Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

College

Barnett College of Ministry & Theology

Department

Department of Christian Ministries and Religion

Primary Advisor

Dr. Barry Saylor

Second Advisor

Dr. Matt Engel

Third Advisor

Dr. Jon Bolin

Abstract

This study examines how digital participation influences whole-person flourishing within the context of Celebration Church, a contemporary American megachurch, addressing a critical gap in empirical research on digital discipleship and its theological implications. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, quantitative data from the Barna ChurchPulse survey compared in-person and online participants, while qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with leaders from eighteen American megachurches were analyzed thematically. Findings indicate that flourishing outcomes are largely comparable across digital and in-person cohorts, challenging assumptions that embodied participation is inherently superior for spiritual formation; however, statistically significant differences emerged in leadership involvement, serving, and engagement beyond weekend services, suggesting limitations in participatory and relational depth within digitally mediated environments. In response, this study advances an integrative ecclesiological framework in which digital engagement is understood as a meaningful but partial expression of koinonia, capable of supporting genuine spiritual formation while remaining insufficient to fully replace embodied, face-to-face community. By reframing discipleship through the lens of human flourishing rather than participation alone, this research contributes both empirical insight and theological clarity to the field of digital ecclesiology, offering a transferable model for churches seeking to extend their reach through digital ministry while preserving the depth, relational integrity, and formative practices of embodied community.

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