With PQDT Open, you can read the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge.
About PQDT Open
Search
At some point in life each individual has been or will become disabled and the number of persons with disabilities in the United States is on the rise (Carr-Ruffino, 2003). This reality supports the notion that consideration for persons with disabilities is essential to society in all contexts. Though various accommodations that directly address human disability have been made, much remains undone. This study was conducted with consideration for persons with disabilities in churches and future leaders who will play a role in faith communities. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was used to explore and document African American seminarians' perceptions of persons with disabilities in their churches, as these students will impact prospective congregations. A purposeful sample of nine African American seminarians was interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed into text. Phenomenological analysis of the text was conducted using ATLAS.ti Qualitative Data Analysis 6.2 software to identify emerging themes. The results of this study added to current literature, as there are no studies published on African American seminarians' perceptions of persons with disabilities in churches. A better understanding of African American seminarians' experiences and promoting church management and ministry models toward serving disability could assist in ensuring a healthy church experience for all humanity.
Advisor: | Johnson, Kit |
Commitee: | Chenoweth, Lillian, Durante, Joan |
School: | Capella University |
Department: | School of Public Service Leadership |
School Location: | United States -- Minnesota |
Source: | DAI-A 73/03, Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | African American Studies, Religion, Social research |
Keywords: | African american, Churches, Disability, Future leaders, Persons with disabilities, Seminarians |
Publication Number: | 3482768 |
ISBN: | 978-1-267-04684-0 |