Date of Conferral
9-21-2026
Date of Award
September 2026
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Karine Clay
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted religious institutions, altering how Black pastors provided spiritual leadership, community support, and social connection. Limited research has examined how these disruptions affected the social identity and psychosocial well-being of African American Pentecostal pastors. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 11 African American Pentecostal pastors in the western United States following COVID-19 church closures. Guided by social identity theory, semi-structured interviews examined changes in participants’ social identity. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’s phenomenological approach: first- and second-cycle coding, member checking, reflective journals, and thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: psychological and emotional burden, social isolation and leadership role strain, disruption of pastoral identity and purpose, and adaptive leadership and ministry innovation. Participants experienced anxiety, emotional fatigue, isolation, compassion fatigue and role confusion while demonstrating resilience through virtual ministry, modified leadership practices, and identity reconstruction. Findings suggest identity stability and a strong sense of spiritual calling may protect against psychological distress. The study supports culturally responsive mental health resources, clergy support networks, and leadership training to strengthen support for religious leaders during future crises.
Recommended Citation
Kelley, Isaiah, "The Psychosocial Experience of Black Pentecostal Pastors in Western America Post-Pandemic" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20823.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20823
