Date
11-13-2024
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
Chair
John Beck
Keywords
digital ministry, Generation Z, Millennials, spiritual development, servant leaders
Disciplines
Leadership Studies | Religion
Recommended Citation
Belvin, Wanda Elaine, "Perceptions of the Pastoral Role in Fostering Generation Z and Millennials' Spiritual Growth Using Digital Platforms" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6149.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6149
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore pastors recognizing their roles and their perceptions of fostering and nurturing individual spiritual growth in their congregants with emphasis on their Millennials and Generation Z with assistance of digital platforms and its impact on leadership. Since the pandemic, church attendance has been in decline particularly within this demographic and this study explored ways to reduce this trend. The theories guiding this study were servant leadership and spiritual formation. This study focused on individual rather than congregational spiritual growth. Since those in this age group are digital natives, the focus was on how various digital platforms can foster individual spiritual growth. Servant leadership, the pastoral role in spiritual development, and the impact of digital ministry were all researched.
