An Analysis of Emotional Intelligence Training and Pastoral Job Satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research was to determine whether Canadian pastors in the ministry may be inadequately prepared in skills of emotional intelligence (EI), and if this possible lack of preparation in EI negatively affects their job satisfaction. Twenty Canadian pastors were interviewed to determine which of the 18 EI competencies from Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee (2013) are utilized by pastors while serving in the ministry, and how the utilization of EI contributes to pastoral self-efficacy and job satisfaction. This study also researched the extent to which Bible colleges and seminaries in Canada and the U.S. offer EIfocused content by conducting a document analysis of college transcripts collected from the interviewed pastors. In addition, the corresponding course descriptions, syllabi, and academic catalogs from each of these institutions were analyzed to provide additional detail and context regarding the courses offered in each of these pastoral training programs. Next, five institutional interviews were conducted with key administrators from Bible colleges and seminaries to determine which of the EI competencies were offered in their coursework and their rationale for offering EI-focused content in their curriculum. The research demonstrated that all 18 of the EI competencies were relevant to Canadian pastors and the utilization of EI improved pastoral selfefficacy and corresponding job satisfaction. Further, this study revealed that Canadian pastors are inconsistently trained in Bible colleges and seminaries in the EI competencies. Several recommendations for policy and future research were made to facilitate the improvement of pastoral preparation programs and how they train pastors in the competencies of EI.

Sairaalasielunhoitotyön asiantuntijuus sairaalasielunhoitajan näkökulmasta

“…Tulos tukee aikaisempia tutkimuksia (5,9,22). Vaikka sairaalasielunhoitajan työ edellyttää sosiaalista älykkyyttä (36), vain viidesosa vastaajista koki itsensä älykkääksi. Tunnistavatko sairaalasielunhoitajat oman asiantuntemuksensa?…”