Doctoral Research

Date: 7/26/2025

Hello. I am a doctoral learner under the direction of Professor Dolores Kelly in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University. My name is Brian Keldsen. I am conducting a research study to explore how Christian ministry leaders understand their calling. As you know, a ministry leader’s sense of calling can change over time. This study explores the experiences of a divine calling in ministry among Christian ministers.

INCLUSION- I am recruiting individuals that meet these criteria:

• Are a Christian ministry leader.
• Identify as someone with a call to leadership in Christian ministry.
• Have been engaged in a leadership role at a Christian Ministry for at least 10 years.
• Are willing to answer questions regarding your ministry calling while being recorded.

EXCLUSION- You cannot be in this study if:

• You are under 29 years of age.
• Cannot describe a calling into a position of leadership in Christian ministry.
• Are unwilling to be recorded while answering questions about your calling and experience in ministry.

The ACTIVITIES for this research project will include:

• Answer demographic questions about your age, gender, and current ministry.
• A recorded, one on one interview on Zoom lasting 60-90 minutes.
• This interview will ask questions about your calling into ministry, and questions that explore the challenges you have faced in ministry.

Your participation in this study is voluntary. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can stop at any time. If you choose to be interviewed, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card from a Christian bookstore.

All data in this study will be protected by password protected hard drives. Also, your identity will be kept strictly confidential. Any identifying information will be removed from the meeting transcripts. All physical documents will be stored in a locked file cabinet. Data will be stored for a minimum of three years in password protected hard drives. After the project is complete, the digital data will be erased. The hard drives will be destroyed by a local computer technician specializing in data disposal. A commercial shredder will destroy any physical copies of transcripts or paper forms.

If you have questions about this study or are interested in participating, please contact me at bkeldsen.org, or email me at bckeldsen@gmail.com for more information and next steps.

Thank you!

Brian Keldsen

Click here if you would like to participate.