Factors Influencing UMC Clergy Leadership Effectiveness
Phone (call or text): 814-808-5730
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
Contact Renee
Feel free to contact me with your questions or comments.
Snail Mail:
219 W. Clearview Ave., State College, PA 16803
Email: rford@susumc.org
Phone (call or text): 814-808-5730