Foye, P. B. (2023). Exploring perspectives of African American Pentecostal clergy Scripture teachings regarding mental illness. DPsy, Walden University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 28772830.
Previous literature has noted that African American Pentecostals (AAP) avoid seeking secular care for mental health concerns. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of AAP pastors’ beliefs and teachings associated with mental health care as well as stigmas regarding that care. Sixteen AAP senior pastors were interviewed to explore four research questions regarding their beliefs about secular mental health care, Bible Scripture teachings, seeking support from clergy, and mental health education that may impact the acceptance of secular mental health care. Their responses were coded and analyzed, and five main themes were identified in the data: (a) clergy have medical theories of mental illness despite minimal scientific training, (b) clergy integrate faith and secular medicine by advocating for a holistic approach that incorporates both, (c) stigmatization and avoidance are promoted by teachings that characterize reliance on secular medicine as a rejection of faith, (d) clergy cite biblical support, and (e) help-seeking education should be provided to increase knowledge and acceptance of mental health care. The findings suggested that education and training for pastors and congregants in secular care may increase acceptance of secular care in AAP communities.
Hayles, R. A., Jr.(2021). The relationship between emotional intelligence and Christian virtues in organizational leadership: An analysis of nonprofit leaders. PhD, Regent University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 28323567.
The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of a correlational linkage between emotional intelligence (EI) and virtue, specifically regarding leadership development. This study included an investigation into the linkage between virtue espoused within a spiritual context and the increase in EI as a basis of organizational and leadership expansion. The overarching direction of the study was to address whether there is a relationship between EI and virtue, specifically Christian virtues. The researcher further assessed whether people with high virtue attributes and EI subscale attributes are more likely to demonstrate effective leadership, and whether people with low virtue attributes and EI subscale attributes are less likely to demonstrate effective leadership. The results of this study revealed a statistically significant relationship between EI and virtue. Relationship with God—consisting of love, joy, and peace—was the strongest predictor of EI (self-perception, self-expression, inter-personal, and stress management), with the exception of decision-making. This study serves as a foundation with significant implications for further research in identifying other relational factors that could espouse causality and that are descriptive, predictive, or explanatory in relation to leaders’ growth.
Hodges, J. W. (2022). Fumbling with love: The first step toward cultivating a beloved community: A Bible study addressing four psychological barriers to racial reconciliation. DMin, Duke University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 29160909.
This thesis explores some key reasons why it is often very difficult for Christians to love “racially” different Christians. Examining over 80 years of neuroscience and psychological research reveals key understandings about how the brain works when experiencing people who are racially different. Four psychological processes are major contributors to implicit biases that form mental barriers, feed stereotypes, cause discrimination, and lead to individual and institutional racism. These implicit biases are key obstacles to our call to cultivate a beloved community. Research suggests that once biases are identified, actions that counter biases are effective when the stimulus is ongoing. Building off these findings, a Bible study was designed referencing group psychology and theological reflection to be used with an intentionally diverse group of church leaders. By focusing on brain processes that impede racial reconciliation in conversation with Scripture, a tool was developed that brings healing to some of the forces that undermine unity and violate the integrity of the body of Christ.
Holmes, M. (2022). Racial reconciliation in the church: A resource for pastors and leaders. DMin, Ashland Theological Seminary. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 29097086.
The purpose of this project was to develop a resource to assist pastors and other church leaders with initiating dialogue on the topic of racial reconciliation in an evangelical church setting. The project’s design was to test the potential impact of the resource on an entire group comprising 13 pastors. Each pastor was instructed to read the resource and then respond to a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire. Based on the survey responses, and other comments that were provided via email, survey participants found the resource very helpful in providing a solid foundation for initiating dialogue on the topic of racial reconciliation in their churches. Many expressed the opinion that the resource’s scriptural references, definitions, historical perspective, strategies, and analytical tools will help them to evaluate and customize the work that is needed to enhance racial unity within their individual congregations.
Johnson, J. (2023). Organizational factors contributing to mental health and wellness in behavioral health leaders. DPsy, Walden University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 28777018.
According to recent studies, a behavioral health leader’s (BHL) mental health and wellness is an important factor in an organization’s ability to effectively provide mental healthcare. Mental health and wellness in BHLs lead to sustainability in their organization. Researchers have demonstrated that mental health and wellness in BHLs are factors contributing to an organization’s sustainability but have not established the factors contributing to mental health and wellness in BHLs. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to examine the organizational factors contributing to the mental health and wellness in the BHL of the organization. Using a single case study, audio and email personal communication and the organization’s website were analyzed using open coding and data triangulation. The results of the study indicated themes of reliance on technology, employee accountability, and accountability systems. These identified themes are potential factors contributing to the mental health and well-being of the BHL. Positive social change may occur in the form of increased longevity of mental health agencies as BHLs may benefit from the results of this study.
Williams, M. D. (2022). Post-seminary professional development of Christian church leaders: A phenomenological study. EdD, Grand Canyon University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 29257117.
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how lived experiences with mentoring, professional turning points, and crises of faith influenced post-seminary professional development for Christian church leaders in Southern Michigan. The theoretical underpinnings served as a framework to connect the church leaders’ lived experiences to the influences of post-seminary professional development and to address the three research questions. The research sample consisted of 12 Christian apostolic church leaders holding pastoral positions for two or more years. The interviews consisted of semi-structured research questions and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that Christian church leaders’ lived experiences influenced all three aspects of their post-seminary professional development. Future research may consist of continued exploration of Christian church leaders’ post-seminary professional development in order to better understand how to train emerging church leaders more effectively and meet their needs regarding lifelong learning and practice.