THE ROLE OF CHURCH LEADERS IN THE GROWTH AND SURVIVING OF A CHURCH
ABSTRACT:
This study aimed to assess the role of church leaders in the growth and survival of a church. This study was guided by the following objectives; Examine the role of church leaders in the growth and survival of a church. Identify the roles and responsibilities of church leaders in a church. Identify the other factors holding back the growth and survival of the church.
The study used a descriptive and survey design; In addition to research in the library, questionnaires were used to collect data. Primary and secondary data sources were used and data were analyzed using the statistical correlation tool at the 5% level of significance presented in frequency and percentage tables. Respondents in the study were 100 church leaders. The results of the study showed that church leaders play a critical role in ensuring the growth and survival of the church. A church grows when church leaders are actively involved in church affairs.
This research will serve as a resource base for other scholars and researchers interested in doing more research in this area at a later date and, when applied, will provide a new explanation for the topic.
INDEX
Coverage - - - - - - - - - i
Approval page - - - - - - - - ii
Statement - - - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgments - - - - - - - v
Summary - - - - - - - - - You
Index - - - - - - - vii
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 Context of the study - - - - -
1.2 General approach to the problem - - - -
1.3 Purpose of the study - - - - - -
1.4 Research questions - - - - - -
1.5 Hypothesis - - - - - - - - -
1.6 Significance of the study - - - - -
1.7 Scope of the study - - - - - -
1.8 Definition of terms - - - - - -
CHAPTER TWO - REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - -
2.2 Theoretical framework - - - - - - -
2.2 Theoretical framework - - - - - - - -
2.3 Leadership - - - - - - - - - -
2.4 Definitions of leadership - - - - - - -
2.5 Management styles - - - - - - - -
2.6 Church leadership - - - - - - - -
CHAPTER THREE - RESEARCH METHOD
3.1 Research project - - - - - - - -
3.3 Field of study- - - - - - - - - -
3.4 Sampling design and procedures - - - - - -
3.5 Data collection tool - - - - - -
3.6 Management of the data collection tool - - -
3.7 Data presentation - - - - - - - -
3.8 Statistical tools for data analysis - - - - - -
3.10 Method of data analysis - - - - - - -
CHAPTER FOUR - DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - -
4.1 Presentation and analysis of data - - - - - -
4.2 Respondent characteristics - - - - -
4.3 Data analysis - - - - - - - - -
4.4 Hypothesentest - - - - - - - -
4.5 Summary of results - - - - - - - -
4.6 Discussion of the results - - - - - - -
CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - -
5.1 Summary - - - - - - - - - -
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - -
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - -
References - - - - - - - - - -
Attachment - - - - - - - - - -
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT OF STUDY:
Indeed, leadership is a dynamic two-way process of personal influence through which a manager or leader shapes the attitudes and activities of others towards the attainment or attainment of organizational goals (Abogunrin, 1986). Even before the advent of modern concepts of leadership, the Apostle Paul, in the Pastorals, lists the qualifications of church leaders to ensure sustained growth and survival (Dairo, 2007). These remained the model for a long time. In order for any church leader to successfully steer the church ship, these qualities must be assimilated. But contemporary experience in Nigeria has shown a marked departure from this Pauline list of qualifications for church leaders that has really impacted the growth and survival of the church. In most cases, the understanding that is expected of both leaders and followers is lacking. This often results in crises in the “Body of Christ”.
There are some commonalities in different definitions of leadership. It would be presumptuous to attempt a definition that will satisfy the populace, particularly with regard to church leadership. Leadership is nothing if not linked to collective purpose; and the effectiveness of leaders is not to be judged by clippings, but by actual social change, measured by intent and the fulfillment of human needs and expectations that ultimately manifest themselves in the growth and development of the church.
Oluwasegun (2005) defines leadership as the ability to achieve consensus and commitment to common goals that go beyond organizational requirements, achieved through workgroup experience or contribution and satisfaction. Leadership can also be defined as the relationship in which a person or the leader influences others to willingly work together on related tasks to achieve what the leader wants. It is a guide. Leadership is management's ability to get subordinates to work toward group goals with confidence and enthusiasm. It implies that the leader takes responsibility for achieving the group's goals, so it is important that the trust and cooperation of both parties is always present (Oluwasegun, 2005). Leadership is an art of getting things done. You can learn, improve, develop and refine. It is the key influencing process, and the process always involves a number of key components of how the leader and followers interact in situations and achieve means of influencing that emanate from the leader and followers based on their value and goal system that the leader and followers seek (Dairo, 2004).
In terms of leadership of the church, this means that the church leader, together with his group, leads, motivates, censures and develops with a defined goal and solves individual or group needs within the church. This is seen as the only way for the Church to grow and survive. In the New Testament it is most commonly used as a Christological title for the exalted Jesus. The results of semasiological and lexicographical research on secular Greek indicate an extremely polyvalent range of meanings of the word "leader" based on who is first, who precedes, who leads.
According to the New Testament, the terms bishop, minister, and elder are synonymous. Bishop means "overseer," and the elders had the responsibility of overseeing the work of the church (Acts 20:17–28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). "Elder" is the translation of the Greek word presbytes, which means "an old man". Paul used the word presbytery in (1Ti 4:14), referring not to a denomination but to the "presbytery" of the congregation Timothy ordained. Elders and bishops (two names for the same office, (cf. Titus 1:5–7)) were mature individuals with spiritual wisdom and experience to ensure the survival of God's church. Also, "pastor" means "shepherd," one who leads and cares for God's flock (Vine, 1996:67).
1.2 PROBLEM DEFINITION
According to Dairo (2008), many churches in Nigeria are characterized by false doctrines, preconceived notions and man-made regulations that often undermine the directives of the Holy Spirit and strongly oppose the growth and survival of the church. According to the apostle Paul, the leader of the church must be the kind of man who can lead the followers. All church leaders may not possess these qualities to the same degree, but a leader must have these quality attributes to a degree that is tangible in his or her life to ensure sustained growth. If a man is known to be hard instead of soft, hard instead of gentle, shameful instead of respectable, he has disqualified himself (Bible Org. 2004). The work of church leadership is a noble task. Such an office needs the right people to serve. The accumulation of material wealth, which takes advantage of people's "gross ignorance" of the biblical teachings on wealth by church leaders, has also limited the growth and survival of many churches as awareness of these dubious strategies has increased. However, the researcher examines the role of church leaders in the growth and survival of a church.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
The objectives of this study are the following:
Examine the role of church leaders in the growth and survival of a church. Identify the roles and responsibilities of church leaders in a church. Identify the other factors holding back the growth and survival of the church.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS What is the role of church leaders in the growth and survival of a church? What are the roles and responsibilities of church leaders in a church? What other factors work against the growth and survival of the Church?
1.5 HYPOTHESIS
HO: Church leaders play no role in the growth and survival of the church
HA: Church leaders play a role in the growth and survival of the church
1.6 IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY:
The following is the significance of this study:
The results of this study will educate church authorities and the general public in Nigeria about what church leaders need to do or integrate into the system to ensure growth and survival. This research will also serve as a resource base for other academics and researchers interested in doing more research in this area at a later date and, if applied, will provide a new explanation for the topic.
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:
This study will cover the activities of the churches in Nigeria with a particular focus on the roles and responsibilities of church leaders.
1.8 Limitations of the study:
Financial Constraints – Inadequate funding tends to hamper the researcher's efficiency in obtaining relevant materials, literature or information and in the data collection process (Internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint: The researcher will participate in this study concurrently with other scientific work. This reduces the time required for research work.
REFERENCES
Abogunrin, SO (1986). "The Paulist Conception of Disciplined Leadership in the Nigerian Context" in S Ade
Oluwasegun holds a B.A. (2011) (ed.) Religion and Discipline A publication of the Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR).
Biblical Organization: "Qualifications for Evaluating Elders and Deacons" (available at http://wwwbible.org/page.asp.downloaded2004/09/24)
Dairo, A.O. (2004). “Church Leadership in Nigeria: Combining Spiritual and Organizational Techniques” in Ade P. Dopamu (ed.) Religion, Leadership and Society: Focus on Nigeria. Lagos: Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions.
Dairo, A.O. (2007). "Leadership Qualifications for Contemporary Church Administrators." A Lecture: Organized by Christian Theological Seminary, Ibadan, on Thursday 19 June.
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