Adaptive Leadership Behaviors of United Methodist Lead Pastors and Their Impact on Church Growth: A Study of Medium and Large Congregations

Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD)

Committee Chair

Timothy Reymann

Committee Member

Mark Ryan

Committee Member

John Nadalin

Abstract

This research study explores how adaptive leadership behaviors of United Methodist clergy serving as lead pastors in medium and large churches impact church growth. Within the United Methodist Church, leadership faces a critical knowledge gap in understanding the adaptive leadership behaviors of its clergy. This lack of understanding is especially pronounced in medium and large sized churches, where the complexity of leadership challenges may be greater. Without a clear understanding of these adaptive leadership behaviors, the United Methodist Church may struggle to effectively develop and support its clergy in navigating the evolving challenges of modern ministry and fostering church growth. The methodology utilized was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. The primary quantitative research question for this study is: What are the adaptive leadership behaviors used by United Methodist clergy serving as lead pastors in medium and large churches? The primary qualitative research question for this study is: what are the effects of adaptive leadership behaviors on church growth? The results of this research study showed a moderate positive correlation between adaptive leadership behavior use and church growth. The results of this research study also provided detailed qualitative data about clergy adaptive leadership behaviors, strategies for church growth, and an outlier theme of clergy self-care as an important leadership behavior.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS