PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE

WHY PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE?

According to Barna research, in 2022 42% of pastors reported that they had seriously considered leaving the ministry within the previous year. Among pastors under age 45, that number rose to nearly 50%.

Research associated with the Alban Institute, Fuller Seminary, and George Fox Seminary has long suggested that as many as half of those who enter vocational ministry leave within the first five years—many never returning to congregational ministry or even active church life.

This raises a pressing question:

Why are so many ministers leaving the ministry so early in their vocation?

Dr. Maurice Graham—a counselor, coach, and consultant to clergy for more than 35 years—began grappling with this question over two decades ago. Through extensive research and hands-on work with pastors, he uncovered a sobering reality:
gifted, spiritually committed, and theologically trained ministers often withdraw from vocational ministry—not because they lack calling or competence, but because they are ill-prepared to navigate the emotional demands of ministry.

Dr. Graham’s research revealed that when either pastors or congregations struggle to understand and manage emotional dynamics, the health and effectiveness of both are significantly compromised.

After analyzing data from more than 3,000 clergy, Dr. Graham developed a practical, integrated model that brings emotional intelligence into intentional conversation with theological formation. He named this framework Pastoral Intelligence™.

Pastoral Intelligence™ equips pastors to remain resilient, grounded, and effective in ministry.

His findings consistently showed that many pastors are theologically trained but emotionally under-equipped—unable to recognize, interpret, or respond well to their own emotions or to the emotional systems of their congregations. Over time, this gap often leads to burnout, relational conflict, unhealthy coping patterns, or departure from ministry altogether.

Pastoral Intelligence addresses this challenge directly. Each chapter offers insight, guidance, and practical tools to help pastors grow in emotional awareness, self-regulation, and relational wisdom. A free Companion Guide is also available, providing structured reflection questions designed to move pastors from theory to meaningful, lived application.

In a world deeply in need of the hope of Christ, pastors must rediscover and sustain their call, identity, and emotional health. Dr. Graham’s hope is that Pastoral Intelligence will help pastors not merely survive ministry—but remain faithful, effective, and whole for the long haul.

His proven training integrates two essential forms of intelligence:

• Theological intelligence

• Emotional intelligence

Together, they form a foundation for healthy leadership and healthier churches.

Now, this groundbreaking work is available in the book,
Pastoral Intelligence: Why Your Emotional Health Is the Key to Your Church’s Health. Pastoral Intelligence: Now available at Amazon.com.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS BOOK

“Maurice Graham embodies the life-giving evidence of Pastoral Intelligence he writes about so well—capacities every pastor especially needs in this difficult era. The Holy Spirit has nurtured these qualities in Graham’s life through ordinary and exceptional experiences, challenges, and crises. This rich book is a balm for a pastor’s heart and an inspiration to develop pastoral intelligence that can bring life, wisdom, resilience, and courage to both pastor and people alike.” —Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton, President Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Pastoral Intelligence is a thoughtful, honest, and accessible resource that fills a critical gap that too many of us in formal theological education have left unaddressed: how do we integrate emotional and relational learning alongside the intellectual formation that happens in seminary such that Christian leaders are equipped to navigate the emotional challenges that await them in the ministry context? We understand the importance of learning skills related to biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and homiletics. But how about equally relevant skills such as knowing and navigating one’s own emotions and the emotions of others? I commend Maurice for tackling this much-needed topic with honesty and vulnerability, and with accessible tools and insights. And I am thrilled to see this resource reach the hands of leaders and ministry contexts where it is needed most.” —David C. Wang, Th.M., Ph.D., Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Editor, Journal of Psychology and Theology

“Dr. Graham’s work on Pastoral Intelligence is groundbreaking and a must-read for everyone in ministry, regardless of position or tenure. Everyone wins when pastors are healthy, and this book will be a major tool in that goal!” —Dr. Brian C. Hughes, Senior and Founding Pastor, Passion Community Church, Virginia.

“Emotional intelligence is critical to the success of any leader. Dr. Maurice Graham applies the field of emotional intelligence to the realities of pastoral ministry, doing so in a way that is biblically based and very practical. I highly recommend!” —Steve Stroope, Founding Pastor LakePointe Church and Kingdom Consultant

“It takes a minimal search of the news to know that pastors are not immune from the broken behaviors that lead to moral failings, which quickly undermine the witness of Jesus in our communities. Those of us who have been in ministry for any length of time know how it feels to find ourselves injured by a life event, triggered or feeling inadequate, and needing someone to come alongside the Holy Spirit to bind us up and help us sort through our early imprints, thoughts, and belief-systems so that we can step into the fullness of the Lord’s call on our lives. In Pastoral Intelligence, Maurice beautifully addresses how to properly care for leaders young and old, providing a practical, steady guide for quality pastoral care.” —Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA

“Maurice Graham both identifies and offers a game plan for overcoming one of the greatest saboteurs of pastoral ministry: A robust understanding of scripture coupled with a faulty understanding of people. Use its helpful insights for self-diagnoses and for helping those you lead and mentor.” —Larry Osborne, North Coast Church

“Through his depth of experience in working with pastors, Dr. Maurice Graham has produced a much-needed resource for them and their support networks. Pastoral Intelligence is a truly groundbreaking work that all Bible-believing church leaders should include in their personal and leadership development plans. I know of no other resource that addresses this critically important topic from a thoroughgoing biblical perspective combined with a uniquely profound understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing pastors in this cultural moment.” —John D. Basie, Ph.D., Director, Impact 360 Residency

“Dr. Graham and his tool, Pastoral Intelligence, have been beneficial to me over two decades in my leadership of two large-church staffs. This book reflects Graham’s ongoing contribution to complex ministry relationships.” —Travis Collins, PhD, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE

“"When you finish reading Pastoral Intelligence, I’d truly appreciate an honest review on Amazon—it helps others considering the book as well. Feel free to share your thoughts on social media too; your friends are always looking for good book recommendations. Thank you!" —Dr. Maurice Graham

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RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY COMPANION GUIDE

Enhance your journey with our complimentary Pastoral Intelligence Companion Guide. Delve deeper into the transformative teachings of Pastoral Intelligence with this resource designed to enrich your understanding and application of the principles within the book. Simply provide your name and email below, and we’ll send the guide directly to your inbox.

TRANSFORM YOUR MINISTRY WITH PASTORAL INTELLIGENCE COHORTS

Join one of our cohorts (register for upcoming Cohorts) and revolutionize your pastoral approach. Led by experienced coaches, these small group sessions integrate emotional and theological intelligence, equipping you with essential skills for effective ministry. Through case studies and collaborative coaching, you will develop self-awareness, empathy, and leadership abilities. Enhance your pastoral calling and foster a thriving church community. Limited spots available—secure your place today!

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COACHING, PASTORAL COUNSELING & CHURCH CONSULTING

Seeking guidance in your journey? Connect with a coach, pastoral counselor or church consultant for personalized support and insights from someone trained in the principles of Pastoral Intelligence. Share your name and email with us, and a qualified coach, pastoral counselor or church consultant will reach out to guide you on your path.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maurice Graham, DMin, LMFT, founder of Shepherd’s Staff Ministry, Inc., has counseled and coached ministers and their families for over 35 years.

In 2002, Dr. Graham received training and certification by the Daniel Goleman Group The Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI).  He wondered:

“Could this groundbreaking understanding of what it means to bring intelligence to emotion be helpful to vocational ministers?”

Dr. Graham quickly realized that the corporate model of emotional intelligence didn’t adequately translate into a vocational ministry setting, so he began his own research.

Dr. Graham created the first 360-degree, multi-source assessment to measure emotional intelligence in clergy and established his own unique Call and Identity Coaching™.

After years of research with more than 3,000 clergy persons, he formulated his theory of clergy emotional intelligence and theological awareness and named it Pastoral Intelligence™.

Currently, Dr. Graham is a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He spends his time as the founder of Shepherd’s Staff Ministry, primarily training coaches in his Pastoral Intelligence methodology.

Dr. Graham is also the author of Prayers from the Desert: Living Out the Pastoral Call As a Hostage in Kuwait—his real-life story about being held hostage for four months while trying to protect his family and fulfill his pastoral calling in the midst of crisis.

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