The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has announced a new research project to assess how many churches across the country lack pastoral leadership and what factors are driving that gap.
The study, conducted through the EFC's Centre for Research on Church and Faith in partnership with Northwest Seminary's Propel Lilly grant program, will examine pastoral calling, training and long-term sustainability in ministry.
Researchers plan to conduct a needs analysis of past, present and projected pastoral workforce demands among EFC-affiliated congregations. They will also hold conversations with denominational, higher education and church leaders to identify what is preventing people from entering pastoral ministry — and what is driving current pastors to leave it.
The EFC said it has already begun consulting with affiliate leaders across Canada to ensure the study addresses their specific concerns about pastoral vitality in the 21st century.
According to the EFC, the Centre expects its findings to produce benchmark projections of current and future pastoral needs and to help church and denominational leaders develop strategies for identifying and recruiting pastoral candidates. Researchers also hope to clarify the relationships between denominations, congregations and Christian higher education institutions in forming the next generation of pastors.
The study is also expected to shed light on how pastors develop resilience and longevity in ministry — a question the EFC described as central to sustaining healthy churches over time.
Those with relevant perspectives or questions about the research may contact the team at research@theefc.ca.
