Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 12:2 (Fall 2015)
Article: Factors Affecting Faith Integration Among Faculty At A Faith-Based Institution
Author: Lora Canter

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Factors Affecting Faith Integration Among Faculty At A Faith-Based Institution

Lora Canter

Lora Canter is Faculty Coordinator for the College of Adult & Graduate Studies at Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio.

Editorial Note: This article is based on Canter’s Ed.D. dissertation, completed in 2015 at University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.1

Background

This study investigated faith integration differences among faculty with respect to gender, religious affiliation, and academic departments. The study took place at one Baptist-affiliated university. Professors completed a Likert-scaled, researcher-designed instrument that measured faculty’s incorporation of faith into their teachings, their encouragement of students in developing Biblical worldviews, and whether course content reflected biblical worldviews. Personal interest led me to pursue the topic of faith integration. As a Christian higher education professional, I recruited and hired part-time faculty for a program specifically geared toward the non-traditional student market. Mission fit was an obvious concern for the small, Southern Baptist, liberal arts university that served as the study site. The Baptist Faith and Message was a guiding force that outlines Southern Baptist beliefs and must be signed by each professor. It should be noted that professors do not necessarily have to be Southern Baptist, but they cannot teach contrary to the Baptist Faith and Message. The only exception to that policy is in regard to the College of the Bible professors, who must have Southern Baptist ordination. Yet, a signature does not guarantee faith integration into the classroom; hence, the need for further study was established and I became interested in learning more about faith integration within the Christian higher education sector of postsecondary education.

Purpose Of The Study

The purpose of the study was to examine the current issues on faith integration within evangelical, faith-based, higher education. Further examination of a specific university dissected the peer observation process, and more specifically, faith integration of part-time faculty within the classroom setting. The Quality Assurance Visit Report is part of the peer evaluation process

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at the university. Because gender, academic discipline, denominational affiliation, and level of education could affect attitudes toward faith integration, the research that lies ahead addressed three of those factors. The results will be used to help establish effective faculty development programs that target faith and learning. R...