The Perceived Role of Psychology in the Initial Training of Christian Ministers of Religion in the United Kingdom

Abstract

A detailed questionnaire was mailed to all institutions involved in the initial training of Christian ministers of religion within the United Kingdom. The 95 completed replies represent an 85% response rate. The data suggest that, although few full-time ministry educators possess a recognized qualification in psychology, the climate is generally favorable to psychology within programs of initial ministry training. The data also distinguish between four different levels on which psychology may contribute to such programs: areas given high priority in initial ministry training and in which psychology is already perceived as making an important contribution; areas given middle ranking priority and in which psychology is perceived as making an important contribution; areas to which psychology is seen as making a very positive contribution but which are perceived as being of little importance in initial ministry training; and areas given high priority but in which psychology is perceived as having little to offer. Suggestions are offered for the promotion of psychology on these different levels.