| In many denominations little attention is given to the process of transferring the theoretical training of the classroom into practical application in the field. As a result, novice pastors find themselves confronted by challenging situations in the parish for which they believe theological training has ill equipped them to address. This belief not only results in less effective ministry on the part of the pastor, but also in feelings of frustration and inadequacy.;The purpose of this research project was to examine the effectiveness of using several methodologies from the field of the psychology of human personnel in a guided mentoring process designed to increase the cognitive ability, self-efficacy, goal-orientation, error management, and practice of licensed ministers in the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church. The research methodology used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. This design included an explanatory phase in which the effectiveness of the guided mentoring process was demonstrated and an exploratory phase in which additional data was obtained to provide further explanation regarding the effectiveness of the methods used.;The research demonstrated the overall effectiveness of the guided mentoring process in increasing training transfer. Participants in the experimental group demonstrated an increase in practice and use of key transfer of training inputs over those in the control group during the three months of the study. The guided mentoring process also provided for an increased level of clarity, accountability, and collegiality related to job expectations and performance among participants in the experimental group. |
