Current Perceptions Concerning Minimal Competencies Missionary Church Pastors Need to be Effective in Ministry
Ed.D. dissertation completed in 2012 for Olivet Nazarene University.
Abstract
This study was concerned with the current perceptions of the minimal competencies that Missionary Church pastors need to be effective in ministry. Five research questions were developed to gain the current perceptions of four different groups: pastors, district superintendents, lay leaders, and theological educators. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed the perceptions of theological educators, pastors, denominational leaders, and researchers. A mixed-method approach was developed to survey the four different groups and resulted in 267 quantitative surveys and two qualitative focus groups. Respondents gave their judgment on 60 different competencies. The conclusions showed amazing congruence between all four groups. A narrative conveyed conclusions based on the top competencies. The overall implication concerned the need for continuing education for pastors.