Kallen Bohl and Cainan Squibb, “A Comparative Study of Organizational Hierarchy in Protestant Church Denominations and Its Effects on Clergy”
Mentor: Timothy O’Brien, Sociology
Poster #22

This project is a comparative study of hierarchical and non-hierarchical protestant churches which aims to understand the extent that formal organizational structures facilitate or constrain its leaders. To accomplish this, qualitative interviews took place with pastors who are currently serving or who have served as pastor within the past 10 years within the Great Lakes region of the United States. Specifically, these pastors belong to an Episcopal church, United Methodist church (UMC), American Baptist Church (ABC), or United Church of Christ (UCC). The Episcopal and UMC denominations are classified as hierarchical churches, meaning there is a top-down governance structure within the denomination as a whole. The ABC and UCC denominations are non-hierarchical, meaning power is more localized within the local congregation. 42 qualitative interviews averaging 1.5 hours were conducted and took place through a virtual video call. AI generated transcripts from the call were then reviewed in relation to audio files of the interview for accuracy. While analyzing the transcripts, qualitative and quantitative data was identified and compiled. Upon identifying the themes within denominations that support or threaten success, broader conclusions can be made as to what practices within organizations should be more widely adopted and what practices should be avoided. The goal is to understand if a specific organizational structure is more supportive of their pastors as well as the impact on their professional and personal lives. Some conclusions may be generalizable beyond a religious context to broader organizations with similar structures, such as nonprofits with working boards or other caring professions.