Date

5-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)

Chair

Alvin Dockett

Keywords

leadership development, shepherd leadership, Christian leadership, leadership, discipleship

Disciplines

Educational Leadership | Leadership Studies

Abstract

This dissertation-in-praxis focuses on the development and implementation of a Shepherd leadership development program for high school students, grades 9-12, in a private Christian high school setting. This program examines how the intentional integration of leadership curriculum shapes students’ views and perspectives on leadership and their ability to lead others as Shepherd leaders. Drawing on the Shepherd leadership motif found throughout the Bible, educational philosophy, and Christian pedagogy, this program examines various methods and curriculum strategies used in the Christian high school setting to build future Christian leaders. The study focuses on understanding how the Shepherd leadership curriculum impacted the development of Shepherd leaders and their ability to teach and train others to become leaders. This study examined both the intended and actual outcomes of leadership development by creating a curriculum guide for the HERD Shepherd Leadership Development Program, which will be used at Hyde Park High School in Austin, TX. It also examined the curriculum for leadership development using both quantitative and qualitative assessments created by this researcher. The main goal is to provide Christian schools with the ability to effectively teach and train students to become the leaders God has called them to be by growing their faith, equipping them to make other disciples, and engaging in society by displaying their Christlike image in their communities, families, and careers through this praxis program at Hyde Park High School.

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