Summary:
David Young
These unique characteristics (mobility, diversity, leadership vacuum) can be approached as problems for pastoral staff and leadership. For example, research on high turnover of congregants in ICs showed that the transient nature of the congregation resulted in relational, emotional, and ministry fatigue for pastors. However, these challenging characteristics can be perceived through a different lens—a paradigm that brings significant focus, and can strengthen the IC pastor and sharpen IC ministry: (1) the transient nature of the congregation can become the basis for several healthy ministry patterns specific to the IC; (2) the significant diversity of Christian heritages is an opportunity for spiritual exploration and growth; and (3) the revolving door of church leadership provides many with hands-on ministry experience and equipping which will be dispersed around the world.
Download the paper “Theological discernment for international church ministry” by David Young.
