Journey Surveys Young Ministers On Their Connection With Denominational Leaders
INTRODUCTION
At Journey Pastoral Coaching our mission is helping young ministers build strong for a lifetime
of healthy and effective ministry. One of our tools in this mission is research, research that
takes place in three primary ways: asking experienced ministers to give us the benefit of their
experience in ministry; posing a monthly Insight Question to Journey members; and, conducting
research projects among young ministers in general.
We recently surveyed one hundred young ministers on the subject of CONNECTEDNESS,
specifically focusing on how personally connected young ministers feel with their denominational
leaders at state and area levels.
Our survey went out to young ministers who hold denominational ministry credentials, ministers
with five years or less experience in ministry and/or under 40 years of age). All responses were
anonymous.
While the survey was comprised of multiple-choice questions it also allowed for comments and
suggestions. In presenting these comments we have removed any identifying words in order to
conceal the identity of the respondent and that of the object of their comment. The purpose of
this project is not to praise or criticize any specific respondent, leader or group of leaders, but
only to address the general theme of connectedness between young ministers and
denominational leaders at the state and area levels.
RESPONDENTS’ DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:
Your ministerial credential: (certified, licensed, ordained, certificate, deacon, etc).
Certification (Level 1: Entry) 14.3%
Licensed (Level 2) 50.2%
Ordained (Level 3) 35.4%
Your Denomination
Assembly of God 92.9%
Baptist (Any Convention) 2%
Church of God (Pentecostal) 2%
United Methodist 3.1%
Journey Pastoral Coaching
Your Location by Region
US Midwest – East of the Mississippi River 27.3%
US Midwest – West of the Mississippi River 33.3%
US Northeast 9.1%
US Pacific Coast 8.1%
US Southeast 11.1%
US Southwest 6.1%
US West – Mountain Region 3.0%
Outside the USA 3.0%
CONNECTEDNESS WITH LEADERS AND DENOMINATION
1a. How personally connected do you feel to the LEADERS of your denomination at the
STATE/DISTRICT and AREA/SECTIONAL levels? “Connected” is defined as: “They
know me, they are concerned for me personally, they are available to me, they are
willing to invest in me, they are open to my input.”
A response of one (1) means you feel “Completely DISCONNECTED”;
A response of seven (10) means you feel Completely CONNECTED.
The Average Level of Connectedness with LEADERS: 6.07 out of 10
1b. In addition to stating their level of connectedness with area and state leaders, some
respondents also posted comments on this particular question . . .
1. I feel very connected to the District Youth Director, but I’m not even sure my sectional
presbyter knows who I am.
2. I have had multiple personal conversations with the superintendent, and I have made
other connections with sectional leaders as well. They have all gone out of their way to
make me feel connected and welcome. If there is any distance between us it is honestly
more a fault of my own.
3. Not connected. I am not known. They care only about my success because it looks good
on them.
4. I feel connected. They know who I am. We get coffee sometimes. I was texted yesterday
by one of them.
5. I don’t feel very connected to my leadership at any level. I know them, and they know me,
but I couldn’t tell you the last time we talked or communicated.
6. I know them. They have met with me and discussed my ministry and future. I don’t know
that they could pick me out of a room. But I do feel they are available to me. I believe I
could easily secure a meeting with someone in the state office.
7. I am generally connected because I choose to be. I allow myself to serve and I show up
at events where they are present. If I did not do those things I would not be connected at
all.
8. We are semi-connected. I don’t have much interaction with them, generally unless there
is a problem but I do believe they’re available to me.
9. I feel that I am loosely connected. Even though I am supposedly a sectional rep I hardly
get called or asked what is happening in my ministry. It is usually this is what we are
doing we want you to be a part of it. Lately that has revolved around giving more to
missions.
10. I am connected to some local and area ministers through my own initiative. Many of the
area pastors are older and in a much different situation than me. I approach those I
desire to learn from but am not connected to those I do not seek to emulate. I feel that
my state leader is a good man with a pastor’s heart but I do not feel connectedness
beyond cordial greetings and if I would need to ask his permission for something.
11. I am new to my current state, but I feel somewhat connected to my local and state
levels of my denomination. I hope for that to increase.
12. I believe they want to help and know me. Though I do not feel as if they are open to my
input. I believe they are confident in their own processes to the point that they do not see
how moving with our current culture would greatly benefit our fellowship.
13. Well connected – I have great opportunity to connect with my leadership
14. I feel very connected with leaders at state, area, and local levels. I know them all
personally, and I communicate often with them.
15. I know who they are and have a personal relationship with them. I can call them at
anytime and ask for guidance, information on upcoming events, or even just to be
resourced with curriculum.
16. I feel like the doors to the offices at my district are always open to me.
17. My superintendent is great and is so connected with me. He knows me name, where I’m
at, and has spent lots of time conversing with me.
18. Quite connected. I get messages from our State network staff often. Plenty of chances
to get together. They are always open and helpful.
19. Fairly well connected to our district youth director and his personal staff; I do not have a
relationship with anyone else in the district office at all. Our section is very personal
however; I have good relationships with all of our sectional leadership.
20. I have a good relationship with my sectional leadership, which is also my pastor. I also
have a close relationship with my district leaders. I feel like all these leaders in my
denomination know me, about my ministry, and are interested in my health and wellbeing.
21. They know my name but I feel they are more invested in the older ministers.
22. At the local level they know my name but don’t have an interest in me too much. Beyond
local I just feel like one of the many pastors in my state. I don’t feel mistreated by my
leadership, just that it is what it.
23. Fairly connected. If I were to reach out, they’d be more than willing to respond.
24. I know they know me; however, I do not feel as though I could confide in them or use
them for personal counsel.
25. Not at all connected. I have stood face-to-face with my district superintendent and
district secretary and said hello only to have them reach past me to other pastors, people
everyone knows. Message received.
2. Assign a quantitative score between 1 and 10 to your level of “Connectedness” with
your DENOMINATION. A response of “1” represents that you are “Not At All
Connected” and “10” represents that you are “Completely Connected.”
Average Score of all Respondents
Connectedness with Denomination: 5.87 out of 10
3. How much opportunity exists for you to have personal connection with your state,
area, and local denominational leaders?
Average Score of all Respondents
Sense of Opportunity to Connect With Leaders: 6.08 out of 10
4. How involved are you with state, area, and local denominational meetings in general?
Average Score of all Respondents
Level of Involvement With Denominational Meetings: 6.81 out of 10
5. Which of the factors below adversely affect your ability to participate in state, area, or
local denominational meetings that give opportunity for PERSONAL CONNECTION
with your state, area and local denominational leaders? (Check all that apply)
I am bi-vocational 30.2%
Family needs 30.2%
Finances (church) 22.2%
Finances (personal) 30.2%
I am currently in school 4.8%
Distance 61.9%
Previous negative experiences in such meetings 17.5%
Previous negative experiences with state, area or local denominational leaders 14.3%
6. Which denominational leaders know you by name and know your ministry?
State denominational leader 60.3%
Area or sectional denominational leader 54%
Local denominational ministerial group leader 66.7%
None of the above 11.1%
7. Which denominational leaders call or check on you in some other way? (Check all that
apply)
State/District leader 23.8%
Area/Sectional leader 23.8%
Local denominational ministerial group leader 28.6%
Other denominational leader 7.9%
None of the above 41.3%
8. If a state, area or local denominational leader does personally call or check on you,
how FREQUENTLY does he or she do so?
Weekly 1.6%
Bi-Weekly 6.3%
Monthly 6.3%
3-4 times a year 30.2%
Once a year 4.8%
Less than once a year 7.9%
Never 42.9%
9. If a state, area or local denominational leader does personally call or check on you,
what METHOD does he or she use to do so?
In person (Face to Face) 14.3%
By phone 18.2%
By text 20.4%
By social media 12.9%
By email 13.4%
At a state, area or local denominational meeting 20.8%
10. With which of your state, area and local denominational leaders do you have a
personal relationship (they know you by name)?
State denominational leader 46%
Area or sectional denominational leader 55.6%
Local denominational ministerial group leader 46%
Other denominational leaders 15.9%
None of the above 15.9%
IMPROVOING CONNECTEDNESS
11. How effective would CONFERENCE CALLS BY SOCIAL MEDIA be in developing
connectedness between you and your state / area denominational leaders? (Scale of
1 to 10, 1 being the low and 10 being the high)
Average Score of All Respondents
Confidence in Effectiveness of CONFERENCE CALLS:
6.71 out of 10
12a. How effective would GENERAL RECEPTIONS AT STATE/DISTRICT EVENTS be in
developing connectedness between you and your state / area denominational
leaders? (Scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the low and 10 being the high)
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of GENERAL RECEPTIONS AT STATE/DISTRICT EVENTS:
5.75 out of 10
12b. How effective would GENERAL RECEPTIONS AT AREA/SECTIONAL EVENTS be in
developing connectedness between you and your state / area denominational
leaders? (Scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the low and 10 being the high)
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of GENERAL RECEPTIONS AT AREA/SECTIONAL EVENTS:
6.63 out of 10
13a. How effective would FOCUSED RECEPTIONS AT STATE/DISTRICT EVENTS be in
developing connectedness between you and your state / area denominational
leaders? (Receptions targeting groups: church planters, missionaries, staff pastors,
lead pastors, para-church leaders, etc.) (Scale of 1 to 10)
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of FOCUSED RECEPTIONS AT STATE/DISTRICT EVENTS:
7.48 out of 10.
13b. How effective would FOCUSED RECEPTIONS AT AREA/SECTIONAL EVENTS be in
developing connectedness between you and your state / area denominational
leaders? (Receptions targeting groups: church planters, missionaries, staff pastors,
lead pastors, para-church leaders, etc.) (Scale of 1 to 10)
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of FOCUSED RECEPTIONSAT AREA/SECTIONAL EVENTS:
7.70 out of 10.
14a. How effective would STATE LEVEL RETREATS be in developing connectedness
between you and your state / area denominational leaders? (Scale of 1 to 10)
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of STATE/DISRICT LEVEL RETREATS:
7.0 out of 10.
14b. How effective would AREA/SECTIONAL LEVEL RETREATS be in developing
connectedness between you and your state / area denominational leaders? (Scale of
1 to 10)
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of AREA/SECTIONAL LEVEL RETREATS:
7.30 out of 10.
15. How effective would PERSONAL TELEPHONE CALLS be in developing
connectedness between you and your state / area denominational leaders?
Average Score of All Respondents
Effectiveness of PERSONAL TELEPHONE CALLS:
8.03 out of 10.
16. How effective would PERSONAL ONE-ON-ONES (MEAL, COFFEE, ETC) be in
developing connectedness between you and your state / area denominational
leaders?
Average Score of All Respondents
PERSONAL ONE-ON-ONES (MEAL, COFFEE, ETC):
9.27 out of 10.
17. What three actions/activities (listed above OR your own suggestions) would be most
effective in helping you develop connectedness with your state and area
denominational leaders?
NOTE: Respondents submitted just under three hundred responses to this question. We
have grouped their responses by subject, neither adding to nor subtracting from their
responses.
When more than one respondent suggests the same activity, we indicate this by the
number inside the parentheses ( ) that follows that particular activity. For example, four
individuals suggested regular conference calls between leaders and small groups of
pastors. This is expressed by the statement: “Regular conference calls with small
groups of pastors in same ministry (4)”
When a respondent has repeated the idea of other respondents but has added a slight
variation to the idea, we have added their thought, preceded by a dash symbol ( – ). The
thought that follows is one respondent’s variation on the idea expressed just above it.
The Top Five Preferred Connection Activities:
1. PERSONAL INTERACTION WITH STATE AND AREA LEADERS:
Face to Face one-on-ones: sit down over coffee or a meal and talk about
ministry and non-ministry subjects. (48)
2. PERSONAL INTERACTION WITH STATE AND AREA LEADERS:
Personal phone calls (39)
3. PERSONAL INTERACTION WITH STATE AND AREA LEADERS:
Personal one-on-ones of any kind (31)
4. RETREATS
Retreats at area/sectional level (14)
5. SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media video-conference calls (14)
Connection Activities Suggested by Respondents (Alphabetical Listing):
CONFERENCE CALLS
1. Regular conference calls with small groups of pastors in same ministry (4)
2. Bi-weekly or monthly conference calls
CONFERENCES / SEMINARS
1. Area level ministry seminars and roundtables
2. State level ministry conferences
3. Targeted forums for various areas of ministry development
LOCAL VISITS BY DISTRICT AND SECTIONAL LEADERS
1. Come to our area for dinner or coffee with us as couples (3)
2. Personal church visits – not just for Sunday services
– Distance, time and expense are an issue, come to my locale please
– I’m bi-vocational. So are some others in my section. If district leaders
could come and share dinner with us, it would be great.
MINISTRY RELATED GATHERINGS (MEETINGS FOR PARTICULAR
MINISTRIES)
1. Area planning meetings
2. Focused events and ministry training.
3. Gathering opportunities focused on care and resourcing of local leaders
4. Inviting me to group events with other leaders
5. Joint events in ministry between local area ministers
6. Opportunities to connect with other similarly oriented ministers (church planter
retreat, worship leader conference, etc);
RELATIONSHIP RELATED GATHERINGS
1. Gathering opportunities focused on care of local leaders
2. Informal opportunities for relationship development
3. Lunches around the district with district officials
4. Smaller group meetings best.
MISCELLANEOUS REQUESTS OF RESPONDENTS
1. Genuinely care about me
2. Ask what I’m doing
3. Remember my name
4. Spend personal time together at events.
5. Talk to unknown pastors at district events.
6. Genuine interest in me personally besides just a “here is how you pay your
dues” letter
7. Do activities together that aren’t ministry related
8. When we talk, not every conversation should have to be ministry related
9. Resources awareness notifications
10. Talk to me directly
11. Take my telephone calls whenever possible.
12. Create ways for young pastors in particular to get engaged in the district
13. One of my personal struggles is most events are held during the week and
away from Sunday, in consideration of senior pastors. Being bivocational,
it is difficult for me to attend events during the week.
NEW MINISTERS
1. Reach out to new ministers: dinner with new ministers and leadership,
conference/retreat to introduce new ministers to state leadership (4)
2. New ministers meetings for coffee
PERSONAL INTERACTION WITH STATE AND AREA LEADERS
1. Face to Face one-on-ones: sit down over coffee or a meal and talk about
ministry and non-ministry subjects. (48)
2. Personal phone calls (39)
3. Personal one-on-ones of any kind (31)
4. Regular personal phone calls with a state or area leader (6)
5. Phone Calls: scheduled; not at random
6. A phone call once or twice a year from area or state leaders just to connect
7. Any opportunity to connect personally
8. Be available to us.
9. Regular email going out with ability to respond to it
10. Quarterly, semi-annual meetings with district leaders
RECEPTIONS AT STATE LEVEL
1. Focused receptions (12)
2. Small group gatherings with state leaders (4)
3. General receptions
RECEPTIONS AT AREA LEVEL
1. Area/sectional gatherings (meals, coffee) just to build relationships (15)
– Quarterly coffee, meal, etc.
2. General area/sectional gatherings for ministers (12)
– Monthly meetings with section (that take being bi-vo into consideration)
3. Area/sectional gatherings/meet ups focused on ministry development (8)
– Focused small group gatherings in area – small groups in our area of
ministry, but not specifically by position.
– Focused receptions at area events (My district Is great at state receptions,
but fails epically at area stuff.)
4. Set up small groups in the section (3)
RETREATS
1. Retreats at area/sectional level (14)
2. Retreats at state/district level (11)
3. Ministry-focused retreats
4. Retreats that keep the bi-vocational minister in mind (no Weekdays)
5. Retreats or dedicated time to step away and connect personally
SOCIAL MEDIA
1. Social media video-conference calls (14)
2. Skype/Facebook Live/ Google Hangout calls on a regular basis with
individuals or small groups where we can ask questions (8)
3. Messaging (text/email/social media) (7)
– I don’t always have time for phone calls or conference Calls, but I would
appreciate an email or text message.
– I’d like to suggest FB message or text to just encourage that way if someone
wanted/needed to develop a relationship they could but if not they’d still
feel like they were at least known of.
– An occasional text of encouragement and growth suggestions
4. Social media groups between local/section ministers
5. Social media vision casting, connecting to the pastors in the district
18. Other thoughts on the subject of connecting with state/district and area/sectional
leaders in your denomination?
1. I think you don’t get to know these leaders in the structure unless you need something
different than the common things. Then you are on their radar but that’s not always a
good thing.
2. If changing districts, would be helpful for local/state leaders to reach out and provide
resource/network in new area. Meet-ups/receptions for recently transferred or newly
credentialed members to get them involved.
3. I feel blessed to be a part of my ministry network. This is the one district I and my
husband have felt the most connected in since we have been credentialed ministers.
4. I am a young pastor trying to navigate my way through this ever-changing landscape of
pastoral ministry. I want guidance from area/state leaders within my denomination. But I
can’t drive an hour and a half and pay $100 to be part of this retreat, that council, or that
summit where we get to hear from the best leaders in the country. The finances just
aren’t there, and we have one car that needs to service all 4.5 of us (baby on the way). If
the connections could be made using the technology that is available to us so that I
would not have to leave the office and lose half a day driving back and forth then I would
be much more apt to take advantage of the opportunity. I don’t mean this to sound
snarky or complaining. I would just really enjoy the privilege of personally connecting
with those in authority over me.
5. It would be great to introduce groups of new ministers (youth pastors, kids pastors,
evangelists, etc) to other pastors in the region in a social setting to break the ice and
begin connections.
6. It is very easy to disappear in your own ministry and not feel any connection from my
leadership. I’ve been very busy because of bi-vocational work, and so I haven’t had
much opportunity to make it to events. However, I have a sense of distrust for those
leaders, not because I doubt their character, but because I don’t feel I could go to them
with my problems, personal or otherwise.
7. I want to be generally cared for and not simply checked off a list.
8. Have monthly Facebook Live Video – ask questions.
9. I think there is a general attitude among organizational leaders, “We are here if they need
us, but otherwise we stay out of people’s business.” While that can be nice at times it
does nothing to let local leaders know they are cared for, supported, and have resources
at their disposal.
10. I go to many regional and statewide meetings. I know my state is a large state and
district so I understand it will not be as personal as a smaller district. I felt well received
in this district but over time it has felt like a good old boys club that if you grew up here
you have instant credibility and access. I understand that is due to familiarity but I would
like to see more of an effort to allow new leaders to share new ideas that could be
helpful in shaping the future of the district.
11. My district is completely focused on lead pastors: if you’re not a lead pastor, you’re
almost invisible. I have stood face to face with state and area leaders and literally had
them look past me over my shoulder to talk to someone else – not once but twice. I have
called, emailed, and texted my presbyter. He has never responded. I wonder if this
would be the case if I were a lead pastor, especially the pastor of a larger church.
12. Of course it all depends on the person/leader, but I don’t feel receptions are very
effective for anything beyond sharing information and having some food. They can be
used to help connect ministers to one another but I do not feel it would be an effective
way for ministers to connect with their denominational leaders. The stuff of the daily
grind (phone calls, messages, coffee) are what I believe would carry far greater impact
than a state meeting/reception/gathering-of-some-sort.
13. I know I can’t go to my state and area leaders with the tough issues of my life. Two
reasons: they don’t know me and if I did go to them, their first response would be as
authorities rather than shepherds. The bylaws almost require it. I need someone I can
talk to, someone who can walk with me in the real issues so many of us wrestle with but
no one talks about.
14. I believe that the rift between young ministers and seasoned ministers is the inability for
veteran leaders to accept new ideas and ways for carrying out successful ministry and
the inability for young leaders to honor the wisdom and faithfulness that older ministers
have to offer. I love the vision behind pastoral coaching. I believe it is a great step in
restoring the chasm between the young and old ministers in our fellowship.
15. My district superintendent reaches out to me. He invited me to participate in a group
coaching program under him. I don’t know if he calls other young ministers in the
district, but he has called me.
16. I don’t go to district council or other meetings because they’re way too expensive. I can’t
afford it. I already pay “tithes” to the district so why are events so expensive? But I can’t
vote unless I pay the registration so I just don’t go.
17. I know it is too much to expect a state leader to connect with everyone on a one on one
basis consistently. I think targeted receptions and retreats are helpful. I also think it is
helpful when each level of leadership helps connect the levels below and above them.
For example. A seasoned pastor connects a new pastor to a presbyter. The presbyter
then intentionally connects that Pastor to state leadership. Everyone shares the
responsibility of connecting the new minister.
18. Having an event only goes so far. Jesus went to where His disciples were, talked with
them, ate with them, lived life with them. It’s intimidating for most people to reach out to
denominational leaders with their issues–I know mine personally, and I still feel like I’m
bothering them. I feel like that means the burden of getting to know young ministers falls
on the denominational leaders.
19. The only time I’ve heard from my state or area leaders is when my tithes were late.
20. I don’t know who my sectional presbyter is. While in my previous district, there was a
big emphasis on sectional presbyters being resources for pastors. However, that same
emphasis is not in the district I am in now.
21. I am very thankful for my state leadership. They are a blessing and so helpful!
22. Having regular scheduled focused meetings, even if it were only quarterly, would help
me tremendously
23. I’ve been in two districts. In the first one, leadership knew me. They made me feel like
the district was my district and I was a part. When they saw me, they knew my name,
my family, and my ministry. In the second district, it’s not the same. I don’t exist. I’ve
tried to be a part but can’t seem to break in.
24. I’ve been in my district for 4 years and the only events I’ve been to have been the state
district councils every year. That would be nice if there was an event there to help make
connections.
25. From what I hear, things have really changed in the district with the communication and
relationships between ministers, presbyters, etc. It’s sad because there is such a need,
especially for younger ministers who are just starting out in ministry. Many struggle a lot
with the same kinds of feelings and sometimes leave the ministry because we become
so discouraged with the ministry and with ourselves.
26. We have struggled so much pastoring this church because of the many problems we
inherited. The greatest being the huge debt of the church, which has forced us both to
work outside the church and has made it so difficult to do all we have done working at a
church–and also with the district. I think my greatest struggle is what the district must be
thinking about me working outside the church. They have never once acknowledged
anything about the success of my work outside the church which makes me wonder if
they think I’ve gone off the deep end. This has been so difficult for me to accept! While I
wouldn’t have chosen for my husband to be bi-vocational, in my own situation, I have
never had so much contact with unchurched people before.
27. It would have been nice to get a phone call to welcome me when I moved into the
district. I got a letter telling me to call if I needed something, but it was just a form letter.
That told me a lot about what to expect in the future. So far, that impersonal letter pretty
much describes me and the district.
28. Our network works to include us. From the superintendent on down, everyone’s great.
29. Not sure if my denomination exists for the churches and pastors or if we exist for the
denomination. Everything I hear from them is about being involved in what they’re doing
instead of them offering to help us or our churches. Even just getting coffee would mean
a lot.
30. I have left church ministry. I do miss it and still serve at a non-denominational camp
every summer, but I look forward to my new career of going back to school in the fall to
get my masters and become a teacher. I only wish that someone had told me that it
would have been this difficult if you were single and didn’t have the same family and
friend ties as your fellow counterparts especially as a single woman.
CONCLUSIONS
Our survey indicates that there is work to be done in increasing the level of connectedness between young ministers and their state, area and local denominational leaders. While there are many, many healthy signs indicated in this survey, there are also a few troubling ones: young ministers whose phone calls are unreturned by leaders or who are passed by as they try to talk with a state leader; a young minister who has walked away from the ministry because of isolation; young ministers who are rebuffed when they ask their lead pastor for mentorship or coaching; a staff pastor who is only able to obtain one meeting with his lead pastor in a year. Anecdotal? Yes, and personal.
Can young ministers do more to to connect? Certainly. And they should. But the question must be asked: to what end? So that they can support their denomination and its programs? Or so that they can have the life-giving relationships and the mentorship – the connectedness – that all of us need to survive and thrive in ministry, so that the body of Christ will be strong and so that those yet separated from Christ have an adequate witness of the Gospel of Jesus? Pastor-writers like Paul David Tripp, Jimmy Dodd, and Eugene Peterson, pastoral coaching ministries like Journey and PastorServe have spoken and written extensively on this very subject.
Studies say that 5 of 10 new ministers quit in the first 5 years – the 5-10-5 Rule. Some studies set that figure even higher. Clearly, what we are doing to retain those whom we recruit is not working. The question is this: is this statistic in human lives and lost ministry acceptable to us? Laying the blame on young ministers for a lack of involvement with denominational activities or a lack of commitment to their call and ministry is an easy obfuscation. The model of Jesus in forming young ministers for a lifetime of healthy and effective ministry was not organizations and offices, but relationship and mentorship: Pastor Jesus talked to thousands, but He walked with twelve. He didn’t form leaders in conferences, but in small groups and one-on-ones. He knew, talked with, walked with, encouraged, challenged, and mentored twelve young ministers who in turn did the same with other young ministers who did it with others. Imagine what the church could be and would do if denominational leaders at the state, area, and local levels did the same.
One of our respondents spoke with appreciation of his state leader reaching out with a personal phone call to invite to join a small group coaching cohort. Another respondent spoke of his state leader texting him just to ask how he was. After this survey wrapped up, a member of Journey told me how his state leader had that day called ahead to say he would be in the young minister’s area, was he free for lunch? Encounters like these are not the exchange of information; they are “touches” that encourage and lift a young minister who still wonders where, how, and maybe even if he fits in his denominational, state, and area ministry networks.
My coaching conversations with young ministers demonstrate to me again and again just how much these touches do to help young ministers survive and thrive. It is my hope that more touches like these, and the ideas shared by our respondents, will break the chains of the 5-10-5 Rule and set young ministers free to be all they can be in Christ Jesus. Not just for their sake, but for the sake of the ministries they lead, the kingdom of God as a whole, and for the glory of God. May heaven look different because we as leaders follow the Jesus model in developing young leaders.
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NOTE: Journey Pastoral Coaching provides pastoral coaching to Millennial ministers.
Saddled with large student debt, just beginning to set up homes and start families, and serving in low paying first and second positions, Millennials are those who most desire but can least afford to pay for pastoral coaching.
So we offer it to them at no cost: Member do not PAY for coaching; they EARN it.
We are able to do so through the faithful and generous gifts of friends who want to see young leaders not only enter the ministry, but remain in the ministry. If you or your church would like to help Millennial ministers in 21 US states and 5 nations build strong for a lifetime in ministry, please click here to contact us by email or to support Journey monthly or with your one-time gift. Thank you.
We also invite you to click and subscribe to our twice-monthly blogs at journeypastoralcoaching.com
