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The research explores the epistemological development of pre-ministry undergraduates in confessional Christian liberal arts colleges and universities. The Perry Scheme is the basis for the evaluation. This is a replication study of a 2012 Perry Scheme analysis of pre-ministry graduates in a cross-section of higher education institutions. This research is a qualitative study with thirty traditional-aged students within six months of graduation. The students are from purposively selected confessional Christian liberal arts institutions. The interviews are conducted by telephone, transcribed, and scored by the Center for Study of Intellectual Development (CSID). Of particular interest is the ethical decision making abilities of graduating pre-ministry students. The research is intended to clarify the students’ position on the Perry Scheme that reflects the level, if any, of personal commitment to their belief system. KEYWORDS: biblical worldview, Center for the Study of Intellectual Development (CSID), cognitive development, college student development, dualism, epistemological development, ethics, higher education, imago Dei, multiplicity, Perry Scheme, pre-ministry undergraduates, reflective judgment, relativism, vocational ministry, William Perry.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The PeerSpirit Circle is a non-hierarchical, intentional, and relationship-centered practice of collaboration. There is a lack of scientific knowledge about the phenomenon of the PeerSpirit Circle in nursing or its potential impact on nursing practice, education, research, and the evolution of the profession and health care. The health care milieu is often entrenched in ways of being that do not support sustained change. For vitality to prosper and creativity to abound, paradigmatic shifts and new models of practice that emphasize collaboration are being called for. The purpose and aims of this phenomenological research study are to explore and give voice to the experiences of nurses who have participated in the PeerSpirit Circle model of practice with other nurses. The study includes interviews from five registered nurses from Canada and the United States conducted from 2009–2010 and interpreted from a Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic perspective. The research findings reveal three themes: (1) experiencing the Circle container” where participants begin to understand the value of intentional preparation of the interpersonal space for safe human interaction and stronger collaboration—there are experiences of gathering, protecting, appreciating ritual, and sharing stories; (2) Experiencing space where protected space seems to be the essential element to inspire the presencing of participants with self and other, which in turn engenders genuine dialogue, a sense of sacred space, and freedom to be authentic; and (3) Experiencing our humanity, an unfolding theme, where participants experience reconnection with and understanding of their deeper humanity, stronger congruence with their core values, deeper experiences of caring and courage, personal and professional growth, and a profound appreciation for belonging to a lineage of nurses. The findings inspire a deeper understanding of barriers to congruence between values and action in nursing and nurses’ need to acknowledge, honor, support, and protect each other’s vulnerability. The implications for nursing practice, education, and research show that the PeerSpirit Circle model is a beneficial for use in all settings.