Defining Reality and the Need: Establishing the Case for Governance Reform in a Dissertation-in-Praxis

This podcast episode documents Week 3 of a Dissertation-in-Praxis (DiP) project within the Ed.D. in Christian Leadership program (CLED 885) at Liberty University. The episode advances the praxis sequence by moving beyond problem identification to a disciplined examination of present organizational reality and the conditions that necessitate change.

The focus of this episode is Defining Reality: The Current Need within Anointed Connect Church. Drawing on organizational documents, leadership practices, and established planning and governance theory, the episode clarifies how informal authority structures, decision-making ambiguity, and the absence of codified accountability mechanisms have produced operational strain. The analysis demonstrates that the issue represents an application gap rather than a gap in research literature—existing knowledge has not been systematically applied within the organization’s current context.

Consistent with the Dissertation-in-Praxis model, this episode does not propose final solutions. Instead, it establishes the empirical, organizational, and theological rationale for intervention, ensuring that subsequent governance reforms are grounded in reality rather than assumption. The episode serves as an academic artifact documenting how theory, context, and reflective analysis inform action-oriented leadership practice.

Academic Disclosure

This podcast episode was developed as part of doctoral coursework for the Ed.D. in Christian Leadership (CLED 885) at Liberty University. It is intended solely for academic and educational purposes in support of a Dissertation-in-Praxis project.

Contextual Disclosure

References to Anointed Connect Church are used to illustrate a real organizational setting for applied leadership analysis. Descriptions and interpretations reflect current conditions within this specific context and are not intended to represent normative standards or best practices for other organizations.

Scope Limitation

The content presented is praxis-focused and context-specific. Observations, analyses, and insights are not generalized beyond the collaborating organization and do not constitute legal, governance, or professional consulting advice.