Imagery of Regent people and campus

Dissertation Abstract

Exploring a Relationship Between Spiritual Disciplines Practice and Christian Character Development

Paul Metler
Regent University

Abundant literature suggests that the practice of spiritual disciplines can contribute to the development of Christian character. Using the Christian Continuous Improvement Index, this quantitative study provides a descriptive analysis of a population of followers of Christ in order to explore whether a relationship exists between habitual practice of spiritual disciplines and the development of Christian character. The study compares the habitual practice of 14 spiritual disciplines to 10 areas of Christian character for 244 Christians at City Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Stepwise regression revealed 6 variables (frequent prayer, celebration of life, age, cheerful service, study and reflection, and periodic fasting) provided a statistically significant contribution to Christian character while others did not.