Date of Award

Spring 4-24-2026

Document Type

Abstract

Degree Name

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Joshua Henson

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Steiner

Abstract

Project Type

This project was an applied qualitative case study.

Project Overview

This doctoral capstone project examined leadership formation needs within the National Latino Evangelical Coalition and proposed the design of the Civitas Dei Institute as an auxiliary organizational structure. The study addressed the gap between increasing leadership demands placed on pastors and the lack of structured, scalable, and contextualized systems to support their development. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, a leadership survey utilizing Likert-scale questions, and document review of existing leadership initiatives. The study focused on a purposive sample of approximately 100 pastors and ministry leaders participating in the Avance Initiative.

Project Themes

Key themes included leadership burnout, fragmented and inaccessible leadership development pathways, gaps in theological formation, and the growing complexity of navigating cultural and public engagement within a nonpartisan framework. Findings also highlighted the need for contextualized leadership formation models that reflect the lived realities of Latino evangelical leaders.

Contributions to the Field of Leadership

This project contributed to the field of leadership by integrating leadership pipeline theory, adaptive leadership, and relational leadership theory into a cohesive, contextually grounded model for leadership formation. It demonstrated how faith-based nonprofit organizations can move from programmatic efforts to structured, sustainable leadership systems that align organizational design with leadership development needs. The project also advanced the conversation on contextualized leadership formation within diverse ministry environments.

Real-world Implications

The Civitas Dei Institute provided a practical and implementable framework for strengthening leadership pipelines within ministry networks. It addressed real challenges faced by pastors, including burnout, leadership gaps, and the need for theological clarity in public engagement. The model emphasized accessibility, cultural relevance, and sustainability, and it offered an adaptable framework that can be replicated in other faith-based organizational contexts.

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