Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Abstract

Degree Name

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Emile Hawkins

Second Advisor

Dr. Bethany Peters

Abstract

Title of Project: One Day Seminar: From Pulpit to Policy: Transforming Latino Evangelical Communities Through Pastoral Civic Capacity Building

Defense Date: April 1, 2025

Candidate Name: Mark Vega

Personal Email Address: Marcovega70@gmail.com

First Advisor: Dr. Emile Hawkins

Second Advisor: Dr. Bethany Peters

DSL Final Project Abstract: This project investigates the transformative potential of Latino evangelical churches in enhancing civic engagement and community advocacy through pastoral leadership. Utilizing Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, the research identifies significant socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional barriers that impede civic participation among Latino communities. Through qualitative analysis involving Latino evangelical pastors and leaders, the seminar-based approach equips faith leaders to effectively integrate civic responsibility into their ministries. The seminar combines educational instruction, experiential testimonials, and immersive activities to promote lasting civic engagement and community transformation.

Project Type: Applied Research and Leadership Development Seminar

Project Overview: This one-day seminar addresses low political and civic engagement levels among Latino evangelical communities by empowering pastoral leaders with strategies to overcome systemic barriers. Leveraging Kotter’s Change Theory, the seminar provided practical tools and strategies that pastors can directly implement in their churches, fostering increased advocacy, community transformation, and policy influence.

Project Themes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Community Advocacy
  • Cultural and Socioeconomic Barriers
  • Faith-driven Social Justice
  • Kotter’s Change Management

Contributions to the Field of Leadership: This project contributes to strategic leadership by demonstrating how faith-based communities, particularly Latino evangelical churches, can effectively engage in civic advocacy and policy transformation. Applying Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model within a religious context expands leadership theory into the intersection of faith, culture, and community activism. Furthermore, it provides actionable strategies for pastoral leaders to address internal and external community barriers and enhance leadership effectiveness in community transformation.

Real-world Implications: The project's implementation has demonstrated significant potential to reshape the role of Latino evangelical churches in the civic arena. The seminar has increased awareness, mobilized congregations toward civic responsibility, and prepared participants to initiate immediate and sustained civic dialogues within their communities by equipping church leaders with actionable steps for advocacy and community engagement. The project illustrates how enhanced pastoral civic capacity directly contributes to more vigorous community representation, policy advocacy, and improved quality of life for Latino families.

Keywords: Latino Evangelical Churches, Civic Engagement, Transformational Leadership, Kotter’s Change Model, Community Advocacy, Cultural Barriers, Socioeconomic Constraints, Social Justice, Faith-driven Leadership, Pastoral Capacity Building

Download


Share

COinS