Coloring Things Together: Experiences of Leading Together as Pastor Couples in the Norwegian Pentecostal Movement

Abstract

Abstract This article focuses on the growing, yet under-researched, phenomenon of co-leadership in which spouses lead congregations together as pastor couples. The study addresses the topic from the perspective of organizational leadership, probing the experiences of leading together among pastor couples in the Norwegian Pentecostal movement. Systematic text condensation of in-depth interviews showed that the participants described co-leadership as all-encompassing and tension-filled, constantly having to balance private and professional concerns in addition to managing expectations from congregants and global church culture. Amidst these challenges, they described unity in diversity and a sense of being called to lead the church together.