Redefining Pastoral Leadership: A Pastor's Guide to Christ-Centered Leadership
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
Spring 5-3-2025
Keywords
Pastoral Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Strategic Decision-Making, Change Management, Servant Leadership, Church Growth, Vision Development, Leadership Development, Equipping Teams
Abstract
Pastoral leadership in the 21st century requires moving beyond traditional shepherding roles toward inclusive, visionary, and transformation-oriented approaches to leadership. Redefining Pastoral Leadership: A Pastor's Guide to Christ-Centered Leadership provides a framework that integrates biblical principles with practical leadership strategies for pastors to lead ministry teams effectively. This work explores transformational leadership, strategic decision-making, change management, and servant leadership to provide pastors with an approach to leading their congregations through spiritual and organizational growth. By exploring key leadership challenges--such as navigating uncertainty, creating vision and nurturing an environment of growth, building and equipping teams, and instituting change--this book serves as a theoretical and practical resource that equips church leaders to thrive amid modern ministry complexities while staying true to Christ-centered missions. This manuscript addresses the significance of integrating strategic decision-making into daily pastoral functions, the need for ongoing leadership development, and its importance for contemporary church leadership. Research and insights presented are drawn from academic research and real-life ministry experience, guaranteeing that guidance is applicable and executable. This project serves as a pastoral leadership development guide, helping church leaders manage modern ministry complexities while remaining true to Christ-centered missions. The principles outlined offer pastors a roadmap for inciting change, encouraging collaboration, and leading their congregations toward spiritual depth and community impact.
Recommended Citation
Swaggart, Gabriel, "Redefining Pastoral Leadership: A Pastor's Guide to Christ-Centered Leadership" (2025). College of Arts and Cultural Studies Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) Projects. 21.
https://digitalshowcase.oru.edu/coacs_dsl_projects/21
