Date

4-29-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)

Chair

Joan Appleton

Keywords

Adaptive Leadership, church engagement, discipleship, Generation Z, outreach, outreach strategy, Pittsburgh, youth leaders

Disciplines

Leadership Studies

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of youth leaders’ outreach strategies for engaging Generation Z (Gen Z) in attending church, as well as the lived experiences of Gen Z as recipients of these outreach strategies. The study investigated the factors that impact youth leaders’ decisions to employ specific strategies to sustain church attendance among Gen Z and how Gen Z perceived the efficacy of these strategies. A phenomenological approach allowed for a comprehensive examination of participants' subjective experiences in real-world settings. The research utilized purposive sampling to recruit youth leaders and Gen Z participants from nondenominational churches in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews with youth leaders and focus group interviews with Gen Z, supported by observations and document analysis to ensure triangulation and trustworthiness. Conversational Analysis and Discourse Analysis were employed to interpret the data, identifying themes related to communication, relational, and leadership dynamics. This study addressed gaps in the existing literature on the decline in Gen Z church attendance by examining outreach strategies through the lenses of Missional Theology, Discipleship Theory, Adaptive Leadership, and the Disciplers’ Model. Findings contribute to scholarly understanding of how leadership strategies influence Gen Z’s church engagement and spiritual development, offering insights for nondenominational church leaders seeking to remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving generational context.

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