Leaving the adventist ministry : a study of the process of exiting

Peter H. Ballis
Published by Praeger (1999)

ISBN: 0275962296

Are you a Monash author?

If you are:

a member of the Monash community; and
have published, or are about to publish a book.

Let us know about it by
emailing: authors@monash.edu

Borrow it: Monash University Library members can borrow this book. View the catalogue record for details.

Buy it: This book may be available from the Monash University Bookshop.

Book description
More than 180 pastors exited the Seventh-Day Adventist ministry in Australia and New Zealand between 1980 and 1988--a loss that is equivalent to 40 percent of the total annual Adventist ministerial workforce in those two countries.

This volume examines the processes whereby conservative and committed sectarian pastors began to entertain doubts concerning the sectarian cause, questioned their occupational calling, and turned their backs on the ministry. Using the data gathered from in-depth interviews with 43 ex-pastors and from other sources, the author develops detailed case study profiles, which highlight the personal, organizational, and social factors involved in their decision and the types of experiences they associate with leaving the ministry.

The first study of clergy fallout from a sectarian community, this volume makes a significant contribution to our understanding of exiting.

About the author
Dr. Peter Ballis is a senior lecturer and Head of Sociology in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monash University. Dr Ballis is a former Adventist pastor.

Ask a question Phone +61 3 9905 5054 or use our enquiry services ask.monash for Monash students and staff | ask.monash for visitors and alumni.
Your opinion Feedback form for Monash staff and students | Feedback form for visitors and alumni