Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Empowering The Next Generation Of Female Leaders In Restoration Church Rhode Island, Elizabeth Faroul Arah

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this praxis-in-dissertation was to enhance the leadership skills of current Christian female members within the Fervent Women’s ministry at Restoration Church (REZ Church) in Rhode Island. The plan was to enable them to engage and connect with young and new females who would be interested in joining the ministry. By using the situational leadership model as a tool to support the selected female participants from one stage to the next, the ministry Director gained valuable insights into their own leadership effectiveness and how they were able to best support each female through the process. The results of …

Singing In The Holy Ghost, How The Heavens Will Ring: The Evolution Of Eschatological Songs In Classical Pentecostal Corporate Worship, James Paul Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

What Pentecostals believe about God and the Bible is embodied in their worship. This is certainly true for their eschatology. Although much has been written about Pentecostalism, there is a disciplinary convergence worthy of scholarly attention produced over time by the phenomenon of Pentecostals singing their eschatology. Singing songs about heaven was a characteristic of early Pentecostalism at the Azusa Street Revival and has continued through much of the twentieth century, but this phenomenon has evolved since the movement began. Pentecostals have influenced and been influenced by the growth and development of the Contemporary Worship Movement as well as the …

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 …

The Impact Of Modeling Music Literacy After English Literacy On Elementary Students’ Music Reading Abilities, Madeline Ann Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although numerous studies have been conducted to determine music’s ability to improve student achievement in other content areas, integrating general education pedagogy practices for the purpose of enhancing music education has not received the same attention. Music and language share one of the strongest and most recognizable connections, yet parallels drawn between music and language do not typically extend to the pedagogy used to teach music literacy acquisition and application. This applied research study compared the music literacy abilities of students instructed using traditional music literacy practices to those instructed using techniques modeled after English literacy practices. To determine the …

Elementary Seeds Of The Creation-Order Theodicy In The Early Christian Apologists, Lori A. Peters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem of evil and suffering is a significant obstacle for people to consider the truth of Christianity. One way to eliminate this barrier is to provide a theologically sound and biblically accurate theodicy. The Creation-Order Theodicy is one such attempt. The purpose of this paper is to examine if the elements of the Creation-Order Theodicy have their roots in the early teachings of the church through the writings of the early Christian apologists through AD 250. Chapter 1 includes the nature of the problem, a review of existing literature, and the research methodology. Chapter 2 will summarize various modern …

The Significance Of Cavalry In The American Civil War In Deciding Victory And Defeat, Specifically In The Western And Trans-Mississippi Theaters Of The War., Tony R. Malone Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research examines how effective cavalry was in the American Civil War, and the ultimate decision in victory and defeat. To answer this question, one must first investigate the origin of the American cavalry from its foundation in the American Revolution and trace it to the beginning of the American Civil War; this brings the reader to several sub-questions that help answer the main question. Why was Confederate cavalry dominating early in the war, and why did Union cavalry ultimately gain parity and superiority over its Confederate counterparts?

The readers will start with a solid look into the history of …

The Columbus Civil Rights Movement: Dr. Brewer, The Naacp, And Direct Action, Laura Beth Irvin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Civil Rights Movement in Columbus, Georgia, began in the early 1900s. Historians have typically excluded Columbus from discussions of impactful or powerful movements that created radical changes, but Columbus made sweeping changes to the Civil Rights Movement. African Americans in Columbus took advantage of direct-action protests, and the local NAACP transformed the white Democratic primary in Columbus, improved the living environments of black citizens, and authorized the hiring of black citizens as black police officers. It was a movement poised to confront the segregated school system during the passage of Brown v. Board in 1954 until the death of …

Identifying Quality High School Choral Repertoire How Standards Of Composition Affect Long-Term Choral Participation, Jonathan R. Vanderwoude

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A wealth of literature addresses the importance of choral repertoire selection. Yet, few studies examine how choral repertoire and elements of composition correlate with long-term ensemble participation. Exploring principles of quality from a participant perspective may provide choral directors with a paradigm for choosing excellent repertoire. With performance standards comprising the core of many high school music programs, repertoire considerations are often central to the choral curriculum. This qualitative study investigated participant perspectives on choral repertoire standards. The subsequent findings identified trends influencing repertoire selection and correlated perspectives on repertoire quality with long-term participation in choral performance. Participants were selected …

Virtual Music Education: An Examination Of Experiences Of A Post-Covid Virtual Elementary Music Program, Julia Federico-Youngs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on a three-year phenomenon that occurred at five Title I California elementary schools that took part in a post-COVID-19 virtual music program where the teacher was remote and third- through fifth-grade students were together in their classrooms. This event occurred as an attempt to provide music education to students who had no access to music education. The participants were the general classroom teachers who were physically in the classroom with the students. The participants’ experiences provided the results of this transcendental phenomenological study via interviews. These interviews offered valuable insight into the perspectives and experiences of the …

Identifying Aspects Of Musical Diversity That Engender Multigenerational Worship In Select Baptist Churches: A Case Study, Megan Scruggs Hollifield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Multigenerational worship through the avenue of musical diversity in the Baptist church is the focus of this case study. This study aims to identify critical components of musical diversity, emphasizing song selection as a key element of liturgy within corporate worship. The research undertakes an observational analysis of the relationship between musical diversity through liturgy and congregational engagement of all generations. Five Baptist churches were selected to be studied to categorize the similarities and differences in the area of multigenerational worship. The case study research model provided a variety of data collection methods through research observations, online questionaries and in-person …

Perceptions Of Students With Visual Impairments On The Current State Of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, And Belonging In Public School Secondary Instrumental Ensembles, Nancy J. Kerner-Durling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research study examines the experiences and perceptions of students with visual impairments on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIAB) in secondary instrumental music ensembles. Despite the emergence of DEIAB initiatives in music education, little is known about how these initiatives are implemented for students with visual impairments in secondary instrumental music programs, as this topic has not yet been explored or documented due to the low incidence of this disability. Data was collected through interviews of former students with visual impairments between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two who attended public schools between the ages of twelve …

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.

Addressing The Difficulty Of Digital Transformation, Robert L. Mccaskill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the evolving landscape of modern religious engagement, digital platforms offer churches various opportunities to enhance their worship experiences. Still, many churches find it difficult to integrate digital tools into their ministry in the digital age. They are experiencing challenges incorporating online worship services and digital outreach activities while maintaining their core values. This dissertation-in-praxis examines the development of an online ministry at a local church struggling to adapt successfully to digital transformation. The ministry developed sought to supplement the physical gathering already occurring at the church. The online ministry aimed to ensure greater accessibility, spiritual nourishment, and community engagement. …

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 …

Centralizing Discipleship Through Small Groups, Roger O. Nelmes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Centralizing Discipleship through Small Groups explores how intentional leadership development and relational disciple-making practices can reframe a megachurch’s approach to spiritual formation. Conducted at Hope City, a dynamic, urban, multisite nondenominational congregation, this mixed-methods action research integrates qualitative interviews, quantitative Likert scale surveys, and a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of a holistic discipleship framework. Key interventions included a Group Leader Intensive Training (LIT), the implementation of Rooted small groups, and the launch of Intentional Relational Discipleship (IRD) groups, all designed to shift the church’s culture from attractional programming to a missional, relational ethos. Data revealed that small groups, …

The Christian Church’S Inclusion Of Children With Autism Who Experience Parental Incarceration: A Phenomenological Examination Of Christian Ministry Leaders’ Experiences, Julia Frances Vasquez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States has the highest incarceration rate worldwide. Parental incarceration increases children’s susceptibility to adverse childhood experiences and often results in the transmission of criminal behavior. Research on children of incarcerated parents and separate findings on the experiences of children with autism reveal that these children endure bitter societal stigma, even within the church. Stigma toward disability erects barriers to much-needed spiritual support. There is a gap in the literature concerning Christian outreach and spiritual community support for children with autism who experience parental incarceration. Understanding effective ministry support for these dually marginalized children and the barriers preventing access …

The Primacy Of Revelation 21:1-7 As Declared In The Covenant Formula As A Theological Mosaic Of Creation, Covenant, And The Metanarrative Of God’S Plan In Scripture, Paul E. Hinsberg

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the theological significance of Revelation 21:1-7, as defined through the theological mosaic of creation, covenant, and the metanarrative of God's plan in Scripture, as embodied in the covenant formula. The study examines the covenant formula's role in the Old Testament, focusing on its appearances and variations, and how it interacts with surrounding texts to convey theological themes. The analysis extends to the New Testament, ultimately focusing on Revelation 21:1-7, where the covenant formula appears uniquely as direct utterances by God. The dissertation argues that Revelation 21:1-7 should be viewed as a declarative statement of God's culminating act, …

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 …

The Day Of The Lord As The Unifying Theme Of John’S Revelation, Jared Michael Quirk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to argue that the day of the Lord (DOTL) is a major unifying theme within the book of Revelation. Chapters 2–3 of this study prepare the reader to accept this point by first arguing that the DOTL was a prominent theme in both the Old Testament Scriptures and the other New Testament writings besides Revelation (Matthew–Jude). After establishing the validity of the DOTL as a prominent theme in the biblical corpus (and thus as a theme worthy of John’s consideration), chapters 4–5 of this study focus specifically on the book of Revelation, highlighting how …

Notifying The Public In Crisis Situations, Deborah Jean Link

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The messages that are provided to the public when there is an imminent or ongoing crisis are of extreme value to individuals, primarily to have information by which to base decisions upon. The sense of urgency during imminent or ongoing crisis is the factor that differentiates the need for information about the crisis from the need for information for other types of events. There is messaging during other, less critical types of incidents, but often there is little to no messaging to the public at a time when it is most needed and sought after, during a crisis. Erik J. …

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 …

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 Efficacy Of Mindfulness, Breathwork, And Neurofeedback: A Holistic Approach To Healing, Cheryl Moore-Whidby

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the holistic impact of mindfulness, breathwork, and neurofeedback on individuals experiencing a range of emotional and physical health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, cardiovascular symptoms, and other chronic illnesses. This investigation is grounded in multiple theoretical frameworks, including the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2009), Cognitive Theory (Beck, 1963), Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow et al., 1943), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Kabat-Zinn, 1990), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Linehan, 1993). A total of 28 participants, approved through IRB review, engaged in 24 sessions across 30 days, divided between in-person and virtual formats. Breathwork …

Insufficient Leadership Training For Ministers At Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church That Enables Them To Serve The Congregation In The Absence Of The Senior Pastor, Shirley J. Gamble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to create an operation and coaching module on every aspect of church ministry to train ministers. This project aims to establish a process following Ephesians 4:11-12, which states, “And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (King James Version). The Christian leadership training for ministers at MSMBC will enable them to serve the congregation in the absence of the senior pastor. The desired …

Where Is God In Times Of Order And Disorder: A Practical Approach To Life Events With God, Chinedu Festus Onuigbo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to uncover what six next-generation females in Colorado, USA, encompassing high school through post-college, have experienced as they answer the question, "Where is God in times of order and disorder." Next generation refers to persons currently 25 years and younger. Pew Research (2019) reports, next-generation demographic during the transition from adolescence to adulthood may undergo one or more of the following: fall away from faith, question the existence of God, depression, and identity crisis. This researcher using phenomenology explored his Study Concept, a practical approach to experiencing life events with God using threefold biblical …

Inclusion May Affect Marching Band Members Of Black Universities Differently Than Members Of White Universities: Narrative Inquiry: A Case Study, Derrick K. Yates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a lack of research on the emotional connection and support students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities may seek through their band experience versus students of Predominantly White Institutions. Some studies demonstrate that those who participate in music ensembles express heightened self-esteem, a sense of connectedness, and a positive impact on their mental and psychological well-being. This narrative inquiry research study focuses on the unexplored perspectives of three band members from historically black and three predominantly white university marching bands, regarding their emotional connections to their programs and the emotional connections and support they receive from them. The …

Novice Middle School Music Teachers’ Perspectives On Preservice Preparation In Title I Schools: A Case Study, Christopher M. Burns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although considerable research addresses the unique needs of middle school learners and teaching music in low-income schools, there are insufficient studies that provide insight and strategies for teaching music in high-needs settings. Likewise, music teacher preparation programs leave gaps in preparation for prospective music educators, unaware of the challenges of teaching middle school music in a high-needs community. Novice music educators experience challenges that are often unaddressed in undergraduate programs. Experienced music educators with advanced degrees can also feel underprepared to teach in low-income schools. Music educator programs lack content that helps prospective music educators become change agents who can …

Real-World Opera Education And The Business Of Performance: Perspectives From Young Professionals, Sarah Beckham-Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the traditional practice of operatic vocal training in universities, many young operatic singers found that their education needed to be improved regarding the current demands of the business of being an operatic performer. Understanding the essential skills for operatic training in universities was crucial for preparing singers to handle the demands of a professional career. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of professional operatic singers, university opera training educators, and professional opera companies to discover possible gaps in operatic training in universities. Through interviews with five professional opera singers, five trained singers who chose a different career, six current …

Creating A “Modern Social Imaginary” In The Pages Of Godey’S Lady’S Book: The Work Of Sarah Josepha Hale 1827-1877, Kimberly Carlisle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For forty years Sarah Josepha Hale was the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the most popular periodical in antebellum America. She played a crucial role in shaping a modern social imaginary for women in the United States. Her editorial influence extended beyond literature and fashion as she championed causes such as women’s education, the professionalization of domesticity, and the nationalization of the Thanksgiving holiday. Hale’s editorial work, personal writing, and activism shaped the modern American social imaginary by defining national customs, reinforcing gender norms, and fostering a moral framework that balanced religious influences with an evolving secular public culture. Hale …

A Phenomenological Study Of Christian And Non-Christian Views On Human Dignity Among Marginalized Persons In Essex, Md, Jeffrey K. Belcher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand Human-Dignity views among marginalized persons living in Essex, MD, with Human Dignity being rooted in a biblical worldview, and how these views potentially relate to marginalized persons’ perceived experiences of marginalization. For the purposes of this study, Human Dignity is founded upon principles expressed in Genesis Chapters 1 and 2, and is defined as all people, made in the image of God, created to live in relationship with God, called to reflect the nature and character of God, as possessing intrinsic worth based upon God’s purpose for and calling upon …