Enhancing Pastors’ Welfare as Success Strategy in The Ministry: Case of Free Methodist Church Kinyaga Conference
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2583Abstract
The study examined how enhancing the socio-economic welfare of pastors contributes to stability, effectiveness, and sustainability of pastoral ministry in the Free Methodist Church, Kinyaga Conference in Rwanda. It specifically identified key socioeconomic challenges faced by pastors, assessed the impact of current remuneration policies on motivation and ministry sustainability, and proposed strategies for improving welfare and long-term commitment. The study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design where quantitative and qualitative data were collected and interpreted together. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review were used with 60 purposively selected respondents composed of active pastors, retired pastors, and church administrators. Findings showed that 72% of respondents considered pastoral income insufficient, 80% were unable to save regularly, and 60% often relied on borrowing. Housing and health-related welfare were also weak, as 65% reported inadequate housing, 70% reported limited access to affordable healthcare, and 65% indicated that ministry demands affected mental or physical health. Remuneration policy concerns were evident because 62% did not understand existing policies, 70% viewed salary structures as non-transparent, and 78% reported that current remuneration did not motivate them. Respondents strongly supported reform measures, including minimum salary standards, pension schemes, health insurance, housing allowances, financial training, and mentorship support. The study concluded that pastors’ socio-economic insecurity weakens ministerial effectiveness and institutional stability, while structured welfare reforms can strengthen motivation, resilience, and sustainable ministry.
Keywords: Pastors, socio-economic welfare, remuneration, ministry sustainability, institutional reform.
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