Date of Award

3-12-2025

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLd)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Clifford Berger, DMin

Second Advisor

Garfield Harvey, DMin

Third Advisor

Jason Swan Clark, DMin, PhD

Abstract

Many Christian leaders in the Canadian Alliance are not prepared for ministry leadership, resulting in ineffective or unhealthy leadership, poor personal choices, lack of resiliency and high attrition rates.

As a pastor with three decades of experience, I still feel ill-equipped in areas my role requires of me. My research revealed that many pastors often feel ‘in over their head’ as they navigate deep theological questions, complex psychological issues, challenging financial decisions, public critique or praise, and intricate human resource legalities. Pastors who enter church leadership from traditional bible schools or seminaries are often well-equipped in theological knowledge but tend to be underprepared to provide good leadership and effective management within the church. Many pastoral leaders also underestimate the amount of inner work necessary to develop the kind of emotional, relational and spiritual health required to carry the blessings and burdens of church leadership.

In short, my research revealed that many Canadian pastors feel underprepared to fulfill the diverse responsibilities of their vocational calling. To address this problem, I have developed a self-assessment tool designed to help pastors identify the key areas where they require further training or equipping. These core competencies are grouped under four broad categories: Personal Formation, Theological Foundations, Leadership Skills, and Pastoral Competencies. Knowledge in each of these four areas is essential for today’s pastor.

This project is more than just an assessment tool; it also serves as a development resource, providing pathways—both simple and in-depth—that pastors can pursue to strengthen their identified areas of weakness.

My prayer is that this tool will help pastors identify knowledge gaps and facilitate further growth, adequately preparing them for the beautiful yet challenging role of church leadership—for their own sake, the sake of the churches they lead, and for the glory of God.

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