Date

5-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)

Chair

Andy Wood

Keywords

generation z, premarital mentoring, adaptive leadership, marriage mentors, marriage, pastors

Disciplines

Leadership Studies | Practical Theology

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to reveal the essential components of a framework for leading a premarital mentoring ministry for Generation Z (Gen Z) engaged adults born between 1999 and 2006 at evangelical churches in the state of Florida, United States. Guided by Ronald Heifetz’s adaptive leadership theory, which emphasizes the dynamic between leaders (pastors and ministry leaders) and followers (married mentor couples) within their organization (church ministry) to navigate change (Heifetz et al., 2009a), data were collected through interviews with participants from 13 evangelical churches. Participants included 11 Gen Z adults who completed premarital mentoring and 16 pastors and marriage mentors involved in mentoring Gen Z, focusing on: 1) what components of premarital education Gen Z adults view as essential to preparing for marriage; 2) what components pastors, ministry leaders, and marriage mentors view as essential to preparing Gen Z couples for marriage; and ultimately 3) the essential components of a framework to lead a premarital mentoring ministry for Gen Z. After transcription, the researcher analyzed the data using content, open, and in vivo coding to fill a gap in the literature and reveal five key components of a framework for leading premarital mentoring for Gen Z. The key components include: 1) presenting a biblical worldview; 2) facilitating conversations about expectations; 3) incorporating a premarital inventory; 4) addressing life skills and practical concerns; and 5) fostering community among other engaged couples.

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Available for download on Thursday, May 20, 2027

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