Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Launches Study on Pastoral Shortage

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has initiated a comprehensive research project to evaluate the shortage of pastoral leadership within its affiliated congregations. Conducted by the EFC’s Centre for Research on Church and Faith in partnership with Northwest Seminary’s Propel Lilly grant program, the study aims to identify the primary factors contributing to the current workforce gap.

Researchers intend to analyze past, present, and future pastoral demands while engaging in discussions with denominational and educational leaders. The project seeks to understand the barriers preventing individuals from entering ministry and the reasons behind pastoral departures. By examining these trends, the EFC hopes to develop effective strategies for recruitment and to clarify the roles of higher education institutions in training future leaders.

Beyond recruitment, the study will investigate the elements that foster resilience and long-term sustainability in ministry. The EFC expects the final findings to provide benchmark projections that will assist church leaders in maintaining healthy, well-supported congregations throughout the country.