The Structure of the Dissertation

Front Matter

Before the main chapters begin, students prepassre foundational components that clarify the scope and purpose of the work:

• Title Page
  Includes the final approved dissertation title, degree program, and student name.
• Abstract (Draft)
  A concise summary outlining the purpose, methods, and anticipated outcomes of the study or project.
• Copyright Disclosures 
  This gives you and the school ownership of your own work, as it will be prepared for you to publish. 
• Dedications
  This experience will be something that you will not only be able to take and use for your future career, but it will create memories that you will cherish for your life. 

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1 establishes the why behind your work. It introduces the ministry or research problem and explains why it matters.

This chapter includes:

• Background of the Study
  The historical, theological, and ministry context of the issue being addressed.
• Statement of the Problem
  A clear articulation of the central challenge or opportunity.
• Purpose of the Study or Project
  What the research or ministry project seeks to accomplish.
• Research Questions or Ministry Objectives
  Guiding questions or goals shaping the work.
• Ministry or Market Context
  Description of the church, organization, or community involved.
• Theological Framework
  Biblical and theological foundations informing the project.
• Significance of the Study
  How the work contributes to the Church, theology, or ministry practice.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Chapter 2 demonstrates that your work is informed, thoughtful, and engaged with existing scholarship and ministry wisdom.

Students will:

• Organize scholarship thematically and topically
• Engage biblical, theological, and contemporary sources
• Identify gaps or unresolved issues in current research or ministry practice
• Integrate theological reflection with empirical evidence
• Conclude with a clear transition into the chosen methodology

This chapter shows where your voice enters the larger conversation.

Chapter 3: Research Design & Methodology

Chapter 3 explains how your study or ministry project is carried out.

Key components include:

• Overview of the research or project design
• Rationale for qualitative, quantitative, mixed, or ministry-based approaches
• Participant or ministry context selection
• Data collection methods (interviews, surveys, observations, etc.)
• Research instruments and supporting appendices
• Data management and storage plans
• Ethical framework grounded in both academic standards and biblical theology
• Data analysis strategy
• Explicit theological integration and reflection

This chapter ensures the work is credible, ethical, and faithful.

Chapter 4: Findings

Chapter 4 presents what was discovered through the research or ministry project. Students clearly and responsibly report findings, observations, or outcomes without interpretation bias.

This chapter answers the question: What happened?

Chapter 5: Conclusions & Ministry Application

The final chapter brings everything together.

Students reflect on:

• The meaning and implications of the findings
• Practical applications for future ministry or church contexts
• Recommendations for leaders, churches, or organizations
• Opportunities for further research or ministry development

This chapter ensures your dissertation does not end on a shelf—but lives on in practice.