Church Leaders Research Articles

Intricacies of Religious Language in Shaping the Mindset of Adherents during COVID-19: A Study of Churches in Calabar

Religious language has the potential to shape the mindsets of human beings. Further, it is probable that religious utterances will affect adherents’ responses to real-life situations. With the aid of speech-act theory, this article investigates how religious utterances used by church leaders in framing public discourse modified some social perceptions of Christians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research shows the impacts and limitations of speech-act theory concerning the influence of church leaders over their adherents during the COVID-19 era. In dialogue with the CAN-CRS Report, the research shows that some Christians differed from their pastors on certain COVID-19 related issues.

Korean Christian Missionaries in High‐Risk Countries: Interaction with International Religious Networks and Domestic Response

AbstractWhy do some Christian foreign mission groups dispatch missionaries to some culturally and politically risky states where they face personal risks and political entanglements? Using world polity theory, I argue that local religious groups’ motivations are driven by their involvement in international religious networks, which mobilize missionaries to go to places such as Muslim countries. Based on 30 semistructured interviews with South Korean missionaries and leaders of churches and mission organizations, I illuminate that globally shared discourse of unreached people encouraged missionaries to volunteer to go to high‐risk states. I also suggest that Korean religious actors did not passively accept the influence of the international discourse but also reconstructed the discourse. The study also highlights that a missionary's dual identity as a religious actor and another profession to get a visa in high‐risk countries is bound up with the state's surveillance and potential persecution.

Towards Re-Historicization: An Engagement of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Efforts to Rewrite the History of James Anta

This paper is a follow-up to the research conducted in 2021 titled James Anta: missionary, martyr, and the unsung hero of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. The paper was a reconstruction of Anta’s life, ministry, and martyrdom. The research found out that although the blood of Anta was the seed of Methodism in Zimbabwe, the church was reluctant to honour him. The research also noted that the Wesleyan Methodist church created a biased history of African cultural epistemology, which has no place for people who die young and unmarried. The paper concluded with a call for the Wesleyan Methodist church to rewrite its historiography, giving space to its martyrs like Anta. After reading the 2021 publication, the Wesleyan Methodist church leadership made urgent actions towards the re-historicization of Methodism in Zimbabwe with Harare West District dubbing its April 2022 Synod as James Anta Synod. The Synod further resolved to name the school they were intending to build after Anta. Moreover, Kadoma District agreed to rename Banket Circuit (where Anta was assassinated) as James Anta Circuit. The Wesleyan Methodist church further erected a monument of Anta and made the site a pilgrimage shrine. The fast responses by the church to honour Anta in 2022 justify their zeal to rewrite their history after 136 years of reluctancy. This paper used both primary and secondary sources to gather data. The paper concludes by challenging missionary churches to honour African agents whose history and sacrifice were seldomly considered and yet they were the key people in the Christianisation of Africa.

Analisis 1 Timotius 2:11-12 terkait Perdebatan Kepemimpinan Wanita dalam Gereja

One of the most controversial texts in the history of biblical interpretation relating to women's participation in church teaching and leadership is 1 Timothy 2:11-12. This text is seen as completely inconsistent with the total testimony of the NT. The Complementarian group used this text as the basis for prohibiting women from teaching and leading in the church. Meanwhile, the Egalitarian group believes that Paul's statement in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 is not a manual for church order that must be applied universally to limit women's ministry in all times and places. This research analyzes the text of 1 Timothy 2:11-12 regarding the debate on women's leadership in the church. The method used is exegesis, with the aim of finding meaning according to the original author's intentions when the text was written. The results of this research found that there are certain women who have exercised authority with dominance that demeans men. For that reason, Paul instructed certain women not to teach and command men.

Innovative Sunday School Strategy Shaping the Character of Generation Alpha

This research explores innovative strategies to shape the character of Generation Alpha within Sunday School settings, addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements and generational shifts. Employing a qualitative approach and thematic analysis, the study reviews literature on Sunday School innovations, technology integration, character formation, and project-based learning. It identifies key themes: the historical origins of Sunday Schools, the integration of technology in Sunday School learning, character education through storytelling, and project-based learning. Findings underscore the significance of Sunday Schools in shaping moral character and adapting to contemporary needs. Examples of effective technology-based learning media are discussed, emphasizing the importance of aligning content with Christian values. Project-based learning is highlighted as a means to internalize Christian values and promote empathy and responsibility. Blended learning approaches are suggested to enhance motivation and engagement. This research contributes insights and recommendations for educators and church leaders to effectively mold the character of Generation Alpha within Sunday School contexts.

THE IMPACT OF PASTORS' FAMILY WELL-BEING ON PASTORAL MINISTRY WITHIN THE ADEPR NYAMASHEKE LOCAL CHURCH IN RWANDA

This study investigates the impact of pastors' family well-being on pastoral ministry within the ADEPR Nyamasheke Local Church. Recognizing the integral role pastors play in the spiritual guidance and growth of congregations, the research explores the reciprocal relationship between pastors' family well-being and the effectiveness of pastoral ministry. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study involves surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with pastors, their families, and congregants. The research aims to quantify and qualitatively assess various dimensions of pastors' family well-being, including economic stability, emotional health, and familial relationships. Additionally, the study examines the perceived impact of pastors' family well-being on key indicators of pastoral ministry effectiveness, such as congregational growth, community impact, and pastoral satisfaction. The findings of this research chart provide a comprehensive analysis of the Church's leadership effectiveness, revealing strengths and weaknesses through expressed percentages. While an overall frequency suggests a perception of weak leadership, a minority of respondents express satisfaction in certain areas. Pastors, Mothers' Union members, and choir group leaders particularly commend aspects like the leadership system, individuals with gifts, and effective management. However, the item indicating 18.48% reveals a shortage of qualified staff, a concern elaborated in a previous table. Additionally, the 21.12% representing management underscores perceived challenges in organizational effectiveness. This nuanced examination unveils a complex narrative, portraying both positive and concerning aspects of leadership within the Church. Contribute valuable insights to the understanding of the interconnected dynamics between pastors' family well-being and the overall success of pastoral ministry within the unique context of the ADEPR Nyamasheke Local Church. The implications of the study may inform pastoral training programs, church policies, and community engagement strategies to enhance the holistic well-being of pastors and, consequently, the vibrancy of pastoral ministry.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/lit/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Leaders of Welcoming and Affirming Churches in North Carolina Discuss their Roles in HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention

Some church leaders work to increase HIV testing and spread messages to reduce stigma. This study focuses on how leaders of North Carolina churches considered welcoming and affirming by the LGBTQ+ community discuss and disseminate information about HIV/AIDS to church members and communities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six leaders of different denominations between April and May 2023. A thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews found three main approaches: 1) HIV is not addressed directly, but we are here; 2) provide access to educational resources; and 3) fight stigma. Results confirm welcoming/affirming churches could play a significant role in, not only educating their communities about HIV, but also reducing the stigma associated with the disease.

A Public Theological Reflection on Biblical Antecedents of Protocols for Managing Pandemics

Abstract This article is a public theological discourse, arguing that the protocols, such as handwashing, social distancing, and face-covering, used to halt the spread of COVID-19, have biblical antecedents. Some observers contend that church leaders failed to inspire biblical hope, faith and courage when they focused on promoting the preventive protocols. It can be argued that promoting these protocols was a means of promoting biblical hope, faith, and courage in the face of the pandemic. In the Hebrew Bible, priests were commanded to wash their hands and feet before going into the tent of meeting. Isolation or quarantine was imposed on anyone with a suspected skin disease until examinations confirmed the disease or otherwise. Though these protocols were mostly for religious ceremonial and ritualistic purposes, they might have helped to halt the spread of infectious diseases. The article thus provides an exegesis of Exodus 30:17–21 and Leviticus 13:1–8, 45–46.

The Church of Nazarene in Khayelitsha: Developing a missional spatial consciousness with special reference to COVID-19

The legacy of apartheid spatial planning can still be seen in the dynamics of spaces in South Africa today. The elite (according to research is racialised and mostly white people) lives in well-located city areas, close to economic activity and rule social life that defines cities as stated in 2016 by the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI). Alternatively, mostly black South Africans are confined to urban margins in densified and poorly serviced areas, with low rates of home ownership. The effects of these policies extend beyond the urban nature, as spaces on the margin by design tend to have fewer opportunities for education compared to urban areas, and there are spatial limits to black business ownership. This article seeks to discuss a case study on a church’s use of space during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to show an inclusionary spatial dynamic that may be used in South African spaces. Firstly, it presents an overview of the unequal spatial dynamics in South Africa, particularly Cape Town, and dynamics during COVID-19. Secondly, it provides a historical overview of the Church of the Nazarene and its foundational beliefs. Moreover, it discusses a case study of renewed spatial dynamic in church using the Church of the Nazarene in Khayelitsha. Furthermore, the case study will be used to show the innovative way they reached their community during this time. The final part will discuss how this inclusive spatial dynamic reveals an innovative dynamic in the concept of the missional church, one that goes beyond the going out contextually, but allowing the outside in as well.Contribution: This article discusses the new spatial dynamic of the missional church which inspires inclusivity. The article uses literature around space, COVID-19, mission studies and church history. Furthermore, a semi-structured interview with a church leader at the Church of the Nazarene in Khayelitsha is used for a contextual case study.

Harmonisasi Kepemimpinan Tradisional: Daud Sebagai Model Inspiratif Dalam Pelayanan Gembala Masa Kini

Harmonization of traditional leadership, especially through the figure of David, opens up opportunities and challenges in the context of modern pastoral ministry. Values ​​such as courage, perseverance, and integrity serve as inspiration for church leaders. A strategic approach, involving coaching and training, is crucial to integrating these values. Despite challenges and resistance, a deep understanding of these factors helps design effective strategies. By applying values ​​in daily practice, church leaders create enduring, relevant, and inspiring ministries, guiding people toward spiritual growth.

‘He taught me to hate myself’: the pastoral care of gay Christians in Anglican churches

ABSTRACT This paper examines the pastoral approach of church leaders towards gay and lesbian Christians in two contrasting Anglican church settings: non-affirming and affirming of gay identity. This is timely, given the vexed history surrounding the ‘gay issue’ within the Church of England and the current deliberations regarding ‘gay blessings’. The results uncovered a troubling ignorance in non-affirming settings of the well-researched vulnerability of gay Christians related to their sexual identity. Interviews with church leaders in affirming settings revealed a considerable burden of suffering in gay Christians seeking sanctuary in their churches because of traumatic experiences in non-affirming churches.

Responding to his Critics: A New Account of Origen's Peri Archon

Abstract: Why did Origen write Peri Archon ? The standard view, often tinged with triumphant hues, envisions him as a "man of the church," embarking upon a bold research agenda while laying waste to his heterodox opponents. But I believe this picture misses the mark. It was really Origen—and not these heretics—who was in the dock. And it was those whom he regarded as his fellow Christians in Alexandria, including his bishop, who made up the prosecution. In this essay I argue that Peri Archon was Origen's response to these in-house critics, who increasingly regarded his views on select issues as heretical, or at least, less than orthodox. This essay has two parts. In the first, I examine Origen's self-portrait in the preface of Peri Archon , demonstrating how he shrewdly maneuvered his project into orthodox waters. In the second, I explain why he adopted this tactic. I spotlight five issues from his earlier writings where he challenged positions adopted by most Christians in his day, including prominent church leaders. These controversial stances surface again in Peri Archon but often in a diplomatic form and always in an orthodox frame. Peri Archon was Origen's apologia to fellow Christians.

The Historical Developments of Musical Styles and their Functions in the Liturgy of the Methodist Church Ghana

Music has played a fundamental role in the liturgical activities of the Methodist Church Ghana since its establishment. Thus, this study aimed to gain insight into the integration and significance of various musical genres including hymns, danceable songs, and praises and worship songs within the church’s liturgical practices. The primary objective of this study was to document the historical development of these forms and clarify their functional significance in religious worship, taking into account the wider socio-cultural environment of the Ghanaian population. This study utilized a methodological approach that involved the use of direct observations and qualitative interviews. Primary data was collected from 28 participants sampled from chapels located in three regions of Ghana. The primary data was further enhanced by conducting a complete literature review, which included reputable sources relevant to the topic. The findings emphasized the customized musical choices influenced by profound philosophical principles that inform the selection of each musical style for certain liturgical occasions. The research concludes by suggesting that church leaders should take an active role in communicating the importance of these musical traditions to the congregation, assuring their comprehension and continued relevance in worship services. Keywords: Hymns, Praise and Worship songs, Danceable tunes, Choristers, Liturgy, Worship Service, the Methodist Church Ghana.

Associations Between Sociodemographic Variables, Social Determinants of Health, and Diabetes: Findings From a Congregational Health Needs Assessment.

To examine associations between sociodemographic variables, social determinants of health (SDOHs) and diabetes using health needs assessment data. Cross-sectional study. Faith-based communities in the Mid-South U.S. Of the 378 churches, 92 participated in the study (24% response rate); N = 828 church leaders and members completed the survey. The Mid-South Congregational Health Survey assessed perceived health-related needs of congregations and the communities they serve. Generalized linear mixed modeling examined the associations between sociodemographic variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational level), SDOHs (affordable healthcare, healthy food, employment), and diabetes. Individuals with less education had lower odds of reporting all SDOHs as health needs compared to individuals with more education (ORrange = .59-.63). Men had lower odds of reporting diabetes as a health need or concern compared to women (OR = .70; 95% CI = .50, .97). African Americans had greater odds of reporting diabetes as a health need compared to individuals in the 'Other' race/ethnicity category (OR = 3.91; 95% CI = 2.20, 6.94). Individuals who reported affordable healthcare (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.73, 3.72), healthy food (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.55, 3.24), and employment (OR = 3.33; 95% CI = 2.29, 4.84) as health needs had greater odds of reporting diabetes as a health need compared to those who did not report these SDOHs as needs. Future studies should evaluate strategies to merge healthcare and faith-based organizations' efforts to address SDOHs impacting diabetes.

Kepemimpinan Yosua Dalam Pelayanan: Strategi Inspiratif Dan Pembelajaran Praktis Bagi Pemimpin Gereja Masa Kini

The story of Joshua's leadership in the Bible provides valuable insight for modern church leaders. Through vision analysis, relational leadership, handling challenges, conflict management, and Joshua's mentoring, this paper explores leadership principles that can be applied in today's spiritual ministry. Case studies and interviews with church leaders provide concrete examples of the application of these principles in practical contexts. The relevance of Joshua's leadership strategy in facing contemporary dynamics and the need for contextual adjustments is explained. The conclusion states that Joshua's story provides a foundation for inspired and practical church leadership, promoting the continuity of spiritual ministry in changing times.

COVID-19 and Sunday worship in the wake of the pandemic at Our Lady of Loreto, South Africa

Christians, and those of the Roman Catholic Church, have made significant adjustments to their participation in Sunday liturgy in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This is especially the case for Catholic Christians at the ‘Our Lady of Loreto’ (OLL) Church in Kempton Park in South Africa. Sunday Church services that used to be compulsory for most Catholic families and community members, are now attended by few and in some cases none from staunch Catholic families and communities. However, this is not a new phenomenon in the Catholic Church. It signals the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has altered and continues to affect Christian families and their commitment to the Sunday liturgy. Drawing from qualitative interviews conducted with eight staunch Catholic community leaders of OLL Church in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, this paper explores the motivations for their continuous participation and/or non-participation in the Sunday liturgy in the wake of the pandemic. The findings reveal that certain behavioural patterns or activities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic motivate Catholic Christians and families to continue to participate and/or not participate in the Sunday liturgy.Contribution: The article explored and examined the way in which COVID-19 has affected Catholic Christians’ ability to attend Sunday liturgy. It discovered that while some Christians returned to church after the pandemic, others have continued to worship from home because of the influence of changes adopted during the pandemic.

Pentecostal church and politics: Interdependent instruments of God’s mission in Africa

The debate about the interdependence or the dichotomy between the church and the state or politics is not new. The discourse is neither over nor something that will pass any soon. Both perspectives provide concrete reasons depending on the viewpoint from which an individual is writing and arguing. Both the ecclesia and the state or politics enjoy social capital. Of the two, however, the Church’s social capital is resilient and consistent, unlike the political capital which is seasonal and only rigorous in the pursuit for political position.In recent years, there is an immense emergence of Christianity that blend charismatic practices and African religiosity. An increased pursuit of political leadership is being witnessed by the church leadership and the secular community. One of the motivations has been the derivatives from the positions, which are mainly monetary and honourability. This can be linked to a struggle to meet a status threshold set and determined by a postmodern society which the clergy and the political leader must uphold. Anyone who lives below that ‘standard’ does not fit that position. It is for this reason that both the church and state or politics has been commercialised. The commercialisation aspect resulted in the two competitive entrepreneurial enterprises. Thus justice has been retailed to commercialisation and consumerism.This article therefore firmly holds the possibility that church and state or politics have common elements that, if reworked, can become tools in the mission of God. The assumption is that both institutions are reviewed as organs and not organisations because, as organisms, they are both fit for transformation into suitable instruments for the mission of God. Institutional reforms are dictated by the reformed human resource. This article leans towards the interrelationship between the Pentecostal tradition and the state or politics in viewing their role in doing justice to the mission of God. Thus a comparative framework fits this work.Contribution: The interdependence of the church and political enterprise is exposed to a constructive critique and further writing. It has advanced affirmed the comparative methodology as a ongoing study alternative.

Religion and the Prevention of Election Violence: Lessons from Kenya

Religious organizations, including churches, can play an important role in promoting peace and stability. This role is not always recognized by policymakers and academics in the West. This essay shows how many churches in Kenya recently excluded politicians from their religious gatherings and denied them access to the pulpit. They did this to help prevent violence from breaking out around the elections. With the upcoming elections in the United States, churches and church leaders could learn from their Kenyan colleagues. Americans should cherish the separation of religion and electoral politics since it is meant to prevent politics from becoming corrupt or religion becoming untruthful.

Reach and Capacity of Black Protestant Health Ministries as Sites of Community-Wide Health Promotion: A Qualitative Social Ecological Model Examination.

Black communities in the Southeast United States experience a disproportionate burden of illness and disease. To address this inequity, public health practitioners are partnering with Black Protestant churches to deliver health promotion interventions. Yet, the reach of these programs beyond the organizational level of the Social Ecological Model (SEM) is not well defined. Thus, the aim of this study is to understand Black Protestant church leaders' and members' perceptions about the capacity of their ministries to reach into their communities, beyond their congregations, as providers or hosts of health education or promotion interventions. From 20 Black Protestant churches in Atlanta, GA, 92 church leaders and members participated in semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory guided data analysis and a diverse team coded the interviews. Most participating churches had health ministries. Participants saw the boundaries between their churches at the organizational level of the SEM and the broader Black community to be porous. Those who described their "community" as being broader than their congregation also tended to describe community-wide health promotion their church engaged in. They described church-based health fairs as a strategy to promote engagement in their communities. Some participants, particularly those in a health-related profession, discussed visions of how to utilize their church as a site for community-wide health promotion. We suggest these participants may be boundary leaders who can build relationships between public health professionals, pastors, and congregants. Based on the findings, we suggest that church-based health fairs may be effective sites of community-wide health promotion.

Community-Academic Partnerships for Health Research: An Iterative and Transparent Process of Patient Engagement Before the Research Begins.

The root causes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disparities include longstanding systemic racial bias in economic advancement and care delivery, discrimination, lack of access, and social determinants of health. To address these causes, research institutions and health care systems must shift their lens from one that focuses solely on changing behaviors among underserved and vulnerable populations to one that is inward facing. We worked with a community advisory board and an African American church that has partnered on research for more than a decade to identify community norms, needs, and key resources needed for establishing community-academic partnerships for COVID-19 testing. Participants were purposefully sampled with equal representation from 3 groups: (1) church members and leaders, (2) academic or organization researchers with experience in community-engaged research, and (3) community members with experience participating in community-engaged research. Participants engaged in a hands-on exercise in the church basement as part of a town hall-style meeting. Active discussion led to the identification of business model components salient to COVID-19 testing in an underserved Baltimore community, predominantly made up of African Americans. Our discussion identified key partners, activities, resources, costs, value propositions, community relationships, community groups, communication channels, and outputs for community buy-in. Developing the business case for mutual trustworthiness to be better prepared for future pandemics and public health crises may foster more sustainable community-academic partnerships. Using a Business Model Canvas, we delineate the major components, activities, and value propositions that are needed to achieve authentic community-academic partnerships to advance health equity.