Pastoral Transformational Leadership and Church Human Service Provision

Pastoral Transformational Leadership and Church Human Service Provision by Debra Harding Allen MA, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1977 BS, North Carolina Central University, 1974 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2017 Abstract As the poverty rate continues to rise, many individuals seek assistance to help meet basic needs. Previous research has indicated that churches provide a social safety net for those in need, yet some churches choose not to become human service providers. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore how pastoral transformational leadership influences a church’s decision to become a provider of human services among AfricanAs the poverty rate continues to rise, many individuals seek assistance to help meet basic needs. Previous research has indicated that churches provide a social safety net for those in need, yet some churches choose not to become human service providers. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore how pastoral transformational leadership influences a church’s decision to become a provider of human services among African American pastors and churches. Transformational leadership provided the theoretical framework for this study. The purposeful sample included bounded systems of 5 pastors and their respective churches. Each case was bound by race, location, and denomination. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used as a tool to identify each pastor’s leadership style, and interviews were used to determine how the church becomes a human service provider. Interviews were transcribed, inductively coded, and analyzed to identify recurring themes. The results of this research indicated that the transformational pastor is influential in all aspects of the church’s human service initiatives. The transformational pastor plays a key role in determining whether the church becomes involved in human service initiatives, and he or she remains involved throughout initiation, implementation, and sustainability. Findings from this study may influence pastoral leadership training and provide a framework for churches and communities who wish to help meet the social needs in their communities. If churches consistently address poverty-related issues, they can address the underlying problems associated with it. This can result in a decrease in the poverty rate over time. This contribution can potentially help decrease the rate of poverty in the community. Pastoral Transformational Leadership and Church Human Service Provision by Debra Harding Allen MS, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1977 BS, North Carolina Central University, 1974 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my family and friends who supported me throughout this journey. Your prayers and encouraging words enabled me to persevere. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I give God all glory, honor, and praise for the academic acumen, faith, and strength to complete this dissertation journey. I am grateful to my Committee Chair, Dr. Cassandra Caldwell, my Methodology Expert, Dr. Gloria Billingsley, and my University Research Reviewer, Dr. Anne J. Hacker. Their guidance, expertise, and feedback were an invaluable part of this process. I am also grateful to the late Dr. Pamela Lewis, whom I met during my residency experience. Dr. Lewis helped me define my research problem and conceptual framework and was a great source of inspiration to me.