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TechnoratiMegachurch pastors are not likely to see themselves as that – pastors. They're more likely to view their role as preacher or teacher, according to a new survey.
In newly released findings from the Leadership Network's Large-Church Senior Pastor Survey, 81 percent of senior leaders in churches with more than 2,000 attendees view their role as "preacher/teacher" while only 16 percent see themselves as a "pastor, shepherd or spiritual guide."
Fifty-one percent chose the term "directional leader" and 33 percent described themselves as a "visionary."
The majority of megachurch pastors say they are strongest in preaching (79 percent) and thinking about and promoting a vision and goals for the congregation's future (77 percent). Around a third say teaching people about the faith and training people for ministry and mission are tasks they do best. And only 10 percent say they are strongest in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction.
Those who see themselves more as a preacher/teacher say they're best at promoting a vision while those who call themselves a pastor say they do "preaching/teaching" better than promoting a vision.
The survey found that self-described "pastors" are less satisfied with the evangelistic emphasis of their church, indicate that a lower percent of their newest members came to faith in Christ through the ministry of their church, are less likely to lead a multi-site church, lead slightly smaller churches, and preach slightly more weekends a year.
Megachurch pastors on average preach at three services each weekend and 39 weeks a year.
More than half (51 percent) of megachurch leaders look to conferences as part of their continuing education, 43 percent say in-person relationships is most helpful in their continuing education, 31 percent point to magazines and books, and 18 percent go online to further their education.
What helps them in their personal spiritual growth include individual time with God, worship services at their church and small group.
Nearly half (47 percent) of megachurch leaders say they are the only senior pastor, 21 percent say up to 25 percent of the senior pastor role is shared, and 19 percent say 26-50 percent of the role is shared.
Digging into the background of megachurch pastors, the survey found that 72 percent of them attended church weekly at the age of 16 and more than half say it was an evangelical or nondenominational church.
They also tend to be white, middle-aged, married to their first spouse and raising school-aged children.
Compared to other church pastors, megachurch pastors are considerably less likely to be single, divorced or re-married; tend to have more formal theological education; spend more time in preaching (including preparation) and in administration; spend less time personally visiting members, the sick and shut-ins; tend to be less satisfied with their spiritual life and their leadership effectiveness; take more time off; experience less conflict in their churches; report higher levels of congregational morale; and agree more often that their churches are ready to try new things.
When reaching young adults (age 18-35), 20 percent of megachurch pastors say small groups work best and 17 percent say targeted worship service helps them connect with young adults.
In other notable findings, churches high in conversion growth and attendance growth tend to be younger in terms of the median age of members, larger, and faster growing. Continue »
