The work experiences of DRC church ministers : a qualitative study

Abstract

The work experiences of ministers have been a source of research over recent years. Studies have reported that ministers have various roles that are often in conflict with one another (Beebe, 2007; The Fuller Institute, Barna and Pastoral Care Inc., 2009). This could be a source of conflict on the part of the minister since the various roles that the minister has to fulfil do not coincide. Three main roles present in the life of the minister namely, the self, the role of the minister and the congregation. The perception of the minister on his or her role formed the basis of the study. The main purpose of the study was to understand the work experiences of ministers and the effect thereof on their personal and professional lives. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted that were centred around three themes namely: minister, people or person and work. The research methodology applied in this approach is the phenomenological approach. The ministers’ perception of their role was described as it relates to the components of the self (as a person), the role of the minister (the occupation) and the congregation (work environment or setting). By applying this method the researcher aimed to describe the psychological dynamics related to the various roles of the minister.