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. Mike Cuckler

Second Advisor

Dr. Chris Green

Third Advisor

Dr. Anthony Roberts

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study explores how Haitian Protestant church leaders in a large urban area of the northeastern United States describe the influence of their use of social media on promoting discipleship. The study addresses a gap in understanding how digital ministry practices are interpreted within Haitian Protestant diaspora contexts and how these practices inform both theory and ministry application. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 Haitian Protestant church leaders selected through convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, which resulted in the identification of five primary themes: social media as a tool for outreach and evangelism, social media as an extension of church community, social media as a tool for information sharing, social media as a space for expressing opinions, and challenges to digital discipleship. The findings indicate that social media functions as a meaningful extension of pastoral ministry by facilitating spiritual encouragement, ongoing communication, and discipleship engagement beyond traditional worship settings. At the same time, the effectiveness of digital discipleship is shaped by contextual factors such as generational differences, digital literacy, and theological discernment. The study suggests that the future of digital discipleship within Haitian Protestant churches depends not only on access to technology but on intentional, informed, and theologically grounded approaches to its use.

Download


Share

COinS