Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Sunggu Yang, PhD

Second Advisor

Gregg Borror, DMin

Third Advisor

Leonard I. Sweet, PhD

Abstract

NPO Statement for this project is as follows:

Many individuals experience a diminished sense of belonging within religious environments. This lack of belonging can lead to disengagement and limit opportunities for authentic spiritual and communal formation. Structured, repeatable, moderator-led small groups— guided by trained moderators—offer a practical approach for fostering connection and strengthening a sense of belonging within church communities.

A key insight from this project is that many people in church communities experience a persistent sense of not belonging, even when they attend, serve, and believe alongside others. The research shows that belonging is not automatically created by shared space or routine participation, but by being truly seen, heard, and emotionally received. Drawing from individual interviews, group experiences, and scholarly research, the findings indicate that intentionally cultivating environments centered on belonging offers significant benefits. Structured, relational spaces—such as facilitated small groups—help move connection from casual contact to meaningful, mutual presence where people can safely be known. Situated within a ministry context focused on strengthening connection and inclusion, this project developed structured, facilitator-led belonging groups. These groups created guided, emotionally safe spaces for participants to share personal stories of connection and exclusion while practicing attentive listening and self-awareness. Moderators were trained to reflect on their own relational patterns and to model humility and emotional presence. The result is a practical, repeatable framework that helps churches cultivate deeper community, support spiritual formation, and build resilient relationships grounded in intentional, compassionate engagement.

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