Raising up the next generation of pastors : a qualitative study on intentional mentorship and church leadership development

Dickson, James S.

1 online resource (x, 155 leaves)

Includes abstract.

D. Min. Covenant Theological Seminary 2026

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-155)

Titolo

Raising up the next generation of pastors : a qualitative study on intentional mentorship and church leadership development

Ultima modifica

05/26/2026

Creatore

Dickson, James S.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how pastoral leaders raise up the next generation of pastors in their ministry contexts. In recent years, the number of students pursuing a Master of Divinity degree has noticeably declined, leading to fewer candidates for vocational ordained ministry. Research indicates that a large percentage of pastors first sensed the call to ministry between the ages of 14 and 21, indicating that pastoral leaders and the local church play an outsized role in raising up future pastors. Yet much of the literature addressing the call to ministry is directed at those seeking to discern their own call rather than to pastoral leaders in their role of raising them up. This study utilized a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with eight pastors from various church contexts who had a proven track record of raising up future pastors. The interviews focused on gaining data with three research questions: 1) How do pastoral leaders communicate the need for the next generation of pastors? 2) How are pastoral leaders involved in raising up the next generation of pastors? And 3) How are pastoral leaders leading church systems to raise up the next generation of pastors? The literature review focused on four key areas, beginning with the literature concerning vocation and calling, discipleship and mentorship, and leadership development within the church. The review then concluded with a study on relevant Bible passages to provide a biblical framework for how pastors are called to serve. This study concluded that it is the calling and responsibility of pastoral leaders to intentionally seek out and mentor those whom they believe may be called to pastoral ministry. For this work to be sustainable and replicable, the research indicated a need for iv pastoral leaders to develop a clear framework for pastoral calling, a proactive intergenerational mentorship ministry, and a culture of leadership within the church. Further pastoral characteristics were identified as common among the pastors interviewed. It is recommended that these findings be adapted through a broader philosophy of ministry to be embraced by an entire church, according to its staff and resource context. It is further believed that the adaptation of these findings can be used by the Lord in the process of raising up the next generation of pastors for the church.

Collaboratore