Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLd)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Ekaputra Tupamahu, PhD

Second Advisor

Jennie Harrop, PhD

Third Advisor

Jason Swan Clark, DMin

Abstract

Despite multiculturalism being an official policy in Canada since 1971, significant challenges remain in achieving genuine belonging among immigrant communities, particularly within leadership structures. This project responds to the marginalization of diasporic and newer-to-Canada leaders within evangelically aligned Canadian organizations, focusing specifically on leadership culture.

Grounded in biblical and theological scholarship that advocates for unity amid cultural diversity, this project articulates a normative and interpretive framework rooted in the Christian theological tradition. It also integrates insights from sociological and organizational studies that examine power, ethnocentrism, and the psychological experiences of visible minorities within dominant cultural contexts. I found how implicit power dynamics, cultural hierarchies, and normalized leadership models can perpetuate exclusion despite stated commitments to diversity. After moving through the processes of discovery and design, I recognized that addressing these challenges requires a shift from mere multicultural representation toward polycultural leadership formation, with an emphasis on mutual influence, shared authority, and co learning.

Drawing from my own practitioner research within the World Evangelical Alliance Peace and Reconciliation Network and Lausanne Movement Canada, the project presents the Everyone’s Table as an experiential learning resource for polycultural leadership development. The experience employs immersive, relational, and experiential learning processes that engage senior leaders from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds in shared leadership growth. By positioning participants simultaneously as teachers and learners, hosts and guests, the model seeks to transform leadership culture and strengthen cross-cultural networks.

This project has potential to transform leadership culture among evangelical leaders in Canada by proposing a practicable framework for cultivating polycultural leadership within Canadian evangelical contexts. It offers a new imaginary for faith-based organizations seeking to move beyond symbolic inclusion toward shared leadership and collective belonging.

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