Date

4-29-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)

Chair

Brian Pinzer

Keywords

Christian leadership, shepherd-like leadership, Christ-centered leadership, faith-based leadership, Christian nonprofit organizations, faith-based nonprofit organizations, parachurch ministry, parachurch organizations, religious nonprofit sector, 501(c)(3), faith-based social services, shepherd motif, biblical leadership models, phenomenological research, Christocentric phenomenology, lived experience, qualitative inquiry, staff morale, programmatic effectiveness, organizational culture, organizational health, vocational calling, leader identity, employee well-being, rural nonprofit leadership, nonprofit management

Disciplines

Christianity | Leadership Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Christian nonprofit parachurch organization executive leaders in southeastern Indiana (i.e., Decatur County and its adjacent counties). For the purpose of this study, executive leaders was defined as those who hold a top-level leadership position at an organization, and Christian nonprofit parachurch organization was defined as an organization designated under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that advances biblical principles and social welfare. Shepherd-like leadership was generally defined as a leadership style that demonstrates relational care, personal guidance, and protection of well-being, as seen in Psalm 23 and John 10. Although the biblical shepherd motif has been explored in theological literature, limited empirical research exists on its translation to real-world organizational contexts, especially in the nonprofit setting. By capturing the lived experiences of leaders, this study aimed to provide rich insights into the impact of organizational shepherding on programmatic effectiveness and staff morale. The findings may inform future leadership development within the Christian nonprofit parachurch sector and encourage a Christ-centered, personal approach to leadership. The findings revealed that participants understand and implement shepherd-like leadership primarily as an identity rooted in Christ, expressed through care, service, responsibility, provision, grace, presence, trust, and unity. Collectively, these themes demonstrate that shepherd-like leadership is fundamentally countercultural in its prioritization of love, presence, calling over self-interest, status, and performance.

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