Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

First Advisor

Christopher Rappazini, PhD

Abstract

This quantitative correlational study examined the extent to which servant leadership behaviors predict organizational culture in small African American Baptist churches in Central Arkansas. In light of the post-pandemic decline in church membership and participation, the study explored whether enhancing church culture through leadership practices could help stabilize or grow congregational engagement. The primary research question was: To what extent do servant leadership behaviors predict organizational culture in these churches? Five dimensions of servant leadership—altruistic calling, emotional healing, wisdom, persuasive mapping, and organizational stewardship—were evaluated. The study involved 150 participants from churches affiliated with the state’s two major African American Baptist conventions. Data were collected using established survey instruments and analyzed using correlational methods. The findings revealed that while all five servant leadership behaviors collectively contributed to a statistically significant prediction of organizational culture, only altruistic calling emerged as a uniquely significant individual predictor. This suggests that leaders who demonstrate a deep commitment to placing others’ needs above their own may be particularly influential in shaping church culture. The study contributes to both the literature and practice by highlighting the centrality of altruistic calling within servant leadership as a key driver of organizational health in church contexts. Recommendations for future research include a deeper exploration of altruistic calling and its distinct impact on organizational culture in similar ecclesial environments.

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