Date
11-11-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)
Chair
Jacob Dunlow
Keywords
stewardship, nonprofit governance, nonprofit leadership, board engagement
Disciplines
Business | Leadership Studies
Recommended Citation
McEachin, Shannel M., "From Disengagement to Stewardship: A Leadership Intervention to Strengthen Nonprofit Board Governance" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 9096.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/9096
Abstract
This study designed, implemented, and assessed a stewardship-based leadership intervention to strengthen board leadership and engagement within the Y.T.I. Youth Tutoring Initiative Board of Directors. The rationale for this project was grounded in nonprofit governance best practices and a theological framework of stewardship. Effective nonprofit leadership requires the board of directors to take an active role in governance and self-leadership. The Youth Tutoring Initiative Board of Directors faced leadership and engagement challenges, evidenced by limited individual contributions and organizational accountability. Without intervention, the leadership risked continued stagnation and limited strategic contribution. This project ignited the board's leadership by implementing a stewardship-driven training program that strengthened board responsibilities, clarified organization-specific roles and expectations, introduced goal setting, and established board accountability. Following the intervention, participants reported clearer roles, greater willingness to contribute, and stronger understanding of stewardship.
