Date of Award

3-11-2025

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLd)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Aaron Friesen, PhD

Second Advisor

Holley Clough, DMin

Third Advisor

Jason Swan Clark, DMin, PhD

Abstract

Ministry leaders, college chaplains, and pastors have observed a significant decline in church attendance and engagement, especially among Generation Z. This trend has raised considerable concern, particularly about the phenomenon of faith deconstruction within this demographic. This project addresses a pressing concern: Young adults within the denomination of the Free Methodist who may be deconstructing their faith experience the absence of a deeply rooted faith stemming from insufficient discipleship in the path of life-giving holiness. This ultimately highlights the urgent need for a revitalized discipleship approach.

To meet this need, the project introduces Having the Heart of An Apprentice: A Life-with-Life Journey to Becoming Whole, a discipleship resource designed to foster intentional, intergenerational relationships between mentors and mentees. The resource aims to guide young adults in developing a deeply rooted faith through shared learning, spiritual practices, and the cultivation of authentic faith conversations with a mentor in an intentional discipleship relationship.

The project identifies key discipleship challenges by drawing on extensive research, surveys, and interviews with national leaders, pastors, professors, local leaders, and young adults. The project emphasizes the importance of mentors modeling faithfulness, empathy, and active listening while creating a safe space for questioning and dialogue. The resource encourages mentorship that prioritizes genuine relationships over transactional engagement, ensuring young adults can explore their faith with vulnerability and support. The project seeks to cultivate a sustainable model of discipleship that helps young adults build a lifelong, rooted faith, transforming individuals and communities within the church.

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