Empowering African Americans in Mission Service: A Case Study

A Model For Active Participation In Mission A Model For Active Participation In Mission Service For The African American Church: A Service For The African American Church: A Phenomenological Case Study Phenomenological Case Study Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

DISSERTATION DEFENSE DISSERTATION DEFENSE A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose B. Problem Statement C. Thesis D. Significance E. Population F. Research Design & Methodology G. Chapter 4 analysis and major findings H. Chapter 5 Conclusions and recommendations for further research Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose The area under investigation for this research is the under-representation of African Americans in all areas of mission service. Historically dissertations around the topic of African Americans in mission service focus on the under- representation in foreign mission service. The purpose of this research is to identify all areas of mission service and introduce an area of mission work for participants to consider for participation. The gap and under-representation of African Americans is beyond the scope of foreign mission service but also includes areas as described in the five-fold mission model (local, stateside, national, international and disaster relief). Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose Research Questions: Can this model be replicated in any church? (1) How has the five-fold mission model of the Ebenezer Baptist Church impacted the lived experiences of African American members in active participation in mission service. (2) How has the active participation of African Americans in mission service affected the lived experiences of communities (local, state, national, international and disaster relief) served by Ebenezer Baptist Church and Chosen City Church. (3) What principles of the Ebenezer Baptist Church Five-fold Mission Model can be used to create a working prototype targeting the lived experiences of African American to address their under-representation in mission service? Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose The objective of the research is to highlight the phenomenal five-fold mission model used by Ebenezer Baptist Church and Chosen City Church active missionaries. A review of the relevant literature reveals this study can contribute to an essential academic conversation on mission service within the African American Church and may fill a gap in past academic research that highlights the under-representation of African American in the area of foreign mission service. This research highlights all areas of mission service. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose A. Introduction: Research Background & Purpose An area of weakness within this study is a lack of literature around the topic of five areas of mission service. The current literature only highlights under-representation of African Americans in foreign mission service. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

B. Problem Statement B. Problem Statement It is unknown what is necessary for the African American Church to build a comprehensive mission serve that spans the five-fold areas of mission endeavors: Local, Stateside, National, Global and Disaster Relief and a transformative Mission Movement. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

C. Thesis C. Thesis This study aims to analyze African American missionaries experiences actively engage in all five aspects of mission work within the framework of Ebenezer Baptist Church vibrant and life-altering Mission Movement, including Local, Stateside, National, Global and Disaster Relief. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

D. Significance D. Significance The significanceof this research is its value as a possible roadmap and strategic plan for African American pastors to create their own vigorous transformational mission service. This research can impact how the African American Church and community combines the vision of the Great Commission into the fabric of the church by applying the five-fold mission service model of Local, Stateside, National, Global and Disaster Relief. Further significance of this research is its originality. The investigation of a five-fold mission service model currently does not exist and has not undergone a formal research process. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

E. Population E. Population The population for this research utilized missionaries from Ebenezer Baptist Church and Chosen City Church. Both are predominantly African American Churches that use the five-fold mission model created by Ebenezer Baptist Church. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

I I F. Research Design & Methodology F. Research Design & Methodology This research is a qualitative phenomenological case study. Methods used include semi-formal interviews, participant observation, and field notes. Hermeneutic Phenomenology is used which can also be referred to interpretive phenomenology. This method helps to focus on the meaning and essence of the lived experience. Steps for a phenomenology methodology utilized the approach by John Creswell and the steps for this process. (Research Questions, Data Collection, Data Analysis and Research Findings) Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

F. Research Design & Methodology F. Research Design & Methodology This research also incorporated a pilot study that proceeded the main trial to help analyze and validate the interview process. This pilot study used a sample population a quarter of the size of the formal group size. The pilot study was essential in the planning and modification of the main study where questions were reformulated, deleted, rearranged and added based on noted flaws in the interview questions and process. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

F. Research Design & Methodology F. Research Design & Methodology Data collection methods included interviews, direct observation, demographic questionnaire and an impromptu focus group. Automation tools used to help transcribe interviews included Otter.AI a transcription service for recording and transcribing audio files and understanding human language. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

G. Chapter 4 G. Chapter 4 An analysis of the data collected was performed with partial manual analysis and the help of Dedoose software a qualitative analysis web based tool. Major findings based on the data collected included: Perceptions of all the participants were similar around specific key points and questions. The dominant research question was answered organically through the responses of the participants. Can this five-fold mission model be replicated in any church? Participants experience God in very real, personal and tangible ways serving in mission service. Purpose was identified for several persons. Analysis & Major Findings Analysis & Major Findings Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

G. Chapter 4 G. Chapter 4 These major findings led to 3 key themes: Analysis & Major Findings Analysis & Major Findings Mission work is a lifestyle of Servant Leadership Training and Preparation is extremely Important Effective Leadership is Essential Includes several subthemes: Passion Compassion Spiritual Foundation Opportunities to Serve Vision Casting Modeled Behaviors from Leaders Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

G. Chapter 4 G. Chapter 4 Surprising (Serendipitous) and Unexpected findings: Analysis & Major Findings Analysis & Major Findings The various definitions of what the participants thought missionaries and the role of a missionary is. Perceptions of Mission Service within the African American Church and Culture Diverse Missionary Identities History of the Five-fold Mission Model Came from a church-wide desire to serve and act verse simply write a check. New Partner participants in leadership positions at CCC was not able to adequately or comfortably articulate what the five-fold mission model entailed. New Partner participants at CCC would like more mission opportunities presented on a regular basis on the scale of our annual mission blitz. Possibly a quarterly basis. The topic of finances only came up with 2 participants. It seems that was not a largely significant area of concern for these participants, with other research projects finances and the lack of financial resources for the African American Community is a major issue of concern. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

H. Chapter 5 H. Chapter 5 Conclusions & Recommendations for Further Research Conclusions & Recommendations for Further Research African Americans do and can serve energetically and vigorously in all areas of mission service. The disconnect and underrepresentation of African Americans serving in mission service is due to a lack of leadership and vision from African American pastors to their congregations. The participant data collected in this research project attest to the commitment and passion of persons serving in mission service. Several participants used the language purpose in conjunction with passion to effectively serve as a missionary. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

H. Chapter 5 H. Chapter 5 Conclusions & Recommendations for Further Research Conclusions & Recommendations for Further Research Recommendations for further research around this topic include: 1. Compare the work of Ebenezer Baptist Church and Chosen City Church to other African American Churches who serve in mission service. (Longevity Study to follow churches who adapt the model) 2. Develop a documented prototype of the five-fold mission model that can be taught to any congregation to include congregations outside of the African American church and study their progress. 3. Investigate the feasibility of creating a organization specifically targeted to helping churches with little to no representation in mission service and show them the value of doing mission service through church partnerships. A perspective name for this organization is the Community Mission Church Alliance (CMCA) Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Thank you to OGS, and this dissertation committee for the encouragement along this research journey. Without God s grace and your support I would not be here today. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my research with you. I can now entertain any questions you have at this time. Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval

Critique and Recommendations Critique and Recommendations From Committee members From the Chair Explanation of next steps in the process Dissertation Chair Dr. David Ward Colleen N. Damon-Duval