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This study uses phenomenological methods to answer the research question, “what do black pastors perceive as the role of the church in the black community?” I asked 20 Central Florida black pastors 17 questions, most of them open-ended, to determine their perceptions of the current black church. First, these pastors are dismayed at the condition and the position of the current black church. They view the history the black church as strong and stalwart, and the Civil Rights Movement as an example of what the institution is capable of doing and being. Second, they perceive the primary roadblock of the black church to be leadership. They do not see current pastors as having neither the vision nor the desire to make the church the instrument of social justice and change that it once was. They see current pastors trying to make a name for themselves instead of impacting the communities they serve. They also see member apathy as another issue that hinders the impact of the black church. They argue that many black people have climbed the social ladder and no longer desire to reach back and help other blacks in the community that they have exited. This study provides important insight into the current state and the perception of the direction of the black church from the vantage point of these men and women who lead black churches in Central Florida.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / The problem of this dissertation is to give a theoretical explanation of emotional problems appearing in theological students in their twenties as part of a struggle to find a pastoral identity by, first, expounding the theory of ego identity developed by Erik H. Erikson in light of its historical evolution and structural dynamics, as a relevant statement of personality development which accounts for the needs of the young adult; second, by illustrating the relevance of this theory for the young pastor in four identity problems which arise among 120 theological students during clinical training in mental hospitals, using their personal statements and responses to a questionnaire as data; and third, by raising implications for the parish to be tested in view of the understanding of the theory of pastoral identity as inferred by this study, thus indicating special facets to be considered in succeeding studies on the theory of pastoral care [TRUNCATED]

Evangelical churches hold evangelism as a hallmark of their movement, but evangelism and conversion rates are in decline. Might this decline be the result of absent or inadequate evangelistic equipping on the part of the church? This project presents a phenomenographic analysis and critique on how congregations are being equipped for evangelism. It employs both surveys of congregational members as well as pastoral leaders. Follow-up interviews with pastoral leaders have also been used to clarify findings from the initial surveys. These interviews have been analyzed to discover the qualitatively different understandings that are evident in the data regarding the phenomenon of evangelistic equipping. These understandings are categorized, and a description of each category type is provided. The results of these findings provide a more expansive understanding of the equipping task and offer specific ways in which the task of evangelistic equipping can be expanded to serve the Evangelical church better.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to give voice to the experiences of African American female pastors of African American churches and their perceptions of gender and equity as it pertains to their role in the pastorate. This phenomenological study identified the lived experiences of each participant through her personal narrative, which reflects her path from birth to present. Participants’ experiences as a senior pastor provided a personal historical path of the journey of female pastors for a span of four decades. This dissertation shares the challenges, barriers, and support to female pastors. This study examined personal characteristics, acts of leadership, and acts of negotiating the system within the African American church. The participants’ ages ranged from 40-70+. The findings of this study indicated that there has been a slow change in the acceptance of female pastors. Female pastors have been a part of our culture since biblical times, but resistance is still present.

While African Americans show similar rates of mental health concerns, they seek and obtain significantly fewer traditional mental health services (MHS) as compared to other groups. One alternative to traditional forms of MHS is the use of church-based resources, such as pastoral counseling. Pastors frequently report counseling as a large part of their duties. Therefore, their perceptions about mental health have a major impact on services that parishioners receive. This online survey assessed 40 pastors' perceptions about mental health services, as well as perceived needs for information or training. Attitudes about mental health were significantly related to variety of counseling provided and frequency of counseling. Attitudes toward mental health, church size, and pastoral education did not significantly predict counseling or referral. Topics discussed in counseling and desires for more training were evaluated and areas for future intervention are discussed in light of results from this study.

Thesis (M. A.(African Languages)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / It introduces the topic of the study, outlining the aims and purpose of the study. It touches on the significance of the study, methodology and literature review. It also contains definitions of the key concepts used in the study. Chapter two focuses on the obituary of the authors of Mibya ya Nyekanyeka and Byi n’wi khele matluka and characterization through Rimmon -Kennan’s methods. Chapter three focuses on the way in which the Vatsonga writers percive the character of pastors as depicted in Mibya ya Nyekanyeka and Byi n’wi khele matluka. Chapter four deals with the theme of each of the following books, namely: Mibya ya Nyekanyeka and Byi n’wi khele matluka. Chapter five. This chapter contains the summary, recommendations and conclusion of the study.

The centrality of the church in African American communities makes it a culturally compelling sponsor for health promotion activities targeting health disparities among the medically underserved. Pastoral support is critical in determining whether a church initiates or supports a health promotion agenda, but there is little understanding of the variables that influence this decision. The aim of the qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of African American pastors regarding the decision to incorporate health promotion programs in their churches. This study was guided by the health belief model using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected using both semi-structured and open-ended interviews. Ten pastors of North Carolina African American churches, with and without health promotion ministries, were recruited for the study. Eight pastors agreed to participate in the study. They were interviewed, and interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were open coded and analyzed. NVivo 11 was used to manage the data. Five themes emerged from the study: the importance of health promotion, pastor support of a health promotion program, pastor influence on individuals in the congregation, the health status of church members, and barriers and facilitators. Positive social change may be realized by using this information to increase the effectiveness of culturally sensitive health information and developing health education programs that specifically target the African American faith community. Information from this research could help guide public health agencies on how to approach health programming in this specific area and for this population.

<p> The civil rights movement could have been easily called the civil rights ministry due to its principle leader, the African-American pastor. It was a movement based on the precepts and tenets of the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The African-American culture and church are quite often indivisible; this is primarily due to their formation. The leader of the African-American church and culture is often the pastor; they played a principle role in setting the tone and direction of the American civil rights movement. This thesis will show how the African-American pastor's role has been central to the community and how that role has been fluid and adaptive to respond to the adversity and changes within the community and culture.</p> / Thesis / Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

The purpose of this study was to compare the avowed beliefs and reported practices of Southern Baptist pastors based upon their level of attainment in higher education and their choice of theological seminary.