Program
Doctor of Ministry
Number of Pages
338
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
Joshua Carroll
Second Reader
Jeanine Parolini
Third Reader
Kate Scorgie
Abstract
This study examines the impact of the absence of a comprehensive leadership formation process for individuals serving in pastoral leadership roles within the Diocese of San Diego, California. To ground the study theologically, the research engages the biblical Book of Nehemiah as a formative model of leadership rooted in covenantal responsibility, moral courage and communal restoration. Building upon this biblical foundation, the study turns to contemporary Servant Leadership Theory to examine how leadership grounded in service can foster the growth and maturation of both leaders and pastoral teams. Employing a mixed methods research design, quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews were collected from clergy and lay pastoral leaders to assess current leadership experiences, perceptions, and formation practices within the Diocese. Through an integrative analysis of the biblical narrative of Nehemiah, Servant Leadership scholarship, and field-based data, four core constructs emerged as essential to pastoral effectiveness, authentic relationships, psychological safety, interpersonal trust, and self-giving love. Findings indicate that pastoral leaders would be more effectively supported through intentional, structured leadership formation that is both initial and ongoing. The study concludes that a comprehensive leadership formation process grounded in Servant Leadership principles has the potential to strengthen pastoral effectiveness, foster relational trust, and support the long-term health and sustainability of ministerial leadership within Diocesan contexts.
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry
Document Type
Doctoral thesis
Recommended Citation
Hutcheson, C. J. (2026). The Role of Leaderhip in the Diocese of San Diego California: Servant Leadership Theory [Doctoral thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1240
Terms of Use and License Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.