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Devin West, Ph.D. is a 2026 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

devin west committee

Devin West at his Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Anuradha Mitra, Committee Member, Dr. Betty Overton Committee Chair, Dr. Daniel Diaz, Committee Member.

Dissertation Committee

  • Betty Overton Adkins, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Daniel Diaz, PhD, Committee Member
  • Anuradha Mitra, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

African American Gen Z Christians, authenticity, Black Baptist Church, confluential trance, digital natives, generational differences, IGens, mobilization, nones, pseudo-social organizations, social justice, tradition

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This dissertation examines the perspectives of Black Generation Z Christians regarding factors within the Black Baptist church that may limit their full engagement. In this study, the Black Baptist church refers to congregations with predominantly Black membership led by Black pastors. Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is forming its religious identity within a rapidly changing cultural and institutional environment. Historically, the Black Church has served as a central institution in African American communities, functioning as a place of worship as well as a source of social support, leadership development, identity formation, and justice advocacy (Lincoln & Mamiya, 1990). This study explores the attitudes and practices of the Black Baptist church through the perspectives of Generation Z while considering the influence of earlier generations. The research identifies generational differences that may hinder engagement and explores ways the church may foster greater participation and leadership among Black Gen Z Christians. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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devin west

Devin West

ORCID No.:  #0009-0001-5696-8032

Dr. Devin E. West currently serves as the Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio. A native of Franklin, Kentucky, Dr. West accepted his call to the preaching ministry in 2004 and has faithfully committed himself to theological education, spiritual leadership, and community transformation.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from the American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee, and a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. In October 2025, Dr. West successfully defended his doctoral dissertation and completed his PhD in Leadership and Change.

Dr. West fulfills his pastoral assignment by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through weekly worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays, and by hosting a nationwide First Fruits Prayer Call every Thursday morning. Under his leadership, Pilgrim Baptist Church has experienced both numerical and spiritual growth, bearing witness to God’s continued favor and movement among the congregation.

He remains actively engaged in community and ecumenical initiatives, working closely with city leaders, public officials, and local and global pastors. Dr. West has served on numerous boards and held leadership roles such as Board member of Richard Allen Charter Schools, Dean of Christian Education and Associate Dean of the Congress of Christian Education, bringing exuberant energy, expanding vision, and a deep commitment to organizational vitality. His ministry and scholarship are driven by a passion to bridge racial divides that continue to hinder the church’s witness and capacity for transformative change. Dr. West is also a duly consecrated Bishop in FOCCUS (Fellowship of Churches United in Service) International.

Dr. West is a devoted husband to Sandra Andrade-West and a loving, generous, and nurturing father to Devron, Dasani, Dominique, and Destiny.

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