EdD in Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry - Online

Prepare To Lead in Christian Faith-Based Organizations

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry at Grand Canyon University offers a qualitative approach to exploring foundational skills and current research in leading ministry and church organizations. This doctoral program allows you to study trends in organizational leadership, conduct original research and contribute to the field of ministry leadership. At our private Christian university, you'll engage in qualitative data collection, analysis and reflection, alongside opportunities to deepen your relationship with God.

Advanced Faith-Based Leadership From GCU

Deepen your Christian faith while pursuing academic excellence with a faith-based doctorate. This program, offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, is designed specifically for aspiring and active church leaders who are interested in growing their leadership skills and making an original research-based contribution to the field. You will examine not only theory but also the potential applications of various course topics to modern issues within biblical ministry settings. Knowledgeable professors will encourage you to reflect critically upon what it means to be a biblically principled leader and how to make a positive impact on your community within a ministerial context.

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Choose a Flexible Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

You can earn your doctorate online at GCU with the exception of your residency courses that must be done in person. Our intuitive learning platform fosters optimal collaboration among learners, peers and faculty. Engage with diverse perspectives from peers while learning from instructors who are experienced in their fields. Navigate through a focused curriculum that builds foundational knowledge in biblical stewardship and practical leadership skills.

Christian Ministry Courses

The coursework will challenge you to recognize and apply ethical, moral and faith-integrated leadership principles to express aspects of the Christian worldview that affect human values and dignity. From the first course, you will begin working on the integrated dissertation process. While diving into dispositions and techniques for researching and writing, you will be expected to develop a sound dissertation research topic that will guide you through the execution of original research and the development of the doctoral dissertation. You will be required to actively engage with other scholars' input while conducting independent research under the guidance of your dissertation committee.

During this doctoral degree program, you will be guided to refine a range of widely applicable soft skills, including the following:

Critical thinking
Ethical decision making
Self-motivation
Research and analysis

Analytical reasoning
Resilience and adaptability to change
Communication and collaboration
A servant leader mindset

Examine Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility

Throughout the Christian ministry leadership courses, you will receive ongoing feedback on your dissertation, fostering moral leadership and a commitment to civic responsibility to help shape the overall vision of your project. During the in-person residencies, you will engage in networking with peers, present your progress and provide thoughtful critiques of their work.

In addition, you will closely examine the following topic areas:

The role of leadership in the disciple-making process, with a look at the interrelationship of disciples and volunteers
The theories, theorists and theology of leadership, including change management in the ministry
The contextualization of ministry as a means for the Church to remain relevant to the culture and community
The opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment, with a focus on the aspects of leading global and diverse workforces

Explore Career Options With Bible-Based Ministry Skills

Emerge from this advanced degree program with a renewed and strengthened sense of faith blended with purpose. This qualitative program helps prepare graduates to become stewards of faith and to drive forward progress within faith-based settings.

Upon graduation, you may choose to pursue roles that may enable you to make a positive impact on ministerial organizations through competent, principled leadership. Prepare to lead others with integrity as you nurture the Christian worldview.

Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship

Now Available

GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.^§

Take Doctoral Classes From an Institutionally Accredited University

At GCU, we’re proud to be an institutionally accredited university that prioritizes the quality of our Christian education. With degree programs rooted in the Christian faith, GCU strives to graduate the next generation of faith-centered leaders. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

Christian Ministry Leadership FAQs

Some questions may occur to you as you reflect upon your intended career path and advanced degree options. GCU has compiled the following frequently asked questions and answers to guide your decision-making process.

Is an online EdD in Organizational Leadership worth it?

You might find an online doctorate in organizational leadership to be valuable. An online doctorate in organizational leadership can offer significant value. This program offers the chance to deeply explore leadership competencies and techniques, refine your own leadership style and apply theoretical insights to everyday situations. Through conducting original research, you can also contribute to the field. If you’re eager to enhance your leadership skills and confidence, pursuing an EdD in Organizational Leadership can be worth it for you.

What is an EdD degree in Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry?

This doctoral degree is a terminal degree aimed at helping you enhance your effectiveness as a leader. It can equip you to navigate a complex landscape while encouraging team members to achieve their full potential. An EdD degree that focuses on Christian ministry leadership is designed to challenge current and aspiring Christian leaders to refine their ministerial leadership style and lead faith-based organizations with integrity and in accordance with biblical principles.

What’s the difference between a PhD and an EdD for Christian ministry leadership?

Both an EdD and a PhD in organizational leadership for faith-based settings will focus on topics of relevance to current and aspiring Christian leaders. However, they aren’t quite the same degree.

The PhD focuses predominantly on theoretical research, making it ideal for those who aspire to pursue careers in academia or other scholarly settings. The EdD, on the other hand, is designed for practitioners who are interested in leadership roles outside of academia, in which they can apply theoretical knowledge to everyday situations.¹

Lead in Faith-Based Organizations

Enroll in GCU's doctoral degree with an emphasis on Christian ministry and prepare to lead with faith and integrity.

^§MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Sept2024: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in September 2024. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.

¹ OnlineEdDPrograms.com. (2023, Feb. 1). Question: What is an EdD in organizational leadership? Retrieved July 18, 2024.

Time to Completion and Dissertation Process

To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.

Course List

Major:

60 credits

Degree Requirements:

60 credits

Core Courses

RES-815: Introduction to Research Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.

RES-820A: The Literature Landscape: Organizational Leadership Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.

LDR-800: Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines multiple ethical frameworks, principles, and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership. Corporate social responsibility will be addressed from the perspective of ethical decision making. Prerequisite: RES-815.

LDR-825: Strategic Planning and Change Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the impact of leadership and the effects of behaviors on the formulation and execution of strategy within an organization. Topics include the increasing importance of resilience and change in today’s global and turbulent economy.

RES-831: Foundations of Research Design 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.

RES-832: Foundations of Research Design 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.

RSD-851: Residency: Dissertation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This residency allows learners to continue developing their skills as academic researchers. Learners will have hands-on experience applying quantitative and qualitative design principals to develop the foundational elements for their potential dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-850, RES-825, RES-831, or RCS-831.

MIN-812: Theology of Leadership Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the theories, theorists, and theology of leadership. Change management in ministry is addressed through the lenses of these theories and theology.

MIN-817: Christian Ministry and Culture Total Credits: 3

Course Description

The intersection of Christian ministry and culture is the primary focus of this course. Contextualization is explored as a means for the Church to remain relevant to the culture and community in order to bring about enduring change.

MIN-822: Trends and Issues in Christian Ministry Total Credits: 3

Course Description

Contemporary Christian ministry faces a set of challenges that are often unique to postmodern culture. This course explores those challenges and the role of the Christian ministry leader in mitigating them.

RES-841: Designing a Qualitative Study 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners explore the basic components of GCU qualitative core research designs including descriptive, case study, and phenomenology. The nature of epistemological foundations and the structure of problem statements, purpose statements, research questions, data sources, collection and analysis approaches are discussed in the context of each design.

RES-843: Designing a Qualitative Study 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners differentiate the epistemological foundations and explore the data trustworthiness, research ethics, and potential for bias in descriptive, case study, and phenomenology research designs. The process of building a rationale for design choice and aligning the research questions, interview questions, problem statement, and purpose statement is addressed. Sources of qualitative data are introduced for each design, and ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-841.

LDR-804: Leading Across Cultures Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course explores the opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment. The course topics focus on aspects of leading global and diverse workforces, and on theories of leadership and leadership development in diverse and global cultures.

RSD-883: Residency: The Qualitative Dissertation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this residency, learners orally present and defend an expanded design of their preliminary dissertation research from RSD-851. Emphasis is placed on developing the qualitative dissertation. Prerequisite: RES-843.

MIN-827: Practical Considerations in Christian Ministry Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course presents potential applications of topics in Christian ministry leadership. Learners connect these ideas to their research interests.

DIS-955: Dissertation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: RES-871, RES-885, RSD-883, or RSD-884.

RES-873: Qualitative Data Collection and Management Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners explore qualitative data collection techniques and sources of qualitative data in the context of answering the research questions posed by a study. Consideration is given to the recognition of data saturation and the management of data. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs to prepare a written statement of data collection, and management activities. Prerequisites: RES-843 and one of the following: DBA-955 or DIS-955 or DHA-955 or PSY-955 or PCE-955 or TLC-955.

DIS-960: Dissertation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DIS-955.

RES-883: Qualitative Data Analysis, Results and Findings Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of qualitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisites: RES-873 and one of the following: DBA-960 or DIS-960 or DHA-960 or PSY-960 or PCE-960 or TLC-960.

DIS-965: Dissertation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DIS-960.

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

DIS-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-965.

DIS-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-966 or DIS-966E.

DIS-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-967 or DIS-967E.

DIS-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-968 or DIS-968E; RSD-951.

DIS-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-969 or DIS-969E.

DIS-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-970 or DIS-970E.

DIS-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-971E.

DIS-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-972E.

DIS-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-973E.