Pastors, people, and power strand: congregational studies symposium

This article reports on the ‘Pastors, People, and Power’ strand of the Congregational Studies Symposium, which virtually connected scholars and practitioners from the UK, US, and Germany in February of 2025. Our strand explored six interrelated dimensions of congregational life: (1) power and decision-making, (2) generational leadership transitions, (3) race and white resistance, (4) faith development, (5) digital congregations, and (6) civic engagement. Drawing on insights from scholar/participants such as Nancy Ammerman and Helen Cameron, as well as studies from both the US and the UK, the article addresses critical questions facing pastors, priests, and scholars. The article concludes by urging congregations to give more attention to power, identity, and place in the coming decades.