Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Religion (1694)
- Christianity (896)
- Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion (471)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (429)
- Practical Theology (386)
-
- Music (380)
- Education (367)
- History (241)
- Leadership Studies (139)
- Liturgy and Worship (130)
- Counseling (112)
- Other Religion (110)
- Comparative Methodologies and Theories (98)
- Biblical Studies (66)
- Missions and World Christianity (63)
- Psychology (63)
- Philosophy (57)
- History of Christianity (54)
- Ethics in Religion (51)
- Educational Leadership (39)
- Christian Denominations and Sects (37)
- Sociology (34)
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (32)
- Communication (29)
- Educational Methods (25)
- Higher Education (22)
- Curriculum and Instruction (20)
- Music Education (20)
- Counseling Psychology (19)
- Keyword
-
- Discipleship (228)
- Leadership (137)
- Church (115)
- Religion, General (105)
- Evangelism (94)
-
- Worship (94)
- Theology (86)
- Religion, Clergy (67)
- Music education (63)
- Music (61)
- Education (60)
- Ministry (60)
- Apologetics (48)
- Christian (47)
- Community (46)
- Music Education (43)
- Training (43)
- Church Growth (42)
- Spiritual Formation (38)
- Spiritual formation (36)
- Burnout (35)
- Mentoring (35)
- Pastor (32)
- Culture (28)
- Religion (28)
- Christianity (27)
- Retention (27)
- Pastors (26)
- Preaching (26)
- Education, Religious (25)
Articles 1501 - 1530 of 2338
Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Assessing The Views Of Haitian Evangelical Leaders Regarding Christ-Centered Preaching From The Old Testament, Stevenson Dorcélus-Cetoute
Assessing The Views Of Haitian Evangelical Leaders Regarding Christ-Centered Preaching From The Old Testament, Stevenson Dorcélus-Cetoute
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Preaching is an absolute necessity, great preaching more so to transform society and advance God’s kingdom. Great preaching is that what points to Christ in every text from Scripture New Testament as well as Old Testament. Based on Luke 24 and other fundamental texts this study shows preaching Christ from the Old Testament is warranted. The purpose of the study however was to find out the attitude of Haitian leaders/pastors/preachers regarding Christocentric preaching and also ascertain if they are willing to know more whatever their knowledge is currently on the issue. This quantitative study uses the survey method, and we …
An Effective Online Training Strategy For Worship Leaders In Korea, Dong Hyun Kwon
An Effective Online Training Strategy For Worship Leaders In Korea, Dong Hyun Kwon
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
A trained worship leader plays a significant role in a modern church's proper worship experience. It is hard to find well-prepared worship leaders, and most local churches need to train those who are or will be leading their worship services. There have been various courses for this purpose by several organizations in Korea. However, these programs have usually been limited to those who are able to attend at a certain time and place set by the organization. Those who do not live in large cities or cannot afford time off during those hours have been excluded from the opportunity to …
A Study Of Support For The Bereaved In The Local Congregation, Ngoy Nadine Ilunga
A Study Of Support For The Bereaved In The Local Congregation, Ngoy Nadine Ilunga
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The bereaved often face the ongoing challenges of grief with little support from the Church. This study aimed to resource the Church with practical methodologies to help congregants cope with grief. The study examined the troubling issues the bereaved experience after the death of a loved one. Survey data was collected from ten United Methodist members and had lost an immediate family member within the past five years. The measure consisted of interviews and questionnaires. An email and a verbal announcement during church worship service built the sample. Findings reveal that approximately 90% of participants experienced grief and emotional effects …
Holy Spirit Filled Preaching Opens The Door For A Miracle, Alvin Alastair Burks
Holy Spirit Filled Preaching Opens The Door For A Miracle, Alvin Alastair Burks
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The problem is that many preachers should strive to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Not being filled with the Holy Spirit hinders the power of God in spiritual manifestation, be it healing, preaching, teaching, etc, in the lives of believers. The purpose is to teach preachers how to be filled with the Holy Spirit in their preaching and education as the adversary desires to tempt the preacher with sin, causing the quenching of the Holy Spirit in the preacher’s life. As the preacher is filled with the Holy Spirit, God's people have a chance to experience the available preaching …
A Study On Bible Study Group To Improve Expository Preaching Preparation: The Case Of 701 Korean Church Bible Study Group, Young Shik Choi
A Study On Bible Study Group To Improve Expository Preaching Preparation: The Case Of 701 Korean Church Bible Study Group, Young Shik Choi
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The rapid growth in number of Korean churches have led the period of quantitative revival. However, at same time, diverse problem emerged such as materialism and secularization. The main reason was due to the lack of spiritual growth of the church members. In this regard, expository preaching which provides clear understanding of the scripture and applications to live as healthy Christians is inevitable. Many preachers in the past have had interest in and tried expository preaching but they could not write down their script with elements of expository preaching due to the lack of understanding and training in this field. …
Worship, Culture, And Mission: Ethnomusicology As A Tool For Evangelism In America, Semaj H. Pennix
Worship, Culture, And Mission: Ethnomusicology As A Tool For Evangelism In America, Semaj H. Pennix
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Despite many efforts of using evangelism as a tool in the United States, a deficit within the mission field of the unchurched is still very present. Within the scope of the ethnomusicologist, there are both secular and sacred musical fronts and participants that must be presented with the gospel in a form that ministers to them and connects with their own cultural or traditional music. Infiltrating these atmospheres as an ethnomusicologist may be the way to meet these needs. Because music has such a strong potential for changing the hearts of others and fostering acceptance, it is important for the …
Reproducing Lay Leaders In The Local Church Through Missional Mentoring, Jonathan A. Watson
Reproducing Lay Leaders In The Local Church Through Missional Mentoring, Jonathan A. Watson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
In many rural churches with 250 or fewer people in attendance each week, there is a need to properly train and prepare non-paid, volunteer laymen to serve in positions of leadership. Churches have been guilty of placing someone in an area of service with very little—or no—direction of what to do or how to properly lead. Without adequate training and leadership development, the spiritual growth of the ministry can be hindered as lay leaders are not equipped to effectively disciple those under their ministry. At Bible Baptist Church, the desire is to develop a missional mentoring ministry that will help …
A Phenomenological Study Of Leader-Observed And Student Experienced Behavioral Transformations Associated With Christian Released Time Programs, Steven Louis Rathers Jr
A Phenomenological Study Of Leader-Observed And Student Experienced Behavioral Transformations Associated With Christian Released Time Programs, Steven Louis Rathers Jr
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of instructional leaders and high school graduates associated with a released time education (RTE) learning center in northern Georgia. The study sought to understand the perceived contribution of released time on behavioral transformation and the construct of a biblical worldview. The phenomenological method was chosen as the qualitative design for this research since it involves how the participants made sense of their experience. Data collection in this phenomenological study consisted of interviews with nine instructional leaders, and a focus group of eight alumni, all of whom were purposively …
Keeping Culture: An Evaluation Of Organizational Culture In The Multisite Church, Michael John Grayston
Keeping Culture: An Evaluation Of Organizational Culture In The Multisite Church, Michael John Grayston
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the attendee perception of organizational culture, including the communication pathways, vision, and mission in the three common multisite church models: the local franchise model, the national franchise model, and the live teaching model. The study evaluated the attendee perception of the methods and strategies used by the multisite church to create and keep one unique culture in spite of their method, proximity, or demographics. The researcher attempted to evaluate these methods through a survey and face-to-face interviews with multisite church leaders from six different churches representing three different models. The …
Counseling Women In Prison On Forgiveness, Guilt, And Shame, Lashawnda Denise Key
Counseling Women In Prison On Forgiveness, Guilt, And Shame, Lashawnda Denise Key
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
There is a lack of adequate counseling on forgiveness, guilt, and shame in the women’s prison. Without effective counseling on those subjects while incarcerated, there is potential for the female offender to reoffend. Adequate counseling could increase the recidivism rate. Counselors in the prison system address behavior issues, acclimation of prison life and rehabilitation programs. Addressing the issues that precipitates criminal behavior and helping the offender understand the factors that lead them to engage in criminal behavior are overly complex. With passable counseling the offenders have the propensity to release the hurt and pain they have lived with and become …
A Phenomenological Study Of Anger's Dissonance: Exploring The Attribute Of Meekness Among Christian Exemplars, Stephen Ethan Halstead
A Phenomenological Study Of Anger's Dissonance: Exploring The Attribute Of Meekness Among Christian Exemplars, Stephen Ethan Halstead
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This phenomenological research examined the role of cognitive dissonance in the process of spiritual and behavioral change in the lives of mature Christian exemplars within the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) located in the Southeast Region of the United States of America by peering through the lens of the emotion of anger to explore one’s transformation toward meekness. Utilizing a purposive sampling, this study sought to explore the magnitude of behavioral change from a tendency toward anger to a tendency toward meekness as one matures as a Christian. It sought to close the gap in understanding how Christians viewed …
Development Of An Observation Skill In Inductive Bible Study In Consideration Of Biblical Genres For Bible Students In The School Of Biblical Studies In Youth With A Mission, Kona, Hawaii, Yohan Shim
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
SBS Kona has been helping Christians to employ the inductive Bible study method to study the Bible for many decades. Some Bible students in SBS Kona superficially observe the biblical text. The project aims to assist the Bible students in developing their observation skills by considering the biblical genres. For this purpose, the project covered eight genres of the Bible: Narrative, Law, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophet, Apocalyptic, Gospel, and Epistle. The project also supplied five essential observation labels for each genre to guide the participants observe the text in light of the biblical genres. The researcher facilitated the project for six …
Servant-Leadership: Social-Science Model Or Biblical Model--Which Is Predominant Within Southern Baptist Ministry Leadership?, Norman Custis Snead Sr.
Servant-Leadership: Social-Science Model Or Biblical Model--Which Is Predominant Within Southern Baptist Ministry Leadership?, Norman Custis Snead Sr.
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this quantitative descriptive research study was to discover the most predominant leadership style, of the five styles being measured (Autocratic/Authoritarian, Bureaucratic, Democratic, Laissez-faire, or Servant-Leader), that was found within the ministry leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention, and to discover which servant-leadership model (social-science or biblical) was more predominantly followed by those using a servant-leadership style. Furthermore, the correlation of their leadership position and educational level were analyzed for those ministry leaders predominantly following the social-science model of servant-leadership. The social-science model was identified and defined through a literature review. Whereas, the biblical model was defined and …
Rethinking Intergenerational Worship To Pass Down Spiritual Legacy Through The Generations In Korean Churches, Sungjoo Yoon
Rethinking Intergenerational Worship To Pass Down Spiritual Legacy Through The Generations In Korean Churches, Sungjoo Yoon
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Korean Christianity has seen astonishing growth over the past century. As churches have grown, with the necessity of more specified education by age, generational separation in worship services and programs has become a common trend in Korean Churches. However, this tendency has also stimulated conflicts and divisions among generations in churches. Consequently, the age group segregation within churches has made it increasingly difficult for them to preserve Christian legacy through the generations. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis project is to assist Korean local churches in reevaluating and adopting Intergenerational worship as a biblical means to bind generations in one …
Reconnecting Black Christian Methodist Millennials To The Church, Albritton Nelson
Reconnecting Black Christian Methodist Millennials To The Church, Albritton Nelson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Like other denominations today, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) is missing the millennial generation in attendance and activity. The elders of the church genuinely believe that the millennial generation will continue to decline to attend and decrease their membership and the numbers of the church. Some feel that tradition may be the blame because the church refuses to change its ways. Others believe that there’s a lack of vision to understand where the church is going. No matter the reasons for the decline, changes are needed to ensure the health and resilience of the CME Church if it is …
Youth To Adult Continuance Of Faith: How To Achieve Young Adult Retention Through Pre-Adult Instruction, Michael Leslie Tyree Jr.
Youth To Adult Continuance Of Faith: How To Achieve Young Adult Retention Through Pre-Adult Instruction, Michael Leslie Tyree Jr.
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This project grows out of the late teen through the twenty-something absence of young adult believers as active Crawford Road Baptist Church (CRBC) members. This phenomenon, young adult absence, is experienced in many churches and therefore worthy of research to discover causal influences and possible mitigations. Project research included scholarly books and direct interviews with ministry experts. The project topic is youth to the young adult continuance of faith and how to achieve young adult retention through preadult instruction. Research in this effort has included discipleship, church growth, worship, culture, and relevant young adult statistical data review. This project will …
Obeying The Commission: A Model For Equipping Christians To Make Disciples, David Kofi Bempong
Obeying The Commission: A Model For Equipping Christians To Make Disciples, David Kofi Bempong
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Jesus was explicit when He gave His disciples specific instructions before His ascension. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissions his followers to be disciple-makers. Christians today are beneficiaries of the previous generations’ efforts to fulfill this commission. The purpose of this project is to evaluate how discipleship is accomplished at Riverdale Baptist Church and to propose a strategy demonstrating practical ways people can begin making disciples. The traditional church model is losing relevance amid a society that is increasingly dissociating itself from formal religion. The body of Christ must be in touch with their communities and find effective ways of making …
The Kingdom Of Heaven In Matthew's Gospel, Jeffery Jerome Mize Sr.
The Kingdom Of Heaven In Matthew's Gospel, Jeffery Jerome Mize Sr.
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this research is to clear up the misunderstanding that exists in Matthew’s Gospel. This project focuses on clarifying how a better understanding of the differences between the “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God” in Matthew’s Gospel which in turn will impact the lives of Christians today. As this study will reveal, each phrase has a unique usage that was important to the original audience. Matthew’s aim in writing his Gospel were, not only to strengthen the spiritual disposition of his church, but also to assist his readers in rediscovering their true identity. The Jewish setting …
Establishing 24-7 Worship And Prayer Reflecting The Harp And Bowl Model Depicted In Revelation 5:8 In The Local Church, Margaret Leanne Naff
Establishing 24-7 Worship And Prayer Reflecting The Harp And Bowl Model Depicted In Revelation 5:8 In The Local Church, Margaret Leanne Naff
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
One of the primary functions of the Church as being redeemed unto God is to worship and pray. The combination of worship and prayer releases the kingdom of heaven on the earth for the purpose of divine encounter with God, cultural transformation, and redemption of humanity. This thesis project focused on the progressive establishment of 24-7 worship and prayer in the local church to reflect the harp and bowl model depicted in Revelation 5:8. This study provided a four-week teaching that was targeted toward growth in understanding a biblical theology for worship and prayer, revelation of intercession, the harp and …
The Impact Of D-Groups On The Spiritual Health Of Church Membership At Fbc Barbourville, Ky, Joshuah Tyler Shields
The Impact Of D-Groups On The Spiritual Health Of Church Membership At Fbc Barbourville, Ky, Joshuah Tyler Shields
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
For years, First Baptist Church in Barbourville, Kentucky, has been in steady decline. Additionally, there is no personal discipleship program in the church. This project addresses the problem by studying the impact of D-groups on the spiritual health of the membership of the church. Participants in this project completed a spiritual health assessment during the first week of study. The same assessment was retaken after six weeks, and the results of both assessments were compared. Participants who were part of a D-group performed higher on the second assessment when compared to a control group which did not participate in D-group …
First Responder Chaplaincy: Sending Sources As Key Social Support Structures, Christopher Alan Bassett
First Responder Chaplaincy: Sending Sources As Key Social Support Structures, Christopher Alan Bassett
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Police and fire chaplaincy comprises an emerging ministry profession that is underrepresented in academic study. This study addresses the problem of support structure inadequacies among First Responder Chaplains (FRCs) which create conditions that lead to burnout. The study examines their often-problematic connections to churches, denominations, and other endorsing agencies (sending sources). The purpose of the project is to assess those connections and provide remediation inadequacies. The thesis project examines Chaplaincy Organizational Agencies (COAs) and develops solutions for FRCs to build better initial and ongoing relationships with their sending sources. The thesis suggests that chaplains who are properly affirmed, supported, and …
A Survey Of North Carolina School Resource Officers: Training And Roles, Alesha Poole Troutman
A Survey Of North Carolina School Resource Officers: Training And Roles, Alesha Poole Troutman
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the roles of SROs in North Carolina and the training that they receive. This study is based on the perceptions of SROs in North Carolina and the roles and training that they need to be effective within the school(s) they serve. The quantitative design used a survey that consisted of different measurement scales, including ordinal, nominal, and fill-in-the-blank. The findings of this study were analyzed using Qualtrics XM that lets you statistically analyze your response data and allows researchers to identify trends and produce predictive models. Descriptive statistics were …
Victory Temple House Of Refuge: A Missional Focused Revitalization Strategy, David Lee Nalls
Victory Temple House Of Refuge: A Missional Focused Revitalization Strategy, David Lee Nalls
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose for this DMIN action research thesis is to develop a revitalization strategy for Victory Temple House of Refuge located in Fayette, Alabama, that will connect the hearts and minds of its leaders to biblical principles for restoring church vibrancy and growth. The purpose rises to confront a problem of church membership decline and community contraction, frequently associated with a lusterless existence. The purpose statement also introduces a study on church revitalization’s incipit principles of returning to missional activities and discipleship fundamentals as a means of restoring congregational vitality. Researching the problem is inextricable to a Christian community’s mandate …
Worship, Discipleship, And Evangelism: How The Purpose Of The Church Affects Congregational Singing, Justin Aaron Mckinney
Worship, Discipleship, And Evangelism: How The Purpose Of The Church Affects Congregational Singing, Justin Aaron Mckinney
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
For several hundred years, in response to Charles Finney’s innovations, American churches emphasized evangelism over worship within corporate worship services. This approach redirected the vertical focus of corporate worship from God to the horizontal focus of non-believers as the primary audience. The Bible supports a horizontal audience for corporate worship for edifying fellow believers, but non-believers as the primary audience of corporate worship is contrary t¬o both the Bible and most of church history. The purpose of this project is to establish the necessity of worship preceding evangelism by examining their relationship through biblical exegesis, scholarly literature, and church history …
Using Mentor/Apprentice Relationships In Discipleship Groups To Develop Missional Leaders In The Church Of The Covenant, Jerrold Scott Shetter
Using Mentor/Apprentice Relationships In Discipleship Groups To Develop Missional Leaders In The Church Of The Covenant, Jerrold Scott Shetter
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this project is to cultivate a disciple making leadership development strategy at The Church of the Covenant. It will use questionnaires and interviews to gain a knowledge of the depth of understanding the congregation has regarding discipleship, small groups, and leadership as well as gain an understanding regarding why small group ministries have never been able to grab a foothold at the church. A focus group will be gathered to preview the plan to create a culture of discipleship in the church as well as a mentor/apprentice format for developing new leaders in the group. The church …
The Engagement Of Digital Technology And Social Media At Promise Land Church Following Covid-19, Rowevina G. Herring
The Engagement Of Digital Technology And Social Media At Promise Land Church Following Covid-19, Rowevina G. Herring
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This research project aims to explore the full integration of digital technology and social media at a local church following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic formed a global perspective, consisting of so-called "new rules" of churchgoing resulting from different social engagement expectations, cleanliness, and protecting vulnerable populations. During and following the pandemic, the world awaited sheltering-in-place and social distancing to return to some semblance of normalcy. Considering these changes, most churches struggled to understand how to maintain and proliferate the gospel. The focus of this study is based on a local non-denominational church that failed to predict expository preaching and …
Expository Preaching’S Impact On A Congregation’S Understanding Of The Discipleship Process, Jeremy James Highlander
Expository Preaching’S Impact On A Congregation’S Understanding Of The Discipleship Process, Jeremy James Highlander
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Traditional churches have struggled with a decline in membership over the past decades. The lack of balance between discipleship and evangelism has had a major influence on this decline. The question is whether the lack of understanding of the discipleship process is due to poor preaching or a lack of expository preaching within the church. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of expository preaching on the congregation’s understanding of the discipleship process. Ten church members who have been under the influence of topical preaching and five pastors who practice expository preaching took part in the study …
Equipping Military Chaplains With A Framework For Mental Wellness: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Stephanie Okolo
Equipping Military Chaplains With A Framework For Mental Wellness: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Stephanie Okolo
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Although it is said that the sight of a battlefield after combat can fill princes with a love of peace and haunt them with the horrors of war, the mental health effects of war on soldiers are often frustratingly difficult to comprehend. It is, however, clear that warzones and the general environments in which deployed soldiers work can have negative impacts on their mental health. Military chaplains work closely with deployed soldiers and should be well-equipped with the knowledge to help them understand their mental health needs. It is important that they possess the right skills to do this well. …
Implementing A Discipleship Curriculum Among Men At Breakthrough Church Of God By Faith (Cogbf) In Memphis, Tn, Shawn Martinus Cook Sr.
Implementing A Discipleship Curriculum Among Men At Breakthrough Church Of God By Faith (Cogbf) In Memphis, Tn, Shawn Martinus Cook Sr.
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative study was to introduce, engage, and implement discipleship concepts and practices at Breakthrough COGBF to increase attendance, spiritual engagement, retention, and membership among men. The study included comparing the biblical concept of discipleship cited in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, with contemporary perceptions held by male parishioners. The study included the participation of three parishioners from a predominately African American congregation. Theological and theoretical foundations for the study of discipleship were discussed along with current trends. Theological foundations included an analysis of Matthew 28:18-20 revealing that the imperative to make disciples was achieved by doing …
Understanding Instructional Spelling Practices Of Third And Fourth Grade Teachers: An Embedded Multiple Case Study, Krista Rae Tennefoss
Understanding Instructional Spelling Practices Of Third And Fourth Grade Teachers: An Embedded Multiple Case Study, Krista Rae Tennefoss
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this embedded, explanatory multiple case study was to explain how internal and external factors shape the instructional spelling practices of third and fourth grade educators in Delaware. Internal factors were personal characteristics, such as content knowledge and pedagogy, that have been developed by past experiences and trainings. External factors were environmental and behavioral elements that vary between schools. The theory guiding this study was the social cognitive theory as it provided a theoretical framework that helped to explain influencers behind teacher choices. As an embedded case study, the main units of analysis were the schools (N = …