The significance of leadership in ensuring the efficient operation of any given entity cannot be overstated. The acquisition of leadership skills is an essential component for the success and accomplishment of an organisation’s objectives and goals. The church is commonly regarded as an institution and, as such, effective leadership is deemed essential for its long-term viability. The decline of effective leadership within religious institutions is a matter of significant apprehension. What are the implications of inadequate leadership within religious institutions? This article examined the impact of inadequate and infrequent leadership training and the decline of organisational sustainability. The utilisation of a case study approach is employed to examine the United Baptist Church of Zimbabwe (UBCZ). The objective of this article is to provide a response to the following question: What is the impact of inadequate continuous training for leaders on the long-term viability of an organisation? This matter is addressed by drawing upon the extant literature pertaining to the topic. Additionally, it utilises the data collected during the on-site research conducted within the UBCZ. This article analyses selected biblical passages to provide insight into the importance of leadership training.Contribution: This article contributes to the body of knowledge of how effective leadership can impact the flourishing of the church in the changing environment of the 21st century.