PCA Retirement & Benefits (RBI) is launching a research initiative in partnership with The Center for Transformational Churches at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School to assess the wellbeing of PCA teaching elders. The initiative is being led by Jon Medlock, Chief Culture Officer and Director of Ministerial Relief for RBI, and Dr. Donald Guthrie, Executive Director of the Center for Transformational Churches.
Describing the purpose of the project, Medlock says, “We believe churches can only be as healthy as their leaders. We know the factors that contribute to long-term wellbeing in ministry. This survey will help assess the holistic health of PCA pastors.”
RBI hopes to use the collected data to develop informed, proactive ways to support and promote the wellbeing of pastors. Medlock said, “RBI’s goal is to inject the nutrients of pastoral health into the bloodstream of the PCA. We want our pastors to thrive so our churches can thrive, and the gospel can advance.”
The initiative begins with an anonymous survey which assesses six areas of a pastor’s life which contribute to long-term wellbeing, including:
- Spiritual maturity
- Self care
- Emotional and cultural intelligence
- Marriage and family
- Leadership and management
- Finances
Previously, RBI has conducted research among PCA pastors and their wives. In 2011, a retirement readiness survey revealed that a significant number of PCA pastors wanted help in understanding and structuring their call package. As a result, RBI shifted resources to focus on call package consulting. In recent years, RBI launched counseling services for pastors and their wives as a result of data collected by similar research.
Teaching elders will receive a link to the survey via email. Any teaching elder who does not receive a link can request access through this form on the RBI website. Anyone with questions can contact project manager Bart Moseman.