Program

Doctor of Ministry

Number of Pages

183

Year Approved

2024

First Advisor

Johnson, Michael

Abstract

In contemporary society, the role of pastors and religious leaders is crucial in guiding communities towards spiritual growth and providing support during times of hardship. However, the traditional path to becoming a pastor typically involves seminary training and theological education. This project aims to explore how an African American pastor utilizes his non-seminary training and secular work experiences to serve in pastoral leadership. By examining the unique background and experiences of this pastor, the researcher seeks to shed light on the ways in which non-traditional forms of preparation can contribute to effective pastoral ministry, particularly in diverse pastoral selection and pastoral care. This research used a narrative study format to analyze the pastor's journey, including the review of his transcripts, certificate of course completions, and work evaluations. Additionally, the study will explore how the pastor's secular work experiences, such as human resources, mentoring and advocacy roles, have shaped his approach to pastoral leadership and community engagement. Overall, this project aims to provide insights into how an African American pastor leverages his non-seminary training and secular work experiences to effectively serve in pastoral leadership, highlighting the ways in which non-traditional pathways can contribute to the vibrancy and effectiveness of pastoral ministry in diverse and multicultural context.

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

Document Type

Doctoral thesis

Download

Share

COinS