SPE History

Begun in 2002 through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Memphis Theological Seminary, Sustaining Pastoral Excellence is a ministry to support Christian pastors, their families, and their congregations...


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What we are learning 

Excellence in pastoral ministry is a gift of the healing and sustaining grace of God in the life of the whole person. Through faithful relatedness to God and others, good pastors maintain balance (wholeness) in their lives and ministries. 

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Research On Ministry

Hope in conflict by Maria Mallory

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Can conflict be constructive? Christian leaders turn denominational battles into opportunities for transformation and reconciliation.


Pew and Pulpit: Research on Pastoral Leadership

Pulpit & Pew is an interdenominational project aimed at strengthening the quality of pastoral leadership (clergy and lay) in churches, parishes, and other faith communities across America.
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Pew and Pulpit Research Reports

Research reports include the following:

 

River of Struggle, River of Freedom: Trends among Black Churches and Black Pastoral Leadership
By Larry Mamiya

 

Asian American Religious Leadership Today: A Preliminary Inquiry
By Timothy Tseng et. al.

 

Factors Shaping Clergy Careers: A Wakeup Call for Protestant Denominations and Pastors
By Patricia M.Y. Chang

 

Strengthening Hispanic Ministry Across Denominations: A Call to Action
By Edwin I. Hernandez et. al.

 

Assessing the Clergy Supply in the 21st Century
By Patricia M. Y. Chang

 

The Ministry and the Message: What Americans See and Read About Their Leaders
By Joyce Smith

 

What Do Lay People Want in Pastors?
Answers from Lay Search Committee Chairs and Regional Judicatory Leaders

By Adair T. Lummis

 

How Much Should We Pay the Pastor?: A Fresh Look at Clergy Salaries in the 21st Century
By Becky R. McMillan and Matthew J. Price

Women's Path Into Ministry: Six Major Studies
By Edward C. Lehman, Jr.