The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the influence that head athletic coaches have on the spiritual development of their athletes at faith-based colleges and universities. Using van Dierendonck's (2011) Servant Leadership model as a theoretical framework, student-athletes from three Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions in the Central Southwest were surveyed to determine what percentage of athletes attribute spiritual development to their coach and which leadership characteristics demonstrated by their coaches are the most effective in fostering spiritual development. Participants responded to a demographic questionnaire and were then directed to complete van Dierendonck and Nuijten's (2010) Servant Leadership Survey (SLS). The independent variables were empowerment, humility, authenticity, and stewardship. The dependent variable was student-athlete spiritual development. Findings revealed that a substantial portion of student-athletes reported their head coach had impacted their spiritual development. Significant relationships were revealed between each of four head coach characteristics that were tested and student-athlete spiritual development. A significant relationship was found between van Dierendonck's (2011) servant leadership model and student-athlete spiritual development. This study provides valuable insight for executives and athletic directors at faith-based institutions when considering future personnel decisions. It can also serve coaches in how they manage student-athletes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]