Doctoral Dissertations
This section presents the foundational research and academic inquiry that shaped our doctoral work at Liberty University, reflecting both intellectual rigor and ministry-driven purpose.
Dr. Edmond Bergeron
A Weapon in One Hand and a Bible in the Other: Places of Worship Are Under Attack
This qualitative descriptive study aims to determine the level of preparedness for reducing and preventing extreme violence and the countermeasures in place (or lacking) at houses of worship. All places of worship in this study are considered soft targets, rather than “holy ground” as traditionally referenced. The terms “places of worship” and “church” will be used interchangeably in this study. A place of refuge for both the physical and spiritual is now considered vulnerable, as the congregants are focused on worship rather than protection from an attack. Violence against places of worship will be described at this point in the study as anything from a minor disruption to the most severe kind of violence, such as an active shooter. The theory guiding this study is that places of worship are gun-free zones, thus making them a soft target, and if countermeasures are in place, if any, they will be able to stop the threat at their lowest level of force. Information will be gathered on countermeasures through surveys of denominational and nondenominational churches in the Northern Virginia region. Reviewing lessons learned and statistics from other places of worship involved in such unfortunate incidents can be used to determine what countermeasures, if any, were in place and which countermeasures were successful or unsuccessful. Compiling the countermeasures’ success could serve as a platform for all places of worship to ensure their congregants’ safety by preventing or reducing the severity of gun violence in the place of worship.
Dr. Sherri Bergeron
Lead Pastor Stress: A Quantitative Study of the Effects on Mental Health, Marriage, Family, and the Church
The church’s lead pastor has many roles and responsibilities, from teaching the Word of the Lord, baptisms, counseling sessions, and leading a staff. These are not the lead pastor’s only role; the majority also have a family, children, and a spouse at home who also need their attention. A balance must be considered between the ministry, family, and marriage. If this balance is off or the pastor becomes overwhelmed with any or all the three, their mental health may suffer and can cause depression and anxiety if not dealt with appropriately (Christianity Today, 2022). Lead pastors, while in ministry, have a deep and intimate bond of Christian love for their staff and congregation (London and Wiseman, 2000). Lead pastors balance this passion with everyday ministry concerns to ensure the well-being of their mental and physical health, but who assists them when they are exhausted and stressed? The purpose of this quantitative study will be to assess and link the mental health stressors of lead pastors in relationship to age and marital status and the effects on their health, marriage, family, and ministry. The participants in this study will come from churches in the Northern Virginia region of all denominational backgrounds and female and male pastors. The participants will be emailed a survey containing a series of questions. The replies will be kept confidential to ensure participants feel open to reply honestly. The research results will define the stress of the lead pastor and areas of self-care regarding mental and physical health, ministry, family, and marriage.
Dr. Edmond Bergeron and Dr. Sherri Bergeron Ministries inc – Building and Restoring Sacred Spaces with Purpose
Drs. Bergeron Ministries is dedicated to revitalizing worship environments while nurturing faith communities. Rooted in strategic leadership and creative storytelling, we empower through grant writing, devotional publications, and sanctuary preservation, blending spiritual commitment with excellence.
