THE ROLE OF LEADER ON NUMERICAL GROWTH OF CHURCH
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Abstract
This study was carried out to examine the role of leader on numerical growth of Church. Other objectives were to identify the functions and duties of church leaders in a church and also to identify the other factors militating against numerical growth of Church. The research design adopted for this work is cross –sectional survey and descriptive analysis on a randomly selected sample of the different categories of church leaders (Bishops, Pastors and Priests). A total of one hundred and twenty well-structured questionnaires were distributed among the principal leaders. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse the research questions while chi-square was employed to test the null hypotheses. Findings from the study reveals that majority of the respondents are of the opinion that church leaders plays a vital role in ensuring growth and survival of the church. The finding from the study also reveals that a church will grow if church leaders are actively involved in the affairs of the church.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Leadership plays a crucial role in the growth of any organization, including churches. Effective leaders can inspire and motivate their congregation, leading to increased attendance and participation. They can also implement strategies for outreach and evangelism, which can attract new members. According to Wagner (1990), the role of a leader is crucial in the growth of a Church. He argues that effective leadership can inspire and motivate the congregation, leading to an increase in church membership (Wagner, 1990). Similarly, Schwarz (1996) emphasizes the importance of leadership in fostering a sense of community and belonging among church members, which can contribute to numerical growth (Schwarz, 1996).
Leadership is indeed a dynamic reciprocal process of personal influence by which a manager or a leader shapes the attitudes and activities of others towards the achievement or attainment of organizational objectives (Abogunrin, 1986). Even before the modern concepts of leadership came into being, the apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul in the Pastorals lists the qualifications for church leaders to ensure sustainable growth and survival (Dairo, 2007). These have remained the model for ages. For any church leader to steer the ship of the church successfully, these qualities must be imbibed. But contemporary experience in Nigeria has shown a marked departure from this Pauline list of qualifications for church leaders which has really affected growth and survival of churches. The level of understanding expected from both the leaders and the followers is missing in most cases. This often results in crises within “the body of Christ”.
There are some common features in various definitions of leadership. It will be presumptuous for anyone to attempt a definition that will satisfy the populace especially regarding church leadership. Leadership is nothing if not linked to collective purpose; and the effectiveness of leaders must be judged not by press clippings but by actual social change, measured by intent and by satisfaction of human needs and expectations which on the long term will be visible on the church growth and development.
Barna (2001) introduces the concept of transformational leadership, suggesting that leaders who inspire and challenge their followers can significantly impact church growth. He found that churches led by transformational leaders tend to have higher growth rates (Barna, 2001).
Oluwasegun (2005) defines leadership as the ability to gain consensus and commitment to common objectives beyond organizational requirements which are attained with experience or contribution and satisfaction on the part of the working group. Leadership could also be defined as the relationship in which one person or the leader influences others to work together willingly on related tasks to attain that which the leader desires. It is a means of direction. Leadership is the ability of management to induce the subordinates to work towards a group’s goals with confidence and keenness. It implies that the leader accepts responsibility for the achievement of the group objectives and it is, therefore, essential for the trust and cooperation from both sides to be evidence all the time (Oluwasegun, 2005). Leadership is an art of getting things done. It can be learnt, improved, developed and perfected. It is the key process of influence and the process always includes a number of key components such as leader and followers, they interact in situations and means of influence which emerge from the leader and from the followers, based on their value system and goals which the leader and the followers seek to achieve (Dairo, 2004).
With respect to church leadership, it implies that the church leader gives direction, motivates, reprimands and develops a set objective along with his group andresolves individual or group needs within the church. This is perceived as the only way towards the numerical growth of Church.In the New Testament it wasmore often used as Christological title for the exalted Jesus. The results of semasiological and lexicographicalinvestigation of secular Greek indicate an extremely polyvalent spectrum of meaning for the word “church leader”, the basisbeing he who is the first, who stands at the head of, who leads.
According to the New Testament, the terms “bishop,””pastor,” and “elder” are synonymous. Bishop means”overseer,” and the elders had the responsibility of overseeing the work of the church (Acts 20:17,28; 1Pet5:1-3). “Elder” is the translation of the Greek word presbytes, which means “an old man.” Paul used the wordpresbytery in (1Tim 4:14), referring not to a denomination, but to the “eldership” of the assembly thatordained Timothy. Elders and bishops (two names for the same office, (cf Titus 1:5,7) were mature peoplewith spiritual wisdom and experience to ensure the survival of the church of God. Also, “pastor” means “shepherd,” one who leads and cares for theflock of God (Vine, 1996:67).
However, not all studies agree on the positive impact of leadership on church growth. Hadaway (2002) argues that other factors, such as social and cultural contexts, can also significantly influence church growth (Hadaway, 2002).
While there is a general consensus on the importance of leadership in church growth, the extent of its impact can vary depending on various factors. Further research is needed to explore this complex relationship.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
It is important to note that numerical growth isn’t the only measure of a church’s success. Spiritual growth and community impact are also significant indicators.
Leadership can influence these areas by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging spiritual development, and organizing community service initiatives.
Moreover, the style of leadership can also affect growth. For instance, transformational leadership, which involves inspiring and motivating followers to exceed their own self-interests for the good of the group, can be particularly effective in a church setting.
On the other hand, poor leadership can lead to a decrease in church attendance. If leaders are not providing spiritual guidance, or if they are not effectively managing the church’s resources, members may choose to leave.
It’s also worth noting that other factors, such as the church’s location, the demographics of the local population, and societal trends, can also impact the numerical growth of a church.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
- To examine the role of leader towards the numerical growth of Church.
- To identify the functions and duties of church leaders in a church.
- To identify factors militating against numerical growth of Church.
- RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What is the role of leader towards the numerical growth of Church?
- What are the functions and duties of church leaders in a church?
- What are the other factors militating against numerical growth of Church?
1.5 HYPOTHESIS
HO: Church leaders do not have a role in numerical growth of Church
HA: Church leaders do have a role in numerical growth of Church
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of this study:
- Findings from this study will educate the church authorities and the general public in Nigeria on what the church leaders need to do or incorporate into the system to ensure growth and survival.
- This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study examines the role leaders on numerical growth of Church. This study will cover the activities of churches in Nigeria with special focus on the roles and duties of the church leaders
Limitations of study
- Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
Operational Definition of terms
Leader: A leader is the one in the charge, the person who convinces other people to follow. A great leader inspires confidence in other people and moves them to action.
Numerical Growth: This involve increase in the number of the members in the Church.
Church: Church is the body of Christ..
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THE ROLE OF LEADER ON NUMERICAL GROWTH OF CHURCH