The effects of frequent transfer on the pastoral families in East Central Conference (Nigeria): suggested solutions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of frequent transfer of pastors on the pastoral families in East Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC). This Conference covers two states: Enugu state, and Ebonyi state. In the territory are also some local government areas of Abia state. Pastoral transfers have created a big problem to some pastoral families, especially to the working spouse and schooling children. In such occasions of frequent transfers, what will the pastor's wife do when the transfer cuts across the states or local government? Is she going to abandon her work to join her husband? What will happen to the family income without her financial support or motherly role to the family? How could their children who are still in school cope with the environmental changes? How could the pastor who is now facing many challenges as a result of frequent transfers maintain his family and discharge his pastoral duties?The study explored the effects of frequent transfer and found out that it may put the whole aspect of the pastoral family in disarray. The paper also examined the theological foundation of pastoral transfer and found out that transfer is an integral part of pastoral work, but it should be managed. This work adopted a quantitative method of research. Questionnaires were distributed to a total of sixty (60) pastors and their families and the resultant data were analyzed using SPSS. Interviews were conducted with pastors, past leaders and the Conference administrators. Other related literature was reviewed so as to have a clearer view and understanding of this study. Ellen G. White's counsels and her view on frequent pastoral transfers were examined. The research work discovered that, among other things, frequent transfer contributed to the families’ economic meltdown, affected the children's education and consequently their psychology. In most cases, it affected the spouse's work too. By extension, frequent transfer also affects Church projects. The work concluded that policies and guidelines on transfer should be made. This study recommends that such a policy could clearly state the number of years a pastor should stay in a station before he is transferred to another place. Also, planning for transfers should be made at the beginning of the year, if possible, and take into cognizance spousal work, children's education, and pastoral families' economy, among other matters.