Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

School of Social Work

Advisor/Mentor

Nolen, Erin

Committee Member

Thomas, Johanna

Second Committee Member

Fields, Lashawnda

Keywords

Christian; Church; Firearm; Violence Prevention

Abstract

This thesis analyzed whether Christian faith-based curricula and toolkits regarding firearm safety and violence prevention align with established best practices in public health, social work, and education research. Previous research has explored the prevalence and impact of gun violence, best practices regarding gun violence and safety interventions, the effectiveness of churches as public health initiative partners, and the relationship between Christianity and views on firearms. In this study, qualitative deductive content analysis indicated that faith-based gun violence prevention toolkits are strongly oriented toward advocacy, community mobilization, and public health framing. At the same time, gaps remain in their integration of trauma-informed principles, structured teaching techniques, and evidence-based safety interventions. Consequently, the existing Christian faith-based materials on gun violence education and safety are partially aligned with evidence-based best practices. Understanding what already exists in this area is the first step to understanding what could be improved or implemented by other churches, key community stakeholders, social workers, and public health workers. Faith communities have the potential to translate moral leadership into measurable reductions in gun violence, and collaboration with social workers and public health professionals will be crucial to advancing this work.

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