Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Joshua D. Henson

Second Advisor

Dr. Bethany Peters

Third Advisor

Dr. Katrina Hutchins

Abstract

This study examined the role of organizational culture and pastoral leadership in sustainable church outreach programs. Two churches were chosen for this multisite mini-ethnographic case study because, for multiple years, they have participated in multiple outreaches each week to their non-Christian neighbors. These two churches differed in terms of geographical location, size, demographics, and budget. Data collection included field observations, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The themes that surfaced from the data were altruistic foundations, relational equity, organizational agility, organizational challenges, exemplary pastoral leadership, and the centrality of God. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of pastoral leadership and church organizational culture. The information that emanated from the data indicated that regardless of differences, churches that engage in sustainable outreach have certain characteristics. A unique model was created from the data to display the characteristics of churches that engage in outreach. The concepts that are laid out in this model are core assumptions (seeing people’s need to connect with God, prioritizing the Great Commission and human dignity), relational principles (sacrificial service, hopefulness, a welcoming environment), organizational principles (organizational agility, consistency, organizational awareness of external needs), and pastoral leadership (exemplifying service, communicating vision, and empowering leadership). These facets do not work in silos but are interconnecting and reciprocal.

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