Religion Commons^™

Responding To Leadership Change: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study Of Female Pastors And Their Congregations, Sharon Britz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore the lived experiences of female senior pastors and their congregants who have embraced leadership change from male to female. Although many denominations openly accept and ordain female pastors, and the number of women in pastoral leadership roles has risen, many women in ministry still face obstacles. Guided by the theory of change, in conjunction with liberation theology, this study addressed a gap in research related to the experience of female pastors in ministerial leadership, as minimal similar studies exist, and no other studies within the Congregational Christian Church were found. …

Lead Pastor Stress: A Quantitative Study Of The Effects On Mental Health, Marriage, Family, And The Church, Sherri Lee Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church’s lead pastor has many roles and responsibilities, from teaching the Word of the Lord, baptisms, counseling sessions, and leading a staff. These are not the lead pastor’s only role; the majority also have a family, children, and a spouse at home who also need their attention. A balance must be considered between the ministry, family, and marriage. If this balance is off or the pastor becomes overwhelmed with any or all the three, their mental health may suffer and can cause depression and anxiety if not dealt with appropriately (Christianity Today, 2022). Lead pastors, while in ministry, have …

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 …

Paul’S Christological Hermeneutics Of The Psalter In The Book Of Romans, Finny Samuel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the pivotal role of the Psalter in shaping Paul’s theological articulation of justification by faith in the Epistle to the Romans. The central argument asserts that Paul’s Christological hermeneutic of the Psalter serves as a foundational framework for the forensic and legal language employed in his presentation of justification by faith in Romans. The study systematically explores Paul’s theological interpretation of direct quotations from the Psalter in Romans, illuminating the forensic dimensions integral to his argumentation. Through rigorous exegetical analysis of these quotations, it is demonstrated that Paul consistently interprets these texts through the lens of Christ’s …

Chaos And The Human Experience: An Intertextual Study Of Job, Qohelet, And Jonah, Andy Tse Chang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hermann Gunkel’s landmark work Schöpfung und Chaos was a pioneering work in biblical studies, largely in part because it highlighted the importance of considering the language, culture, and context of the broader Ancient Near East with regard to Old Testament imagery. While Gunkel’s claims that the Genesis 1 account of creation was borrowing from Ancient Near East myths is now largely rejected, still, the enduring value and legacy of Gunkel’s work is that biblical scholars see the importance of contextual studies in exegeting the Old Testament texts, as well as how to apply the material exegetically to the Old Testament. …

Worldview Development And The K-12 Christian School Bible Curriculum: A Dissertation-In-Praxis, Shannon Michelle Juris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis explored the development of a biblical worldview in K-12 Christian schools, focusing on how these institutions’ curriculum choices shaped students’ perspectives through intentional integration of faith and education. Drawing on theories of worldview formation, educational philosophy, and Christian pedagogy, the study investigated the methods and curriculum employed by Christian schools to foster a biblical worldview in students. The research aimed to understand how curriculum selection across all grade levels contributed to the development of a biblical worldview. The study examined both the intended and actual outcomes of biblical worldview education by creating a curriculum guide for the current …

Assessing The Elements Of Worship From The Experience Of Seventh-Day Adventist Believers Participating In Local Multi-Generational Churches Located On The Campus Of An Educational Institution, Daniel Biaggi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation assesses the elements of worship from the experience of Seventh-day Adventist believers participating in local multi-generational churches located on the campus of an educational institution. The research aims to understand which elements of corporate worship are meaningful and practiced by participants of diverse ages and what makes these elements significant in their opinion. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to examine how church participants prioritize different elements of worship and whether these preferences vary by age group and campus context. This survey also sought to identify specific worship elements that might be perceived …

The Role Of Timing Of Developmental Trauma And Impacts On Attachment In African-Caribbean American Women: A Holistic Perspective, Zinetta Renee Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior studies have shown that developmental trauma exposure in childhood negatively impacts attachment neurocircuitry, increasing risk for insecure attachments in adulthood, and deemed more prevalent among females and minorities, such as African American women. However, studies that specifically focus on ethnocultural contexts, initial developmental trauma exposure during specific developmental ages, and impacts on attachment, including attachment to God in African-Caribbean American women are limited. This study fulfilled those gaps in the literature by examining age of initial developmental trauma exposure and impacts on attachment with self and God in African-Caribbean American adult women with developmental trauma histories. Bioecological systems theory, …

Illuminating The Damascus Road Journey In Modern Times - Traveling The Road To Servanthood, Lilian Parico Cavaleri

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Servanthood focuses on serving and prioritizing others’ needs. Research shows that servanthood is associated with higher levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and performance, leading to improved individual spiritual well-being and team performance. Research also shows an upward trend within the last four years of companies sponsoring faith-based employee resource groups. However, there has been limited research on a servanthood model for a faith-based employee resource group in a global secular company. This Doctor of Ministry action research project conducted a groundbreaking case study and successfully developed a Bible-based servanthood model called the Seven Paths along the Road to Servanthood …

Determining The Mental Health Climate Of The Ministers Of Christian Churches In Metro Vancouver After The Reopening Of The Churches Since Covid-19 Closure, Lap Cho Chan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The burnout of ministers is real. Ministers are human, just like everyone else in the world. Too many people (such as church officials and leaders) underestimate the adverse effects of burned-out ministers in their churches. The pandemic had a huge impact on all the churches in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Ministers experienced exceptionally high stress and anxiety after the reopening of churches after the COVID-19 closure. Thus, the purpose of this DMIN action research project is to use the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), surveys, questionnaires, and interviews to research, qualify, and quantify the mental health climate of ministers in Metro Vancouver. …

Pastoral Counselors And The Implementation Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing, Robyn Jarrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem is that since EMDR is not practiced at CCC, it decreases the quality of care and extends the number of counseling sessions. If Christian Counseling Center’s counselors use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing psychotherapy for trauma clients, then an increase in counseling quality will be demonstrated by decreased sessions. The study also sought to reveal EMDR's value to clients’ counseling sessions, given that CBT is the standard therapeutic approach in pastoral counseling settings. Qualitative methods included journaling, questionnaires, and focus groups. Two pastoral counselors completed the necessary training and adhered to EMDR procedures while treating eleven clients using …

Spiritual Disciplines And Christian Formative Education: Tools To Jump-Start Spiritual Formation And Eliminate Stagnation, Darrick J. Willis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The researcher aims to uncover the fundamental causes of spiritual stagnation, particularly the tendency to over-rely on established traditions, and to assess the detrimental effects of this phenomenon on the life and activities of the church. Spiritual formation is the process through which Christians are transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Intentionality and growth are paramount for believers, as neglecting these elements can lead to spiritual stagnation. Contemporary literature emphasizes that spiritual formative education is central to fostering intentionality. The correlation between increased knowledge and a heightened desire to learn is crucial; both …

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 …

The Both/And Church: A Qualitative Study On The Motives, Processes, And Impacts Of Instrumental Music In Churches Of Christ In The Bible Belt, Samuel Scott Souder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the information available on worship styles of churches in America, perspectives of Churches of Christ who have started using instruments have yet to be explored. Since 1906, Churches of Christ have been one of many distinct religious sects in America. Expressions of this denomination are most often found in the Deep South of the United States — what many religious persons refer to as the “Bible Belt.” Known for their emphasis on weekly communion, baptism as a sacramental part of discipleship, and their embrace of extra-biblical additions to ministry like missionary societies, one spiritual practice sets them apart most …

Perfect Love: Intertextual And Conceptual Commonalities Concerning Agape In 1 Corinthians 13:8–13 And 1 John 4:12–18, Christopher David Cochran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation will examine Paul and John’s mutual focus on agape and teleios. The premise is that in 1 Corinthians 13:10, “perfect” is not used by Paul in an eschatological sense, but to communicate the message of “perfect love” John also references (1 John 2:3–6; 4:12–18). Jesus’s teaching recorded in Matthew 5:43–48 will be considered regarding how it might provide a basis for understanding Paul and John’s thoughts concerning agape. Also, the use of teleios by Aristotle and תָּמִים by the Qumran community will be contemplated, in addition to how the Hebrew word תָּמִים might have influenced Jesus’s teaching and …

Empowering Kansas City Veterans Administration Chaplains: A Spiritual Leadership Toolkit For Nursing Staff Support, Leonard Gicheru

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This doctoral research project addresses the critical issue of burnout among nursing staff at the Kansas City Veterans Administration (KCVA). Burnout is often worsened by a lack of spiritual support, thereby negatively impacting both the well-being of nurses and the quality of patient care. This project study aims to mitigate these challenges by implementing a spiritual leadership resource toolkit, tailored to equip KCVA chaplains with creative strategies to provide spiritual care for nurses.

Based on Spiritual Leadership Theory and guided by biblical principles, this project explores how structured spiritual direction can improve the resilience and emotional well-being of nursing staff. …

Addressing Subjective Reasoning Through Renewed Pathways: Church Discipline, Anthony F. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Skyline Baptist Church adopts a subjective approach to the removal of members through its church discipline process. This means that decisions regarding church discipline and the removal of members are not strictly governed by objective doctrine or biblical alignment but are instead influenced by individual circumstances and the specific context of outside influence. This project seeks to establish objective measures grounded in scriptural understanding, promoting biblical alignment and mutual accountability within the congregation. The existing research provides valuable insights that contribute to the broader Christian mission; it aims to cultivate a more united and devoted commitment that reflects the teachings …

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 …

Transformative Teaching: Enhancing Spiritual Growth In The I'M A Part Church Through Prison Ministry Program Insights, Arlen K. Parham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research project strived to equip the leadership of small churches with the tools to improve spiritual maturity among church members by utilizing a holistic, evidence-based curriculum developed with transformative teaching from prison ministry insights. The goal is to bring an evidence-based prison curriculum from a correctional setting and implement it in a church setting to improve spiritual maturity. The congregants of the I’m A Part Church agreed to be a test model. The curriculum will advance the church’s mission to invest in others by creating a vetted transformative teaching program. The addition of the transformative teaching curriculum is geared …

Yielding Fruit: The Relationship Of Love, Unity, And Spiritual Gifts, Douglas Donald Vannostrand

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the interconnectedness of love, unity, and spiritual gifts within the Christian church, primarily through an analysis of Paul's letters in Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians. It argues that these principles are essential for the church to fulfill its divine purpose. The study examines how love serves as the foundation for unity and the effective use of spiritual gifts, contributing to the community's edification and reflecting the nature of the Trinity. The research employs exegetical analysis, historical context, and practical application to demonstrate how these principles can address contemporary challenges in the church, fostering spiritual growth and reflecting God's …

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 …

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. …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …