Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership With Christian Ministry

Pastor giving a sermon on stage
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.§
Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship
Apply Today!
Overview

Prepare To Lead in Christian Faith-Based Organizations

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership: 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.

Pastor standing at the front of a church
Organizational leader on stage talking to audience
Why GCU

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.

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.


This Degree Is Offered Online

Coursework

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. 

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.

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.

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
Careers

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.

Organizational leader talking on stage
Accreditation

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.

FAQ

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.

Organizational leader talking to a crowd

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.

Apply Now

§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. 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. 

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to ApplyI Need More Information