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. William Hackett

Second Advisor

Dr. Daniel McNaughton

Third Advisor

Dr. Jeremy Sims

Abstract

This dissertation explores how churches can better form people by examining the central research question: “What strategies can churches use to develop a Kingdom-centric spiritual formation model that prioritizes shaping individuals into Christlikeness as the church’s primary vision and mission?” Drawing on Paul’s desire to see Christ formed in the Galatian church (Gal 4:19), as well as exploring Jesus’s mandate in Matt 28:19 in connection with Acts 2:42-46, these texts show the connection between the spiritual formation of early believers and the Church. The researcher employed a quantitative methodology at The Worship Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Research revealed significant perceptions of communal and individual formation among participants. Furthermore, the data revealed that individuals participating in intentional communal formation events were experiencing even greater degrees of formation and praxis in their lives. These insights highlight that forming people into Christlikeness is possible in the local church context, offering myriad applications for any church context

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