| |
| author |
Crystal Elizabeth James
| | title |
A Theology of Place: Faith-Based Community Hubs and Their Role in Fostering Leadership Development Among Black Youth
| | abstract |
This research examines how Black churches function as faith-based community hubs and how these spaces contribute to leadership development among Black youth. Historically, the Black church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a space where individuals gathered, built relationships, and developed a sense of responsibility beyond themselves. As churches experience shifts in participation and institutional stability, questions arise about how leadership development is unfolding in the current context. This research uses a qualitative approach grounded in interviews with eleven individuals who grew up actively involved in Black church environments. Participants reflected on their experiences, including involvement in ministries, relationships with mentors, and opportunities to assume responsibility. Their responses were analyzed to identify patterns in how leadership developed over time. The findings indicate that leadership formation does not occur primarily through formal programs, but through consistent participation, relational engagement, and lived experience within the church community. Young people developed leadership capacity by being present, by being entrusted with responsibility, and by being shaped within environments where expectations were clear and support was available. These experiences contributed to the development of confidence, identity, and purpose. Through a Theology of Place, the church is understood not simply as a physical structure, but as a formative space where relationships and shared experiences shape individuals. This research suggests that sustaining leadership development among Black youth requires intentional attention to cultivating spaces where participation, connection, and responsibility remain central. The ongoing challenge is not only to preserve the institution but also to ensure that it continues to function as a place of formation.
| | school |
The Theological School, Drew University
| | degree |
D.Min. (2026)
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| advisor |
Sidney Williams
|
| committee |
Melinda Contreras-Byrd
Amber Reid
|
| full text | CJames.pdf |
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