Date
4-17-2024
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)
Chair
Rusty Small
Keywords
Mentor, Coach, Pastor, Pastor’s Pastor, Church Leadership Culture, Pastoral Perception of Leadership, Christian Ministry Leadership, Value of Mentor
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Horner, Reginald L., "A Phenomenological Study of Pastors Who Were Mentored and the Perceived Value of the Mentor Relationship" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5369.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5369
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the value of a mentor in the life and ministry of a pastor who began pastoring with less than thirty (30) regular attendees and surpassed one hundred (100) regular attenders. The following research questions (RQ1-3) were used to guide this study. RQ1.: What perceived effect does the use of a mentor have on a pastor’s overall leadership and congregational growth of regular attendees? RQ2.: How did the participating pastors describe the value of having a mentor or coach? RQ3.: What coaching or mentorship models exist for pastors who lead a congregation of fewer than thirty members? The sample for this study included interviews with seventeen pastors who met these requirements. A phenomenology descriptive study was used for exploring how pastors of Evangelical Christian churches describe the value of a mentor and their church leadership style. Qualitative questionnaires and interviews were used to screen candidates and collect data.
