David Armstrong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

New Testament evangelism is emphasized as an urgent command specially communicated by Christ. Corresponding the gospel with the detached came naturally to the early Disciples of Christ. However, in recent decades, local Bible-believing evangelical churches have taken this command either lightly or have completely drifted away. If the church continues to ignore evangelism, the church loses its purpose for existence and results in a spiritually lost generation. Therefore, if the church of Christ will not prioritize evangelism efforts, it will not happen. The purpose of this qualitative study is to equip, mentor, and develop Christian lay leaders with the tools …