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. 2018 Aug;57(4):1509-1523.
doi: 10.1007/s10943-018-0563-9.

Leading God's People: Perceptions of Influence Among African-American Pastors

Brook E Harmon  1 , Shaila Strayhorn  2 , Benjamin L Webb  3 , James R Hébert  4
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Leading God's People: Perceptions of Influence Among African-American Pastors

Brook E Harmon et al. J Relig Health. 2018 Aug.

Abstract

Religious leaders, particularly African-American pastors, are believed to play a key role in addressing health disparities. Despite the role African-American pastors may play in improving health, there is limited research on pastoral influence. The purpose of this study was to examine African-American pastors' perceptions of their influence in their churches and communities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 African-American pastors and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Three themes emerged: the historical role of the church; influence as contextual, with pastors using comparisons with other pastors to describe their ability to be influential; and a reciprocal relationship existing such that pastors are influenced by factors such as God and their community while these factors also aid them in influencing others. A conceptual model of pastoral influence was created using data from this study and others to highlight factors that influence pastors, potential outcomes and moderators as well as the reciprocal nature of pastoral influence.

Keywords: African Americans; Church; Clergy; Conceptual model; Health disparities.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Dr. Harmon declares that she has no conflict of interest. Ms. Strayhorn declares that she has no conflict of interest. Dr. Webb declares that he has no conflict of interest. Dr. Hebert declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Conceptual Model of Pastoral Influence
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