The purpose of this project is to research and reflect upon the factors that help maintain the vitality of ministry, for both clergy and congregation, in a long pastorate.

Much to my own surprise, I have become a long-term pastor. Over 20 years of ministry together, my congregation and I have continued to grow and change in positive ways. I remain deeply engaged in my work as a pastor and the congregation in its ministry to members and the wider community. Yet, I am not entirely sure how this happened. Are there certain practices and attitudes that facilitate a sense of vitality in long-term pastorates? Or is it just good fortune?

To better understand the congregational dynamics that promote health and vitality in a long-term pastorate, I propose to undertake a research project using qualitative analysis methods in several very diverse congregations in the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, including my own. In conversation with my Conference Minister, I have identified up to nine healthy long-term pastorates in our region. They include churches ranging in size from 50-450 members, in both small towns and a large metro area, with pastors who have served anywhere from 11 to 38 years. Five of these congregations are predominantly African-American and four are Euro-American. I plan to survey and personally interview the pastor and a focus group of around 12 people within each participating congregation regarding their experience of ministry in the local church. I will specifically focus on practices, attitudes, events, structures and outcomes that have helped to maintain a sense of healthy and vital ministry over a long period of time.

Using the information collected in this study, as well as my own experience, I hope to produce a publishable report, write an article, and organize a reproducible seminar that could facilitate a conversation in the wider church about the factors involved in maintaining a vital ministry in long-term pastorates.