Qualitative Perspectives toward Relational Connection in Pastoral Ministry

Authors

Jonathan W. Young, Cedarville UniversityFollow
Michael W. Firmin, Cedarville UniversityFollow

Abstract

We present the results of a phenomenological, qualitative research study in which 13 Southern Baptist (SB) pastors were administered in-depth interviews. The sample was selected from a total of 37 exemplars, identified in the quantitative component of a larger mixed-methods study, regarding the pastors’ perspectives toward relational connection in pastoral ministry. Three themes emerged from the data regarding relational connection in pastoral ministry. First, pastors indicated the need to be intentional about pastoral connection. Second, the pastors stressed the importance of being available to congregants who specifically desire pastoral connection. Finally, the participants related that pastors should give particular attention to connections with lay church leaders.

Keywords

Humor, Sense of Humor, Leadership, Pastoral Leadership, Leadership Style, Longevity, Leader-Follower Distance, RelationalTransparency, Relational Nearness

Publication Date

11-24-2014

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1201

Recommended APA Citation

Young, J. W., & Firmin, M. W. (2014). Qualitative Perspectives toward Relational Connection in Pastoral Ministry. The Qualitative Report, 19(47), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1201