Pastoral Transfers within Christ Is The Answer Ministries: An Analysis of Organisational Practice and Stakeholder Impact

Abstract

This paper examined the transfer of pastors from one congregation to another and the ecclesiastical transfer practices within Kenya’s Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) assemblies. The research explored causal factors and consequences affecting ministers, their families, and congregations. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving 68 stakeholders comprising senior pastors, deputy senior pastors, pastoral staff, pastoral spouses, pastors’ children, church leaders, and congregational members across seven distinct roles within CITAM assemblies. Results demonstrate that organisational strategy drives most pastoral transfers rather than personal considerations. The organisational strategy factors include strategic placement for church growth (66.2%), policy requirements (61.8%), and pastoral fit considerations (52.9%), which constitute primary motivating factors. The study revealed concerning transparency deficits, with merely 14.7% of respondents describing transfer processes as highly transparent. This finding aligns with broader concerns about governance transparency in religious organisations. Families of pastors experience complex impacts, particularly educational disruption for children, career challenges for spouses, and professional development benefits for ministers. Congregational responses demonstrate equal complexity, with transfers simultaneously causing disruption (55.9%) and facilitating positive adaptation to new leadership (52.9%). The research concludes with evidence-based recommendations for enhanced communication protocols, comprehensive family support systems, and gradual transition processes. It addresses identified challenges whilst preserving strategic mobility benefits and aligns with contemporary best practices in ecclesiastical administration and organisational change management.