SPE Clergy Peer Group Study

Scope of Study

In order to get a clear picture of the range and variety of Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) clergy peer learning groups and their effects, we will survey a random sample of approximately 600 clergy peer groups. The process will be strictly confidential: SPE directors will provide the names and addresses of clergy peer group participants and groups will be randomly sampled. Research Services of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will conduct the survey, mailing the questionnaires and follow-ups to the sampled clergy and recording their responses. No names of individual clergy will be tied to any surveys; the only identifiers will be project name and an assigned group number. When the survey process is complete, the data file will be forwarded to the researchers at Austin Seminary for aggregate analysis. Each participant SPE project will receive a) the final research report on the survey and b) comparative results from their own participants (if one or more of their groups were included in the survey sample).

Product of Study

Of course, the value of survey information is dependent on the quality of the survey itself. That is why we will conduct focus groups with SPE project directors and coordinators as a part of the survey design process in order to identify factors that matter. And that is why we will also ask participating SPE project directors to provide basic statistical and programmatic data about their clergy peer learning projects. You are a vital part of this research endeavor; we need your help. The survey tool will allow the researchers to identify discrete types of clergy peer groups. In order to understand better the kinds of clergy that are attracted to and benefit from certain types of peer groups (and in what particular ways), eight representative groups will be selected from SPE projects around the country. Invited SPE projects will receive additional funding and training in order to conduct year-long studies of these representative groups.

The products of this research will include:

• Practical information for SPE project directors and program coordinators on using social science tools for evaluation research.

• Research reports on the effects of clergy peer groups across denomination, region, group purpose and structure.

• "How To" booklets for developing and evaluating different kinds of clergy peer groups.

• A workshop or small conference that focuses on study findings and recommendations.

Finally, the complete survey or selected parts of the survey will be available to all groups to use in the on-going evaluation of their own programs.

Study Materials and Results

Download SPE Survey Report and Analysis

Download Focus Group Questions for Peer Groups

Download Summary of Cluster Procedure for Selection fo SPE Projects for Further Qualitative Study

Download SPE Project Directors’ Survey Results 

Download SPE Clergy Peer Group Participant Survey Results

Download Focus Group Survey Results

Download Focus Group Interview

Download Focus Group Summaries

Download SPE Survey 2008

Download SPE Survey Cover Letter

Study Leadership

Janet Maykus, Principal of the College of Pastoral Leaders at Austin Seminary.

Penny Long Marler, Grant and Research Coordinator, the Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University.

Bob Reber, past Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary, author, and consultant on clergy peer learning.

Bruce Roberts, Christian Educator, author, and consultant on clergy peer learning.

All of the researchers have been (and continue to be) involved with SPE clergy peer groups. We invite your questions, suggestions, and ongoing conversation!