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RETHINKING CLERGY LEADERSHIP

A STUDY OF ORDAINED ELDERS IN THE UMC

This research study explored correlations between measures of clergy leadership effectiveness, situational, systemic and demographic factors among surveyed clergy.

Scroll down the page to explore the research questions and study overview information including study findings, implications, and recommendations.

Research Questions

Do any correlations exist between the clergy leadership measures of:

-Attendance
-Growth
-Engagement in Small Groups
-Engagement in Outreach

and other situational, systemic and demographic factors among surveyed clergy?

Study Overview

Survey Information

Focus group to refine survey
Focus Group = 2.1% of target population

37 Questions

Survey invite sent via email (Susquehanna Conference
UMC QuikLink)

Cronbach’s α:
-Relationships (.844)
-Denominational Structure (.827)
-Church Ministry Context (.798)

Responses

188 Completed Surveys
109 Usable Responses
46% Response Rate
73% Male
84% Married
24% Ever divorced
26% Children living at home
21% No day off
34% Work 50+ Hours Weekly
85% <1 hour in daily Bible study (36% <30 minutes)
Ministry experience M = 25 yrs
Length at current appt M = 6 yrs

Theology:
25% LIberal or Progressive
33% Moderate
32% Conservative or Evangelical

Data Analysis

Secondary Data Sources:
Statistical Reports (Susquehanna Conference)
2010 US Religion Census (The ARDA)

Sum of Scores:
Relationships
Denominational Structure, and
Church Ministry Context

Church Density Formula:

Total Mainline Protestant Congregations/Total Number of Adherents-All Denominations

Method

REGRESSION ANALYSIS

Attendance (average weekly worship attendance)
Growth (members received on profession of faith)
Engagement in Small Groups (# of classes & small groups)
Engagement in Outreach (# of people engaged in mission)

&

Church Density
Years Served Under Appointment of Bishop
Relationships
Gender
Length at Church Appointment Salary
Age
Church Ministry ContextMarital Status
Denominational Structure

What the Data Said

Findings and Implications
Qualitative Data

Learn More About What Participants Shared

Contact Renee

Feel free to contact me with your questions or comments.

Snail Mail:
219 W. Clearview Ave., State College, PA 16803

Phone (call or text): 814-808-5730

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