Expectations vary – to the dismay of clergy
In an analysis of a congregation’s perception and a pastor’s perception of ministerial leadership, Purcell found that the top roles the congregation and pastor prioritize as most important are completely opposite of why congregations fire ministers and why ministers leave senior ministry. (Purcell, L. J. (2001). A comparative analysis of congregation perception and a pastor’s perception of ministerial leadership (Doctoral dissertation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary). ProQuest Dissertation & Theses, (AAT 3007041). Ministering to Ministers provides assistance in the form of model personnel manuals, staff covenants, and evaluations, as well as legal guidance when in crisis and career guidance when other opportunities are sought.