An analysis of perceptions of the role and effectiveness of Southern Baptist seminaries in preparing students for administrative tasks

Abstract

This dissertation examines the perceptions of Southern Baptist ministers and seminary faculty regarding the importance of administration competencies and the perceived level of seminary preparation in equipping graduates for managerial responsibilities. Relationships between perceptions of ministers and faculty are analyzed using ranking correlation methods. The impact of staff position on the perceptions of ministers toward administration competencies is also examined. Rank variances are used to identify competencies where potential over-preparation and under-preparation occur.

Chapter 1 presents the research concern related to varied perceptions of the role of seminary education in preparing ministers for practical ministry. This research focused on competencies in ministerial administration.

Chapter 2 examines the precedent literature for ministerial administration competencies and includes theological, administration, and ministry foundations. This chapter analyzes the arguments related to the need for administration in ministry and the role of the seminary in preparing ministers.

Chapter 3 presents the methodological design of the research. The study surveyed 637 Southern Baptist seminary graduates and 68 Southern Baptist seminary faculty regarding their perceptions of administration competency importance and educational adequacy. The "Research Survey of Administration Competencies" was developed by the researcher to measure perceptions of thirty-four competencies in five competency dimensions for ministers and faculty.

Chapter 4 presents the demographic data and the analysis of findings related to five research questions. Statistical analysis revealed a high level of perceived importance for administration competencies and a moderate level of seminary preparation in administration. Ministers and faculty ranked competency importance and education adequacy similarly resulting in strong correlation coefficients. Various perceptions existed between church staff positions within the minister group.

Chapter 5 presents the conclusions of the research. A high level of importance was placed on the role of administration competencies by ministers and faculty. Decision making was the highest ranked competency for ministers and the second highest by faculty. Knowledge of biblical models of administration supported the emphases found in precedent literature. Both groups rated assessing and reporting last in importance among the five competency dimensions. Ranking variance analysis indicated that over-preparation occurred in four of the thirty-four competencies while under-preparation was identified in four competencies.