Program
Doctor of Ministry
Number of Pages
218
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
Jason Esposito
Second Reader
John Dunne
Third Reader
Katie Friesen Smith
Abstract
This research project addresses the current condition of accountability standards and protocols in the U.S. church. This research focused on U.S. Protestant denominational and nondenominational churches. First, a review of the Scriptural mandate for leadership accountability was examined through a study of the specific impact accountability played in the leadership failures and successes in the lives of Kings Saul and David throughout Books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Second, a literary review examined current formal leadership accountability standards and protocols in the U.S. Protestant church. This review encompassed surveys and polls from the last fifteen years, church censuses, theological journals, scholarly books, nonprofit Christian policy and governance organizations, investigative findings, ministry watchdog organization recommendations, journalistic analyses, and denominational reports and internal studies. No consensus was identifiable; however, the investigation did provide insights into areas of accountability deficiencies. This enabled the researcher to identify potential foundational standards and policies to be recommended. Based on these determinations, the researcher then conducted a quantitative survey of the top five U.S. denominations and top five U.S. nondenominational churches to determine public accessibility regarding five foundational accountability policies and documents. A mixed-method survey of pastors was then conducted to provide additional insights into the prioritization of accountability standards in today’s church. The findings of the research were used to identify deficiencies in existing standards, advocate for a consensus regarding foundational standards, encourage academia and church communities of the necessity to educate and inform regarding accountability standards and protocols, and make practical recommendations for improvements to U.S. church accountability systems.
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry
Document Type
Doctoral thesis
Recommended Citation
Emmert, G. E. (2026). Examining Leadership Accountability Standards and Protocols in the U.S. Church [Doctoral thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1238
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