Date of Award

Spring 2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Emile H Hawkins

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas J Gallery

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert C Waddell

Abstract

The factors that influence pastoral tenure are varied and complex, especially as men and women serve congregations with growing diversities and needs. However, in the past 30 years, the research on pastoral tenure typically examined congregations that were Protestant in organizational belief and structure. Little research on pastoral tenure among Pentecostal churches could be found in the current body of literature. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental study was to investigate the factors that influence pastoral tenure within three regional/subcultural areas of the state of Florida for the Pentecostal denomination of the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP). All lead pastors within the Florida district of the COGOP were mailed a survey package. Six questions were used to address the purpose of the study. These questions were addressed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Specifically, mean, t test, regressions analyses, and ANOVA statistics were utilized. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that ministry position (ordained minister, bishop) was the greatest predictor on pastoral tenure. Other predictors like education level, congregation size, and economics of the church were not statistically significant. The major limitation of the study was the sample size. Future research among nondenominational and Pentecostal movements needs to ensure that an adequate sample size is utilized. In addition, pastoral tenure research among Pentecostal organizations across the United States need to be investigated.

Download


Share

COinS