Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the leadership behaviors of gay and lesbian pastors, the effect of being gay or lesbian on leadership development, and the differences between the leadership behaviors of pastors and of managers from the business sector. This research used an exploratory mixed methods approach to study gay and lesbian pastoral leadership. A demographic questionnaire and an online survey instrument, The G Quotient Assessment (Snyder, 2006), were used to collect the quantitative data. Qualitative data were collected through personal interviews by telephone. The sample population consisted of 78 gay and lesbian Protestant pastors. Seventy-four completed the survey and 16 were interviewed. Twenty-three of the pastors had been or are currently closeted in non-inclusive churches. The level of leadership behaviors and beliefs of the gay and lesbian pastors were found to be similar to those of gay and lesbian business leaders as measured by The G Quotient Assessment (Snyder, 2006). The leadership principles found in The G Quotient were a match to many of the descriptions of effective pastoral leadership given by the gay and lesbian pastors. This was especially true in the areas of inclusion and collaboration. There were also unique aspects to church and pastoral leadership that included spiritual aspects, a sense of calling, a servant-leader approach, and specific ministry skills. Leadership development for the pastor participants was similar to leadership development for other leaders. Mentoring, examples of leadership, and church experience were mentioned as key to their development as pastors. The effect of being gay and lesbian on leadership development related primarily to an increased sensitivity and empathy for a diverse group of people. While serving in the closet, pastors felt inauthentic and protective. After coming out, they felt real, authentic, and more effective in their ministry. Many pastors became politically active on behalf of the LGBT community.