Date
4-29-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
Chair
Daniel Moosbrugger
Keywords
disability, disability community, pastors, Transformational Leadership Theory, accessibility, special needs, disability inclusion
Disciplines
Practical Theology
Recommended Citation
Hall, John D., "A Phenomenological Study of Pastoral Perspectives of Conservative Churches Effectively Serving the Disability Community" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8314.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8314
Abstract
This phenomenological study explored the experience of pastors leading conservative churches engaging with and serving persons with disabilities and their families. It focused on six theologically conservative churches providing special needs ministry, with at least three distinct scheduled ministry opportunities staffed by lay leadership, meeting a minimum of quarterly, and overseen by a paid staff member. This research sought to understand the perspectives of the pastors leading these churches, focusing on their personal experiences with disability, vision implementation, and leadership development. This study explored these pastors’ leadership through the lens of Transformational Leadership Theory and whether their style demonstrates transformational theory principles knowingly or unknowingly. A biographical questionnaire, statistical data, and supporting archival documents provided context for interviews to discover these pastors’ experiences. Data analysis identified primary themes describing qualities of participating pastors: actionable conviction in Scripture and the Great Commission, valuing the disability community as part of the faith community, and accelerating the special needs ministry of their pastoral role. This study concludes with three qualities of pastors whose churches are effectively serving the disability community: (a) pastors deeply value those with disabilities and demonstrate that value; (b) pastors possess deep value in Scripture that leads to action; and (c) pastors varyingly implement principles of Transformational Leadership Theory to lead their leaders. This study seeks to equip the American church to engage and serve the disability community.
