Filling Empty Pulpits: Developing Homegrown Leaders

The primary objective of this volume is to convey the research, observations, and recommendations resulting from my doctoral project. The focus is the preparation of pastors for effectual, long-term service in rural churches. The research for this endeavor centered on the churches and ministers of The Assemblies of God. Although the study took place in Alaska, the data suggests the recommended process could be adapted to a wide range of cultural environments. The study involved assessing the effectual development of Alaska Native pastors with the intent of making recommendations based on the data which was collected and analyzed. Inquiry focused on cultural, organizational, delivery system, and curricular factors pertinent to pastoral development in rural Alaska. I examined Alaskan educational institutions and religious organizations for relevant models regarding preparation of pastors in rural Alaska. Data collection included surveys administered to representative rural Alaskan congregations. Additional information came from interviews with Alaska Native pastors, village elders, as well as institutional and denominational educators. The presentation of my findings to denominational leaders provided a foundation for collaboration leading to changes deemed appropriate to the effectual preparation of Native pastors for rural Alaska. The final section of the book reveals my recommendations as well as recent developments reflecting those observations.