Date

4-26-2024

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)

Chair

Hannah Byrd

Keywords

Leadership Transition, Transitional Leadership, Moral Failure, Secondary Leader

Disciplines

Leadership Studies | Liturgy and Worship

Abstract

Despite much information and attention given to senior leadership transitions after a moral failure in leadership, there is little information regarding supporting pastoral staff moral failures and how to lead a ministry department to a place of healing and restoration. This thesis examined the distinct challenges of transitional leaders assuming the role of guiding a worship ministry department through a previous leader's moral failure. This study analyzes commonalities and themes to demonstrate the unique challenges the worship ministry faces apart from the church. Literature and research on leadership transitions due to moral failures tend to focus on senior pastoral leadership. While this information proves relevant, it does not provide insight into the role and methods needed to support pastoral staff in difficult transitions. Exploring the cause of the moral failure is not pertinent to this exploration of transitional leadership; rather, it is the incoming leader's journey to restoring trust, righteousness, and health. This analysis captures the assumptions, actions, and reactions of leaders who have effectively led a worship ministry in the context of a transition due to a previous leader’s moral failure. This qualitative study is essential for developing a methodology and plan of action to assist leadership in navigating these troubled times of transition.

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