Predictors of Trust Between the Southern Baptist Pastor and Congregation

Trust is at a low point in American life regarding institutions in general but particularly the church. This study examined the relationship between a Southern Baptist pastor and the congregants that he serves. Specifically, a model was proposed in which perceived consistency between words and actions, perceived warmth, and perceived competence predict trust in the pastor from the congregation. To test this model, a quantitative study with a survey design was performed. A survey was created using a combination of instruments for authentic leadership, behavioral integrity, competence, warmth, and trust. The survey was distributed through digital mediums to Southern Baptist church attendees for completion. There were 347 completed surveys over a span of six weeks. After the data was collected, a stepwise multiple regression was performed to analyze the data. The results showed that both perceived consistency between words and actions and perceived warmth have a positive relationship with trust in the pastor. Perceived competence was statically significant when tested by itself against trust in a simple regression, but it was excluded from the model when controlling for perceived warmth and consistency. Consistency was the best predictor for trust, followed by warmth. Conclusions for this study include the importance for pastor-leaders to focus on consistency between their words and actions and warmth in their interpersonal relationships. Competence may be important for other outcomes, but it did not show to be as important for establishing trust as the other variables. Further research around consistency and warmth are also suggested as a model for consistency should be explored further in the field of leadership.