21867 research outputs found
Sort by
Pneuma and Logos: Strengthening Sermon Preparation through a Spirit-and-Word Approach to Biblical Exegesis
Get PDFPowerful preaching results from honoring the Word and Spirit as active participants in the sermon preparation process. However, the influence of postmodernism and the lack of resources clarifying this convergence point have led to a polarization of perspectives in biblical exegesis. Therefore, this DMIN action research project designed, implemented, and evaluated a Pneuma and Logos Approach to biblical exegesis based on five essential pillars of hermeneutics, derived from William Oliverio’s Pentecostal Hermeneutics in the Late Modern World. By integrating inductive skills of biblical exegesis with holistic habits of Lectio Divina, this project proposes that stronger sermon preparation skills can be fostered, thereby equipping a community of ministers to conduct biblical exegesis according to once-polarized perspectives. Fourteen youth pastors were equipped with the approach through a workshop designed for relational community engagement. A mixed-methods approach guided the collection of quantitative data from pre- and post-workshop surveys, as well as qualitative data from a written questionnaire, interviews, and a focus group. The project resulted in an evident increase in sermon preparation skills and habits alongside a decrease in polarized perspectives, affirming the efficacy of the approach. Preachers, therefore, are encouraged to undergo intentional training in biblical exegesis that integrates pneuma habits with logos elements and engage with this approach consistently in a small group community. In doing so, a Spirit and Word perspective can emerge, enabling preachers to exegete Scripture while deepening their study
The Gospel to the Ends of the Earth: The Role of the Temple and Mission in the Expansion of the Church as Seen through Stephen’s Sermon in Acts 7
Get PDFThe purpose of this dissertation is to answer the research question: How does Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 set a theological trajectory for the church by redefining the temple and reimagining the mission of the early church, thus propelling the church into a global movement? The findings help to fill a gap in scholarship regarding the view of the new temple as the early church moved away from the temple in Jerusalem and into mission. The research question was addressed by the study, which employed a biblical-theological hermeneutic design, incorporating Particular hermeneutics related to intertextuality to achieve a faithful exegesis of the biblical text. The research assumed that Luke was giving an accurate reconstruction of Stephen’s speech as found in Acts 7. The goal of examining Stephen’s speech and his use of the Old Testament is to arrive at an understanding of his view of the temple in Jerusalem and, ultimately, God’s work in the world. This study reveals Stephen’s vision of the heavenly temple, which becomes the new temple for believers, allowing them to move beyond the land of Israel and fulfill Jesus’ command for His followers to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8
At the Putting Green: The Economic Impact of the Augusta National
Get PDFThis dissertation investigates the multifaceted economic impact of the Augusta National Golf Club on the city of Augusta, Georgia. Through a comprehensive historical, biographical, and economic analysis, the study explores how a single sporting institution has transformed a mid-sized Southern city into a globally recognized epicenter of elite sport and cultural capital. Drawing on archival research, interviews with local stakeholders, and economic data, the dissertation traces Augusta’s evolution from a strategic Confederate industrial hub to a modern city whose identity and economy are inextricably linked to the Augusta National and its flagship event, the Masters Tournament.
The research is structured across eight chapters, beginning with the historical development of Augusta and culminating in a detailed assessment of the club’s contemporary economic influence. Key figures such as Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts are examined for their visionary roles in the club’s founding, while the Masters Tournament is analyzed as a cultural and economic phenomenon. The study also explores the club’s land acquisitions, philanthropic initiatives, and the ripple effects on local businesses, employment, real estate, and infrastructure.
Findings reveal that Augusta National functions not only as a premier golf venue but also as a powerful economic engine and civic stakeholder. The club’s deliberate resistance to commercialization, coupled with its strategic investments in the local community, has created a unique model of place-based branding and economic development. Ultimately, the dissertation argues that the relationship between Augusta and Augusta National is symbiotic—each having shaped the other in a feedback loop of prestige, economy, and identity—offering a compelling case study in urban transformation through sport
Lead Like Jesus For Healthcare - Improving the Culture of Healing Through Biblical Leadership Training
Get PDFLead Like Jesus is a 501(c)(3) ministry founded in 1999 that aims to reshape leadership through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The organization promotes leadership development that integrates servant leadership principles into a transformational leadership model, applying these ideas in secular settings where success is often linked to authority, control, and power. The principles behind the Lead Like Jesus movement are rooted in the Scriptural accounts of Jesus\u27 life and teachings, emphasizing a leadership style characterized by humility, empathy, and genuine care for others. A review of offerings from professional associations, consulting firms, and other sources of leadership training revealed a lack of readily available, Scripturally sound leadership programs and resources to develop relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities in the specialized field of healthcare leadership. This Dissertation-in-Praxis project gathered, analyzed, and reported market research data while exploring the project’s core thesis: There is an unmet need in healthcare leadership development for a training curriculum based on biblical principles and the example set by Jesus.” To obtain detailed market data on this thesis, the project was presented to the Lead Like Jesus organization who approved a Collaborating Team of their staff to help develop, validate, and implement a market research survey targeting potential program participants who met the project\u27s definition of a “Healthcare Leader”, an inclusive definition that considered the significant impact of all levels of healthcare staff on their primary customers, the patients they serve. The research project findings supported the validity of the stated thesis
Integrating Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling at Calvary Baptist Church
Get PDFThere is a critical need to provide mental health support to the congregation in the Black church, especially at Calvary Baptist Church. During the research study, the participants have made it clear that they need more support when it comes to emotional help for those who are facing mental health challenges. To address this, initiatives such as mental health training for clergy, establishing support groups, or partnering with mental health professionals can be implemented. Based on the outcome of the one-on-one interviews, the focus group participants from Calvary shared their disappointment with the pastor and leaders for not being able to aid them with the challenges, particularly due to the lack of evidence that clergy have received training in the field of mental health. This lack of evidence should prompt leaders to take action, evoking a sense of concern. The DMIN research study employed a qualitative research method, which enabled participants to share their stories about mental health challenges and the lack of support they received from pastors and church leaders. The goal of this research study is to demonstrate a positive outcome that will justify implementing a pastoral counseling ministry model at Calvary Baptist Church. The invention design outcome is to reduce mental health stigma and bring awareness to the members and the foundation for leaders to become educated about mental health and the challenges that many face
A Predictive Correlational Study of the Number of Edtech Tools in Graduate Online Courses and Student Gender on Student Engagement
No full textThe purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study was to examine if and to what extent the number of educational technology (edtech) tools in a course and student gender could predict engagement in online courses among New York City graduate education students. As higher education institutions continue to integrate diverse technologies into their online learning environments, understanding how the use of many tools influences student engagement is important for instructional design, policy, and pedagogy. The participants for this study included a sample of 142 students drawn from the population of graduate students enrolled in different online sections of the same online course offered at a graduate school of education in New York City. The setting for this study was the graduate online course sections. Data was collected using the Motivation and Engagement Scale—University/College (MES–UC). The digital version of the instrument was offered via an email link to the participants as part of the end-of-course activities. Data collected was analyzed using multiple linear regression after initial data screening for errors, missing entries, and inconsistencies. The results revealed that neither the number of edtech tools nor student gender significantly predicted engagement. The overall regression model explained less than 1% of the variance in student engagement (R2 = .003, F (2, 139) = .193, p = .825). The findings suggest that the quantity of edtech tools and student gender alone may not be sufficient predictors of engagement in graduate online courses. Future research should explore additional variables such as instructional quality, student-student and instructor-student interactions, technology self-efficacy, and cognitive load. Longitudinal, experimental, or mixed methods studies are recommended to provide deeper insights into student engagement
Authentic Disciples of Christ: An Exegetical Analysis of Jesus’s Expectations of His Disciples’ Behaviors
Get PDFThe fulfillment of the Great Commission demands that the Church possess a clear and objective understanding of what constitutes a disciple. Because the New Testament does not present a specific definition of a disciple, local churches adopt culturally-shaped paradigms—conversion-only evangelism, curriculum-driven frameworks, or programmatic models—that fragment the biblical vision and conflate orthodoxy and orthopraxy. This study addresses this tension by articulating a biblically-formed composition of a disciple, arguing that authentic disciples do not merely confess belief but are Spirit-formed witnesses to Christ’s redemption, reflecting his identity through enduring faith marked by love, obedience, perseverance, and gospel proclamation. Motivated by theological and ecclesial ambiguity surrounding the terms “disciple” and “discipleship,” this study offers a canonical synthesis—spanning the New Testament—to construct a cohesive portrait of an authentic disciple. Through exegetical analysis and theological integration, each biblical author contributes to the behavioral-based composition shaped by union with Christ and sustained by the Spirit. This study equips the Church with a biblical understanding of a disciple, enabling local churches to refocus disciple-making efforts around strengthening Spirit-formed identities rather than cultivating cognitive assenters. The central argument asserts that authentic disciples embody a Spirit-formed identity—not defined by momentary confessions or institutional programs, but by visible transformation that advances God’s redemptive mission. Their lives bear witness to Christ’s lordship through holiness, wholehearted devotion, enduring hope, and gospel proclamation. By weaving together theological motifs, this study affirms that the Church must reclaim its biblical calling to cultivate disciples who reflect Christ’s image, proclaim his truth, and persevere in his mission
An Implementation of Theological Concepts: Bridging the Gap from Childhood to Adult Christian Education
Get PDFNew Jerusalem Church has the pleasure of teaching Bible stories in the children’s church and Sunday school. However, after the children age out of these spaces, they do not transition to the adult classes; they sit in the hallways. Suppose they continue this practice after aging out of the children’s classification and do not engage with fellow believers in the discipleship process. Will they remain connected to their faith-based community? The problem is whether their behavior is due to the absence of theological content in the Bible curriculum used to teach them in children’s church and Sunday school. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the impact of expository teaching with theological subject matter would assist them in transitioning to the adult classes. Eleven students, ages eight to fourteen, participated in this project by attending four sessions and completing two questionnaire surveys and interviews at the beginning and the end of the project. Results were determined by measuring the students\u27 understanding of theological concepts and personal growth before and after attending the Bible study sessions. The growth and development of the students\u27 theological knowledge were compared with what they knew from learning the curriculum content from children’s church and Sunday school, to what they knew after the “Bridging the Gap” curriculum sessions. By incorporating theological content with familiar Bible stories, students can better understand their faith, share their faith, and be ready to transition to adult Bible study classes
The Impact of Trauma on the Presentation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Get PDFObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition that has previously been linked to traumatic life experiences. Understanding the connection between trauma and OCD symptomatology is essential for developing clinical interventions. This study examined whether a history of abuse is related to an OCD diagnosis, whether a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis is correlated with heightened OCD symptoms, and whether experiencing multiple types of traumas increased OCD symptom severity. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression analyses, were conducted along with thematic analysis of qualitative interview data. Participants with a comorbid diagnosis of OCD and PTSD exhibited elevated OCD symptoms. Additionally, PTSD symptoms were strongly correlated with OCD symptom severity. Specific trauma types such as emotional abuse, violence, and loss were linked to specific OCD symptom dimensions, including contamination and aggression obsessions. These findings suggest that the type of trauma, rather than the number of traumatic events, influenced the presentation of OCD symptoms. Findings suggest the use of trauma-informed care as well as integrated treatment approaches that address both PTSD as well as OCD symptoms, considering the individual’s trauma history and symptom patterns. These findings highlighted the importance of considering trauma history in the assessment and treatment of OCD, suggesting that addressing trauma-related symptoms may be crucial for alleviating OCD severity in populations who experienced trauma or abuse
Real-World Opera Education and the Business of Performance: Perspectives from Young Professionals
Get PDFDespite the traditional practice of operatic vocal training in universities, many young operatic singers found that their education needed to be improved regarding the current demands of the business of being an operatic performer. Understanding the essential skills for operatic training in universities was crucial for preparing singers to handle the demands of a professional career. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of professional operatic singers, university opera training educators, and professional opera companies to discover possible gaps in operatic training in universities. Through interviews with five professional opera singers, five trained singers who chose a different career, six current opera students, five opera company administrators, and five opera educators, the instruction of opera business, marketing, and career guidance emerged as topics warranting further exploration in university opera training programs. This dissertation offers a comprehensive plan of study based on information gleaned from interviews and juxtaposes the proposed curriculum with the realities of current university opera training programs. Aiming to inform opera training educators and universities on how to better prepare their students for the professional world better, this study analyzes the expectations of a professional opera singer and what universities need to do to better prepare their students for the changed world of professional singing. This dissertation could serve as an example to other artistic disciplines such as drama, instrumental performance, and musical theater, encouraging them to seek out the demands of a professional in their respective fields and adapt instruction to fulfill their needs