Keywords
Quantitative research, church growth, challenges, pastors, church size
Abstract
This study seeks to expand our understanding of the differences between the challenges faced by pastors of smaller churches and the challenges faced by pastors of larger churches. Pastors of North American churches (N = 347), generally with a theologically conservative orientation, responded to an online survey indicating how difficult they perceived each of 79 challenges to be. In general, evangelism and retaining youth were the most difficult challenges. However, clear distinctions were found between pastors of smaller churches and pastors of larger churches for over one-third of the challenges. For example, pastors of larger churches found that adequately addressing issues around sexuality and marriage was more challenging than did pastors of smaller churches. In contrast, pastors of smaller churches found running and maintaining programs more challenging than did pastors of larger churches. Reasons for the differences observed may include differences in congregational composition and the availability of adequate leadership. Possible responses include specific measures to address these challenges in God-honoring ways in the contemporary cultural context.
Recommended Citation
Ingersoll, W., & Dunaetz, D. R. (2025). Pastors of Smaller and Larger Churches Face Different Challenges: Empirical Evidence. Great Commission Research Journal, 17(1), 47-67. Retrieved from https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol17/iss1/4
Included in
Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
