The perceptions of youth ministers' leadership role in the catholic regional church
Abstract
In this quantitative study, I explored the perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, and comfort levels, roles, responsibilities, and influence of parish level youth ministers from 2 dioceses (one urban, one suburban) in the Catholic Church, critical at a time of declining youth involvement in the Church. The Youth Ministry Survey (YMS) was used to gather data on their demographics, degree of involvement in the youth ministry, and perceived effectiveness, satisfaction, and comfort levels. A good relationship with God, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation, a strong degree of faith, and their ministry role were related to higher levels of perceived effectiveness in ministry. Having a good relationship with parents, youth, supervisors, and mentors was related to higher levels of perceived effectiveness and satisfaction. Higher education levels, budget sizes, and salary levels were not linked to higher levels of perceived effectiveness and satisfaction for the youth ministers. Fulfillment of roles and responsibilities and the variety and stimulation in activities (notably Bible study and field trips) were positively related to reported youth involvement and their perceived effectiveness. Building relationships consistent with the larger Church mission--praising God, bringing salvation to others through the sacraments, proclaiming the Gospel, and helping others--was key and led to greater satisfaction to in youth ministers with their apostolic work. The results support a key social capital theory concept--building relationships is critical in contemporary communities.
Subject Area
Educational leadership
Recommended Citation
Gospodarzec, Krzysztof, "The perceptions of youth ministers' leadership role in the catholic regional church" (2013). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3603768.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3603768
