Emotional exegesis: a qualitative analysis designed for investigating the emotional intelligence of clergy

This study explores the conceptualisation of emotional intelligence (EI) in the Church of England, focusing on the perspectives of Archdeacons. While the emotional demands of clergy roles are well recognised, research on emotional intelligence within the Anglican context is limited. Previous studies have primarily used quantitative methods, such as the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, revealing relatively low emotional intelligence (EI) scores in religious leaders compared to other professions. However, these studies often fail to explore how clergy understand and apply EI in their ministry. This research addresses this gap by using a novel qualitative approach, Emotional Exegesis, to investigate how Archdeacons conceptualise EI in their own roles and in their work with clergy. The findings provide insights into the emotional competencies necessary for clergy effectiveness and wellbeing in the context of Anglican ministry, offering a more nuanced understanding of the role of EI in clergy leadership and pastoral care.