Equipping leaders With research-backed resources

This research project started with the De Pree Center obtaining nominations of Christian marketplace leaders who exemplified the 11 characteristics identified in the first phase of our research. We interviewed 34 individuals from a wide variety of industries to learn more about them, including what contributed to their formation as healthy marketplace leaders.

The De Pree Center began its investigation into mentoring with an exemplar study. We interviewed 19 individuals aged 50 and over who were nominated for being exemplary mentors. We wanted to understand their experiences with mentoring.  Next, we conducted a survey among Christians aged 18-49 to learn about their mentoring experiences. 244 individuals met the survey criteria and completed the survey. Here are the results of this study.

The De Pree Center conducted 25 interviews with executive-level leaders who are Christians to understand how they experience joy in the workplace. We listened to leaders working across a variety of industries share their perspectives on what promotes or hinders joy in their work. The De Pree Center then hosted 3 recorded conversations on topics drawn from the emerging findings. These conversations were facilitated by Dr. Meryl Herr and included expert professionals and practitioners in the related topics. The De Pree Center uses what we learned in this study to create resources to help marketplace leaders cultivate and practice joy in their work.

The Third Third research project began  with Senior Researcher Ruth Hill and Senior Strategist Mark Roberts interviewing a group of pastors, parachurch leaders, and authors who are experts on ministry to older adults. Several major themes emerged from this research and provided a framework for develop resources such as a training workshop for pastors. Our Third Third research project continued with former Director of Research and Resources Meryl Herr along with Senior Strategist Mark Roberts and external consultant Amy Hanson conducting a survey to understand the experiences of Christian older adults. This study helps us better equip individuals in the third third of life to live fully, faithfully, and fruitfully.

The Max De Pree Center for Leadership and Pannell Center for Black Church Studies collaborated on a research study to learn about the experiences of Black Christian business leaders.

Thirty-eight individuals participated in the study. Fifteen of the participants were female, and 23 were male. The sample consisted of 14 seasoned Black Christian business leaders, 17 young Black Christian business leaders, and 7 pastors.