When the Shepherd Spooks the Sheep: Factors that Affect Pastoral Tenure in the African American Baptist Tradition
Abstract
This qualitative, exploratory case study explores the factors that influence pastoral tenure in traditional African American Baptist churches. Through the lenses of the sheep and shepherd paradigm, pneumatology, and missional ecclesiology, this research examined the role of the Holy Spirit in the calling/dismissing of pastors and pastoral leadership. The results reveal the pastor-deacons relationship and the congregation’s relationship expectations as pivotal factors in tenure length and church harmony. In the traditional Black Baptist church, the pastor’s ability to first shepherd the deacons aids in the continuation of pastoral tenure and helps the pastor to lead the rest of the flock.
This paper has been withdrawn.