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Outside the Church Walls: An Empirical Exploration of Organizational Culture and Pastoral Leadership in Two Urban Churches

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A mini-ethnographic case study explored the interconnections of organizational culture and pastoral leadership with sustainable outreach in two very different churches that focus on ministry to people with life-controlling issues and economic need: a small, primarily Black church in the Great Lakes region and a large, primarily White and Hispanic church in the western United States. Despite their differences, the churches shared similar espoused values and leadership characteristics that facilitated their outreach initiatives. Themes derived from the data include altruistic foundations, the value of relationships, exemplary pastoral leadership, organizational challenges, agile organizational systems, and the centrality of God.

Source: ePlace - Preserving, Learning, and Creative Exchange (Asbury Theological Seminary)

Authors: Gordon-Scott, Althea P., Henson, Joshua D., Peters, Bethany D., Hutchins, Katrina

Institution: Southeastern University

Topic: Contemporary Christian Leadership and Education

Subfield: Religious studies

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7220069173

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