Introduction

The title of this research study is “Mid-Career Christian Ministry Leaders’ Interpretations of Calling as a Dynamic Lived Experience.”

The purpose of this study is to explore how mid-career Christian ministry leaders in New England understand and interpret their sense of divine calling. This study explores divine calling as an ongoing lived experience.

Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions for consent to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

You can participate in this study if you:

  • Are a Christian ministry leader.
  • Identify as a person with a call to leadership in Christian ministry.
  • Have been a Christian ministry leader for at least ten years.
  • Are willing to answer questions regarding your ministry calling while being recorded.

You cannot participate in this study if you:

  • You are under 29 years of age.
  • Cannot recall a calling into a position of leadership in Christian ministry.
  • Are unwilling to be recorded while answering questions about your calling and experience in ministry.
Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?

If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

What?:
1. Complete a demographic survey which asks questions about your age, gender, and ministry experience.
2. Answer questions in a one-on-one, 60 to 90-minute interview, which will include questions about the following:

  • Your understanding of your calling into ministry.
  • You present ministry.
  • What challenges have you faced in your ministry?
  • What you have learned since you were called into ministry.

When?: The interviews will be scheduled at a convenient time that allows for 60-90 minutes.

Where?: The interviews will take place via Zoom.

How?: The Interview will be conducted via Zoom.

Audio Recording: I will use the audio recording feature within Zoom to record your responses. You cannot participate if you do not wish to be recorded. Because this recording will show who you are, these extra steps will be taken:

(a) Audio/video data will be stored on password-protected hard drives.

(b) The transcription feature of Zoom will be used to generate data for data analysis,

(c) Any information that could identify who you are will be removed from the transcripts. A unique participant code will be tied to your responses rather than your name. Any information that could identify your place of ministry will be removed.

Video Recording: I will use the video recording feature within Zoom to record your responses. You cannot participate if you do not wish to be recorded. Because this recording will show who you are, these extra steps will be taken:

(a) Audio/video data will be stored on password-protected hard drives.

(b) The transcription feature of Zoom will be used to generate data for data analysis,

(c) Any information that could identify who you are will be removed from the transcripts. A unique participant code will be tied to your responses rather than your name. Any information that could identify your place of ministry will be removed.
Who will have access to my data/information?

I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

Am I required to participate in this study?

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide whether to participate in this study or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the study at any time, even if you have not finished all of the questions. If you choose to leave, there will be no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you decide to stop participation, you may do so by requesting to stop the meeting or leaving the Zoom meeting. If you choose to stop, I will not use the information that I collected before you chose to stop.

Any possible risks or discomforts?

There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Any direct benefits for me?

No.

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?

Participants will not get paid for their participation. However, each participant will be entered into a drawing for a $50.00 gift card from a local Christian bookstore.

Presentation of Information Collected

The research data will be published as a doctoral dissertation. Data may also be published in academic research journals. Also, the data may be presented at academic conferences. The data will be presented as grouped data. Your identity will not be disclosed.
Privacy and Data Security

Will researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?

Yes. I will have access to the transcripts and recordings of your interview answers. I will protect your identity by using password-protected hard drives for the electronic data and a locked file cabinet for any hard copies of form or data. I will remove your name and any other identifying information from the interview transcripts and assign a random participant ID before your answers are shared with anyone.


Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)

Your identifying information will be removed to protect your privacy.

A random participant ID will be used instead of your name. The link between your name and this ID will be kept organized in a Microsoft Excel document that is password-protected and stored on a local hard drive. This file will only be kept as long as it is needed for this research project. I will be the only person with access to this file, and it will be deleted no later than 12-31-2027.

Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?

Yes.

If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?

A random participant ID will be used instead of your name. The link between your name and this ID will be kept organized in a Microsoft Excel document that is password-protected and stored on a local hard drive. This file will only be kept as long as it is needed for this research project. I will be the only person with access to this file, and it will be deleted no later than 12-31-2027.

If yes, how will researchers secure the link of names and research ID codes? How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?

The link between your name and this ID will be kept organized in a Microsoft Excel document that is password-protected and stored on a local hard drive. I will be the only person with access to this file, and it will be deleted no later than 12-31-2027.
How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?

Video files, audio files, transcript data, and electronic copies of any forms will be stored on a password-protected external hard drive. Any printed copies of transcripts and informed consent forms will be stored in a locked file cabinet and destroyed no later than 12-31-2027.

Will artificial intelligence (AI) software be used?

Yes. For enhanced research efficiency, artificial intelligence (AI) software may be utilized to analyze collected data and may involve the de-identified exchange of some personal or sensitive information. The data will not be disclosed in a way that could identify you.

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?

The data will be kept protected for three years from date this study is finished. Paper forms and transcripts will be destroyed no later than 12-31-2027. The electronic data will be kept protected for three years and will be deleted no later than 12-31-2027.

Who will have access to the protected data?

I will have access to all of your data and information. Also, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the review process.

What is the privacy policy for survey platforms used in this study?

https://explore.zoom.us/en/privacy/

https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/legal/privacy/

Where and how will the signed informed consent forms be secured?

Electronic forms with your signature will be stored on a password-protected external hard drive. Any physical copies of forms will be stored in a locked file cabinet.

Future Research

Once your name, your address, and your place of ministry are removed from the data collected for this study, the interview transcripts could be used for future research without additional informed consent from you.
Study Contacts

Any questions you have concerning the research study or your participation in the study before or after your informed consent will be answered by Brian Keldsen, BKeldsen2@my.gcu.edu, 860-771-1800.

If you have questions about your rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board through the College of Doctoral Studies at IRB@gcu.edu; (602) 639-7804.

Voluntary Consent

Participant Rights

  • You have been given an opportunity to read and discuss the informed consent and ask questions about this study.
  • You have been given enough time to consider whether or not you want to participate.
  • You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
  • You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participation at any time without penalty.
Your signature means that you understand your rights listed above and agree to participate in this study.

Question Title

* 1. Signature (type your name here)

Question Title

* 2. Date:

Date

T