Date

9-25-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel Piferi

Keywords

Effective leadership, Christian leadership, faith, leadership style, influence.

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Successful leadership has been studied extensively and several theories of effective leadership exist. Though there are many leadership theories that provide explanations for leader behaviors and outcomes, this study aimed to explore effective leadership that is Christ-centered and inspired by Christian faith. Research has shown that the success or failure of an organization is often dependent upon its leadership and the leader’s ability to be effective. This study proposed that the most effective leadership is reliant upon a relationship with God and an understanding of His Word. Therefore, this study examined how leaders who have Christ-centered or secular worldviews describe effective leadership and what the components of effective leadership are. Interviews were conducted with 21 leaders and provided a perspective from the participants on the essence of leadership effectiveness from the Christian faith and secular perspective. Research gathered during this study was used to examine the influence of faith, and its effects on leadership decisions, behaviors and outcomes. Qualitative analysis indicated that there were common perceptions of leadership effectiveness among Christ-centered and secular leaders. The findings suggested that there were additional leadership functions exhibited by Christ-centered leaders that contributed to their perception of leadership effectiveness. These included the practice of prayer, including God’s Word, indivisible faith, and using Jesus as the leadership example. The study concluded that the model of leadership demonstrated in the Word of God presented as effective and influential among leaders in secular organizations.

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