Date

12-4-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Andrea Burson

Keywords

leadership development, church multiplication, biblical equipping, servant leadership, The Bridge Institute, Great Commission, missional church.

Disciplines

Leadership Studies | Religion

Abstract

The problem addressed in this DMIN action research project is the lack of a clearly defined biblical framework for the ongoing leadership development at TBC in Venice, Florida, amid rapid growth and increasing attendance. This gap has hindered the equipping of leaders to disciple and lead others and fulfill the Great Commission through church multiplication. The purpose of this project was to design and implement a biblically grounded leadership pathway, including The Bridge Institute (TBI), to equip current and future servant leaders for maturity, relational authenticity, and missional impact. The goals included developing improved assimilation, increasing volunteer engagement, and creating scalable training to help the congregation move from consuming to contributing. Utilizing qualitative action research methods, the project involved anonymous questionnaires, known questionnaires, and one-on-one interviews with members and leaders of the church. The results revealed six key themes: enhanced assimilation and belonging, improved volunteer development, increased leadership confidence, identified engagement barriers, deepened spiritual growth, and clearer pathways. The implications emphasized biblical preaching for aligning vision, ensuring relational authenticity, streamlining onboarding, and centralizing equipping through TBI. The application of this project provides a helpful model and approach for churches facing growth challenges and those seeking greater health. Grounded in Ephesians 4:12, the impetus of the project emphasizes that as pastors and churches seek to build healthy churches, a multiplying culture grounded in biblical leadership is crucially important.

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