In 2006, the Leadership Needs Questionnaire was administered to pilot groups of leaders, to test the survey tool and the research process.  The findings from those pilot groups?  The number one area where pastoral leaders want to grow the most was in the area of self esteem.  More than any other subject or area, leaders expressed the need and desire to grow in their self confidence.

Is this a surprising finding, even if only from a pilot group?  One positive take-away from this finding: leaders are taking the survey seriously, and are being candid as they complete the questionnaire.

Pastoral leaders across South Africa are continuing to complete and submit training needs surveys for the TOPIC Research Project.  Upwards of 500 pastoral leaders have completed the TOPIC Leadership Needs Questionnaire-and the best is yet to come.

This first batch of completed surveys is currently being inputted into a database.  The database will allow for identification of patterns, providing a significant snapshot of what previous training has accomplished, what is still needed, and what priorities should be in the future.

In addition, efforts are underway to survey an additional 300 pastoral leaders across South Africa-from every province, all types of communities, from different races, ethnicities and socio-economic settings, etc.  The result will be a true national sample of the nation's pastoral training needs.

There's no better time than now for your training organisation or denomination to get involved the project.  You can join the other organisations that have conducted surveys amongst their leaders, providing you with a unique look at the particular needs facing your leaders.

For more information, visit www.topicsa.net or contact the TOPIC SA office.