United Theological Seminary

Danny Anthony Everett D.Min.

University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio partnered with Mary B. Martin School to address academic achievement disparities for low performing African-American males. If students participate in faith and culturally based extended school programs, then their academic performance improves. Explorations from qualitative research during a church led after school program were expounded. The approach incorporated prophetic activism based on themes of spirituality, educational inequity, and social learning and critical race theories. The data suggests partnerships between churches and schools improve outcomes for African-American male students. A final project was submitted to the Doctoral Studies Committee at United Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry.

Eric Richardson

The context consists of associate ministers in the contiguous United States. The purpose is to determine if the presence of a mentoring program is beneficial and to ascertain the spiritual fitness of associate ministers. Mentoring is one of the treatments for this problem. The hypothesis is that associate ministers are often untrained, and unprepared to ascertain their call to ministry, if they are prepared, trained and mentored they will be more effective in their call to ministry. A quantitative research method will be used involving surveys. The treatment will consist of a spiritual training regimen developed for the associate minister.

Eric Richardson

The context consists of associate ministers in the contiguous United States. The purpose is to determine if the presence of a mentoring program is beneficial and to ascertain the spiritual fitness of associate ministers. Mentoring is one of the treatments for this problem. The hypothesis is that associate ministers are often untrained, and unprepared to ascertain their call to ministry, if they are prepared, trained and mentored they will be more effective in their call to ministry. A quantitative research method will be used involving surveys. The treatment will consist of a spiritual training regimen developed for the associate minister.

Betty A Spraggins

The objective of this project is to increase awareness of domestic abuse within the congregation which will in turn affect the community. The hypothesis is through the teaching of current trends of domestic violence, an increased awareness of domestic violence will be enhanced. The methodology used to test the hypothesis will be quantitive through the use of pre and post questionaires surveys and interviews. The study will take place between a five to seven week process incorporation workshops, interview and seminars.

Richard C North

Hill View Retirement Center is a life-plan retirement community in Portsmouth, Ohio and will serve as the context. The purpose of the project is to design and implement a new model of spiritual life programming based on the principles of reminiscence and life review. It is believed that this approach will encourage and assist elderly persons in their journey toward the goal of finishing life well. Upon completion of the project, it will be implemented at Hill View as its pastoral care and spiritual life program. The design encourages continuing adaptation to the changing needs of residents at the Center.

Taunya M Tinsley

No abstract.

James A Gibson

The project's context was the Greater Temple Missionary Baptist Church located at 300 Fourth Avenue West in Birmingham, Alabama. The ministry problem that was identified was the need to improve the decline in church donations. It was hypothesized that developing a Theology of Stewardship would increase the contributions to the church. The methodology used by this project for training the congregation was eight sermons on stewardship, a focus group study, and field notes. The data collection and analysis process involved posttest and pretest surveys, interviews, an field notes. Contributions were increased.

Stephanie A Wilson

This study seeks to understand the culture of the unchurched by exploring the subjective meanings they attribute to their spiritual practices and experiences. At the time of the fieldwork the researcher had been unchurched for over three years. As the unchurched demographic continues to grow, their reasons for severing ties with their local churches are explored. The hypothesis espousers that interacting with the unchurched will provide insights into ways to spiritually engage them. Fifteen unchurched women were interviewed for this qualitative, ethnographic study. Interviews are included, and patterns and themes discusses.

Willie Barnes-Jackson

The researcher's model sought to establish church growth at Light of the Community Christian Church in Dayton Ohio, where the researcher is pastor. Stagnation and the lack of growth were problematic. If spiritual formation of the individual and church community could put back what was missing in the lives of broken individuals in the church community, then this could have an impact on church growth. The researcher collected qualitative data through a spiritual assessment profile, surveys, interviews, and spiritual discipline training. Data results suggested positive changes in pastoral and participants attitudes. Spiritual formation brought about excitement and increase in attendance.

Ann M Wurster

The Village of Addyston is challenged with low levels of: employment, education, economic stability, and Christian living. The church offers services to families across these areas. This case study compares the number of services used by mentored families versus non mentored families, and any reported changes in mentored families behavior and status. The project data suggests the connection of a mentor with the family increases involvement in both secular and Christian activities. The mentored families participating in Christian activities showed positive behavioral change. This qualitative, case study uses objective data combined with self reporting behavioral changes by the mentored families.