Abstracts C-K
Title: The Development of a Prayer Ministry Group for Baby Boomers in a Local Church (1996).
Abstract:Human beings desperately want a personal experience with God. We have a deep desire to experience God as a living presence in our lives.
Prayer is essential if we are to be properly related to God. In this paper, I define prayer as communication or communion with God.
According to various studies persons have an interest in knowing God and God's purpose in their lives. Many persons are returning to church to learn how to be in touch with God.
Baby Boomers, persons born between 1945 and the mid 1960's are returning to church in large numbers seeking a meaningful experience with God. In a recent Gallup Poll 54% of Boomers contacted saw religion, including prayer, as being very important in their lives.
Gallup also noted that many churches are not seen as meeting the needs of person and persons are not learning about prayer. This failure has resulted in an exodus from the church.
This study examines what happened to Baby Boomers who participated in a determined prayer ministry. My findings indicate prayer changed the participants.
Title: Attitudes Toward Sexuality and Spiritual Well-being Among Nazarene Pastors in the English-Speaking Caribbean (2000).
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to ascertain what correlation, if any, exists between spiritual well-being and attitudes toward sexuality among pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The meanings and relation of the terms sexuality and spirituality are explored. The Church's traditional understanding and interpretation of spirituality and sexuality is then reviewed. The theological foundation for the study is grounded in a trinitarian understanding of humankind as created in the image of God. Finally, the socio-cultural context of the English-speaking Caribbean, particularly with regard to issues of sexuality, is discussed.
To obtain the data, Ellison and Paloutzian's Spiritual Well-being Scale (© 1982) (hereafter SWBS) was used in conjunction with a researcher-designed Attitudes Regarding Sexuality Questionnaire (hereafter ASQ). The SWBS is a quality of life measure focusing on satisfaction with life and one's personal relationship with God. The ASQ is formulated on the premise that formative life experiences, biblical and theological understandings, and gender role norms or expectations significantly contribute to an individual's attitudes toward sexuality. Data were collected from a convenient sample.
Analysis of the results is limited by a small sample size; data were insufficient to identify relationships of intervening variables such as age, tenure as pastor, and ethnicity on spiritual well-being, or attitudes toward sexuality. However, results of the study indicate positive correlation between attitudes toward sexuality and spiritual well-being.
Title: A Study to Identify and Describe Chaplain Role Expectations on Ships in the United States Navy (1997).
Abstract: The key to an effective ministry on a Navy ship is for the ship's commander and chaplain to have a harmonized view of the chaplain's role. Occasionally, commanders expect chaplains to perform functions that are unclear and ambiguous causing role tension. This study examined chaplain role expectations among commanders and chaplains in order to determine the extent of the need to provide clarification and enhance compatibility in perceptions.
Following the guidelines found in Paul D. Leedy's book, Practical Research, and using surveys from Abercrombie, Cook, Gomulka, Hienke, Visser, and Zahn as examples the descriptive research method was used. This study did not attempt to establish cause and effect, but was diagnostic in its attempt to identify role expectations and discrepancies. The research questions that guided this study were: (1) What are the role expectations chaplains have of themselves? (2) What are the role expectations commanders have of their chaplains? and (3) What discrepancies exist in the way chaplains and commanders view the role of chaplains on ships?
The review of literature revealed extending Christ's ministry in the Navy is the foundation for the Christian chaplain's master role. In addition, six functional roles emerged to create the chaplain's master role for this study. Included are administrator, teacher, pastor, priest, preacher, and project coordinator.
Although findings reveal few discrepancies between chaplains' and commanders' expectations concerning the master role, they do support several conclusions: (1) commanders do not know the Navy's regulations/policy concerning the role of the chaplain, and rank the chaplain last in importance, (2) commanders and chaplains agree administering the command religious program is important for the command's mission; (3) commanders rank chaplains' role of teacher as not important to commands' mission; (4) consensus exists between chaplains and commanders regarding the importance of pastoral care in accomplishing the mission; (5) commanders expect chaplains to make counseling a priority over worship and sacramental services, and chaplains disagree; (6) no significant differences exist concerning the role of preacher - chaplains are expected to be relevant/dynamic preachers; and (7) two area of dissensus exist between commanders and chaplains concerning the role of project coordinator - commanders expect chaplains to participate in two areas considered illegitimate by chaplains, i.e., Family Advocate Representative and Damage Control Team Trainer.
Title: Shame and the Church Dropout: The Effect of Embarrassment, Humiliation, and Shame on Church Attendance in Small Rural Churches (1992).
Abstract: Why do people drop out of church? Results of case study interviews, statistical testing, and questionnaires indicate that persons are more likely to drop out if they are shame-prone, have server interpersonal conflicts, have lost status in church through personal failures, or are married women.
A statistical study of two small rural United Methodist congregations using the TOSCA, Test of Self-Conscious Affect (June Price Tangney et.al., George Mason University, 1989), showed contrary to expectations that attendance per se did not correlate inversely with shame-proneness as expected. In a further study of seventeen church dropouts, dropout women had very high shame-proneness (almost on standard deviation above average) while having below average alpha pride (pride in the entire self rather than in behavior). Dropout men had the reverse, with above average alpha pride and below average shame-proneness. Wives were discovered to be responsible more often for a couple dropping out of church, which corroborates psychological studies of shame-proneness in women.
Church members who were high in shame-proneness yet also faithful attenders showed they had: 1) a strong desire to worship God, 2) stable relationships with at least one other church member, 3) a growing autonomous self-identity which overcame temptation to withdraw after embarrassing incidents or church fights.
Shame is surveyed in the fields of philosophy, anthropology, fiction and nonfiction, sociology, and psychology. A biblical word study, a study of Christian leaders through history, and comments toward a theology of shame are included. If America is becoming a shame culture, then America needs an evangelicalism drawing on a more biblical understanding of a healthy identity in Christ versus a shame-based identity, rather than an evangelism that only draws on a sin-guilt-mercy-forgiveness message. A final chapter gives pastoral counseling and administrative techniques for healing and rejuvenating shame-prone persons.
Title: A Follow-Up Manual for New Members of the Evangelical Chinese Church in Seattle, Washington (1991).
Abstract: The Evangelical Chinese Church in Seattle, Washington consists of members who are mostly Chinese immigrants from Asia. While retaining their Chinese culture, they are in the process of adapting to the American culture at the same time. For them, spiritual growth may take a different form other than the one that prevails among American Christians. This project/dissertation is an attempt to understand the spiritual and cultural dynamics of the Chinese Christians in America and to produce a follow-up manual for this unique group of people.
Chapter 1 gives the rationale for writing this project/dissertation as well as the theological framework and basic assumptions within which this project/dissertation is written.
Chapter 2 presents the theoretical framework that informs the project (i.e. the manual). It covers the biblical model of the mature Christian, theories of human development (both psychological and spiritual), practical suggestions on how to foster spiritual growth, and issues confronting Chinese Christians living in North America.
Chapter 3 consists mainly of the manual and matters pertaining to the preparation and testing of the manual. New members who were incorporated into the church in the last five years were asked to participate in the project. They were divided into treatment and control groups. Copies of the manual were given to the former for their use but not to the latter. By using a questionnaire in a pretest and a posttest, the effectiveness of the manual is examined. Survey results show that members of the treatment group consistently score higher in the posttest, while members of the control group score lower except in two out of seven areas.
Title: Growing the Devotional Life Through the Spiritual Disciplines of Silence and Solitude (2000).
Abstract: Tice United Methodist Church experienced a steady decline in membership and participation in the ministry. Most of the membership consisted of senior adults who could no longer carry the load of ministry and mission. Their idea of ministry was to keep the church open for Sunday. Spiritual apathy was ruining the church.
Attempts to breathe God given life into the church through lay witness missions, renewal services, and many fellowship opportunities failed. Perhaps for the church to experience renewal of the Spirit, it must first begin with the individual. Individuals participated in a study on the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude. The premise was that through the realization of silence and solitude, the participant's devotional lives and their relationship with God and others changed for the better. The goal was to discover if the use of silence and solitude would lead to a more healthy community life.
The findings of the composite case studies asserted that through the realization of silence and solitude, the participants' devotional lives and their relationship with God, themselves, and others had changed for the better. Redeeming an unhealthy spiritual atmosphere of apathy among the people of Tice arose by restoring the spiritual bond between God, self, and others within the church. Participants found that through practicing disciplines of silence and solitude demonstrated to them, the church might live together in peaceful community.
Developing the devotional life through the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude was a journey of growing in their relationship with God and becoming conformed to the Son. This process happened in many ways, but an indispensable way was interaction with God's word in Scripture through prayer and reflection. A common theme among the participants was that of discovering a kindred spirit existed among them. Each group member hungered for the heart of God in his or her way, but found encouragement among them.
Title: Preaching For Discipleship In An Postmodern Context (1999).
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop a model of preaching for discipleship and evaluate its effectiveness in encouraging discipleship in the lives of Christians in a postmodern context. The model was developed from a survey of relevant literature in the fields of preaching, communication, persuasion, transfer learning, and postmodernism.
The study took place at Parkway United Methodist Church, a new church reaching families in the suburbs southwest of Houston, Texas. Nineteen people participated in the study by completing a series of pretest questionnaires. The questionnaires sought to determine to what extent they demonstrated the characteristics of a postmodern person, a baseline for determining their spiritual well-being, and the extent to which they were engaged in specific spiritual habits. Each participant then listened to a five-week sermon series on developing spiritual habits, each sermon speaking to a different habit (prayer, Bible study, giving, outreach, and ministry). Each week of the sermon series every attendee at Parkway UMC was encouraged to complete a brief questionnaire seeking to determine to what extent they felt the sermon that week fit the model for preaching to encourage discipleship.
Three weeks and eight weeks after the sermon series the participants were again tested to determine if there was any change in their spiritual well being and if they showed any measurable increase in the spiritual habits covered in the sermons.
The questionnaire indicated 1) the participants demonstrated a mixture of modern and postmodern characteristics; 2) there was not a significant increase in spiritual well being as measured by the Spiritual Well-being scale; 3) the participants did demonstrate a measurable increase in participation of the habits preached about in the sermon series; and 4) the attendees at Parkway UMC agreed that the sermons in the series fit the model for preaching for discipleship.
The major findings of the study include the following observations:
Postmodern characteristics are not limited to a specific age group, but can be demonstrated across a spectrum of ages.
Factors that are important when preaching for discipleship among people with postmodern characteristics are: the preacher is credible, the sermon is biblical, the sermon is experiential, the sermon is relevant, the sermon is simple, and the sermon is practical.
Title: Pastoral Behaviors that Create or Maintain a Team Learning Atmosphere in the Church(2000).
Abstract:Peter Senge, in his landmark book The Fifth Discipline, defines team learning as "the process of aligning and developing the capacity of a team to create the results its members truly desire" (236). This team learning discipline begins with dialogue"the capacity of members of a team to suspend assumptions and enter into a genuine thinking together" (10). This synergistic effort yields ideas, solutions, and possibilities not previously considered by the participating individuals.
What are the specific behaviors pastors practice that encourage a team learning atmosphere in the church? With this question in mind, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with twenty pastors of churches identified as team learning churches. These congregations were selected by a panel of pre-selected experts and by asking each participant in the study to further identify team learning churches.
The interview identified six behaviors that help create or maintain a team learning atmosphere in the church. First, the pastoral leader values team learning. Second, the pastoral leader models team learning in his/her interactions with the congregation. Third, pastors who lead congregations that learn together as teams enter into dialogue with their people valuing their ideas and input. Fourth, pastoral leaders give their congregational teams permission to risk failure as they attempt new ways to communicate the Gospel. Fifth, pastoral leaders in team learning congregations selected for the study coach their congregational leaders in the methods and strategies of teaming in order to reproduce the team mentality in them. Finally, pastoral leaders use specific team-oriented language to influence the thinking of their congregations toward team ministry.
Through the study, it also became apparent that none of these behaviors were more significant for creating than for maintaining the team-learning atmosphere. This insight, along with the six identified behaviors, provides at least four applications for ministry: (1) Pastoral leaders who exhibit the six aforementioned behaviors help create and maintain a team learning environment in the church. (2) Team learning congregations have no specific profile other than their leaders are committed to ministry in teams and to those teams learning and growing together. (3) The senior pastor in a congregation is not always the primary influencer or leader in the area of teams. (4) Pastoral leaders who, through their behaviors, help create and maintain a team learning environment in the church, lead growing churches.
Title:The significance of the Asbury Revival of 1970 for Some Aspects of the Spiritual Lives of the Participants (1995).
Abstract:Spiritual disciplines are usually employed as means to spiritual growth, but many in the church do not find the practice of disciplines appealing. During times of religious revival many become interested in their spiritual lives and use spiritual disciplines, but does spiritual growth occur during revival? How long does the impact of revival last?
A researcher designed survey was sent to a simple random sample of Asbury College graduates who participated in the Asbury Revival of 1970. The participants were asked to identify changes in nine aspects of their spiritual lives which occurred within the first twelve months of a 185 hour revival service. The same nine aspects of the spiritual life were compared twenty-five years later. Participants were also asked what they most recalled about the Asbury Revival of 1970.
The first major finding is that the Asbury Revival of 1970 still impacts the spiritual lives of the participants twenty-five years later. The second major finding is that participants generally reported increases in activities related to nine aspects of the 185 hour service as well as twenty-five years. The activities include the use of four spiritual disciplines. A third major finding is that a significantly high percentage of the participants recalled detailed personal experiences of God's presence twenty-five years later.
Revival critics tend to view a revival as significant unless the event impacts society in certain ways. Revivals also tend to be viewed as short term events. When analyzed in light of personal religious experiences revivals may be seen as a valuable and long-term source of spiritual formation.
Title: Reengineering of the National Organization of the General Association of General Baptists (1996).
Abstract:The General Association of General Baptists is a denomination founded by Benoni Stinson in 1826. its organizational structure of nine independent boards has developed over the past 170 years without any apparent plan. Disagreement exists among leaders as to the relationship of the General Board to other boards. The denomination has declined in number of conversions, baptisms, and Membership since 1984, and relationship problems among the leadership are apparent.
The delegates of the 1994 General Association voted unanimously that an objective evaluation be undertaken by an external consulting firm, Shawchuck and Associates. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. Focus groups were conducted over nine States, including seven States where 94 percent of all General Baptist love. Listening sessions were open to all members and conducted in regular or called meetings of all nine of the denomination's boards. Interviews were conducted with Board Executive Directors and were open to other staff of the denomination. A questionnaire survey was mailed to 2700 persons involving all pastors, church clerks, and all board members and a random sample of 1062 persons.
The process was led by a planning team involving a 32 member Renewal Task Force representing members in seven states, both laity and clergy, male and female, persons from a wide range, and persons with experience on the denomination's boards. Regular and direct input was received from the Board of Executive Directors.
The data collected called for restructuring the denomination, placing all boards under one accountability structure. Grass roots members feel the national organization must be more responsive to the needs of the local churches in areas of evangelism and outreach, and commitment to prayer and Bible study. They also clearly demanded better care of pastors by providing better support systems and training. In meetings with present leadership, a new system of representation from the grass roots through a new Council of Associations was developed.
In response to the major themes of the above data, the Renewal Task Force designed a new structure and system of representation to the national organization. The new system was shared in area listening sessions, underwent some revision, and was recommended with commentary and a rationale for change to the delegates of the 1996 General Association.
The delegates heard a report from the External Consultant, a report presented by the Executive Committee of the Renewal Task Force which was based on the design and commentary, and were involved in small break out groups for questions and discussion.
Of the 1010 registered delegates, 774 voted in favor, 211 voted against and 25 did not vote This overwhelming vote mandates that the national organization make the transition to the new system. The new plan representation through the Council of Associations, accountability of all ministries to one structure, and demands teamwork among major players.
A team comprised of the Executive Committee of the RTF and five members of the present executive staff will guide the transition. The RTF will function as the General Board and the Executive Committee of the RTF will function as the Personnel Committee until the Council of Associations can be formed ad organize to assume its responsibility as the new parent corporation.
Title: Designing a Needs Based Mentoring Program for New Pastors in the Free Methodist Church of North America (2000).
No Abstract available. Contact D.Min. Program or B.L. Fisher Library for complete dissertation.
Title: "Redeeming the Time": Patterns of Time Management Among Pastors of Growing Churches (1997).
No Abstract available. Contact D.Min. Program or B.L. Fisher Library for complete dissertation.
Title: Assessing Marital Closeness of Christian Married Couples Through Communication in the Local Church (1999).
Abstract: This research project examined charges in Christian married couples who participated in an intensive one-day communications instruction. This seminar was entitled "Closeness Through Communication" and focused on communication as being essential in generating marital closeness. The fifteen participating couples were African-Americans, and members and friends of a local church. The participants completed the pretest questionnaire prior to the workshop and the posttest questionnaire was completed by the same participating couples.
The seminar focused on the communication skills, Sensitivity, Openness, Negotiation and Appreciation which were the modules for the one-day workshop, with accompanying activities.
Findings indicated that the couples in this group showed significant increases in their communication skills during the forty-one day follow-up, especially in sensitivity, openness and negotiation Persons with graduate level education reported statistically significant changes in all four communication skills. The instruction was effective in generating positive changes in the marital relationship of the couples.
Evaluative research is yet needed to assess the impact of the standard effective communication training toward generating marital closeness for African-American couples.
Title: A Study of the Transition of Free Methodist Clergy Into the Military Chaplaincy (1990).
Abstract:This study builds upon the thesis that the Free Methodist chaplaincy, that issues in this transition can come to light by a survey of these chaplains, and that from this data a manual can emerge to assist the chaplain and church at this point of need.
This work, designed to study the issues chaplains struggled with during their transition into the military ministry, will culminate in a manual to speak to this need. Data for this study comes from various sources such as writers who informed the subject; files and letters at the Free Methodist Church World Headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana; publications of other denominations which also endorse chaplains; seminarians preparing for military ministry; and Free Methodist chaplains on active duty and retired.
This data gave stimulus to designing and printing a chaplains' manual. The objective of the manual is to bring together a body of information to assist chaplains during their transition period. Evaluators affirmed that the manual meets that objective.
The dissertation consists of seven chapters. Chapter one introduces the thesis, the source of the idea, the four motives for choosing the study, the three major assumptions, the fourfold methodology, the four steps in accomplishment, the ministry context, the theoretical framework, and finally, the organization of the study.
Chapter two contains a survey of appropriate literature. Five developmental writers -- Erikson , Levinson, Gould, Sheehy and Bridges-- and two church writers -- Boozer and Hutcheson -- are considered.
Chapter three examines five major frameworks that guide our study -- historical, sociological, psychological, theological and theoretical. Each of these helps to shape the development of the clergy person into the role of chaplain.
Chapter four opens with the description of the questionnaire sent to 24 active-duty and retired chaplains. The remaining portion of the chapter shows the results of the 22 questionnaires returned.
Chapter five interprets the questionnaire results and offers suggestions for further study.
Chapter six deals with the development, evaluation and refinement of the chaplains' manual project. Six people were selected to appraise the manual's usefulness as a transition resource for chaplains and their comments and suggestions are given in this section.
Chapter seven is the writer's theological reflection on theoretical framework. Here the writer takes the Bridges'; model and compares it to the model from the Exodus of the Hebrews, described in the Old Testament. Major points that surface in the study come to discussion and the writer seeks to illuminate the models and the issues with brief case studies from his own experience. The conclusion reached is that the Exodus model validates the Bridges model, and that both fit the realities of the chaplain's experience. The implication of this truth we underscore.
Title: A Study to Identify and Define the Principle Characteristics and Approaches in Christian Premarital Preparation (1988).
Abstract: In today's culture marriages are suffering from a variety of ailments. It is difficult for Christian couples to go a lifetime without marital disharmony. This study looks at one possible way, premarital preparation, for the church to assist Christian couples in developing wholesome marriages.
This study identifies and defines the principle characteristics of premarital preparation. The study identifies and defines some of the characteristics and approaches in premarital counseling through surveys given to both clergy and laity and a review of literature.
Before pastors can enter into premarital preparation/counseling they must develop a theology of marriage. From that theology they can instruct couples about developing wholesome marriages. Premarital preparation is not so much a time for counseling but more a time to assist or prepare a couple for marriage.
Chapters Three, Four, and Five present the findings of the surveys and the review of literature. These three chapters define the characteristics of premarital preparation and present some of the approaches to doing premarital preparation. Chapter Six gives a two pronged approach to premarital preparation. The first prong is a program designed to be done with teenagers. The second is one that the pastor might use in his or her local church.
The study points out that there us a need for programs that will enhance the marriages of today. Premarital preparation is an important part of the overall ministry of the church and is an avenue of meeting the need for developing healthier marriages.
Title: Enhancing Biblical Interpretation In The Local Church (1988).
Abstract: Test in the accompanying document indicate that there is a low level of Biblical knowledge and skill in interpreting Scripture for themselves among the laity. This is particularly significant because it is assumed that a knowledge of Scriptural data and skill in interpretation are vital to maintenance of spiritual life and growth.
Thirteen people made up the research class. They represented a good mixture in terms of education, gender, age and vocation.
The research design began with a test to determine the interpretive skill of the class as the research commenced. The test was a request for the student to interpret Luke 7:1-10, the healing of the Centurion's Servant.
Dr. Robert A. Traina's book, Methodical Bible Study, was used as the text. Eight hours of instruction (four sessions, two hours each) in inductive method were given. Twenty-four hours (twelve -- two hour sessions) were given to practice this method in a study of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
At the conclusion of this study, a final test was given. This final test was exactly the same as the first test: Interpret Luke 7:1-10.
Both tests were evaluated by Dr. Thompson. His evaluation of the tests became the basis for the analysis which was done.
Every student, with one exception, scored significantly higher on Test II than on Test I. This one student scores seven percent higher on Test I than on Test II. On the average, the class improved their ability to interpret Scripture by 35% in the course of these studies. With the exception of the students aged 41-50, the younger students, on the average, produced a higher level of interpretation than the next older age group. This was true of each age group except those 41-50 years of age.
The male students did significantly better work on Test I than the female students did. The female students did somewhat better work on Test II than their male counterparts.
People from all walks of life can be guided to strengthen their ability to interpret the Scriptures.
Inductive Bible Study is an effective tool to enable both the clergy and laity to increase their ability to interpret Scripture.
- Cowart, D. Keith – full dissertation
Title: The Role of Mentoring in the Preparation of Church Planters of Reproducing Churches, (2002)
Abstract: This descriptive study utilized a qualitative methodology to explore the variety of ways in which successful church planters are mentored for the purpose of planting churches. The research consisted of interviews with sixteen church planters who had been mentored and had planted at least one reproducing church. The findings revealed that subjects viewed their mentoring relationships as a key component in their preparation for church planting and an important factor in their decision to plant a reproducing church. Findings related to the form, nature, and practice of mentoring largely supported a conceptual framework that emerged from the review of relevant literature.
Title: The Relationship Of The Pastors' SermonPreparation Methods To Average Worship Attendance In The Churches Of The Missouri East Conference Of The United Methodist Church (1997).
Abstract:This dissertation looks at how sermon preparation methods relate to church attendance. Many Christian communicators today find desperate need for better sermon preparation to achieving better sermon quality.
One hundred seventeen pastors from the Missouri East Conference of the United Methodist Church responded to a twenty question sermon preparation survey. The researcher divided the pastors into three groups based on their average worship attendance. Interviews conducted with selected pastors added greater insight into the sermon preparation process.
The surveys measured how the pastors prepare as to priorities, study time, resources, prayer life, planning, and techniques.
The study did not confirm a direct relationship between sermon preparation practices and worship attendance.
However, the study found important differences among the pastors in the attendance groups in five areas: advance sermon planing, the number if resources publication utilized, the number of hours spent in preparation, the strategies for protecting preparation. The Appendix includes a copy of the survey and the results.
Title: The Pedagogy of Proclamation: Homiletical Training Among Pastoral Interns in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (2000).
No Abstract available. Contact D.Min. Program or B.L. Fisher Library for complete dissertation.
- Crowe, John M. – full dissertation
Title: Preaching for a Whole-Person Response in Developing a Healthy Church, 2001
Abstract: Church health and casting a vision through preaching are very popular topics for pastoral leadership in the twenty-first century. Earlier research on church health approached the subject like a mechanic working on an engine. Today’s research on this subject views church health organically through the eyes of Family Systems Theory. Even so, the body of research has remained virtually silent on the role of ecclesiology in church health. This study sought to present a thoroughly consistent and genuine integration of ecclesiology and systems theory. This study engaged the congregations of the Spring Hope United Methodist Charge in an eight-week series of sermons on church health.
The research involved an evaluation study in the quasi-experimental mode, which utilized a pre- and posttest design with no comparison group. A researcher-designed questionnaire assessed the affective, behavioral, cognitive, relational, and spiritual changes in worship participants as a result of the sermon series. Mid-series and post-series interviews were also conducted.
The findings of this study demonstrate that a whole-person response toward the development of a healthy church is gained when the church health sermons are preached over eight weeks. The church health response is increased by sermons that are presented with positive emotional appeal in a conversational, narrative style.
Log on to http://bachdevelopment.com/BACH.html for more information about the application of this research.
Title: Determining When It Is Time to Move(2000).
Abstract: What are the factors and concepts that motivate pastors to request a transfer to another pastorate? This descriptive study explored the question with a large scale survey mailed to all members of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The design of the survey questionnaire included both qualitative and quantitative items in a mixed methodology. The data yield was rich, giving a detailed picture of the ways in which different groups of pastors make the decision to move. While there was a high degree of theological thought involved in this process, there emerged no dominant method, suggesting the decision is a highly individualized decision unique to the character, theology, and calling of the pastor.
Title: Building a Firm Foundation: Leading a Church Plant Core Group in a Collaborative Shared-Vision Process (2000).
No Abstract available. Contact D.Min. Program or B.L. Fisher Library for complete dissertation.
- Franklin, John Keith – full dissertation
Title: Preaching the Doctrine of Covenant and Its Impact Upon the Spiritual Discipline of Prayer (2003)
Abstract: The doctrine of covenant has been overlooked as a source for preaching in the church. A sermon series on the doctrine of covenant may positively influence the practice of prayer. This series was preached in the genre of first person biblical characters.
The study describes how a sermon series preached to a local church congregation utilized written responses to measure changes in the cognitive and/or behavioral practice of prayer. This is an evaluation study in the experimental mode, which uses a pre- and posttest design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Title: Narrative Techniques to Assist Rediscovery of a Confessional Community in a Mainline Church (2000).
Abstract:The problem this study addressed is how to change the model of a traditional, mainline church toward a new model for a mainline church in the postmodern age called a confessional, narrative community of memory. The project constructs narrative techniques in preaching and small groups to allow individuals to reflect, share, and understand their lives in terms of character, plot, setting and tone. The goal of these techniques is to allow participants to experience the connection between the stories of the individual, the community, and God. When this intersection occurs, growth and power result. This project utilizes a specific six-week, small group biblical reflection exercise based on a shared Christian praxis model. In addition, a narrative sermon technique called a "wrap around sermon" is employed for six consecutive weeks. The experiment took place in a medium sized United Methodist Church in Ohio.
In order to measure the progress of this project, the changes that took place within people's knowledge, behavior, and understanding of themselves and the church after exposure to specific narrative strategies were examined. The study employed the one-group, pretest/posttest design that utilized a questionnaire designed by the researcher. These questions were designed to assess the congregation's knowledge and identification with certain biblical principles, and discern whether participants identified with culturally acceptable ethics, or with the communal identification with the Christian story. The results of the study were inconclusive. Contrary to expectations, statistically significant movement occurred in only two out of the seventy-two Likert-scale questions after exposure to either the sermon series or small group participation. Several interpretations derived from the data include that a paradigm shift in a congregation's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior is a gradual and prolonged process. In order to make a lasting, measurable impact, narrative techniques must be utilized over a longer period of time that a six-week treatment. In addition the project discovered a high level of ambivalence about the church's involvement in traditional forms of political activism. The emerging trend of mainline political activism is on a local level.
Title: Head to Head, Heart to Heart, Hand to Hand Together, We can Make a Difference! A 10 Week Training Experience for Becoming Leaders of Racial Reconciliation (2000).
No Abstract available. Contact D.Min. Program or B.L. Fisher Library for complete dissertation.
Title: Internal Pastoral Changes in a Growing Church (2000).
No Abstract available. Contact D.Min. Program or B.L. Fisher Library for complete dissertation.