Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Higher Education And Women In Leadership: Gender-Based Training For African American Women In Transformational Leadership, Chavon Anette Freeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian African American women in leadership have unique lived experiences. Although God calls women to lead, they often meet challenges in ministry and the marketplace. Developing into a great woman in leadership requires intentionality and preparation. This study explored the perceptions and perspectives of Christian African American women in senior leadership roles in ministry and wider corporate America. The qualitative research revealed the need to address gender and racial issues in higher education, develop gender-based training, and further transformational leadership development. The research design utilized interviews with ten open-ended questions to collect data. The study focused on Christian African American …

One Holy Nation Under One God: A Survey On Achieving Unity Amongst Believers, Cindy Casalis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of this work is not only to amplify the purview of all believers in God regarding the true meaning of loving a neighbor and being a member of God’s covenant, rather to usher an atmosphere of accord that could set the right conditions for the coming of the Messiah and of the final redemption as hinted to in 2 Peter 3:11-12 where the apostle describes the sort of holy conduct befitting to those who in fact are hastening the Messiah’s final arrival. Of all the possible ways to approach the matter of election of the Jewish people, it …

Outsider: Major Characteristics Of Andrew Jackson’S Populism And Its Commonalities With That Of Theodore Roosevelt And Donald Trump, Victor W. Fordham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Andrew Jackson’s life, particularly his military accomplishments in the War of 1812, created a reputation and image that allowed him to ascend to the presidency of the United States. While he received his share of criticism during his lifetime for many of his more controversial actions, his status as a war hero and the general admiration of the American people for his position as a nationalist and outsider as well as the high premium that he placed on loyalty, allowed him to rise to power. It was Jackson’s persona, marked by these characteristics, that served as the basis of his …

Task Force 57: The British Struggle Of Implementing A Pacific Fleet, J Robert John Streit

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

By the Fall of 1941, the British were struggling to fight the German and the Axis powers in the European theater. The Royal Navy was occupied in the home, Atlantic, and Mediterranean waters and did not have the available ships to send to the Pacific. In December of 1941, the Japanese had not only attacked the Americans at Pearl Harbor, but also attacked Singapore and other British possessions, to include a small naval task force sent by the British as a deterrent to the Japanese. From December 1941 on, the British struggled to have enough forces to fight against the …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Perceptions Of A Humanistic Classical Education, Nils Ivan Borquist

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the descriptions of experiences for faculty members at classical education curriculum academic institutions at the PreK-12 school level. The descriptions of experiences were defined as phenomenal experiences of faculty through the subjective lens. The theory guiding this study was the humanistic learning theory of education as it focuses on self-directed and self-evaluative classwork as well as the common use of canonical works to cultivate a desire for students to learn and study great texts for their entire lives. The Central Research Question asked “How do faculty at classical education institutions …

Discipling Your Children For Dating, Isaiah Del Pilar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, in the culture of the church in the West, there is a very weak support system or culture of guidance as it relates to dating and courtship. This primarily is played out on the level of discipleship with primary caregivers with their children. Participants in this research project reported a low degree of feeling prepared and equipped to properly guide their children toward a quality spouse. There is an urgent need to improve the overall ability of primary caregivers in regard to discipling their children on the subject of dating marriage. The purpose of this project is to prepare, …

Ensuring Careful Interpretation And Application Of The Bible Through The Lens Of The Covenants, James Kenneth Rainwater

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For centuries, believers in Jesus Christ have turned to the Bible to discover His will for their life. For the most part, this discovery has resulted in joy and significance and has benefited the journeys of millions. However, there have been many examples where the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Bible has brought about devastating consequences. Wolves have crept in and used the Bible for their own nefarious purposes. This paper offers a bridge for believers to navigate many of the difficult passages of the Bible and their behavioral application. Specifically, this is achieved through a closer look at how …

The Impact Of Peer Support, Ptsd Symptoms, And Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Help In Police Officers, Cassandra Mary Ferraro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in perceived stress, self-reported post-traumatic stress symptoms, and mental help seeking attitudes in police officers who use peer support programs and those who do not use peer support programs. Police officers are consistently exposed to stress and trauma that has negative biological, physical, and mental health effects, leaving officers at risk for the development of mental health diseases and disorders. Identifying the need for mental health resources, and peer support groups are recommended; however, there is not enough literature to determine its effectiveness. The recovery model …

Disunity Of Pentecostal Pastors Planting Churches In Suburban Areas: Unifying Leaders With The Same Goal, Jamare L. Razor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that disunity exists among suburban church planting pastors of multidenominational and nondenominational churches in a tri-state region of the United States. Approximately 4,000 churches are planted in America each year and sadly about 3,700 of those churches will close. One reason for this is disunity among pastors that leads to the lack of support needed for church plant success and longevity. This problem must be remedied if the church plants are to succeed. The purpose for this Doctor of Ministry action research project is to identify the causes of the disunity that hinder church plant success in …

Harmonizing Voices: Vocal Pedagogy In 21st Century Music Education, Thomas J. Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations for improving vocal pedagogy practices in both collegiate and secondary-level education, emphasizing fair and equitable treatment alongside the evolution of teaching practices from the 1950s to the current classroom environment. Vocal education, a cornerstone of music instruction, has been shaped by the changing educational landscape over the decades, presenting educators and students with unique challenges, including the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive practices. In response to these challenges, a central research question arises regarding the evolution of vocal pedagogy and its potential for improvement within the context of fair, equitable, …

Faith Formation: Spiritual Gifts For Evangelism Outreach, Jacquelin Copeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project addresses the gap in the literature concerning spiritual gifts for evangelism. This Doctor of Ministry action research project at Prevailing Word Ministries hypothesizes that if Prevailing Word Ministries fulfills the spiritual gifts for evangelism Bible study and training course, the Bible study participants will grow in faith and attendance. This was achieved through eight Bible study teaching and training sessions with questionnaires, journalling, a survey, and a focus group interview; assessments were made from answers given by the fourteen participants upon completing the eight online Zoom Bible study sessions. These assessments measured how successfully the intervention project …

Job 28 As A Thematic Unifier Clarifying Human Responsibility Through The Revelation Of Wisdom And Understanding In Relationship To Yahweh, Michael G. Potter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The goal of the project was to discern and articulate the literary relationship of Job 28 to its larger literary context and demonstrate that the chapter serves the rhetorical purpose of the author to legitimize the kingship of Yahweh over creation. The study argues that Job 28 functions as a thematic unifier that clarifies human responsibility in relationship to Yahweh. The project demonstrates that Job 28 functions as the integrative center of the book and is a figurative interpolation, a metaphorical embellishment to the search for wisdom and answers observed in the defense and debate cycles (Job 4-27; 28:1-22) while …

Sustaining Hope: Building A Community Chaplaincy Model As A Framework For Spiritual And Emotional Support For Cancer Survivors And Those Affected By Cancer In The Local Church And Community, Johnnie Maddox Quiller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral research explores the development of a community chaplaincy model that provides spiritual and emotional support for cancer survivors, caregivers, and those affected by cancer within local churches and communities. By centering on Restoration Worship Center, the study underscores the pivotal role faith communities play in addressing the multidimensional needs: spiritual, emotional, and practical, of those facing cancer. The study outlines a framework for creating a sustainable cancer care ministry through an integrated approach of spiritual guidance, mentorship, leadership training, and practical support. This model offers a blueprint for other churches and faith-based organizations, such as Lotus of Love …

A Proposal For A Biblical School Of Thought On The Value Of Aggressive Disordered Behavior And Why It Exists, James Samuel Doyle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Disordered behavior, within this research, is defined as rigid or inflexible behavior deemed destructive toward self and/or others. Examined further, predatorial disordered behavior describes and is defined as behavior benefiting the actor at the expense of others, even when the benefit is small and may only serve to enhance the ego of the predator. Nonetheless, the cost to the recipient of this behavior is generally severe manifesting itself in many maladaptive ways including without limitation a lack of self-worth, a need to control, and the presence of chronic anger or strong emotional reaction to perceived injustices. Due to a mask …

The Nature Of Self-Evident Equality In The Declaration Of Independence And Its Implications For Jeffersonian Federalism, Thomas T. Cook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The foundation for human equality is central to the question of political discourse, and the basis for self-government, consent, and consensus. On what basis can two people enter into contract or agree to be governed if they are not equal? The Declaration of Independence with its appeal to Nature’s God and its establishment of “rights” as coming from that God firmly establishes human equality in a metaphysical reality outside of human decision to change that reality. The lack of human acknowledgement of that reality, historically, does not change that reality. Philosophers and political theorists might reason that it is based …

Equipping Leaders For Spiritual Growth At Christ The King Church, Grace Akpofure Nkanga

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Spiritual Growth is foundational for a thriving church and knowledgeable leadership is the key to a spiritually sound church. Thus, this project was planned to meet the Christ the King Church (CTKC) needs of equipping the leaders for spiritual growth. This praxis project sought to fuel spiritual growth among the key leaders of CTKC. Using the Servant Leadership theory of Greenleaf (1970), specialized training was offered to address the participants’ need for greater spiritual growth and awareness. Due to the recognized need for greater awareness and growth among the leaders of CTKC, this qualitative praxis project sought to introduce the …

The Contrast In Music Aesthetics Prior To The Romantic Era And Its Impact On Music Education, Sophia Grace Moon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explores the approach to music education prior to the Romantic period. Prior to the modern era, the aesthetics of music explored the mathematical and scientific dimensions of rhythmic and harmonic organization. The composition of music was very structured, there was a “right” approach to composing. In the era of Romanticism, some composers and critics argued that music should and could serve as a means for self-expression or the conveying of emotion. Beginning in the Romantic era composers were free to experiment with musical ideas. Traditionally accepted manners for composition had less meaning, as composers were given the …

Developing An Evangelistic Training Class For Revitalization Of Outward Evangelism At Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Ringgold, Virginia, Anthony R. Pass

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis research project asserts that evangelizing the unchurched is essential to being an effective disciple of the Lord’s kingdom. Mt. Zion’s participants must have a heart for sharing the gospel with people outside of their church environment, and evangelizing those in their local community is a great start. Mt. Zion’s evangelism focus has slipped into the background of everything else, and the researcher created an evangelistic training class (ETC) to teach willing participants at Mt. Zion electric shock evangelism to shock their hearts into the rhythm of sharing the gospel. This spiritually healthy regiment will benefit those who witness …

Rejuvenating Ministry Engagement: Developing Small Spiritual Formation Groups For Young People At Salem Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Speker Antoine

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral research project addresses the need for enhanced youth engagement within the Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church. The study aims to identify and implement strategies to foster participation and commitment among youth members. Key goals include assessing current engagement levels, identifying barriers to participation, exploring preferred formats for involvement, and evaluating church leadership's role in youth engagement.

A multi-method approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data collection involved a Likert Questionnaire to gauge youth engagement levels, pilot testing to refine the questionnaire, and focus group discussions for in-depth insights. Quantitative data identified trends and patterns, while thematic …

Obedience, Courage, And Loyalty: The 81st “Wildcat” Division During World War I, Harold Allen Skinner Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When the United States entered the First World War in April 1917, the United States Army was rated on par with the armies of Portugal and Belgium. Yet by November 1918, the United States had organized and deployed a two million-man-strong American Expeditionary Force (AEF) to Europe. The speed at which the US Army deployed twenty-nine divisions into the Western Front upended European strategic calculations and hastened the collapse of the Central Powers coalition in late 1918. Yet, the story of the AEF has been marginalized in American historiography, a historical vacuum filled instead by Euro-centric historians who minimized the …

An Organizational Approach For Teaching, Coaching And Empowering Displaced People, Tiffani J. Holloway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This document will describe the issue of homelessness, the needs of the homeless/ displaced people, and how those needs can be addressed by creating a program. The purpose of the Transformational Home Empowerment Services for Everyone (THESE) program is to provide valuable resources to displaced individuals living within a shelter or transitional housing. The leader of this program used transformational and servant leadership skills, which will be described in the text. This program's vision, objectives, outputs, and outcomes will be listed. Details about the collaborating organization, Alice’s Home of Hope shelter, and information about the organization’s leadership and program participants …

Children Evangelism In The Kingdom Cathedral Reaching Children Ages Five To Ten Years Of Age, Gayle Vernice Sampson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Former President George W Bush initiated the “No Child Left Behind Act” in 2001 aimed at improving schools and the child’s ability to learn. The phrase coined by the former president is still relevant today. The writer believes this phrase can be initiated in this research because no child or children should be left behind in any instance, especially in the Kingdom of God. According to Mark 10:13–14, King James Version: “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Self-Care And Fruit Of The Spirit In African-American Pastors: A Multi-Case Study, Rashon Wallace Dalton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The role of a pastor today involves spiritual duties, administrative tasks, counseling parishioners, and preparing and giving Sunday morning sermons. Moreover, African-American pastors who have churches in inner cities face additional roles related to race relations, social inequality, and lack of resources. Due to the incredible demands of ministry and leadership, a pastor’s maintenance of self-care strategies can become secondary to the people they lead. When self-care is put on hold, the demonstration of the Spirit’s work in the pastor— “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”—may become overrun by feelings of stress and burnout. The purpose of …

Perceptions Of The Pastoral Role In Fostering Generation Z And Millennials' Spiritual Growth Using Digital Platforms, Wanda Elaine Belvin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore pastors recognizing their roles and their perceptions of fostering and nurturing individual spiritual growth in their congregants with emphasis on their Millennials and Generation Z with assistance of digital platforms and its impact on leadership. Since the pandemic, church attendance has been in decline particularly within this demographic and this study explored ways to reduce this trend. The theories guiding this study were servant leadership and spiritual formation. This study focused on individual rather than congregational spiritual growth. Since those in this age group are digital natives, the focus was on …

The Art Of The Comeback: Reversing Burnout Among Rural Music Educators In The United States, Richard J. Kane

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, deductive, narrative inquiry will examine how to reverse burnout among music educators in rural schools in the United States. This study will also discuss the development of processes that aid in burnout recovery and passion reclamation. Despite the increasing acknowledgment of occupational burnout, more information is needed about reversing its effects among rural music educators. Further, the untold perspectives of this specific sub-set of music teachers could inform others enduring similar situations. This study examines the perspectives of six rural music educators in various states of burnout; two have reversed burnout, two are currently contemplating a career change, …

Wholistic Discipleship At National Community Church: The Most Effective Tool For Transforming The City, Kiersten Telzerow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The formation of wholistic discipleship beckons a life fully surrendered. This thesis outlines wholistic discipleship encompassing small groups (discipleship), mission, and prayer revealing a formation deeper than conceptual knowledge in the life of a Christ-follower. Living in proximity to the presence of God and amongst others is a crucial expression of core DNA to grow in the Great Commandment expressed through the Great Commission. Wholistic discipleship is the tool that transforms incarnational witnessing and prayer evangelism in partnership with the Trinity. This thesis studies a personal faith matched with kingdom-oriented impact within urban contexts. It unpacks transformational mission-based prayer, seeking …

High School Orchestra Teachers Of The United States And Their Music Literature Programming Pedagogical Effectiveness, James Herbert Bailey Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The nature of student-interest genre effectiveness is an ongoing debate in music education due to popular music’s appeal to students. This study involving teachers from the United States high school orchestra programs aims to determine the frequency of implementation and the teachers’ and students’ perspectives on the effectiveness of the programming and lessons in the orchestra classroom. In this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study conducted with high school orchestra teachers in the United States, data was collected from eight orchestra teachers’ programs, and perspectives were acquired and analyzed to identify commonalities and differences between teachers in various counties. The teachers’ programming …

In Search Of New Originals: An Examination Of Experiences In Upper-Division Jazz Improvisation Pedagogy, Bruce Babad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Jazz improvisation courses have become part of the canon within upper-division course offerings, yet only a few students end up sounding original or creative. This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to elucidate, understand, and articulate the significance underlying the lived experiences of adept jazz musicians as they contemplated developing and disseminating improvisational skills. Upper-division jazz improvisation pedagogy is rooted in music theory, a chord-scale approach to jazz harmony, solo transcriptions, and commonly used patterns. Combining these approaches has reduced improvisation to feats of problem-solving or painting by numbers. This study aimed to illuminate the lived experiences of original, creative jazz improvisers …

College Females With A History Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Impact Of Birth Order And Religious Commitment On Resilience, Courtney Elizabeth Walraven

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traumatology is defined and expanded on concerning the common outcomes and sequela. The short- or long-term effects of trauma are discussed including the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A description was given of the history and progression of the formal diagnosis of PTSD. A thorough explanation of PTSD diagnostic criteria, risk factors, cultural considerations, and protective factors were provided. A detailed explanation of sexual assault and the implications of this specific trauma on survivors/victims were provided. The impact of child sexual abuse in survivors was reviewed. Commonly used measurements of psychological resilience were reviewed. The impact of religiosity on …

Integrating Popular Music Into Instrumental Method Books For Beginning Students, Joshua E. Kohl

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Some students in beginning band programs struggle while learning to use their instruments to play unfamiliar music. Modern beginning instrumental method books, aimed at beginners, are based on the Orff Schulwerk Methodology. In this methodology, students learn to play their instrument by using well-known music selected from classical music, folk tunes, and the popular music of the day. However, many of these method books do not contain any current popular music to help teach the beginning band student. This study identifies the current usage of songs within the various instrumental method books and students’ familiarity with the music from these …