Participants
The project will gather data from participants in different circumstances and church backgrounds. Each will have previously left licensed or paid church leadership positions.
The participants have subsequently made application to return to licensed or paid ministry and engaged in a process of discernment, the outcome being either re-licensing, reinstatement or decline.
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It is proposed that a cohort of 10 participants will be identified, and from this at least 6 will be chosen for interview.
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At the commencement of the process each invited participant will be recommended to discuss their participation with their health care provider or mental health support specialist. This is to ensure that participation is not detrimental to the invitee, and that if necessary, a mental health support plan can be put in place during and at the completion of the participation.
The participant may seek further clarification or consultation with the researcher regarding this aspect. The costs associated with this support are the responsibility of the participant and they should discuss this aspect with their health care providers, and where appropriate seek government health support funding.
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Participants are encouraged to seek the assistance of a suitable support person to accompany them to the interviews. The support person plays an important role in ensuring that the participant is supported during the process and determining their capacity to continue with the interview.
The participant will be given the opportunity to seek support at stages during and at the completion of the interview. Recalling past events and stressful situations can impact the participant’s current capacity to care for themselves, and it is important that the support person is able to assist them in recovery in the first instance, and ensure they are able to return home safely.