Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Raised Military: A Phenomenological Study On Military Upbringing And Recommended Military Parental Practices, Hannah L. Reed

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military children face unique opportunities and challenges associated with their upbringing. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual effects of study participants who experienced a military upbringing and uses their insights to recommend the most effective parenting practices military parents might employ to provide optimal support for their child’s development. The research participants were individuals between 18 to 40 years of age who were raised in a military home in which at least one parent served active duty for a minimum of 20 years and relocated a minimum of three times between birth and 18 …

Converting Membership Into Discipleship: A Spiritual Formation Program In Discipleship For Rural African American Churches, Ernest L. Williams Sr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project addresses the need for rural African American churches to focus on spiritual formation and discipleship for their parishioners. Churches that emphasize the importance of the gospel and believers’ daily commitment to it represent progress toward discipleship. Discipleship creates a connection between worship and lifestyle. Churchgoers, particularly African American Christians in rural settings, may struggle to understand and practice discipleship. Historically, church worship and attendance have been prioritized in this faith community. However, Sunday worship that fails to provide a plan for daily spiritual formation may contribute to the issue. If the gospel is not the church’s primary …

The Impact Of Modern-Day Apostles On Church Leadership, Allen L. Patterson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study explores the roles and functions of modern-day apostles in independent and nondenominational churches. Its primary objective is to define their purpose and evaluate how their perceived roles influence the growth and success of the church. The research includes perspectives from supporters and opponents of modern-day apostles, though the interviews are limited to those who support their existence. The study seeks to evaluate evidence supporting and opposing the doctrines of Cessation and Apostolic Succession. By examining various viewpoints, the study aims to shed light on the relevance of apostles in modern church leadership and whether their inclusion supports …

Spiritual Formation In The Pentecostal African American Church: What Factors Most Influence Perceptions, Gloria Fayetta Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study involved a sample size of 12 participants was to explore how believers perceived their own spiritual formation journey and whether length of time as a practicing Christian and regular attendance at worship services had any impact on their perceptions. The research occurred in four predominantly African American Pentecostal Churches in Oakland, California with participant interviews and sermon observations. The central research question sought a deeper understanding of how African American believers in the Pentecostal church grow spiritually through learning and practicing of the spiritual disciplines and if the variables of time and …

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made, Addressing The Lack Of Special Needs Leadership At Fusion Church In Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Christina Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Problem this student seeks to address is that Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, lacks special needs leadership services.

The world views special needs individuals as a burden, but God views them as anointed sons and daughters. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus tells his disciples to let the children come to him and not to hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. This serves as a reminder that he wants every one of his followers to come to him with the hearts of children. Special needs children and adults have hearts filled with …

The Lived Experiences Of Residents Of Casablanca, Morocco, And Their Exposure To Jihad In The Belgium Consulate Bombing : A Phenomenological Study, Idriss Bensassi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined if Casablancans believed violent Jihad had influenced terrorist activities inside Morocco by looking at the term Jihad from both cultural and religious in a historical context and the effect of both concepts on the residents of Casablanca. The study described the transformation of Jihad from its true spiritual meaning to its attraction to terror. Three research questions guided this study: (1) What are residents’ lived experiences of the Belgium Consulate terrorist attack in Casablanca in shaping their understanding of Islam and Jihads? (2) How do the experiences and exposure of residents of the Belgium Consulate terrorist attack …

The Resurrection According To Luke: The Meaning And Significance Of Pneumatology In Luke’S Resurrection Theology, Ryan R. Jacobs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aim of this study, then, is to demonstrate the meaning and significance of Pneumatology in Luke’s resurrection theology based on the following: a) Luke’s “it is written” qualifier of the third-day resurrection, and his description of the Spirit’s activity upon the virgin Mary in his birth narrative, connect Luke with the Spirit’s activity in the creation narrative and nascent resurrection themes in Scripture; b) Luke’s use of the three-fold identity for the son of God (Jesus, Christ, and Lord) and the centrality of Peter’s Pentecost sermon for Luke wherein the resurrection confirmed this identity and enabled Jesus to pour …

The Effects Of Reading Comprehension Intervention For Dyslexia, Amber L. Coggin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A quantitative study was performed to determine if Lindamood-Bell Reading Intervention had an effect on the self-concept, anxiety levels, and depression levels of individuals diagnosed with dyslexia. This quantitative study was also conducted to determine if a person’s age had an effect on the ability to learn coping mechanisms for dyslexia. Thirty-three participants, ranging in age from 7 to17 years-old were selected to participate in the study. All participants had a formal diagnosis of dyslexia and had not obtained the Lindamood-Bell Reading Intervention prior to participating in the study. The participants were divided into three age groups. Each participant completed …

Racism And The African American Church: The Impact That Racial Discrimination Has On The Theology Of African American Churches, Naeem J. Bourne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The theology of the earlier evangelicals (white theology) has influenced the African American church. More to the point, the theology of the white evangelicals (The Puritans) has had both positive and negative impacts on the African American church, which birthed black theology in the United States. The influence continues today in more subtle ways (e.g., an image of a European blue-eyed man imposter posing as Jesus) and not-so-subtle forms (e.g., Kenneth Copeland’s video of making light of slavery in America). The “Protestant icon” of the blue-eyed Jesus was born in the 1940s and has entered African American homes nationwide. The …

How Spanish Seventh-Day Adventists Respond To A Discipleship Characteristics Training Program, Victor N. Rodriguez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current condition of the local church reflects a problem that concerns many churches in North America: There is a lack of understanding regarding the meaning of discipleship. The local church needs to recover a sense of biblical discipleship to execute the Great Commission and make disciples who make disciples. The purpose of this DMIN action research project was to understand how members of Olympia Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church would respond to a discipleship characteristics training program (DCTP). This research project used a mixed method approach to collect and analyze data from 16 participants and 16 members of a control …

A Comparison Of Two Worship Education Programs And The Relative Effectiveness Of Preparing Worship Leaders For The 21st Century Evangelical Church, John Dawson Kinchen Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines and compares the worship leadership programs at Liberty University and Union University, focusing on their curriculum design, development, and effectiveness in preparing worship leaders for the 21st-century modern evangelical church. Utilizing a multiple-case study methodology, the research traces the historical development of these programs, evaluates their curricular frameworks, and analyzes their alignment with the standards set by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The study identifies shared core learning competencies, including music theory, conducting, ensemble participation, and theological understanding, while highlighting unique strengths in each program's approach.

Liberty University’s curriculum emphasizes contemporary worship practices, integrating …

A Phenomenological Study: Leading The Next Generation Of Executive Nurse Leaders Using Biblical Principles, Patricia A. Willie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Understanding retirement requires getting inside people’s stories, and qualitative research is well-suited to address retirees' more profound lived experiences (Amabile, 2019). This qualitative study uses a phenomenological transcendental method to describe the retired nurse executive's leadership development competency and experiences mentoring emerging nurse leaders using biblical principles such as compassion, caring, serving, and spirituality. For this study, retired executive nurse leaders are defined as those who have served in an acute care hospital's formal executive leadership position and retired less than ten years ago. Leadership development competency is defined as a composite of top leadership principles, biblical principles, mentoring experiences, …

Exploring The Concept Of Eternal Security In The Primitive Church Of Orlando, Fl, Evelyne Petion Laroque

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores the concept of eternal security in the Primitive Church of Orlando, Florida. The purpose is to accede to a genuine guarantee of eternal life. The Primitive Church of Orlando, Florida, may not understand the concept of eternal security, but the fault may not be entirely theirs. Theologians and believers have debated eternal security for centuries, with some advocating for “Once saved, always saved.” Moreover, others emphasize assurance of salvation. It is unclear how this ongoing argument serves God’s redemptive purpose for His Church. Still, it continues to frustrate believers’ spiritual formation worldwide. This study presents findings on …

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Crossing The Bridge Between Biblical Confession And Pastoral Practice Regarding Divorce And Remarriage In Unie-Abc Congregations, Marco H. Kälin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Quite a few pastoral workers within the Unie-ABC perceive a discordance between their churches’ biblical-theological confessions regarding divorce and remarriage and the pastoral practice in which they minister. This could induce tension in which a pastoral worker’s counsel is constrained by the church’s biblical position on these issues. In order to diminish that gap, the purpose of this action research project is to implement a redesigned biblical-theological framework regarding divorce and remarriage in training seminars for Unie-ABC pastoral counselors. The project utilized quantitative data collected through email responses and documents provided by Unie-ABC congregations. In addition, qualitative data was developed …

Building Unity Between Coeur D’Alene Bible Church And Summit Christian Academy Communities Through Leadership Engagement Groups, Nathan T. Duncan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Western church must model unity to its congregation and the local community as part of the battle against the growing cultural focus on individualism. The purpose of this action research project was to develop and build unity between Coeur d'Alene Bible Church (CBC) and Summit Christian Academy (SCA) by utilizing Leadership Engagement Groups (LEGs). LEGs consisted of individuals from the leadership team of each ministry, five from CBC and four from SCA. They met for five weeks to pray, examine biblical unity, and discuss how they can practically assist the other ministry in their ministry goals. Questionnaires, which measured …

The Impact Of Religious Music On Psychological Well-Being: A Survey Study Of Chinese Christians In Hong Kong Churches, Ka Man Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This cross-sectional survey investigates the relationship between listening to religious music and psychological well-being among Chinese Christians in Hong Kong, addressing a critical gap in Asian studies. Data were collected from 243 participants through a survey comprising demographic questions, music-listening habits (weekly frequency, average duration, and music era preference), and the 24-item Chinese Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale. Multiple linear regression and ANOVA analyses reveal that the average duration of listening to religious music positively associates with overall psychological well-being and its six dimensions, while frequency shows a negative relationship. Traditional religious music (composed in or before 1980) is associated with …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Scottish Enlightenment On The Formation Of The United States Government, Lene Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To what extent did the Scottish Enlightenment impact the founding of the United States government? This dissertation begins to answer the question by first acknowledging that the Scottish Enlightenment as an independent branch of the overarching intellectual movement separate from both the British and the French. Scottish Enlightenment theories were not only relegated to the capital, but instead, would spread throughout the cities and towns to encourage a community involvement in the growth of new ideas. Some key theories attributed to the Scottish Enlightenment are the Stadial Theory, Ideal Theory, Common-Sense Philosophy, and most well-known, Moral Philosophy. Tracing the ideological …

Addressing Church Retention In A Post-Christian Age: A Multi-Faceted Approach, Lawrence Kendall Gurley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Declining and shuttered churches in America have become the norm in the past several decades. Congregations and church organizations have witnessed a steep decline while the average age of members and clergy continues to rise. Interventionist efforts to alter the calculus of these trends have been underway for many years in both mainstream and evangelical circles. Only recently have Pentecostal organizations begun to address this decline. The research shows that church decline and attrition, although pervasive, are not inevitable but require concerted and sustained efforts to restore health and a sense of mission to local churches. This dissertation builds on …

The Lived Experiences Of Mothers Leaving The Fundamentalist Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints: A Phenomenological Approach, Natasha Tebbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological qualitative study was to provide a holistic understanding of the lived experiences of mothers who leave the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This study answered questions related to familial relationships, career and financial experiences, and overall mental health and well-being associated with leaving the FLDS Church. The theory guiding this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, as it related to understanding the complexities of leaving a high-demand religious group. There was a lack of academic literature available on this population, specifically FLDS mothers’ experiences leaving the cultural and religious group. …

Defeated By Victory: The Modern United States Navy In Retrospect, Nathaniel E. Whitten

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the transformation of the United States Navy from the world’s largest and most powerful sea force in the history of the world in 1990 to a shell of its former self in only thirty years. The funding the Department of the Navy received during the Cold War to fight the Soviet threat all but dried up and as a result, policy was altered to face the new fiscal reality. A smaller, more agile, and flexible force was envisioned to fill a support role by projecting power ashore rather than fighting on the open ocean with a peer …

Restoring The Restoration: Sidney Rigdon And The American Quest For Primitive Christianity, Bradley Alan Hart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation offers a comprehensive historical analysis of Sidney Rigdon and his contributions to the religious movement known as Restorationism, which gained significant momentum in early nineteenth century America. Often overshadowed by figures such as Joseph Smith and Alexander Campbell, Rigdon’s role as a theological innovator and leader has been marginalized by both his contemporaries and by historians of American religion. This work seeks to reposition Rigdon as a central figure, not only within the Mormon tradition but across a broader spectrum of Restorationist faiths that emerged during this period. Restorationism, while commonly associated with the Stone/Campbell movement and Mormonism, …

The Impact Of A Biblically Based Marriage Boot Camp Program: Effective Or Not, Wanda Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this Doctor of Ministry thesis project, entitled The Impact of a Biblical Marriage Boot Camp: Effective or Not, was to explore the effectiveness of the biblically based Marriage Boot Camp program offered by Victorious Praise Fellowship Church which aims to strengthen African American marriages. The project addressed a significant concern about marriage relationship within a church congregation and the broader community and the need for practical, faith-centered tools and teachings to support marital satisfaction and longevity in the African American community. Through interviews, observations, and analysis, the project discussed specific areas in the Marriage Boot Camp program …

A Virtual Group Counseling Study On The Effects Of Renewing The Mind, Spiritual Formation, And Engaging In Community On Women Suffering From Social Anxiety Through The Use Of The Flourish Curriculum, Jennifer L. Otero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social anxiety impacts individuals from every walk of life, gender, and faith background. This project addresses the need for renewing the mind tools to address social anxiety for women. In addition, spiritual formation and the power of connection in community were assessed as essential tools in addressing and overcoming social anxiety. The available research on social anxiety confirms the impact that renewing the mind can have on successfully addressing anxiety at the root by changing one’s thought patterns and beliefs. Spiritual formation is central to this transformation. Nevertheless, biblical tools and curricula that are designed to address social anxiety are …

How Jesus Christ Saves The Addict: A Phenomenological Study On The Perceptions Of A Christ-Centered Approach To Addiction Recovery, Olivia M. Matthews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Reaching epidemic proportions, drug and alcohol addiction is a prevalent problem within the United States that demands urgent attention. With numbers exceeding 20 million Americans struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) and over 111,000 individuals falling victim to illicit drug overdose fatalities in 2022, the question of effectiveness in rehabilitation outlets for this subgroup is of critical concern (Lashley, 2018; CDC, 2024). The purpose of this study is to analyze the perceptions of Christ-centered initiatives in securing sobriety among addicted individuals and/or substance use offenders. This study utilized qualitative methods with a phenomenological and narrative design to explore Christ-centered …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Individuals With A History Of Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Who Have Earned Attachment Security In Romantic Relationships., Ibukunoluwa Oluwafunmilade Aromolaran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study, guided by John Bowlby’s attachment theory, explored the lived experiences of individuals with a history of dismissive avoidant attachment who have earned attachment security in romantic relationships. Using a qualitative design, the study employed snowball and convenience sampling to enroll eight participants. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed, and thematic coding identified key patterns related to dismissive avoidant attachment and the pathways to earning attachment security. Themes emerged regarding early caregiving experiences, including emotionally distant caregiver, physically absent caregiver, and neglect. In romantic relationships before earning attachment security, participants described themes of avoidance of emotional intimacy, self-sabotage, fear of …

The Ties That Bind: A Comprehensive Pastoral Counseling Approach To Bridge The Gap Between Christians Struggling With Same-Sex Attraction And Cornerstone Church, Barbara Pringle Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation project explores the need for a faith-based counseling program that aligns with biblical principles while fostering inclusivity and support for Christians experiencing same-sex attraction (SSA). The study addresses the challenges faced by individuals in the church community who often encounter isolation, shame, and rejection. It proposes a comprehensive pastoral counseling program to train church leaders in providing compassionate, transformative care. This project employs qualitative research methods, including focus groups and individual interviews, to gather insights from church leaders and members. It analyzes theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives to build a robust spiritual and emotional support framework. The research …

How Parents Participate In The Christian Education And Spiritual Formation Of Their Children: A Case Study Of Hybrid Schooling, Shannon O'Hearn Downing

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how parents participate in the Christian education and spiritual formation of their children who are enrolled in a classical Christian, hybrid-model school in the DC Metro Region. The theory that guided this case study was Christopher Watkin’s biblical critical theory, as it provides the proper framework for interpreting how parents enculturate their children in the Christian belief system of the family. The central research question was, “How do parents participate in the Christian education and spiritual formation of their children who are enrolled in a classical Christian, hybrid-model school in …

Taking A Stand: The Southern Agrarians As Political Activists, 1930-1940, John Thomas B Justus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Following the publication of their symposium I’ll Take My Stand in 1930, the Southern Agrarians attempted to establish their own political movement based on their ideals. Contrary to the common depiction of them then and now as mere archconservatives, the Agrarians were heirs of the republican-populist tradition of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and William Jennings Bryan that opposed centralized economic and political power in favor a society freeholders and producers. Their adherence to this tradition manifested in their support of policies that were far reaching in their scope such as land reform, government loans for first time landowners, free trade, …

Celtic Pagan Influence In The Early Irish Church: The Conversion Of Ulster, Cassidy M. Mcnally

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the influence of Celtic Pagan traditions on the early Irish Church in Ulster, from the introduction of Christianity in the late fourth century to the Viking invasions of the twelfth century. By integrating historical texts, archaeological findings, and comparative religious studies, it investigates how pre-Christian beliefs and rituals were assimilated into early Christian practices. The study begins by examining the arrival of Christianity in Ulster, highlighting how Celtic Paganism, characterized by its pantheon, nature worship, and druidic traditions, shaped the Christian framework. It delves into how early Christian leaders, such St. Patrick and St. Brigid, navigated these …

Park Field: The Impact Of The Army Signal Corps Aviation School In The Greater Memphis Area, Ben Smitherman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to place Park Field near Millington, TN in its greater historical context for West Tennessee. Mining the existing records archived after the closure of Park Field, Tennessee Council of Defense President Rutledge Smith’s papers, and numerous contemporary West Tennessee newspapers helped create this narrative of transition. On a macro level, World War I and the US Army shaped the region. Job creation and population shifts redefined Memphis, as it did many other southern cities in the era. On a micro level, individual stories bring this narrative into stark relief. Soldiers and civilians worked side by side during …