Faith Integration: Student Perspectives on Spirituality and Social Work in a Christian Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Issue: Vol.9 No.7 July 2023 Issue Article 8 pp. 337-350
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.2023978 | Published online 28th July 2023.
© 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The role of spirituality has become increasingly important in the field of social work, especially when considering a holistic approach. Religion and spirituality are used to guide beliefs and actions and give meaning and purpose to life. This research, situated at an Evangelical Christian University, explored why it is critical for practitioners to be spiritually equipped when working with those in need and their perceptions of the importance of faith to practice and identity. This study identified seven themes: how spirituality assists practitioners in dealing with information and events in the social work field and the importance of spirituality in providing strength, hope, guidance, self-preservation, a positive example for clients, and an opportunity to share the love of God. This research contributes to the future of social work education.
Keywords: Faith Integration, Social Work, Spirituality
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David King, DSW, MA, MSW is an associate professor and Program Director for the MSW program online at Indiana Wesleyan University. His research interests include the integration of Christian faith and social work practice, social work ethics and non-profit leadership. Dr. King also currently serves on the board of directors for the Association of Christians in Health in Human Services, a non-profit organization providing professional support and education for Christians in health and human services professions. He completed his doctoral work at Walden University in 2020 and has previously published articles on elements of effective teaching online and outcomes driven practice in children’s services.
Marcie Cutsinger, EdD, MSW, LCSW is an online associate professor for the MSW program at Missouri Baptist University. Her research interests include utilizing a subject matter expert model, online learning, and employee cohesion. Dr. Cutsinger also recently accepted a board position for a local leadership program that emphasizes high-quality training and networking opportunities. She completed her doctoral work at the University of Missouri and has previously published articles on elements of instructor presence in teaching online versus face-to-face, evaluating online courses, and increasing employee cohesion. She has worked in higher education for several years, assisting low-income, first-generation, and disabled students to succeed in college. She has secured over 5 million dollars in grant funds.
King, David and Cutsinger, Marcie. “Faith Integration: Student Perspectives on Spirituality and Social Work in a Christian Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, “ E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 9 no.7 (2023): 337-350. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.2023978
© 2023 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).