Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Michael Larson, DMin

Second Advisor

Tracy Cotterell, DMin

Third Advisor

Ken Van Vliet, DMin

Abstract

NPO

The Need/Problem/Opportunity (NPO) statement guiding this project is: Pastors in the 8th Episcopal District of the AME Church feel disconnected from God and themselves.

Key Insights

The research revealed that pastoral disconnection is driven less by lack of skill and more by identity loss, performance pressure, and the absence of safe spaces for vulnerability. Spiritual formation remains largely absent from Black pastors' lives and churches. Cultural and denominational expectations reward quantitative data over spiritual growth. Self-care and inner work are not recognized as integral to ministry success or effectiveness. Many pastors operate from “doing” rather than “being,” leading to hidden identity issues.

Ministry Context

This doctoral project emerges from my ministry and vocational context as an ordained itinerant elder in the 8th Episcopal District of the AME Church and a certified growth and soul care coach committed to spiritual formation and identity healing. The research was shaped by both my personal pastoral journey of disconnection with God and myself, and my work supporting leaders through inner healing and soul care.

Project Description

In response, The ReConnection Experience was created as an 18-month transformational mentorship program structured in three phases: Re-Awakening Identity, Reconnecting to God, and Reclaiming Purpose. The project integrates reflective curriculum, mentorship, spiritual direction, covenant community, and immersive retreats to foster healing and reconnection.

Key components of the doctoral project include:

  • a private virtual community
  • a six-month reflective journal
  • a fully scripted sample four-day retreat
  • a facilitator’s guide

Together, these elements create structured yet sacred spaces for pastors to rediscover their identity beyond ministry performance and cultivate sustainable spiritual formation practices.

Ultimately, this project seeks to shift clergy care from isolated survival to holistic, systemic support — restoring pastors to God, themselves, and the heart of their vocational calling.

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