Divinity School Doctor of Ministry in Integrative Chaplaincy Final Projects

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The Role of Clergy in Military Reintegration:
(2023-05) Joseph G. White; Professor George Schmidt
This project explores the role of clergy in the successful post-deployment reintegration of service men and women. Concerns of military reintegration are explored and discussed. Opportunities of spiritual support to facilitate the reintegration of veterans and service members are identified and encouraged.
Informing the development of a hybrid spirituality group which utilizes principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy within a Veterans Hospital context
(2024-5) Brown, David
Veterans experience gaps in coverage and often find it difficult to access the care they need, this includes spiritual care. Chaplains are the designated spiritual care providers within the VA health network. Chaplains are increasingly encouraged by the National Chaplain Service Office to integrate mental health and evidence based practices into their spiritual care provision. While chaplains have a small but growing number of training programs to choose from, actual tools are difficult to come by, especially group tools. A visit to the National Chaplain center home page reveals few tools despite many links. National VA Chaplain Service Home. Across the VA, Chaplain spirituality groups are not uniform, typically do not incorporate EVPs and do not usually use curricula. They are often Bible studies or prayer support groups that lack a robust theological exploration of the Veteran’s presenting mental health or life issues. The goal of this paper is to explore how to integrate chaplain spirituality groups with the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to imagine how such a curriculum would look and how it could serve Veterans and their mental health needs.
Chaplaincy in Continuous Care Retirement Communities: Theological and Practical Considerations
(2024-5) Messick, Kurt
Chaplaincy in continuous-care retirement communities (CCRC) is an important yet understudied aspect of the care offered in these institutions. This paper looks at the question of how chaplaincy in CCRC settings contributes to greater community and better experiences for residents and staff. Related to this, it explores how chaplaincy helps people in the community to live well and die well. A theology of aging, community, death and dying, and of multi-faith belief, practice, and prayer are also addressed, in part looking at theology of accompaniment, and using narrative theology and living into their own stories as a primary way of doing and understanding. Anecdotal and survey data are included. Suggestions for continued practice and improvement are included in the final section, both for chaplains directly, volunteers, and other institutional staff in roles such as nursing, activities, and other administrative positions.
Of She We Sing: A Healing Resource for African American Women
(2024-5) Battle, Carmen
An increasing number of African American women veterans who served in the Armed Forces to defend the United States Constitution alongside their counterparts live their post-military lives mired and emotionally immobilized by the spectre of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and Moral Injury (MI), isolating and silencing themselves from their earthly and spiritual communities. Historically, African American women are survivors, consistently overcoming the constant and persistent challenges faced as members of the lowest caste in America’s social hierarchy. As MST and MI victims, are isolating and silencing treatable behaviors for African American women veterans? Of She We Sing is about intentionally constructing a beloved Ubuntu-driven (Ubuntu as defined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu) community for African American women veterans victimized by MST and MI who are experiencing isolation and silence. My project offers a healing strategy underpinned by a florilegium playlist that utilizes an evidence-based defusion practice and womanist traditional communalism to positively compel MST/MI African American women veteran victims toward change, flourishing, values, and committed action. Future considerations for community resources will utilize other evidence-based practices to build seven stepping stones to change, i.e., respect, equality, unity, language, self-preservation, grief, and spirituality.
Cultivating Hope and Moral Resilience in Critical Care Nursing: A Practical Theological Tool for Moral Distress and Evidence-Based Practices for Spiritual Health Clinicians
(2024-5) Harris, Durham
This work begins with a review of suffering, death, and dying through a poetic and reflective lens. I then deliberate what it means to be moral agent in light of each, specifically as an ICU nurse tasked with the caring for those who suffer or are dying. However, sometimes nurses are constrained from acting as a moral agent on behalf of their patients, which leads to moral distress (MD). If left unattended to, nurses’ experience of moral distress may develop into moral injury (MI). With a foundation laid, I then pose my primary research question: What evidence-based intervention can spiritual health clinicians (i.e. chaplains) use to effectively care for nurses experiencing MD? The following sections review the history of MD/MI literature in healthcare and nursing, interprets MD/MI with a theology of hope, and evaluates the use of various evidence-based practices, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in spiritual care with ICU nurses.
What in the World is Wrong With You? Rethinking Depression and Suicide Among 18-25-year-old SailorsR SPIRITUAL HEALTH
(2024-5) Torres, Mark A
In 2021, Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Public Health Service Surgeon General, published a health advisory calling attention to the urgent public health crisis of degraded mental health among youth. The U.S. Navy is seeing this unprecedented challenge in increased depression and suicide among 18-25-year-old Sailors. This paper looks at the problem of increased depression and suicide-related behavior among 18–25-year-old Sailors, known as Generation Z. It explores the problem and identifies several key demographic and societal factors. It offers a spiritual and pastoral analysis of key drivers of depression and suicide among Generation Z. Finally, it recommends a care response model that integrates spiritual and evidence-based practices to support the recovery of one's divine narrative and spiritual health. This paper argues that spiritual connection with God is the foundation for human flourishing, and an integrated approach to care is the best model to help develop that connection.
LGBTQ Christian Soldiers: A Deeper Understanding of Their Journey and How Army Chaplains Can Provide More Equitable Spiritual Care
(2024-5) Randall, Theodore
LGBTQ Christian Soldiers who embrace an identity contrary to their religious tradition of origin may experience certain types of spiritual distress, sacramental shame, and moral injury. While current Army policy allows for chaplains to deny specific rites, rituals, and sacraments to LGBTQ personnel, further consideration of the other forms of spiritual care that must be available to all Army personnel from all Army Chaplains is warranted. First, is a description of potential spiritual needs facing some LGBTQ Christian Soldiers and obstacles they may face. Second is a theological reflection and discussion on possibilities for spiritual care. Lastly, several suggestions for strategic practice are introduced including the importance of inter-faith dialogue, clarification on chaplaincy practice in a pluralistic environment, the need for established standards of practice, and the potential for a more integrated approach to spiritual care through the utilization of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The Role of the Veterans Affairs Chaplain in Exploring Forgiveness and Compassion with Veterans Suffering from Military Moral Injury
(2024-5) Shere, Rina
The unique form of suffering known as military moral injury is viewed historically through a theological lens and mental health research. Chaplains offering moral injury care to veterans are encouraged to explore their personal and denominational theology of war and conflict to avoid theological reflexivity when offering care. The concepts of self-compassion and forgiveness are introduced as critical components of spiritual healing the VA chaplain can offer. In particular, the merits of compassion training to assist veterans in moving through emotional avoidance and authentically engaging in shadow work is explored. Strategic suggestions for an aftercare group focused on committed values, continuing a journey of forgiveness for self and others, and bolstered with ongoing training in compassion meditation are offered. As moral injury care is still a relatively new ministry for VA chaplains, attention is given to training for Clinical Pastoral Education.
The Use of Spirituality in Fostering Resilience Among Young Adults at Harding University
(2024-5) Darden, Darryl C. Jason
This project explores the use of spirituality in fostering resilience among Generation Z college students. Eighteen to twenty-nine -year-old brains, are more suspectable to mental illness and increased use of negative coping mechanisms. The use of spirituality as a positive coping mechanism can increase resilience and promote better mental health outcomes in young adult populations. The project begins with a social analysis of Generation Z and their current mental health trends. The focus is narrowed to Generation Z students attending Harding University, a conservative Christian school in Searcy, Arkansas. The project explores spirituality as distinct from religion, provides a biblical exegesis on suffering, trauma, stress, and offers a framework for the use spirituality as a tool to foster resilience. For strategic implementation, the author suggests the appointment of a university chaplain, integrative group therapy sessions, and integrative seminars be offered to Generation Z students on the campus of Harding University
Healing of Shame and Guilt Found Within Moral Injuries Through Spiritual Reconciliation: The Sacred Collaboration of Chaplains with Mental Health Professionals
(2024-5) Ramatowski, Edward
The purpose of this project is to explore ways in which Chaplains can collaborate with mental health professionals by addressing the spiritual dimensions of moral injuries, namely shame and guilt. Those spiritual dimensions tend to create stuck points that hinder further mental health treatments due to the nature of those stuck points. Chaplains can discuss the spiritual points with the Veteran , and thus find a way forward that will allow the Veteran to resume mental health treatments. This project will explore the various rituals that exist within the Roman Catholic tradition, due to the nature of this clinician being a Board-Certified Chaplain, who has been a Roman Catholic Priest for 20-plus years, working in a variety of environments. Ultimately, the goal will be to show that Veterans can heal as they journey through their moral injuries so that they can find a restorative process, that allows the Veteran to become a flourishing member of their community. Rituals will be discussed since they represent tangible things that Veterans can relate to since it was through rituals that they were transitioned from being civilians to warriors, and thus it will be through rituals that one transitions from warrior to civilian. Elements of Catholic theology and tradition can be adapted by other Chaplains to provide such a healing experience as well, and it will be the hope of this writer to show how that can take place in the future, however at this time, the main effort will be with Catholic Veterans, who make up 25% of the United States Veteran population.
An Opportunity for Greater Professionalism in the United States Chaplain Corps
(2024-5) Cook, Mark C.
Professionalism in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps is lacking. While there is ample work explaining and codifying what a chaplain should do and be, in practice the isolated nature of Naval Chaplaincy limits accountability. Autonomy creates individualism that fails to adhere to agreed upon principles. When chaplains do work together, conflict is common, and resolution is often insufficient. Outside investigators resolve conflicts and chaplains are not involved in holding the community accountable. Time that is wasted by conflicts causes the Chaplain Corps to lose credibility and opportunity to care for others, thus impeding the mission of the Chaplain Corps. This project explores actions that could be taken to minimize conflict, improve resolution, professionalism, and accountability in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps.
Sexual Healing After Sexual Violence: Transcending Limitations and Creating Secure Attachments in Spiritual Care
(2024-5) Salvino, Allison
This project provides strategic clinical practices for spiritual counselors who work with adults who have experienced sexual violence. Licensed mental health professionals could benefit from this project to learn about clinical approaches for their religious and spiritual clients. Sexual violence can create traumas that negatively impact quality of life and the ability to engage in healthy sexual behaviors with oneself and/or with safe partners. This project identifies the biopsychosocial-religious/spiritual (biopsychosocial-R/S) approach to professional spiritual counseling. The concepts that will be discussed in this project are 1) the purpose and role of religion and spirituality, 2) evidenced-based practices (EBP), 3) professional leadership and challenges to spiritual care, 4) interdisciplinary networking, 5) integration of the arts into spiritual care sessions, 5) and care planning. The aim of this project is to help counselors make a positive impact in the lives of those who have experienced sexual violence (experiencer(s): E-SV)1 with the practical outcome for E-SV being an increase in personal agency to reclaim one’s sexuality and engage sex with comfort, satisfaction, and choice. This is an introduction into one approach to integrative spiritual care. Additional training and education are required in order to understand EBPs and properly implement principles in a way that is appropriate for spiritual counseling and professional standards. Always abide by the standards and codes of your institution and discipline/vocation in which you are considered to be a professional.
A Holistic Approach to Healing Depression: The Synergy of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and Spirituality in Addressing Depression within African American Veterans and Service Members (V/SMs) Community
(2024-5) Sanon, Alpha
This Final Project explains depression from a biopsychosocial and spiritual framework and therefore requires a holistic approach to healing. Research literatures on depression have often assumed a divide between the spiritual realm, where thoughts and ideas are shaped, and the physical realm, where these ideas and thoughts are manifest. To bridge these literatures, I argue we could productively reframe depression as a spiritual matter rather than just biological, biochemical and neurochemical imbalances in the brain. Depression, an existential crisis, is caused by both external and internal factors. With this assumption, this project examines mental illness stigma among African American Veterans and Service members (V/SM) by exploring personal narratives, statistics, and historical contexts. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by these minority groups in their journey to overcome depression and stigma. By facilitating open dialogue, offering targeted mental health support like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Play, and other holistic approaches to healing, and leveraging the positive aspects of religious/spiritual formation, mental health providers and chaplains can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society for all individuals, regardless of their cultural background.
“Tear Down to Build Up” Exploring Spiritual and Religious Deconstruction and Reconstruction Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
(2024-5) Terrell, Christopher
The rise of Americans disaffiliating with Christian faith communities begs further understanding of why disassociation occurs and how healing work may increase meaningful belonging. Such understanding is gained through exploring religious anthropological trends in U.S. Christianity from the 1950s to the present in conjunction with personal development models (i.e. Fowler’s stages of faith and Miller et al. relational-cultural theory). My paper suggests that persons conflicted in their spiritual identity need an outlet to rediscover their identity or else disassociation will continue to persist. Spiritual and religious “nones” seem to be open to alternative approaches to exploring Christianity, engaging spaces where deconstruction of unhelpful, injurious theology can occur followed by reconstruction of authentic theology. I will argue how influences from Ignatian, Lutheran mystical, and Quaker contemplative practices can be amplified through the evidence-based practices of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing can help frame these “decon/recon” spaces, resulting in renewed Christian identity and healthy belonging within faith communities.
Discovering and flourishing in one's Divine Identity amidst the influences of society and suffering
(2024-5) Fondren Jr, Roy L.
Directed toward Commanding Officers and Effective Leaders within the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, this project analyzes and supports command cultures that intentionally facilitate service members’ ability to discover their divine identity, which transcendently influences their ability to accomplish life’s mission and address suffering resiliently. The Project argues that The God of our country and corps has a sovereign identity, purpose, and plan for all to resiliently experience within the Divine amidst the inevitable influences of society and suffering. Yet, far too many people, Marines, and Sailors pointedly, fail to flourish because we live in light of superficial titles and ever-fluctuating feelings rather than our divine identity that frames and elevates character, conduct, conversation, crew, coping, and perspective. This work strives to introduce the ill effects, value of, and suggestive strategies of how our warfighters discover and live in their divine identity and purpose, resulting in a more lethal force and resiliently thriving military culture.
Abiding in Difference and Diversity: How The Military Chaplain Corps Can Truly Embrace Plurality, Diversity, and Inclusion
(2024-5) Joyner, Megan L
Despite the expanding diversity amongst demographics and faith backgrounds of service members, the Chaplain Corps is still largely conservative, Christian, white, middle-aged, heterosexual, cisgender, and male. As the military’s make-up continues to evolve, including an ever-growing number of LGBTQIA service members, is the Chaplain Corps actively engaging concepts of diversity and inclusion in ways that truly promote and sustain spiritual health for all? Utilizing my specific experience as a chaplain in the Army National Guard, this project will consider how a lack of diversity in the Chaplain Corps detracts from its primary mission to serve all and potentially harms the mental and spiritual resiliency of its service members. This project will then explore theological reflexivity, navigating towards the embrace of diversity amongst service members and the Chaplain Corps overall. The solution lies in the foundations of chaplaincy: truly honoring the first amendment and, by doing so, abiding with one another in difference and diversity.
Framing "The Now" & "Present Moments" Which Lead to Flourishing on Navy Life
(2024-5) Miyahara, John M.
Hypothesis: Do Navy members and their families face unique challenges to build and maintain a flourishing life compared to civilian families as their lives are ultimately undergirded by an institution whose ultimate mission is operational warfare? This work considers theories, theology, and strategies for Navy members and their families to successfully adapt and overcome the unique lifestyles, transitions, and stressors associated with Navy life. The Japanese concept of “ikigai” is introduced as an inclusive model to characterize universal traits of life flourishing and meaning. Kairos theology is the transition point to frame the “present moment” and introduce Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Theories of play and creativity demonstrate essential elements in understanding personal spirituality and flourishing. Haiku poetry is introduced as a simple, viable therapeutic tool for self-expression and grounding the in “present moment” leading to a transitional intersection towards a flourishing life for sailors and their families.
Regret: The Unlikely Pathway to Renaissance, Resilience and Flourishing
(2024-5) Bundy, Cheryl L.
Regret, a complex and multifaceted emotion, is frequently encountered in the realm of mental health treatment. No doubt, regret plays a pivotal role as both a catalyst for psychological crises and a significant barrier to healing and the search for meaning. Recognizing regret as an essential element of the healing process necessitates its integration into therapeutic interventions. This paper discusses the spiritual and theological dimensions of regret and examines how both classical and contemporary spiritual practices can be effectively employed to navigate this challenging emotion. In addition, a central focus of this project is the utilization of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by chaplains within integrated mental health teams to address regret. This highlights the unique role and contributions of trained chaplains in using regret as a transformative tool, thereby facilitating pathways to personal flourishing and deeper meaning-making. The study suggests that the focus on ACT by chaplains not only complements the multifaceted efforts of the clinical team but also fosters a more concentrated therapeutic engagement and a more comprehensive treatment. Consequently, this leads to a better patient care experience. Through the lens of ACT and the proactive involvement of chaplains, this research highlights the potential for regret to serve as a catalyst for positive therapeutic outcomes and the promotion of long-term spiritual and mental well-being.
Helping the Suffering Move Toward Flourishing Spiritual Care Beyond Livable Disappointment and Common Unhappiness
(2024-5) Fletcher, J. Jeffrey
The places where chaplains perform ministry have them caring for suffering people. A common goal of psychiatry has been “to transform unbearable pain into livable disappointment”(Meador). Utilizing resources from philosophy, diverse religious and spiritual traditions, with particular emphasis on the author’s Judeo-Christian tradition, and positive psychology, the author seeks to help chaplains and other caregivers to equip suffering people to aspire for more than a livable disappointment to pursue a telos of human flourishing. Flourishing takes two forms, penultimate and ultimate. This project will take seriously the reality of pain and suffering and offer resources to pursue penultimate flourishing amid suffering and for those who desire, a path toward ultimate flourishing. Utilizing both inpatient and outpatient practices and group processes we will provide resources for well-being and ultimate flourishing.
Navigating Sexual Love in Christian Marriage: A Playful Pursuit of Purpose
(2024-5) Bennion, Scott
This paper aims to clarify the essential foundations and components for sexual flourishing, focusing on cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied married couples who identify with the conservative Christian faith, specifically those in or entering mid-life. It delves into the complexity of unexamined inherited sexual values that impact couples in mid-life. Existing literature is critiqued for being overly restrictive or permissive, termed the Radical No and Radical Yes. Identifying the need for theological and existential foundations, this paper explores the idea of a sacramental teleology for the marital act, leading to an integrated and holistic approach to sexual love in marriage. This alternative approach supports deeper levels of embodiment and intimacy, transcending superficial understandings of sexuality. The writer proposes a non-hedonistic, playful pursuit of purpose where spouses mutually enjoy the richness of sexual love with one another, while also sacramentally having the potential for an ineffable encounter with the Triune God and a heavenly vision for the life to come.

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