Factors that lead to success or failure in implementing men's discipleship programs in four Protestant churches: A study in organizational change

Approximately one-third of all organizational change initiatives succeed regardless of whether they are in the public, private, or nonprofit sector of the economy. Although there is continuing research on the important factors needed for successful organizational initiatives, many of these concepts have simply not migrated to church-based programs where new concepts are needed.; The purpose of this research was to develop a model for implementing an effective men's discipleship program. The key research question was to analyze why and how implementation factors present in effective programs differed from factors in ineffective and failed programs. In response, a multiple-case study was designed to analyze implementation factors that contributed to the success or failure of church-based men's discipleship programs in four Protestant churches in Florida and Ohio. Program implementation and organizational change factors found in literature were grouped into nine themes. Interviews, documents, and observations were conducted in each church to determine the presence or absence of those factors.; Virtually all of the factors from literature were present in the effective programs, but significant factors were absent or neglected in the ineffective and failed programs. It is concluded that the three main differentiated factors for the churches with effective programs were: (a) a senior pastor who personally championed the program, (b) a clear, compelling vision to include every man in the church in a discipleship program, and (c) a sustainable ministry planning model. One result of this research is a model that church organizations can use to implement an effective program, including a checklist to determine if the church is ready to implement such a program. The benefit to society is a model that encourages the further transfer of successful organizational concepts from the for profit area to nonprofit organizations.