Date

7-21-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)

Chair

Jeffrey Davis

Keywords

Next Generation ministry, spiritual formation, milestone ministry, siloed ministry

Disciplines

Christianity | Education

Abstract

This Dissertation-in-Praxis addressed the need to shift from a siloed ministry model to a cohesive milestone model for the Next Generation ministry at Warren Grovetown in order to build a more parent-equipping driven ministry with a strategic discipleship plan. The rationale for this project stemmed from the exodus of young adults leaving the church following high school graduation and the deficit of parents understanding how to be spiritual leaders in their homes as their children matured from infants through young adulthood. The current siloed model highlighted the need for ministry cohesiveness as children developed through preschool, children, and student ministry, and emphasized the importance of creating discipleship touchpoints with parents along the way. This project investigated and supported the need for a milestone ministry approach in the Next Generation ministry at Warren Grovetown to equip parents better to spiritually lead their children, reduce the statistical departure of young people from the church, provide continuity and collaboration among leadership, and use developmental approaches to provide fluid transitions for children, students, and parents. The proposed milestone ministry model addressed the need to move children seamlessly through ministry and created a strategic discipleship plan to partner with parents.

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