Program
Doctor of Ministry
Number of Pages
205
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
Kate Scorgie
Abstract
The problem this research addressed was understanding how parents, supported by local churches, can instill values of love and kindness and cultivate a servant leadership mindset in children from birth through age eighteen within the Orange County context. This study examined how churches can partner with parents to help children live out these values through the relationships, environments, and everyday rhythms that shape them. In response to this problem, the researcher explored the biblical and theological themes of love, kindness, and service in the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles. John shares how Jesus demonstrated these values through being present, listening to others, serving others, empowering those around him, and showing kindness by crossing cultural and religious barriers. These expressions of love in Jesus’s life reveal his character and show how kindness and service flow from love. The researcher also reviewed relevant literature regarding child development, attachment, moral formation, empathy, emotional intelligence, parenting, spiritual formation, and servant leadership. The researcher then conducted a qualitative multiple- case study with three evangelical churches in Orange County. Interviews were conducted with three lead pastors and three children’s pastors to better understand how churches empower parents to instill the values of love, kindness, and servant leadership in their children. Analysis of the interview data revealed six major themes. 1) Leadership formation begins with a personal encounter with God. 2) Children learn servant leadership through modeling and practice. 3) Parents need to be equipped as primary disciplers. 4) 6 Formation is strengthened when the whole church is aligned. 5) Cultural pressures and family busyness are barriers to this growth. 6) Spiritual formation becomes visible through observable fruit and stories of life change. The study suggests how churches, schools, and organizations can apply these conclusions to empower children to grow in love, kindness, and servant leadership.
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry
Document Type
Doctoral thesis
Recommended Citation
Burke, R. M. (2026). Raising Not So Little Leaders [Doctoral thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1275
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