Ministers in Conflict: A Study of Role Conflicts Experienced by the Pastoral Leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Abstract

Problem: The roles of the gospel minister are multi-functional. Where these roles are in conflict the minister may experience frustration, loss of job satisfaction, low self esteem, stress, and often a withdrawing from the ministry itself. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the intensity levels of role conflicts being experienced by the pastoral leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Method: A postal survey of sixty ministers was conducted on a random test basis. A second identical survey was conducted on a similar group of thirty-five ministers. In addition, four ministers were surveyed and monitored for three months during which time they gave input, made observations and evaluated the results of the major postal survey.The survey listed twenty major role conflict areas which were primarily extracted from non-Seventh-day Adventist studies. Results: The survey indicates that Adventist ministers experience role conflicts which compare with similar studies conducted in Australia and America. The number and intensity levels of the role conflicts being experienced by a large percentage of the Adventist ministry would indicate they are undergoing stress and burn-out and therefore require pastoral ministry themselves. This study identifies several sensitive areas of pastoral ministry which are contributing to a wide range of role conflicts. Conclusion: Adventist pastoral leadership would benefit from a more definite clarification of their role as a person, parent, and pastor. That over forty-three per cent of the ministry may consider alternate employment if it were offered is indicative of their insecurity, loss of job satisfaction and frustration. Further specific follow up research is needed in the major role conflict stress areas. This study indicates a real need to develop a ministry for the needs of the pastoral leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist leadership. A lessening of the intensity of the minister's role conflicts would result in greater job satisfaction and more productive pastoral leadership.