Religion Commons^™

Phenomenological Study: Exploring The Importance Of The Holy Spirit Experience Among Non-Cessational Church Leaders In South Carolina, Amelia J. Simmons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Over time, many movements have influenced the theological foundations of Western Christianity and culture. For example, modernism has influenced Western culture leading to a rejection of supernaturalism, causing many individuals to overlook the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in personal and social life. Few theological works focus specifically on the Holy Spirit, and what is often proposed lacks a unified synthesis of empirical evidence. The foundation guiding this study is the biblical New Testament, which expresses the importance of the Holy Spirit and how He changes believers into diehards for Christ Jesus. Some church leaders today exhibit reluctance toward …

Citizenship Christian Values Education Empowerment In Papua New Guinea Through Integration Of Curriculum, Funding, And Professional Training, Timothy Hawes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since 2018, the Papua New Guinea Education Department has opened the door for Christian Citizenship Value Education, but previously, no organization has successfully addressed this opportunity. The problem is that the CCVE program in PNG does not integrate curriculum, funding, and professional training. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to develop and deploy the CCVE Empowerment plan. Through a survey given to CCVE teachers and multiple focus groups with six different CCVE leaders, the CCVE Empowerment plan was developed. The plan included a new organizational structure, the prayer model, the self-teaching student journals, sufficient funding, and applied …

A Semiotic Comparison Of Mayan And Egyptian Hieroglyphs In Relation To Cosmological Beliefs, Annmarie Vazquez

Department of Anthropology: Theses and Student Research

Hieroglyphs, as a formal writing system, encode information reflective of a culture’s beliefs and worldviews and comprise inscriptions that represent objects (logograms), ideas (ideograms), or sounds (alphabetic or syllabic).  In this thesis, I employ semiotics, the study of how meanings are created by signs and symbols, to investigate Late Classic Maya (~250-990 CE) and Middle Period Egyptian (2240- 990 BCE) hieroglyphs that are associated with cosmological beliefs. In particular, I focus on Egyptian and Mayan hieroglyphs of birds and snakes as well as many other hieroglyphs of nature and celestial bodies. A semiotic approach provides new insights into the understanding …

A Survey Of And Performance Guide To Representative Flute Music By Two Twentieth-Century Serbian Composers: Ljubica Marić And Enriko Josif, Sanda Mašić

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Flute pieces by twentieth-century Serbian composers Ljubica Marić and Enriko Josif are little-known gems of modern repertoire that are almost completely unknown outside Serbia. Unique in their styles, these works illustrate the composers’ close relationship to the Serbian culture in which they lived and the religions they practiced. In addition, these works reflect the time they were created in, and are, therefore, modern with a distinctive sound. This document presents a study of seven selected flute works by these two important Serbian composers, places them in historical context, and reveals influences from both Serbian religious music (Orthodox and Jewish) and …

Under Siege: Marriage, Family And The Great Controversy, Jasmine Fraser

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Strength In Weakness: Grace In Times Of Vulnerability, Adriani Rodrigues

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Study Exploring The Role Church Leaders Have In Maintaining Liberty Within A Free Republic, Rashad R. Gibson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study explored the assumptions, perceptions, and understood responsibility of church leaders in New England to maintain liberty and virtue in a free republic. The theory that guided this study is transformational leadership, as it emphasizes morality in both the leader and the follower (Burns, 1978; Northouse, 2015). Within the last six decades, the United States Supreme Court has made rulings to remove from public schools, prayer, general Bible reading, and the Ten Commandments (Abington School District V. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963); Facts and Case Summary - Engel V. Vitale, 1962; Stone V. Graham, …

Using Technology Responsibly To Align Church Ministry With God's Plan, Sandra Rolon-Rodriguez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The proliferation of digital technologies, including live-streaming services, online community platforms, and virtual events, is revolutionizing the operational dynamics of church ministries. Churches of all sizes are embracing these changes to expand their influence, engage with members in new ways, and enhance the impact of digital technology on their ministry. Implementing digital transformation has led to innovative approaches in worship services, outreach programs, and community engagement, enabling churches to meet the evolving needs of their congregation and the broader community.

This dissertation-in-praxis explores the broader biblical and theological significance to gain a deeper understanding and demonstrate the practical application of …

A Descriptive, Comparative Study Of Preexisting Leadership Qualities And Leadership Effectiveness Of Theologically Conservative United States Army Battalion-Level Chaplains, Aaron Jonathan Fabian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This immediate demand for spiritual and professional leadership can be overwhelming for a new battalion-level chaplain (Blackaby 2001; Howell 2003). They perform or provide religious service for Soldiers who have volunteered to serve their country. By going through the same military training in conjunction with their religious education and experience, chaplains are able to integrate with Soldiers where traditional clergy cannot. There is additional pressure to perform because chaplains, as commissioned officers, are evaluated immediately through an annual Officer Evaluation Report (OER hereafter, DA Form 67-9). With no time to acquire new skills, battalion-level chaplains are forced to rely on …

Christian Nationalism: Comparing Sociological Critiques To Christian Political Theologies, Daniel Christopher Samms

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The definition of Christian Nationalism which attempts to link White Nationalism to Christian appeals to God as the basis for justice is not reflective of any prominent, contemporary version of Christian political theology. This is demonstrated through an analysis of the prominent definition of Christian Nationalism used by sociologists such as Samuel L. Perry, Andrew L. Whitehead, and Joshua B. Grubbs as well as an analysis of three prominent Christian approaches to Christian Nationalism and their respective approaches to the basis for civil law in the public square.

The Messages Of James To The Rich: Warnings Rather Than Exclusions, Joseph Daniel Peters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

James frequently references or alludes to the poor and the rich throughout his epistle (1:9–11; 2:1–10, 14–20; 4:13–17; 5:1–6). Even though most scholars throughout church history have accepted that the poor are Christians among the churches James is writing to, it has been debated on whether he is presenting the rich as Christians or as outsiders. If the wealthy are outsiders to the churches, then his messages about them would serve to encourage the recipients by assuring them that their rich oppressors will be punished, which would also discourage any imitation of their oppressive practices. However, if the wealthy are …

The Challenges Small And Medium-Sized Businesses Face Adopting Digital Supply Chain Technologies: A Case Study Of Firms In Traditional Industries In The United States, Michael S. Stevens

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research examined the digital transformation of supply chains within small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), focusing on the challenges firms in traditional industries in the United States face in adopting these technologies to improve performance. Through a single case study qualitative approach, the study examined why some SMBs face these challenges, digital supply chain technologies affect business performance, and which technologies they contemplate to achieve their desired outcomes. Key findings indicate that most SMBs are between the digitization and digitalization phases of the digital transformation journey and are driven to adopt digital technologies that enable operational performance for scalable profitability. …

A Weapon In One Hand And A Bible In The Other: Places Of Worship Are Under Attack, Edmond J. Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative descriptive study aims to ascertain the degree of preparedness for reducing and preventing extreme violence and the countermeasures that are in place (or lack thereof) at houses of worship. All places of worship in this study are considered soft targets and not “holy ground” as traditionally referenced. The terms “places of worship” and “church” will be used interchangeably in this study. A place of refuge for both the physical and spiritual is now considered vulnerable as the congregants are focused on worship rather than protection from an attack. Violence against places of worship will be described at this …

Paul’S Vision Of Λογικός (Logikos) Worship: A Biblical-Theological Exegesis Of The Sacrificial And Transformative Motif Of Worship In Light Of Ἐν Χριστῷ (En Christo), Thang Lam Piang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the Apostle Paul’s vision of λογικός (logikos) worship in Romans 12:1–2 as a theologically rich and integrative expression of sacrificial self-offering and transformative renewal, grounded in the believers’ union with the crucified and resurrected Christ. While Pauline scholarship has often approached worship either as moral exhortation, liturgical metaphor, or philosophical concept, this study contends that Paul’s worship theology cannot be adequately understood apart from his theology of ἐν Χριστῷ (en Christo), a holistic, sacrificial, transformative, and Spirit-empowered union that redefines the believers’ identity, vocation, and existence. The study conducts a biblical-theological exegesis of key Pauline texts, situating …

Select Independent Baptist Church Family Worship And The Impact Of The Church Family Ministry, Joshua Wayne Yancy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A growing number of young adults leave the church once they reach the age of majority, leading many congregations to reevaluate the interplay between family worship, parent-equipping, and intergenerational ministry. Adopting a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, this study combined a nationwide quantitative survey of 125 parents with qualitative interviews of senior, youth, and children’s ministry leaders from four Independent Baptist churches. The survey explored how frequently parents engage in worship and discipleship practices within the home. At the same time, the interviews shed light on how church-led intergenerational worship and parent-equipping efforts influence families’ home practices. Findings reveal that …

A Phenomenological Study: African American Female Millennial Church Attendance And The Implications Of Spiritual Formation, Licia Williams-Hawthorne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a quiet exodus from the church amongst African American female millennials. In church, Christians gather for corporate worship, a renewal of faith through sermons and songs, and to strengthen spiritual formation. This study aimed to highlight the lived experiences to connect church leadership with raw data from a subpopulation that the church cannot leave behind. The theory guiding this study is the Phenomenological Theory as defined by Husserl (1859-1938) and supported by Peoples (2021) as it allows the researcher to uncover the experiences that shaped this population's decision to no longer regularly attend church. Three research questions defined …

Biblical Metanarrative Discipleship For Women: A Paradigm For Women In The Church That Impacts Christlike Growth Through The Influence Of Biblical Literacy, Patricia Cihak

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This DMIN research project seeks to resolve the problem of the lack of a biblically literate small group discipleship strategy to assist adult women in their spiritual journey of Christlikeness at Eastlake Church in Moneta, Virginia. Discipleship for women is assumed through the event, and program-driven ministry opportunities for women; however, the void of an intentional disciple-making strategy generates recipients rather than replicators. The gap between the discipleship that Jesus demonstrated and how it is observed among women today underscores the need for contemporary discourse on this issue. Current research reveals that biblical illiteracy is rising, and church attendance is …

A Message To A Wayward King: The Unified Reading Of Proverbs Chapters 30 And 31, Lucinda Shelton Lyons

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although Proverbs 30 and 31 often bear the label of being appendices to the book of Proverbs, and at first glance, reveal very distinct genres, this study aims to demonstrate a purposeful editorial coherence uniting the two oracles, conveying a significant message to the king. That united message reveals itself through a personal confession, numerical sayings, intimate advice from a mother to her son, and through an acrostic of the Woman of Valor. The two prophetic messengers, Agur and the Queen Mother, two elite voices within the Jerusalem palace-temple complex, strongly support the king. However, they see him as a …

From Recovery To Restored: A Thesis Action Project Developing Addiction Restored Groups Transitioning Individuals Out Of A Recovery Cycle And Into A Church Small Group, Scott Kingsley Schneiderman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

People at New Beginnings Church (NBC) who suffer from addiction currently do not have an intentional path into a life-giving Core Group without the need for ongoing support groups. This DMIN action research project aims to design, implement, and evaluate Restored, at NBC, an eight-week addiction recovery process. Restored utilizes individual self-evaluation through Scripture, collective discussion, and tailored sin-cycle diagrams. The innovation in this project focuses on the transitional phase, unlike other addiction recovery programs, and the integration of Christians into a church small group. This DMIN action research project will enable Christians struggling with addiction to identify their sin, …

Transitions Of Faith: Navigating Pastoral Changes In Small African American Churches, Joshua O. Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of African American pastors aged 65 and older as they navigate leadership transitions within small churches in Florida. These churches, characterized by the absence of formal succession planning support from a parent organization, serve as critical pillars in their communities. Guided by Bridges' Transition Theory, this research investigated the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of pastoral transitions, focusing on the stages of 'Ending, Losing, and Letting Go,' 'Neutral Zone,' and 'New Beginning' (Bridges, 1980). Data collection methods included a pre-qualifying survey, individual interviews, and focus group discussions, analyzed through thematic analysis supported by …

Identity Restored: High School Students Overcoming Social Media’S Influence To Embrace Their Identity As Sons And Servants Of God, Daniel M. Christiaans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research question for this action research project relates to the impact of social media on the identity formation of believers through their high school years. As a youth pastor of 20 years and father of four teenagers, I’ve noticed that high school students maintain many of the social media habits and addictions seen in the secular world. This regular interaction with social media is detrimental to their identity formation; they are not adopting the identity provided for them in Christ as communicated by the Word of God. This project will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the believer's identity …

Developing Divine Love Into Christoform Obedience: Understanding And Applying The Theological Framework Of Divine Love In A Measurable Growth Praxis, Jayson Pengra Derowitsch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth outcomes of participants from a curriculum intervention on divine love with the goal of Christoform obedience. The point of the curriculum was to define divine love properly by using synthesized vantage points derived from precedent literature. These vantage points were developed into a four-step praxis of transformation in divine love. This praxis was the capstone of the curriculum. Three methods of data retrieval were used throughout the intervention process to target intellectual concept improvement, self-assessment improvement, and praxis improvement. As a result of the data, it was determined that fifty …

Sustainable Growth : Future Focus For A United Methodist Church, Ryan L. Wenburg

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Sermon Series Impact : Evaluating The Impact Of A Sermon Series From The Book Of James, Santosh Sharma

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Moral Injury : Understanding Moral Injury And Overcoming It Through Faith, Spiritual Practices, And Support From Others, Nathan C. Adkison

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Intergenerational Leadership : A Model For Developing An Age-Diverse Leadership Team, Jovelyn Califlores Gamiao

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Wesleyan-Style Bands : A Pilot Training Program In The Local Church, Bailey D. Barkley

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Church Planting : Challenges, Opportunities, And Nurturing Healthy Churches, Michael Magar

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Rethinking Discipleship : Understanding Conflict As A Means Of Spiritual Growth, Donald S. Caulley

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Growing In The Word : A Homiletical Process To Foster Spiritual Maturation In A Congregation, Jonathan William Beckum

ATS Dissertations

No abstract provided.