Stephen Sirris

Stephen Sirris is an Adjunct Professor in Diaconal Studies at MF University College of Theology, Religion and Society. His work focuses on leadership dynamics in religious organizations, volunteer management, and organizational identity within faith-based institutions. He holds a PhD in management studies with research on hybrid managerial and professional roles in faith-based health organizations. Key affiliations include the Center for Diaconia and Professional Practice at VID University College.

Research Interests:

• Leadership in religious organizations
• Volunteer management strategies
• Organizational identity in non-profits
• Ethics and church governance
• Professionalism in ministry roles

Recent Work Trends: His 2023-2024 publications emphasize church-state dynamics, volunteer culture in Norwegian congregations, and boundary work between pastoral and managerial roles. He consistently bridges theology and organizational theory, analyzing how religious institutions navigate secularization pressures while maintaining core values.

Grants & Projects: Lead researcher on the Managers negotiating identities project (completed), examining hybrid professional-managerial identities in faith-based organizations.

Labs/Teams: Active in the MF Chronicle research collective, contributing to public discourse on church democracy and non-profit sector roles.