Thesis (D. Min.)--Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-154).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, 2005. / Abstract and vita. Includes the 3rd draft of: "Wake up and smell the coffee, you are standing on holy grounds" (leaves 123-164). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-167).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 2008. / Abstract . Includes project proposal. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-159, 181-189).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, 2005. / Abstract and vita. Includes the 3rd draft of: "Wake up and smell the coffee, you are standing on holy grounds" (leaves 123-164). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-167).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Boston University, 2002. / Abstract. Date on title page differs from degree date. Degree awarded, 2002. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-[152].

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2004. / Includes abstract and vita. Translated from Korean. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 252-258).

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2004. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 164-168).

Extensive literature has documented The United Methodist Church’s’ (UMC) commitment to social justice. A current focus in the church is working with economically marginalized populations, including the 231,170 Black children and youth in Mississippi. To better understand adults that serve this population, I conducted an exploratory study to gather baseline data about UMC adults’ contemporary attitudes and beliefs about race, racism, and discrimination. A cross-sectional survey was administered at the 2017 Mississippi Annual Conference of The UMC. Using a critical race lens, I found that most of the attendees espoused moderate color-blind racial attitudes and beliefs about the frequency that low-income, Black youth experience racial discrimination. I suggest that espousal of these attitudes and beliefs may promote notions of white privilege or internalized oppression and may lead to increased acts of racial prejudice and discrimination when these adults interact with low-income, Black youth.

No description available.

This project delves into the role of American churches, notably the United Methodist Church (UMC), in perpetuating a segregation mindset and normalizing whiteness. The UMC's efforts toward a beloved community, exemplified by the Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural (CR/CC) appointment, are scrutinized, emphasizing the need to confront racial and cultural challenges to prevent erasure, silencing, and assimilation by underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues for collective well-being, encapsulated in the principles of honoring, communication, and integration. Introducing the concept of re(de)fined and rethought Christian Conferencing, the project emphasizes the integration and honoring of diverse narratives, particularly through the Transformative Community Conferencing framework. Based on a narrative mediation approach, this framework seeks to challenge the pervasiveness of white cultural norms within the UMC, promoting collaboration between predominantly white congregations and clergy from non-white backgrounds. The project explores the transformative potential of this framework, stressing the importance of active engagement and concrete actions for genuine transformation in local UMC congregations, with a case study at Pound Ridge Community Church.