An Identification of Key Factors Leading to the Dissatisfaction Amongst Pastors in Ministry: A Case of the East Central Rwanda Field – Rwanda

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the factors that contribute to pastors’ dissatisfaction in the East Central Rwanda Field of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The survey was conducted on 50 pastors from the region using a questionnaire. The gathered data was analyzed using the Chi-square test of independence. The test results revealed that there is a significant association between calls and satisfaction, with a p-value of 0.02829. Moreover, the pastor’s transfer and promotion in ministry were found to greatly affect their satisfaction level. The study discovered that 28% of the respondents were uncomfortable with a transfer, and 26% were shocked when the transfer was repeated every year. Furthermore, 26% of the respondents felt that the transfer was unfair because it occurred without prior consultation with the pastor. The results also revealed that 38% of the respondents believe that promotion brings jealousy while 20% accused the administration of partiality. The study concluded that transfers and promotions are common occurrences in pastoral ministry. However, when they are associated with the wrong motives behind the calling, they can harm the pastor’s life and ministry. Based on the findings, a discipleship approach through mentoring is recommended to help prevent the factors that lead to pastors’ dissatisfaction. This study makes two important contributions. First, it highlights the need for church administration to carefully assess the motives behind an individual’s call during the recruitment process. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of setting up a discipleship approach through continual mentoring to help pastors grow spiritually and successfully perform their duties. Keywords: Call, Pastoral Ministry, Satisfaction, Transfer, Promotion.