Date

7-21-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Jerra Dooley

Keywords

Christian mindfulness, mental health, religious coping, Assemblies of God

Disciplines

Counseling | Religion

Abstract

Interest in integrating mindfulness into Christian counseling and pastoral practice increased; however, very little research has documented its experience among Assemblies of God clergy. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Kansas Assemblies of God clergy who have engaged mindfulness within a ministry context. Based on acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, viewed through a Christian lens; the research examined understanding, adaptation, and practice regarding worship, leadership, and pastoral care. Data from in-depth interviews with Kansas Assemblies of God clergy were analyzed thematically and patterns of meaning and practice were discovered. The results revealed how Kansas Assemblies of God clergy integrate mindfulness, its practical applications, and theological considerations. This study also adds to the limited knowledge of Christian mindfulness in the context of the Assemblies of God, offering implications for pastoral care, leadership development, and spiritual formation.

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