The Needs of Evangelical Christian Leaders in the United States

An empirical investigation of the psychological difficulties experienced by Christian leaders was conducted by means of a needs survey. Results indicated that subjects considered their difficulties as relatively minor, although stress, frustration, lack of time, and feelings of inadequacy were reported as their most pressing experiences. Personal unrealistic expectations were identified as a major causal factor for these difficulties. In addition, these leaders revealed significant discrepancies between their actual and ideal ministry emphases.