Years Of Ministry Research Articles

The Eagle’s Nest Effect in the Pastoral Career

The research involved surveying active pastors of the Reformed Church in Hungary through an online tool between 2 May and 18 June 2023. In our current analysis, we included pastors with active status in Hungary (N = 681). In this study, we looked at the mental health of those in their first five years of ministry compared to those who have served longer. In terms of well-being, there is a higher proportion of pastors at risk among those who have served for 1–5 years. In this essay, we explore the possible causes of this phenomenon and formulate hypotheses for further research. We discuss the challenges and complexities faced by pastors in contemporary society, highlighting the changing roles and expectations within the church. The findings suggest that pastors often experience fatigue, emotional challenges, and conflicting expectations. The diversity of pastoral roles, evolving societal norms, and the pastor’s evolving identity contribute to the complexity of their responsibilities. This paper identifies different phases in the pastor’s journey, from initial exposure to pastoral life to assuming the role professionally. It emphasizes that becoming a pastor is not just learning a role but a transformation of one’s identity and a continuous integration of faith into everyday life. Keywords: pastor, early career, well-being, quantitative survey

Factors impacting turnover intention of Catholic priests in the Eastern region of the United States

ABSTRACT Turnover intention is positively associated with actual turnover. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that impact turnover intention of Catholic priests. The participants (n = 333) were Catholic priest from the Eastern region of the United States who completed a demographic, Vocational intention, and Physical Symptoms Inventory. Frequency analysis and logistic regression analyses were conducted. A majority (85.3%) of Catholic priests surveyed had never considered leaving active ministry, while 14.7% had either considered or are planning to leave the priesthood. Compared to their peers, priests of colour (OR = 4.99), those living in community with other priests (OR = 4.42), and with 11–30 years of ministry (OR = 3.39) were significantly more likely to report turnover intentions. More (arch)diocesan support and retention efforts should be provided for the minority priests, those with less than 30 years active ministry, and those living alone or with another priest.

Holding church, academy and society together: Joanna Leidenhag in conversation with David Fergusson

The editorial board of Theology in Scotland wishes to mark an exceptional contribution of one of the founders of the journal, Rev Prof David Fergusson. After many years of ministry and work in Scotland, Prof Fergusson recently took up the post of Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, which also brought about his retirement from the editorial board. In this interview with Dr Joanna Leidenhag he shares a little of his own theological journey as well as insights into Scottish theology.

Matthew Henry’s Move to Hackney in 1712

Whereas calls were usually disposed of in a short space of time, the one from Mare Street Chapel in Hackney to Matthew Henry took twenty-three months. The difficulty lay with Matthew Henry himself. He vacillated, alternately wishing to accept the call and then wishing to remain with his beloved congregation in Chester. Pressured from both sides, he tried to withdraw his acceptance of the call, but the people at Hackney held him to his word. Before leaving Chester, he was an ill man, but he drove himself to be a faithful pastor at Hackney while trying to finish his Exposition of Holy Scripture and serve the wider dissenting community in London. Kidney stones and late-onset diabetes seriously affected him, distorting his decision making and ultimately bringing about his death after just two years of ministry in Hackney.

The Complexity of Assessing Ministry-Specific Satisfaction and Stress

Christian ministry work can be gratifying, but it also carries a risk of burnout. Despite research documenting clergy stress and wellness, few questionnaires measure ministry life aspects that contribute to clergy burnout or wellness. To fill this gap, we developed the positive aspects (PAI) and negative aspects (NAI) inventories. These questionnaires measure the intensity and frequency of positive and negative aspects of ministry life. The present research further tests the viability of the PAI and NAI. Confirmatory factor analyses suggest that the PAI is best represented by 17 factors, whereas 12 factors best characterize the NAI. Importantly, correlation patterns between PAI and NAI scores and indices of burnout suggest distinct patterns of burnout. Furthermore, exploratory tests of PAI and NAI scores by gender, ordination status, and years in ministry demonstrated crucial differences. This research advances the understanding of clergy wellness and has implications for assessment and intervention.

Teme pastoral-misionare și liturgice în „pimenicele“ patriarhului Justin Moisescu

As a result of the Decision of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, 2019 year gives us the opportunity to honor Patriarch Justin Moisescu. He was a special hierarch due to his Olympic profile, to his complex personality and to his ministry and work, providential for the Romanian Orthodoxy of the 80’s of the last century. He was a professor of theology of high moral and scientific value, who taught the students during the communist era, at the Faculties of Theology in Warsaw and Bucharest, fundamental disciplines such as “New Testament Study”. Concerned with translating reference works into Romanian, he is the initiator of a monumental work: the translation into Romanian language of the Holy Fathers’ works. Due to his programmatic idea, more than 100 volumes have been produced so far, which are part of the collection “Parents and Church Writers” ( “P.S.B.”). The present study seeks to highlight and bring to light the texts of theb “Pastoral” which the hierarch Justin Moisescu, during his 30 years of ministry, addressed to the clergy and to the people, as: 1. Archbishop of Sibiu, 2. Archbishop of Iasi and Metropolitan of Moldova and Suceava and 3. Archbishop of Bucharest, Metropolitan of Ungrovlahia and Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Occupational Distress and Health among a Sample of Christian Clergy

To examine the association between occupational distress, physical and mental health, and health behaviors among clergy, a convenience sample of full-time Christian clergy (N = 221) completed a questionnaire that included the Clergy Occupational Distress Index (CODI) as well as demographic, occupational, health, and behavioral variables. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Higher scores on the CODI were associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, more hours spent sitting per day, and more hours worked per week. Although years in ministry was not associated with scores on the CODI, a covariate in the model (age) did exhibit an inverse relationship with scores on the CODI. The present study provides support for the potential of occupational distress to negatively influence the health of full-time Christian clergy, especially those who are younger. Further research is needed to examine the temporal relationships among occupational distress, health, and health behaviors among full-time clergy.

Análise perceptivo-auditiva e autopercepção da voz em pastores evangélicos

Objetivo: verificar a associação entre a qualidade da voz e queixa vocal com as variáveis, gênero, idade, tempo de ministério, horas de trabalho, parâmetros vocais e autopercepção vocal em pastores evangélicos. Método: estudo descritivo, analítico de delineamento transversal. Amostra de 52 religiosos, entre 20 a 69 anos; 38 homens e 14 mulheres, média de 8 horas de trabalho, entre 1 a 32 anos de ministério. Foram incluídos pastores ou pastoras, entre 20 a 69 anos, em exercício ministerial e excluídos pastores gagos ou que estivessem resfriados. Procedimentos: gravação das vozes dos participantes, com a emissão da vogal sustentada /a/, dos dias da semana e a leitura de um trecho aleatório do livro de salmos da Bíblia Sagrada. Em seguida, três fonoaudiólogas especialistas em voz, e por consenso, realizaram análise perceptivo auditiva da voz. Houve também aplicação de um questionário com identificação dos dados sociodemográficos e autopercepção da voz e de aspectos da fala em público. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados e os testes de associação Qui Quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher. O nível de significância adotado foi de p≤0,05 (5%). Resultados: a qualidade vocal foi avaliada como alterada em 47,2% da amostra, com grau de alteração leve 41,5%. Os demais parâmetros vocais pitch, articulação, loudness, ressonância, velocidade de fala foram considerados adequados na maioria da amostra. 78,85% dos pastores mostrou uma boa autopercepção da fala em público, 52% autoperceberam a voz como razoável e a maioria, 76,9%, relatou queixas vocais de cansaço e rouquidão após o uso da voz; quase todos os pastores (92,5%) disseram que são capazes de manter a atenção e influenciar o ouvinte ao falar em público. Houve associação das queixas vocais com o gênero masculino (p<0,001), faixa etária de 39 a 58 anos (p<0,001) e com profissionais que utilizavam a voz de 5 a 8 horas por dia (p<0,001). As demais variáveis não se associaram com as queixas. Houve associação da qualidade vocal alterada (p<0,034) com a faixa etária de 39 a 58 anos, grau de alteração vocal leve (p<0,001) com a ressonância alterada (p<0,001), pitch (p <0,003) e autopercepção da fala em público (p<0,001) adequados. Conclusão: a maioria dos pastores evangélicos apresenta relato de queixas vocais de cansaço vocal e rouquidão após o uso da voz profissional, mais incidente no sexo masculino, entre 39 a 58 anos, nos pastores que usam a voz de 5 a 8 horas por dia. Quase metade deles apresenta qualidade de voz alterada, associada a esta mesma faixa etária, com alteração da ressonância. Pitch e autopercepção da fala em público adequados.

Huldrych Zwingli: Reformation in Conflict

Abstract The Swiss reformer Huldrych Zwingli was a pioneering and domineering voice during the early sixteenth century, especially at the genesis of the Protestant Reformation. Despite his stature, Reformation historiography has sadly relegated Zwingli to a lesser status behind reformers such as Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, and John Calvin. However, his contribution to the changing religious ethos of Reformation Europe was pivotal, yet always accompanied by controversy. In fact, this essay will argue that almost all of the Reformation gains made by Zwingli over the course of roughly twenty-five years of ministry took place through conflict. All the Protestant reformers experienced an element of conflict as a part of their work. Such was the nature of religious renewal and reform in the sixteenth century. Still, conflict not only facilitated and drove Zwingli’s Reformation, but was also a theme woven throughout his life. And in Zwingli’s case war was both figurative and literal. His battles moved well beyond those of his contemporary reformers. Beginning with his haunting experiences as a young chaplain in the Swiss army and culminating with his early death on the battlefield at Kappel, conflict shaped Zwingli’s life, ministry and theology. His was a life characterized by volatility; his Reformation was contested every step of the way. As a portrait of Zwingli emerges against the historic backdrop of war, division and strife, his lasting contributions to the convictions and practices of Protestantism, especially in Baptist and Presbyterian life, should become apparent.

Retirement among members of the clergy: Findings from a Protestant fellowship

ABSTRACTThe body of research on retirement has expanded in recent years but the experience of clergy members has received scant attention. In 2009, Knapp, Pruett, and Hicks sought to rectify this situation by conducting an exploratory study that focused on the financial and housing options that will be available to members of the clergy of a nondenominational fellowship when they reach the age of retirement. The present study built upon that foundation and expanded the sample to include ministers within Churches of Christ from multiple states. The results are consistent with the exploratory study and indicate that financial preparedness varies greatly based on factors such as age, years in ministry, size of the church being served, and whether one intends to fully retire. Similarly, housing options vary greatly and are related to financial well-being. The findings reinforce the need for preretirement education for members of the clergy, especially for those who minister in churches that exist outside of a denominational structure that could assist with the entrance into retirement.

Preparation in Context: Comparative Outcomes of Alternative Clergy Training in the ELCA

Training requirements for ordained clergy vary widely between US denominations, but the most common qualifications include the Master of Divinity (MDiv), a 3-year professional degree typically earned in residence full-time at a seminary or school of theology following completion of an undergraduate degree. However, past research has found that denominations with more limited formal training requirements for clergy tend to grow more rapidly and that professionalized clergy may actually contribute to denominational decline. I test this with Cox regression, comparing job lengths of Lutheran (ELCA) pastors with MDiv degrees and those who completed an alternative training program (TEEM) where older students complete less extensive coursework while simultaneously serving a ministry context. TEEM candidates often continue serving in this context upon being ordained. The key finding is a persistent advantage for TEEM program graduates net of demographic controls, regardless of how age and experience are factored in. The advantage is not the result of ongoing embeddedness in a single context, suggesting it may result from a combination of differences in the structure of formal education and the simultaneous contextual application. Both life experience (age) prior to being ordained and experience in ordained ministry also provide some advantage, but the effects are largely limited to MDiv graduates in their first few years of ministry. The results provide further evidence for the promise of alternative ministry preparation programs, and help elaborate previous theories of clergy religious capital.

Factores asociados al cumplimiento del control de crecimiento y desarrollo del niño menor de un año en establecimientos de salud de Amazonas, Loreto y Pasco

To identify the factors associated with growth and development monitoring (CRED) fulfillment for children <1 year in Ministry of Health (MINSA) health centers in Amazonas, Loreto, and Pasco, Peru between January and December 2012. A paired case-control study was performed. A case was the child who did not complete 11 of the CRED checks until the age of 11 months and, as a control, that child with 11 CRED checks with the same age. The correlation among factors with CRED fulfillment was determined using the McNemar test (p < 0.05) and odds ratio (OR) was used to determine the strength of the associations for paired samples (95% confidence interval [CI]). After the control of various variables, seven factors had significant association with CRED monitoring fulfillment. The common factor in the three regions studied was that the child were not attended some time, which was associated, three to five times, with the chance of not fulfilling the CRED checks in Loreto and Pasco; in Amazonas, the opposite effect was observed (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81). The factors related to CRED fulfillment in children <1 year of age varied among regions. One of the main identified obstacles is the multiple functions that must be performed by professionals working in CRED, owing to which, child care opportunities are lost. Hence, adequate staffing must be ensured while instilling ever-present proper patient treatment.

Septem Psalmi Poenitentiales : History, Demise, and Rebirth of an Ascetical Tradition

THIS DAY, BRETHREN, warns me to think more attentively about the burden carry. (1) It is a safe bet that few homiletics professors would recommend this as an opening line for a homily celebrating the anniversary of one's ordination, and yet, this is precisely how St. Augustine began his preaching one day sometime in the year A.D. 425. Looking back upon his years in ministry, Augustine did not shrink from calling his ministry what it was--a burden. very day is a reminder to me to think about this burden; in addition, such a reading as that is chanted (Ez 33) to strike great fear into my heart, and make me think about what am carrying; because unless the one who placed it on my shoulders carries it with me himself, am bound to fail. (2) In an age in which homilies too often begin with a joke, Augustine's approach would strike most modern congregations as dour and joyless, which may reveal more about our modern expectations than anything else. Certainly, there is a need for joy and there is even a place for a good sense of humor. Yet at the core of the sacred liturgy, we are about the serious work of worshipping almighty God, which is anything but a trivial pursuit. The good bishop explained the source of his burden. He remind ed the people that are only going to render an account for yourselves alone, while shall be giving one both for myself and for you. (3) While one could carry this thought to an extreme, effectively absolving members of the flock from personal responsibility, it is likely that those in attendance understood perfectly well their bishop's point. There is indeed a weighty duty that accompanies ecclesial ministry and one may rightfully speak of accountability with respect to the actions of the ministers of the Gospel, especially for those called to the episcopacy. In the past decade the Catholic priesthood has felt a crushing burden, a modern day sartina, (4) primarily due to the grievous sins of sexual misconduct by our brothers, and in some cases, the lack of proper ecclesiastical oversight from the episcopacy. To help the Church bear this heavy burden, propose that she rediscover one of her venerable traditions--praying the penitential psalms. Recovering an Important Spiritual Tradition Praying the penitential psalms is a tradition that was inexplicably discarded following the Second Vatican Council, but it need not be irretrievably lost. Augustine was thoroughly steeped in the psalms and, understandably, passed that knowledge along to his flock. I nourish you with what nourishes ... offer to you what live on myself, he once told his congregation. (5) At the same time, Augustine's episcopal duties too often prevented him from pursuing the intellectual life to the degree he desired. Many bishops today would heartily agree with him when he said, Little force would be needed to make me to lead a life of leisure instead. ... There could be nothing more enjoyable than rummaging around in the divine treasure chest with no one to plague ... Preaching, arguing, correcting, building God's house, having to manage for everyone--who would not shrink from such a heavy burden? But the Gospel terrifies me. (6) Augustine was not alone, even if he was rather bold in describing his responsibilities as he did. At the dawn of Vatican II, the Church's liturgy was remarkably candid with respect to the burden of the sacred ministry. In the conclusion of the 1962 ceremony for the conferral of Minor Orders, the Roman Pontificale reveals a striking similarity to the homily referenced above. The closing reads, Dearly beloved sons, carefully consider the order which you have received today and the burden which has been laid upon your shoulders. Endeavor to live holy lives devoted to religion and to be pleasing to the almighty God, that you may obtain His grace. May He in His mercy deign to bestow it upon you. (7) What happened next in the ceremony for conferral of minor orders might come as a surprise to many young clerics today. …

Clergy Burnout: Two Different Measures

A modified form of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used alongside the Francis Burnout Inventory’s two scales—the Scale of Emotional Exhaustion in Ministry (SEEM) and the Satisfaction in Ministry Scale (SIMS)—and the shorter form of Eysenck’s Revised Personality Questionnaire. The respondents were Anglican clergy in England and Wales in their seventh year in ministry. SEEM and SIMS were shown to map onto the same personality constructs as the MBI. This suggests that the Francis Burnout Inventory can be used satisfactorily to measure clergy burnout.

Burton's Early Years of Ministry and Doctrine under the auspices of the PMU

The literature from which this paper was written has recently come to light and was originally part of the archival holdings of the PMU but removed at some point, probably in an attempt withhold what appeared to portray Burton in an unsavoury light. There are more than a few issues raised from this archival material consisting of more than 70 documents, mostly letters, postcards, and a telegram. This article examines a period of Burton's history and background which previously has not been recorded. This article is the first in a series of three which will cover the entire period during which Burton was associated with the Pentecostal Missionary Union (PMU from June 1911 to February 1914).2 For the treatment of the entire period in this body of literature cf. David J. Garrard ‘William F.P. Burton & the PMU Years from 1911-1914: An analysis of the PMU materials’, a paper presented to the 41st Annual Meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies held from February 29 -March 3 , 2012, at Virginia Beach, VA, USA.

우리나라 병원급 이상 의료기관 입원환자의 지역별 의료이용의 변이에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study was to analyze regional medical utilization variation of hospital inpatients and to suggest policy for the allocation of medical service in Korea. We analyzed the relationship among medical service, city size, income level and regional medical utilization variation of hospital inpatients. The patient survey report of 2005 year in Ministry of Health and Welfare was used for this study. To adjust on the factor age and sex, we used direct standardization method. Findings of the research were summarized as follows ; First, standardization discharge rate on patient was different in the district. city type, and number of beds. Second, standardization length of stay of patient was different in region, city type, and number of beds.

Skilled and Satisfied: Research Findings regarding Executive Pastors

Three hundred one executive pastors from Baptist churches with a weekly Sunday school average of at least 1,000 people participated in a study designed to determine correlations between administrative and managerial competency and ministry satisfaction. Correlation testing revealed low, but positive, linear relationships between competency and satisfaction factors. Interpersonal skill and implementation and decision-making skill demonstrated highest statistical significance relative to satisfaction. Self-reported satisfaction levels were high. Age and years in ministry correlated strongest in relation to staffing and controlling competencies. Demographic data produced a representative executive pastor profile. This study extended the heretofore limited research knowledge base for the executive pastor role.

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church: 150 Years of Ministry in Downtown San Antonio, 1858-2008 (review)

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church: 150 Years of Ministry in Downtown San Antonio, 1858-2008 (review)

Clergy and Retirement: An Exploratory Study on Housing and Financial Preparedness

The body of research on retirement has expanded in recent years but the experience of clergy members has rarely been examined. In response to the void, the present study explored the financial and housing options that will be available to members of the clergy of a nondenominational fellowship when they reach the age of retirement. The results indicate that financial preparedness varies greatly based on factors such as age, years in ministry, size of the church being served, and whether one intends to fully retire. Similarly, housing options vary greatly and are related to financial well-being. A primary implication of the findings is the need for preretirement education designed specifically for the unique circumstances of clergy members and those who hire them.

A Church Called Hope

The Cathedral of Hope (United Church of Christ) is a congregation of approximately 3,500 members living in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, metroplex that celebrated 38 years of ministry on Sunday, Ju...