Program

Doctor of Ministry

Number of Pages

193

Year Approved

2025

First Advisor

Fombelle, Doug

Second Reader

Jeanine Parolini; Katie Smith

Abstract

This study addressed the problem of measuring change readiness in Midwestern LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) congregations searching for a pastor during a pastoral vacancy. Measuring change readiness is important because it reflects an organization’s willingness and preparedness to change, which is especially crucial for aligning congregations and new pastors. This qualitative study utilized a collective case study approach examining four congregations. The call committees of each congregation completed an online survey and an interview with the researcher in order to collect data regarding congregational change readiness and personal change resistance. The research included a biblical and theological review of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3, examining the message to each church regarding change readiness. It also reviewed current literature on effective spiritual and business practices for change readiness. The data from the field research was evaluated through within-case and cross-case analyses and provided the necessary information to offer preliminary conclusions concerning measuring change readiness. These conclusions encompass the relevance of Revelation 2-3 for contemporary congregations, the significance of resistance to personal change on the readiness for congregational change, issues related to long-term pastorates, and how denominational transitions may lead to homeostasis within congregations.

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

Document Type

Doctoral thesis

Terms of Use and License Information

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

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