Date
4-7-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
Chair
Mary Lowe
Keywords
Leadership development, retired pastor, United Church of Christ, UCC, pastoral development resources, cohort of clergy, life-long learner, self-care
Disciplines
Leadership Studies
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Mark Scott, "A Mixed-Methods Study of the United Church of Christ (WNCA-SOC) Retiring Senior Pastors’ Utilization of Resources to Develop Effective Leadership Skills" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8146.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8146
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the resources that retired senior pastors in the Western North Carolina Association of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ (WNCA-SOC UCC) used early in their careers to develop the leadership skills necessary to assume a senior pastoral role. Specifically, the study examined the strategies and tools these pastors employed for leadership development. Analysis of the data revealed four recurring themes. First, there was strong support for developing time management skills, which participants emphasized as essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Second, the findings highlighted the importance of creating a robust network of cohorts outside one’s immediate organization. Third, the data underscored the need for intentional self-care practices to sustain long-term effectiveness in ministry. Finally, participants widely endorsed continuing education and lifelong learning as critical components for leadership growth.
