Church Leaders Research Articles

A Critical Study of Matthew 18:15-18 in New Testament Greek and Selected Akan Mother-Tongue Translations: Implication for Peace-Making in Ghana

Recent global research reveals a world characterised by increasing fragmentation, diminished peace, and mounting risks for future generations. Diverse conflicts, ranging from familial to national issues, persist, even among individuals sharing the same faith. In Africa, nations like Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, and Sierra Leone grapple with severe consequences of conflicts. In Ghana, pockets of ethnic discord impact education, healthcare, and social services, prompting the emigration of skilled professionals. Despite ongoing peace efforts in Ghana, effective approaches are crucial. With over 70% of Ghanaians identifying as Christians, contextualising peace-making within sacred texts becomes imperative. In this exploration, the study delves into a biblical approach, specifically scrutinising Matthew 18:15–18 through exegetical analysis in Greek language and mother-tongue hermeneutics. These approaches reveal a convergence between the biblical author’s original meaning conveyed in the Greek language and its interpretation in the mother tongue. The paper advocates private conflict resolution to avoid gossip, involving witnesses if needed and church leaders if the issue persists. Disciplinary measures may be necessary, emphasising personal dignity and adherence to God’s will. The paper significantly contributes to conflict resolution knowledge, providing valuable insights for fostering peace in Ghana and beyond.

Ecclesial conflict management

In Acts 15:36–41 a moment of conflict between Paul and Barnabas leads to the separation of these two early church leaders. In this article I argue for the validity and, indeed, the wisdom of healthy separation as an approach to ecclesial leadership conflict management. Even though healthy separation does not necessarily lead to the immediate or eventual restoration through the transformation of the relationship, it can serve as a source of hope, encouragement, and support for individuals facing situations of hopelessness as a result of unhealthy and unbearable conflict in ecclesial leadership. Given the eschatological nature of reconciliation, healthy separation is also presented as an approach to conflict management in ecclesial leadership which creates an opportunity for growth, transformation, and at least the possibility of the future restoration of the relationship.

Paul's Principles of Pastoral Care in Acts 20:17-38 and His Challenges to Pastoral Leaders

This article aims to analyze the pastoral service practices of Paul that are worthy of being imitated by the local church leaders today by focusing on the content of his farewell speech to the elders of the church in Ephesus based on Luke's record in Acts 20:17-38. The narrative hermeneutic method will analyze each statement related to his service actions. The results of the analysis show the pastoral service practices that are lived, taught, and need to be imitated by church leaders today in Indonesia. The study results show that the Apostle Paul presents the principles of pastoral service that are timeless and relevant to the context of local church service today. The fundamental principles he taught and the challenges pastoral leaders face today are: First, making the most of time. Pastoral leaders in the present era are challenged to maximize every opportunity in their service, especially amid many distractions and demands of the times. Second, he emphasizes the importance of humility in service. Today's leaders must be aware of the danger of arrogance and constantly realize their trustworthy source of strength. Third, Paul not only serves with enthusiasm but also with deep emotion. This challenges today's church leaders to engage emotionally, empathize with the congregation, and feel grief and joy with them. Fourth, he often faces threats and dangers in his service. Church leaders must be ready to face challenges, especially when voicing the truth of the Bible in an increasingly secular cultural context. Fifth, serving with teaching. He emphasizes the importance of correct and profound teaching. In the information age full of false teachings, pastoral leaders are challenged to continue to provide teaching based on the Bible and relevant to their congregation.

Perold de Beer: Reflecting on the theology of a missionary pioneer

Dr Perold de Beer was a missionary pioneer who contributed as both a church leader and a theologian to the Reformed Church in Africa (RCA). This research recorded his contribution to the RCA as this church navigated political issues during apartheid, multireligious positions and the challenges accompanying church unity; all of these ended up in the Laudium Declaration (LD) which De Beer drafted and was then accepted as the church’s official position. In addition to De Beer’s views, other, differing positions from his colleagues and contemporaries were used to reflect on the eventual decisions and theologies developed in the RCA. The article’s social and scientific value lies in both recording and reflecting on the work of a missionary pioneer not yet investigated; it addressed and informed issues that are still relevant today (racism, pluralism and unity) and which are still heading the church’s agenda. Both literature study and interviews were employed.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: While this article investigated missiology (mission theology, social justice and church unity), it also contributed to religion studies (interfaith dialogue), church history, and polity (the history and documents of the RCA) and systematic theology. It offered insight into the history of a specific segment of South African society during apartheid.

Pastors as Mediators of Respect in African American Pentecostal Churches

ABSTRACT This article explores how two African American Pentecostal pastors in Buffalo, New York (USA) promote a phenomenology of respect as they link imperatives to labour for the good of others to the need to discern God’s purposes. In African American communities, church leadership has long elicited respect because pastoring is hard work, important elements of which consist of encouraging other members to labour for the church and seeking insights from God about believers’ lived situations. Respect is likewise key to believers’ relationships with God, in that pastors promote techniques that encourage them not only to recognise spiritual beings but to respect and obey God and their leaders. As a result, acts of respect shape bodily knowledge about relationships with powerful human and spiritual others. Such enactments of respect counter suspicions of exploitation that accompany relations of dependence among the urban poor, so that believers’ idioms of intercorporeal connection provide means for them to reflect on who has worked on behalf or taken advantage of others.

Dutch Reformed Church in inner city Pretoria: forming a new church space in South Africa: 1856–2020

The Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, over time, became a state church and aligned with the Apartheid regime and in some corners supported separate development. Moreover, the church would, working with colonial and apartheid cultural powers granted to it, gain numerous landholdings across South Africa. The Dutch Reformed Church property ownership, revealed in a 1998 inventory (which was said to be incomplete), sat at 600 properties and covering over fourteen thousand hectares. This article will discuss the church’s rise in the colony and in South Africa’s northern areas. It will also explain its historical landholding in South Africa in general as well as in the capital, Pretoria. Moreover, it will detail interviews with church leaders in a presbytery in Pretoria and explain learnings from history and spatial changes and what these may mean for the church at large.

Congregation leader and member discussions in a church-based family strengthening, mental health promotion and HIV prevention trial: Intervention.

Collaboration with African religious congregations can promote psychosocial well-being with greater accessibility. Effective collaboration requires studying congregations as unique intervention contexts. This study explored how an intervention in western Kenya fit within and altered congregational discussion patterns. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial of a church-based intervention to improve family relationships, mental health and sexual health. For each intervention topic covered, we describe baseline and post-intervention changes in church leaders' beliefs and communication as well as discussion frequency between leaders and members and among members. Mixed-effects logistic regression assessed pre-post change in member-reported discussion frequency. At baseline, members and leaders reported already discussing family, parenting, and emotions frequently and sexuality and finances less frequently. Leaders generally felt they should discuss all topics but were less comfortable and knowledgeable about sexuality and finances than other topics. After the intervention, leader comfort and knowledge increased and discussion frequency increased for nearly all topics, especially those discussed less initially. Good fit between the desires and activities of church members and leaders suggests the potential for further collaboration, especially on mental health and family well-being. Increased discussion of sensitive topics underscores the potential of community-level interventions to affect social norms.

Exploring Mentoring Strategies in Developing Christian Leadership Within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Turkana Region, Kenya

This study examines the mentoring strategies used to develop Christian leadership within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Turkana Region, Kenya. Mentoring, rooted in biblical principles such as discipleship, plays a vital role in shaping church leaders, particularly in regions like Turkana, which face socio-cultural and geographical challenges. The study identifies key mentoring models, including spiritual guidance, role modeling, and group mentoring, and assesses their effectiveness in leadership development. Challenges such as geographical isolation, limited educational resources, and cultural factors were also explored to understand their impact on mentoring practices. A descriptive survey design was utilized, targeting 143 church leaders within various PAG districts. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 59 leaders participated in the study. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and interviews, and the data were analyzed both quantitatively, using descriptive statistics, and qualitatively, through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that spiritual guidance and role modeling are highly valued as mentoring strategies. However, peer mentoring and social support were moderately recognized, suggesting underutilization in some leadership contexts. Notably, gaps in formal mentoring structures were identified, along with a limited understanding of more advanced mentoring techniques such as coaching and sponsorship. The study recommended the implementation of more structured and comprehensive mentoring frameworks, along with enhanced mentor training programs to address these gaps. By addressing these challenges, the PAG Church can improve its leadership development strategies, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective mentoring environment.

Spiritual Retreats: Implications for Practical Christian Living

Spiritual retreats have a long history steeped in religious tradition and generally involve a separation from everyday life and entering into a new temporary experience. Retreats have been a means of help for people in all spheres of life, providing favour able outcomes such as spiritual growth and restoration. This study utilized Attention Restoration Theory and Activity, Setting, Experience and Benefit (ASEB) framework to explore the implication of spiritual retreat activities and experiences on Christian growth indicators, i.e., in the areas of establishing a deeper relationship with God, gaining a fuller understanding of self, applying personal faith in troubling life situations, and finding fulfilment in reaching out to fellowship with others. Data from 115 study participants were analysed using a mixed-method approach and demonstrated evidence of the beneficial effects of spiritual retreats on Christian growth. Spiritual retreats were shown to have a significant and beneficial impact on participants’ Christian growth, particularly in the areas of abiding in Christ, living by the Bible and biblical principles, growing in faith and prayer, fellows hipping with other Christians, and service to God. The practical and theoretical implications of the findings of the study for pastors, church leaders, retreat centre facilitators as well as the general Christian community are also discussed.

Discipleship, Mentorship, and Fellowship as a Means of Transmission of Values.

The Christian church especially the Seventh-day church is facing a challenge in keeping its standards in the domain of ethical values, to such an extent that pastors and church leaders seem overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the lack of effective ministries addressing such issue compels us to propose in this article three elements that can help to reduce the rate of declination of church standards and engage members, specifically youth in a discipleship committed to the preservation of values, engage the whole community in a mentoring of proximity and restoration, and finally to foster an inclusive community through fellowship. This article will focus on the community’s contribution as a whole, highlighting the family, elders, youth, and youth leaders as effective instruments in implementing values transmission based on discipleship, mentoring, and fellowship. The final purpose is to help the church incorporate these tools as ministries and help young people incorporate spiritual values as a way of life, engage them in transmitting these values through inclusive fellowship, and provide excellent mentorship to improve their commitments and their faith.

A “Radical”, Prophetic Ecclesiology? Recovering Ecclesiological Insights from Archbishop David Gitari

Archbishop David Gitari was a man who boldly critiqued any individual or group he believed were acting in ungodly ways. He described his calling as prophetic; others labeled him a radical. This paper explores Gitari’s implicit ecclesiology, seeking insights for self-identified evangelicals. One key influence on Gitari was the 1974 Lausanne Congress which concluded that verbal gospel proclamation was not opposed to social justice but worked in tandem with it. Therefore, Gitari preached about the holistic nature of the gospel and demonstrated it by pursuing community health care, for instance. He also expected that the calling to live out the gospel belonged to all of God’s people, not just church leaders. How does Gitari’s ecclesiology speak to today’s context? This paper examines Gitari’s writings and speeches, concluding that the church in Kenya today needs to adopt a holistic view of the gospel, a prophetic voice, and apply the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

The Role of Abamura/Morans in Cross-Border Conflicts among the Maasai and the Kuria of Kenya, 1920-1963

It is a historical fact that most Kenyan communities are haunted by actual or potential ethnic conflicts. Kenya comprises of many ethnic communities that are religiously shaped by their cherished cultures. These are the cultures which influenced the peoples’ behavior and conduct. It is therefore true that most Kenyan communities were directly or indirectly affected by inter-ethnic community crisis. Inter-ethnic conflicts that were so prevalent among the Kenyan communities concerned cultural issues though culture was not uniform in all communities. This study analyzes the contribution of culture in the frequent conflicts between the Maasai and Kuria communities from 1920 to 1963. Conflict theory was employed to examine the conflicts and was reinforced by structural functionalism theory in the analysis. The assumption in this study was that culture was specifically a contributory factor in regional conflicts and therefore needed a local examination. The study relied on secondary and primary data such as those from the existing written sources and from the affected peoples of Kuria and Trans-Mara region. Purposive sampling was used to reach out to the informants. The research was guided by the specific research questions and objectives which included establishing the influence of rites of passage, Moranism/Abamura and religious beliefs on cross-border conflict between the Maasaiand Kuria from 1920 to 1963. This research was confined to cultural issues between 1920 – 1963. Scarce data, hostile respondents, vast land, sparse population and poor means of transport were some of the limitations encountered. The targeted groups of people for interview included the District Commissioners, head teachers of primary and secondary schools, church leaders, chiefs, clan elders, Border Peace Committee members, traditional healers, Morans/Abamura, Agricultural officers and ordinary residents. This research is descriptive and was based at Kegonga Division of Kuria and Masurura Division of Trans-Mara. Data collected was analyzed and the validity of the research examined together with its reliability. The backgrounds of the Kuria and Maasai were also studied to examine the progressive development of cross-border conflict between them since 1920 to 1963 and how culture had been a hindrance to positive adoption of modern lifestyle. Data collected from the field of study was analyzed, discussed, presented and interpreted within the set objectives of the study. The study also examined the aspects of the cultures of both the Maasai and Kuria which were seen to perpetuate cross-border conflict. Such cultural aspects include circumcision, marriage, Moranism/Abamura and traditional religion. Lastly, the summary of the findings, recommendations, suggestions for further research and contribution to literature are presented. The findings of the study revealed that the rites of passage, Moranism/Abamura and religious beliefs contributed to cross-border conflicts between the Maasai and Kuria.

Leadership, Retention, and US culture in the LDS Church in Latin America and Europe

Leadership, Retention, and US culture in the LDS Church in Latin America and Europe

The Perception of Christians on the Doctrine of Trinity in Selected African Initiated Churches in Niger Delta

The question about the reality, nature and function of the Trinity in Christianity has evolved subjective theological and philosophical perspectives and debates among researchers, and more so is the issue of adapting the doctrine into African-initiated churches. The issue as it affects African Christianity in the Niger Delta has not been adequately addressed empirically. Thus, this study investigates and analyses the perceptions of Christians about the Trinity among selected African Initiated Churches. Quantitative research approach was adopted using a purposive sampling technique to explore the perceptions of selected church leaders about the concept of Trinity. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires from 50 selected church leaders from Celestial Church of Christ and the Apostolic Church in Niger Delta. The findings show that while most Christians understand the Trinity in terms of unity in diversity, some believe it is just mere normal church doctrine; whereas they all accept that there is timeless mystery of the Trinity beyond the mental construct of man from both churches. The study concluded that there is no consensus in the theological interpretation and conceptualisation of Trinity among African-initiated churches in the Niger Delta. Hence, the study recommends proper theological education as a means of addressing the problem wrong perception about the Trinity.

Погромы и грабежи церковной собственности в начальный период Гражданской войны

The article explores the looting and pogroms of church property during the first year of the Russian Civil War. At that time, not only were monasteries plundered, but also some temples connected in one way or another with property owners became objects of pogroms. Witnesses of these events were often bewildered by the cruelty and indifference to their shrines that were demonstrated by Orthodox laity during these robberies and defeats. The perpetrators were mainly local peasants, often accompanied by soldiers. While sacrilegious acts sometimes occurred during these attacks, it is inaccurate to attribute them solely to the influence of Bolshevik agitation or anti-religious attitudes of the rioters. Peasants who committed a pogrom against a monastery or parish church could demand from a terrified priest to take less money for fulfilling their demands. Moreover, many of the clergy and the monk were local residents and the attackers knew them. Both wealthy and impoverished monasteries suffered significant losses during these attacks. At the same time, especially in urban areas, the broad masses of the people could stop the actions of the authorities directed against church property. For example, a huge number of the capital's population came to the defense of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, but pogrom sentiments still prevailed. Many, including church leaders, considered the events to be the collapse of the Slavophile doctrine of the “God-bearing people”б interpreting the population’s actions as a rebellion against the Church and a resurgence of pagan influences.

Strategic Leadership, Organisational Culture, and Growth of the Anglican Church of Kenya

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has encountered various growth challenges, including the sustainability of its programs and the need for technological and spiritual advancement. This study aimed to assess the impact of church strategic leadership and organizational culture on ACK’s growth. The specific objectives were to: (1) determine the relationship between strategic leadership and church growth and (2) explore whether organizational culture moderates the relationship between strategic leadership and growth. Informed by Strategic Leadership and Upper Echelons theories, the study utilized correlation research design. The target population comprised 315 church leaders, including members of the Provincial Administration, Archdeaconry/Parochial Leadership, and the Nairobi Diocesan Secretariat. Proportionate stratified sampling was employed to select 176 respondents. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire on a 5-point scale. Linear regression analysis was used to test research hypotheses, with SPSS version 23 aiding quantitative data analysis. Strategic leadership together with organizational culture accounted for 52.8% of the variance in church growth (R2=.528, DF (3) = 64.257, p<.01). However, the interaction term between strategic leadership and organizational culture did not show evidence of moderation (β=-.038, p>.05). Examination of the regression coefficients revealed that organizational culture had statistically significant predictive power on church growth (β=.757, p<.05) but the effect size of strategic leadership on church growth was insignificant (β=.398, p>.05). It was concluded that organizational culture is ultimately what counts for church growth within the Anglican Church of Kenya, though strategic leadership plays a positive role. Therefore, fostering a strong organizational culture within the Anglican Church of Kenya can significantly contribute to its growth and sustainability, and this can be reinforced by strategic leadership.

Relationship between Strategic Leadership Intent and Church Growth: A Case of the Anglican Church of Kenya

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) faces challenges in its growth endeavors, including program sustainability and the need for technological and spiritual advancement. These challenges imply that ACK followers may not fully benefit from the socio-economic and spiritual advantages associated with church membership. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between strategic leadership intent and ACK’s growth. The study utilized a cross-sectional design to investigate church leadership dynamics within the Anglican Church of Kenya, specifically focusing on strategic leadership and church growth. A sample of 315 church leaders was drawn from various administrative levels, including provincial administration members and diocesan secretariat members, reflecting both urban and rural demographics. Proportional stratified sampling ensured representation across different strata. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire administered either online or in person, covering participant demographics and key research variables. Reliability coefficients, such as Cronbach’s alpha, were computed to ensure the questionnaire’s internal consistency. Statistical analyses, including linear regression, were conducted using SPSS to evaluate research hypotheses. The study found that strategic leadership intent explained 19.1% of the variance in church growth within the Anglican Church of Kenya, indicating a significant relationship between the two factors. A one-unit increase in strategic leadership intent corresponded to a 0.438 increase in church growth, suggesting a positive association between the two variables. These findings support the idea that effective strategic leadership plays a crucial role in driving church growth, with nearly one-fifth of the variations in growth attributable to strategic leadership. Overall, the results underscore the importance of strategic leadership in fostering the growth and development of the Anglican Church of Kenya. Subsequent research endeavors could explore distinct facets of strategic leadership to discern their individual impacts on church growth.

«За пожертвования в пользу церквей…»: примеры благотворительности православной паствы Кавказской епархии в пользу Церкви в 40-х гг. XIX в. (по материалам Государственного архива Ставропольского края)

Introduction. The article reveals the features of charitable activities of the Orthodox congregation in favor of their churches. This part of religious North Caucasian everyday life allows us to understand the peculiarities of the worldview of religious people, for whom contribution to the common good was an important moral need. Materials and Methods. Based on an analysis of the activities of the Stavropol Spiritual Consistory, events related to the private charity of the congregation of the Caucasian diocese are identified. The main body of documents is concentrated in the State Archive of the Stavropol Krai, fund 135 Stavropol Spiritual Consistory. The descriptive method used allows us to get an idea of the motivations of the donors and show what the values donated to the Church were used for. Analysis. The Caucasian diocese, established in 1843, experienced difficulties in organizing the process of caring for its flock. To a large extent, concern for the improvement of the temple, where parishioners came to church services, became the concern of the laity themselves. Attention is paid to the analysis of the circumstances under which the donation was made. An important point can be considered the control on the part of the church leadership over the targeted expenditure of funds received. Results. It is concluded that gifts were most often brought to decorate the temple, which was a sacred space for believers. Donations were a way of repentance and atonement for sins, a way to increase one’s authority in the eyes of society, because they became “symbolic capital” characterizing the godly virtues of a particular person. The church carefully monitored the observance of voluntariness in the act of the donor, and to confirm such a step, witnesses were often brought in from among the parishioners associated with the temple to which the donation was made.

Efektivitas Manajemen Kepemimpinan dalam Gereja

Abstract This research discusses the effectiveness of leadership management in the context of a church. The church, as a Christian community, possesses distinct characteristics, including the diverse backgrounds of its members in terms of age, occupation, education, and social status. Unlike other organizations with financial orientations, the church aims to fulfill the spiritual needs of its members, emphasizing a focus on conformity to Christ. Church leaders are expected not only to exercise authority for regulation but also to empower the congregation. Effective church leadership involves empowerment, exploration of potentials, and acceptance of differences. Church leaders play a crucial role in the effective growth of the church, and leadership management is key to achieving the church's vision and mission. The research methodology employed is a qualitative descriptive approach with literature review. In-depth analysis of the concept of leadership management in the church is conducted by connecting information from various sources, including books, journals, articles, and relevant websites. The findings indicate that the understanding of the church involves spiritual and organizational dimensions, necessitating effective leadership management. Leadership centered on biblical values, resource management, and the empowerment of congregation members becomes crucial in attaining church goals. The differences and uniqueness of the church demand leaders to implement suitable leadership styles, such as democracy, to support the potential of each member. From this research, it can be observed that effective leadership management in the church plays a crucial role in achieving spiritual and organizational objectives. Church leaders need to develop strategies in line with the church's characteristics and leverage the potential of congregation members for sustainable growth.

Dinamika Kepemimpinan Pastoral dalam Konteks Manajemen Gereja Modern

Abstract This research depicts the results of an in-depth analysis of pastoral leadership dynamics within the context of modern church management through a qualitative literature study approach. The study reveals the importance of integrating solid managerial skills with spiritual dimensions to strengthen church leadership. Research findings affirm that creating a balanced equilibrium between managerial and spiritual aspects is crucial in guiding the church through various challenges in contemporary times, including adapting to evolving technological changes and social dynamics. Furthermore, this research highlights the necessity of adaptation to contextual changes as a critical element in building successful church leadership, wherein church leaders are expected to discern and respond to the dynamics of the external and internal church environment wisely and proactively. In conclusion, this research provides a deeper understanding of how pastoral leadership can be enhanced to manage modern churches more effectively, fulfill the church's mission calling, and serve the community in a more holistic manner.