Abstracts Category : Other

Servant leaders : engaging in spiritual disciplines fortransformative leadership in a congregational setting.

by Cassandra Lane Salter-Smith

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine theeffectiveness of servant leader's participation in lifetransforming spiritual growth opportunities. It was believed thatas servant leaders intentionally participated in opportunities,they would develop a deeper relationship with God and would becomemore faithful and accountable disciples. To test this thesis,servant leaders participated in three life transforming ministryopportunities, which utilized the following: (1) Scripture Study,(2) Selected Negro Spirituals and (3) the prayer model of LectioDivina (Divine Reading). The participants engaged in reflectivediscussions and activities to assist them with their spiritualgrowth. These ministries were instrumental for their intentionaland ongoing personal transformation: spiritually, intellectuallyand emotionally. The results of this research project confirmedthat through intentionally utilizing transformative ministryopportunities, servant leaders grew and evolved. This studycontributes to effective spiritual disciplines and practices as oneengages in transformative experiences. In the 21st Century andbeyond, the Body of Christ must be intentional about theirspiritual growth as servant leaders. We live in an era where otheropportunities are vying for one's time; this can become a hindranceto one's personal encounters with God and the corporate worshipexperiences and Bible Study. Our time under God is now andeffective servant leaders should intentionally engage in lifetransforming ministries to make a difference for God's Kingdom onearth.