The role expectations faced by church elders in the Finnish pentecostal movement

Electronic versions

Documents

  • Veikko Aro-Panula

    Research areas

  • School of Philosophy and Religion, congregationalism, elders, role, expectations, leadership, voluntarism, triangulation, Finnish Pentecostals

Abstract

The dissertation researched the role of elders in the light of the role expectations they face in the Pentecostal Movement in Finland. The central question for the research was: How do church elders view their own role in the light of the expectations they face in the Finnish Pentecostal Movement? The research approached the role expectations faced by Finnish church elders from a practical theology viewpoint. The related interdisciplinary concepts of role expectations and leadership with its voluntary aspect were defined and discussed in order to build up the framework for the research. The research collected data via a questionnaire for church members and an interview for church elders. The purpose of the triangulation of methods was to strengthenthe validi-ty of the research by taking into account both the expectations sent by church members and the expectations received by church elders. The research provided a better understanding of the expectations Finnish Pentecostal Church elders face in their ministry as voluntary church leaders in Finland. The research suggested a few central recommendations. First, the Finnish Pentecostal Movement should define its doctrinal understanding of the elder’s role. Second, the role relation-ships of elders and pastors in the church should in particular be defined. Third, the el-der’s leadership role should be defined more clearly. Fourth, the consequences of per-forming a leadership role on a voluntary basis should be researched in depth. Fifth, the best ways to arrange training for church elders should be defined.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
Award date1 Sept 2014