PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE

WHY PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE?

According to Barna research in 2021, 38% of pastors had thought about leaving the ministry in the past year. For pastors under 45, that number jumped to nearly 50%.

Why are 50% of ministers leaving the ministry within five years of completing their education?

Dr. Maurice Graham—a counselor and coach to ministers for over 35 years—began wrestling with this question more than two decades ago. His in-depth research revealed a hard truth: despite a minister’s talents, spiritual gifts, and preaching ability, many still end up withdrawing from vocational ministry.

His findings also showed that when either the minister or the congregation struggles to manage emotions, the effectiveness of both is significantly diminished.

After analyzing data from more than 3,000 clergy, Dr. Graham developed a model to help ministers integrate emotional intelligence with theological insight. He named it Pastoral Intelligence™.

Pastoral Intelligence™ empowers pastors to remain resilient and effective in ministry.

Dr. Maurice Graham discovered that many pastors are not adequately equipped to manage their own emotions or the emotional dynamics of their congregations. This gap can lead to unhealthy behaviors, burnout, or even leaving the ministry altogether.

Each chapter of Pastoral Intelligence provides insights, guidance, and resources—ending with practical questions designed by Dr. Graham to move pastors beyond theory into meaningful application.

In a world that desperately needs the hope of Christ, it’s time for pastors to rediscover their call and identity.

Dr. Graham’s hope is that Pastoral Intelligence will support as many pastors as possible in sustaining their ministry and meeting that need.

His proven training program equips pastors by integrating two essential areas of intelligence: theological and emotional.

Now, this ground-breaking research is available in his book, Pastoral Intelligence: Why Your Emotional Health is the Key to Your Church’s Health.

Pastoral Intelligence: Now available at Amazon.com.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS BOOK

“Maurice Graham embodies the life-giving evidence of Pastoral Intelligence he writes about so well—capacities every pastor especially needs in this difficult era. The Holy Spirit has nurtured these qualities in Graham’s life through ordinary and exceptional experiences, challenges, and crises. This rich book is a balm for a pastor’s heart and an inspiration to develop pastoral intelligence that can bring life, wisdom, resilience, and courage to both pastor and people alike.”

—Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton, President Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Pastoral Intelligence is a thoughtful, honest, and accessible resource that fills a critical gap that too many of us in formal theological education have left unaddressed: how do we integrate emotional and relational learning alongside the intellectual formation that happens in seminary such that Christian leaders are equipped to navigate the emotional challenges that await them in the ministry context? We understand the importance of learning skills related to biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and homiletics. But how about equally relevant skills such as knowing and navigating one’s own emotions and the emotions of others? I commend Maurice for tackling this much-needed topic with honesty and vulnerability, and with accessible tools and insights. And I am thrilled to see this resource reach the hands of leaders and ministry contexts where it is needed most.”

—David C. Wang, Th.M., Ph.D., Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Editor, Journal of Psychology and Theology

“Dr. Graham’s work on Pastoral Intelligence is groundbreaking and a must-read for everyone in ministry, regardless of position or tenure. Everyone wins when pastors are healthy, and this book will be a major tool in that goal!”

—Dr. Brian C. Hughes, Senior and Founding Pastor, Passion Community Church, Virginia.

“Emotional intelligence is critical to the success of any leader. Dr. Maurice Graham applies the field of emotional intelligence to the realities of pastoral ministry, doing so in a way that is biblically based and very practical. I highly recommend!”

—Steve Stroope, Founding Pastor LakePointe Church and Kingdom Consultant

“It takes a minimal search of the news to know that pastors are not immune from the broken behaviors that lead to moral failings, which quickly undermine the witness of Jesus in our communities. Those of us who have been in ministry for any length of time know how it feels to find ourselves injured by a life event, triggered or feeling inadequate, and needing someone to come alongside the Holy Spirit to bind us up and help us sort through our early imprints, thoughts, and belief-systems so that we can step into the fullness of the Lord’s call on our lives. In Pastoral Intelligence, Maurice beautifully addresses how to properly care for leaders young and old, providing a practical, steady guide for quality pastoral care.”

—Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA

“Maurice Graham both identifies and offers a game plan for overcoming one of the greatest saboteurs of pastoral ministry: A robust understanding of scripture coupled with a faulty understanding of people. Use its helpful insights for self-diagnoses and for helping those you lead and mentor.”

—Larry Osborne, North Coast Church

“Through his depth of experience in working with pastors, Dr. Maurice Graham has produced a much-needed resource for them and their support networks. Pastoral Intelligence is a truly groundbreaking work that all Bible-believing church leaders should include in their personal and leadership development plans. I know of no other resource that addresses this critically important topic from a thoroughgoing biblical perspective combined with a uniquely profound understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing pastors in this cultural moment.”

—John D. Basie, Ph.D., Director, Impact 360 Residency

“Dr. Graham and his tool, Pastoral Intelligence, have been beneficial to me over two decades in my leadership of two large-church staffs. This book reflects Graham’s ongoing contribution to complex ministry relationships.”

—Travis Collins, PhD, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE

“When you finish reading the book, an honest review is appreciated, not only by me but by others who are considering reading this book. Thank you for taking your time to do an Amazon book review on Pastoral Intelligence. Of course, your friends on your social media platforms are always looking for good book recommendations, so please also post on your social media platforms. I would deeply appreciate it.” —Dr. Maurice Graham

Add Your Review

TRANSFORM YOUR MINISTRY WITH PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE COHORTS

Join one of our cohorts starting Fall 2024 and revolutionize your pastoral approach. Led by experienced coaches, these small group sessions integrate emotional and theological intelligence, equipping you with essential skills for effective ministry. Through case studies and collaborative coaching, you will develop self-awareness, empathy, and leadership abilities. Enhance your pastoral calling and foster a thriving church community. Limited spots available—secure your place today!

LEARN MORE

COACHING & CHURCH CONSULTING

Seeking guidance in your journey? Connect with a coach or church consultant for personalized support and insights from someone trained in the principles of Pastoral Intelligence. Share your name and email with us, and a qualified coach or church consultant will reach out to guide you on your path.

GET SUPPORT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V. Maurice Graham, DMin, LMFT, founder of Shepherd’s Staff Ministry, Inc., has counseled and coached ministers and their families for over 35 years.

In 2002, Dr. Graham received training and certification by the Daniel Goleman Group The Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI).  He wondered:

“Could this groundbreaking understanding of what it means to bring intelligence to emotion be helpful to vocational ministers?”

Dr. Graham quickly realized that the corporate model of emotional intelligence didn’t adequately translate into a vocational ministry setting, so he began his own research.

Dr. Graham created the first 360-degree, multi-source assessment to measure emotional intelligence in clergy and established his own unique Call and Identity Coaching™.

After years of research with more than 3,000 clergy persons, he formulated his theory of clergy emotional intelligence and theological awareness and named it Pastoral Intelligence™.

Currently, Dr. Graham is a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He spends his time as the founder of Shepherd’s Staff Ministry, primarily training coaches in his Pastoral Intelligence methodology.

Dr. Graham is also the author of Prayers from the Desert: Living Out the Pastoral Call As a Hostage in Kuwait—his real-life story about being held hostage for four months while trying to protect his family and fulfill his pastoral calling in the midst of crisis.

CONTACT US

Have questions, feedback, or need more information? We’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

CONTACT US