Executive pastors' perception of leadership and management competencies needed for local church administration

Abstract

This dissertation examines leadership and management competencies of Southern Baptist mega-church executive pastors. The study discusses the issue of limited research on the position of the executive pastor. Resources related to this position are cited. Possible reasons for the emergence of this position are examined including the minister's dilemma of being both shepherd and administrator and the issue of leadership training as preparation for the pastorate.

Also provided is a theological and philosophical foundation for the leadership and management practices. Servant leadership as the biblical foundation for leadership and secular leadership models appropriate for church administration are reviewed. Research findings on ministerial effectiveness and the minister as manager are included. The available research on the role of the executive pastor is analyzed to reveal the practices posited in current literature.

The methodological design is based on the 1988 research of Stephen Boersma. This study identifies and analyzes the self evaluated importance of leadership and management competencies. Demographic data and professional experience are studied to identify relationships between the executive pastors' response and his background.

The analysis of findings presents the raw data, displays and statistical analysis. A description of how the raw data was compiled and an evaluation of the research design is provided. The analysis relates to the demographic data of the population, the rank order of the importance ratings, a comparative analysis of this study's findings with the finds of the Boersma study, an analysis of the demographic characteristics that are predictors of the importance ratings and a brief study of the findings related to the subjects' self-reported job satisfaction, performance and preparation in the role of the executive pastor.

This research contends that there are certain leadership and management competencies necessary for the management and administration of the church. The executive pastor will employ these practices as foundational to the position. There is also a relationship of demographic characteristics to the importance rating. Finally, pastors and executive pastors tend to agree on the importance of these competencies.