Human Subjects Research
Institutional Review Board
Informed Consent
Please review the information below regarding participation in this research. If you agree to participate, please fill in the information at the bottom of the page to proceed to the 12-question survey. If you do not wish to partcipate, please close this browser window. Any questions may be directed to Brian Blake at brian.blake@student.tku.edu or 210-213-2137.
Title of Study: The impact of mixed-gender mentorships on female ministers in the Assemblies of God North Texas Ministry Network
Principal Investigator: Brian Blake
This research is funded and supported by: The King’s University
Why are you being invited to participate in this study?
You are being asked to take part in this research because you are a credentialed minister in the Assemblies of God North Texas Ministry Network.
What you should know about a research study:
· Someone will explain this research to you.
· It is your choice to participate.
· You can choose not to take part.
· You can agree to take part and change your mind later.
· Your decision to withdraw will not be held against you.
· You can ask all the questions you want before deciding.
Why are we doing this research?
The Assemblies of God has a rich history and theology of both men and women serving the Church in all ministry roles. Formal and informal mentoring relationships have been essential in the personal and professional growth of our ministers. However, women are frequently excluded from opportunities for mentorship relationships. The reasons why this is are vast, ranging from concerns about others’ perception or assumptions, discomfort with non-familial relationships with others of the other gender, and presuming that there are plenty of women to mentor women, just as there are plenty of men to mentor men. This research aims to understand the experiences of 1) women ministers who have received mentorship from a male minister and b) male ministers who have mentored women ministers.
Note: For this study, mentorship is defined as an intentional relationship in which one minister invests in another’s growth as a minister. This may include formal and informal dynamics, focus on skills and relationships impacting the mentees growth as a leader, or working on personal aspects (ie, emotional intelligence, communication in certain contexts, etc) that impact their efficacy as a pastor and church leader.
How long will the research last?
We expect that you will be in this research study for the duration it takes to complete this 12-question survey. If you participate in the secondary interview, they will take place at mutually agreed upon time between 1 June 2026 - 31 July 2026.
How many people will we study?
We appreciate the participation of all our North Texas Ministry Network ministers who will participate in the initial survey. Following the survey, we expect to enroll up to 24 people for 30-60 minute interviews. The participation of this interview extends only to credentialed clergy in the North Texas Ministry Network.
What happens if I say “Yes, I want to be in this research”?
For the survey-only participants:
· It will take less than 5 minutes to complete the survey. Your participation may end there and it will be very much appreciated.
· Your personal information is not connected with your survey submission unless you provide contact information for follow-up and/or interviews at the conclusion of the survey. In these circumstances, participant data will be recorded under an alias to help ensure anonymity. Your information on this consent form is to record your willingness to participate in the survey and is not connected with your survey submission. We will ensure your participation and answers will be anonymous.
· You will be invited for further participation if you volunteer for the secondary interview and:
You are a female minister who has received mentorship from a male minister, or
You are a male minister who has mentored a female minister
· If you volunteer for further participation, you will provide your name and contact information at the conclusion of the survey. We will contact you to schedule an 30-60 minute interview to discuss your mentorship experience.
· If you have questions or would like the survey results, you may reach us a brian.blake@student.tku.edu.
For interview participants:
· We will schedule a 30-60 minute. In this interview, we will ask you questions regarding your mentorship experience(s), their impact on your life and ministry, and recommendations for successful mixed-gender mentoring relationships.
· Interviews will be conducted via Google Meet or Zoom. With your permission, the interview will be recorded for later reference.
· As necessary, we may request a follow-up interview for further information or to clarify points of confusion.
· You will be assigned an alias and your personally identifiable information will be safeguarded.
Is there any way being in this study could be bad for me?
The things that you will be doing are no greater than risks that you would come across in everyday life. You may choose to share sensitive and confidential information during the interview. Although the researchers have tried to avoid risks, you may feel that some questions/procedures that are asked of you will be stressful or upsetting. You do not have to answer anything you do not want to.
Will being in this study help me in any way?
We cannot promise any benefits to you or others from your taking part in this research. However, this study will provide an opportunity to reflect on your mentorship experiences and contribute to efforts to further develop and improve mentorship practices among our ministers.
What happens to the information collected for the research?
Efforts will be made to limit the use and disclosure of your personal information, including research study and other records, to people who have a need to review this information. We cannot promise complete privacy. Organizations that may inspect and copy your information include The King’s University Institutional Review Board and other representatives of this institution.
What else do I need to know?
If you agree to take part in the interview phase of this research study, you will be entered to receive 1 of 4 $25 gift cards.
Additional Elements
This research is being conducted as a requirement for fulfillment of the Doctor of Ministry at The King’s University in Southlake, Texas. Brian Blake is a registered doctoral candidate at the university. Joy Qualls, PhD is the faculty member serving as the student’s advisor. You may contact joy.qualls@biola.edu should any concerns about this research arise.
The following research activities are optional, meaning that you do not have to agree to them in order to participate in the research study. Please indicate your willingness to participate in these optional activities by placing your initials next to each activity.