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

Foursquare Lead Pastors increasingly face challenges of personal and professional languishing, characterized by diminishing joy, weakened connections, insufficient self-care, and an underdeveloped theology of suffering. These issues contribute to declining pastoral well-being and effectiveness. This doctoral project addresses these challenges holistically— encompassing body, soul, and spirit—while offering hope-filled encouragement and practical solutions for sustainable ministry.

Having served as a Foursquare Lead Pastor for over 30 years, I bring firsthand experience to this pressing issue. My research confirms that pastoral languishing is a widespread concern, demanding intentional, theologically grounded responses. This project provides such a response by integrating biblical insights, historical perspectives, and contemporary leadership research to offer a pathway from languishing to flourishing.

The central outcome of this project is a resource titled More Than Fine: The Pastoral Journey from Languishing to Flourishing. Framed around the biblical narrative of Elijah’s journey from Mount Carmel to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 18–19), this twelve-chapter book explores the underlying factors contributing to pastoral languishing. It offers actionable strategies for fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, equipping pastors to thrive in their calling.

Designed specifically for Foursquare Lead Pastors, More Than Fine serves as both an inspirational and practical guide. By addressing critical issues such as self-care, relational vitality, and a biblical perspective on suffering, this resource aims to promote sustainable ministry and renewed joy in leadership. This project contributes to the broader conversation about pastoral health, providing a framework for resilience and flourishing in a demanding vocation.

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