Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)

Chair

Deidra Jackson

Keywords

addiction, mental health challenges, transformation, spiritual growth, faith–based consulting

Disciplines

Christianity

Abstract

Individuals experiencing chronic addiction or mental health conditions are often separated from the broader church community and placed into isolated treatment programs, creating a disconnect between recovery efforts and long-term spiritual formation (Amos, 2023). Many churches that emphasize deliverance struggle to provide sustained discipleship, while congregations grounded in spiritual growth frequently lack the skills and structures needed to serve highly vulnerable populations. This mixed–methods study will explore how the local church can be mobilized to offer whole-person transformation for individuals affected by addiction and mental health challenges. Guided by the biblical vision of ongoing spiritual renewal—“being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18, English Standard Bible, 2001/2016)—the research will examine the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Arrows to Victory discipleship and mentoring program. Quantitative data measure changes in leadership competencies and participant engagement, while qualitative interviews, journals, and observations provide insight into the lived experiences and spiritual growth of participants.

Christian Leadership: Faith–Based Consulting is the cognate for this dissertation in praxis. Faith-based consulting requires the consultant to utilize both transformational and servant leadership with a goal of organizational transformation at the center of the project. The researcher for this dissertation in praxis is interested in mobilizing the organization of the church in whole–person transformation for those affected by addiction and mental health issues.

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