Pastoral Leadership Research Articles

Clerical Leadership and Political Management in Africa in the 21st Century: The Case of Nigeria

The return of the military to active participation in the leadership of some countries across African is disturbing on the one hand, but on the other hand, it is indicative of the fact that Africa is in serious leadership crisis. As a result of leadership crises in Africa many countries are underdeveloped and also considered as failed states. Nigeria’s situation seems most pathetic. As such, Africa in general and Nigeria in particular is in need and search of a leadership paradigm that will bring about economic and social development. In this article, the concept “Pastoral Leadership” is explored and projected as the needed leadership paradigm in 21st century Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. The article adopted qualitative research method based on content analysis. It argues that since good leadership is necessary for economic growth, infrastructural development and peaceful co - existence based on requirements of justice and equity; and, since various leadership paradigms adopted in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular since the attainment of independence in the 1960s seem not to be working, pastoral leadership modeled on shepherding imagery as found in both Islamic tradition and Christian scripture is recommended for some Africa in general and Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation in particular.

Selective reading of 1 Corinthians 14:26–40 resulting in the marginalisation of women

The aim of this paper is to point out a hermeneutic gap in Assemblies of God – Back to God’s order of service where 1 Corinthians 14:26–32 is read, eschewing verses 33–38. It points out the Assemblies of God’s perception of women’s ordination into the ministry, where women are allowed to participate in public worship but are not allowed to take up the pastoral leadership of the local assembly. The research problem is the hermeneutic gap behind refusal to ordain women into the ministry. The selective reading of the Scriptures poses a problem for hermeneutical inclusiveness that embraces social exegesis to arrive at the conclusion that it is not unscriptural to ordain women into pastoral leadership. The conclusion gives the remedial actions of the scenario, to suggest breaking out of a shell, agency and resilience, engaging social exegesis and hermeneutics, and engaging the community through dialogue to justify the rationale for ordaining women into the pastoral ministry in the same par with men.Contribution: Situated within feminist theology, the study on women pastoral leadership is a burning issue for both classical Pentecostals and some of their evangelical counterparts. Pentecostal and charismatic studies should expand their understanding of Pauline theology regarding women’s leadership to arrive at inclusiveness and non-sexism.

What a beautiful name it is: A theological & practical comparison of glossolalia and the Jesus Prayer

ABSTRACT This paper critically compares the Jesus Prayer as it is practised in Eastern Orthodoxy with devotional glossolalia as it is practised in the Pentecostal/charismatic movement. It is argued that, while there are clear differences between them, the two forms of prayer nevertheless display extensive commonality. This overlap is explicable on the basis that glossolalia is a form of apophatic prayer as it is understood by Orthodox theologians, and of which the Jesus Prayer is a paradigmatic example. Finally, the missional implications of this argument are explored with a focus on pastoral leadership and pastoral care in the Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition. Particular attention is given to the development of the practice of praying in tongues and the pastoral care of non-glossolalics and introverts.

Integritas Kepemimpinan Pastoral di Era Postmodern Menurut 2 Timotius 2:14-25

The development of technology and information in the global era will have a major influence on human life. Modernist culture has become the choice of the wider community over conventional cultures. Sometimes society loses the social glue that has been the root of culture, which is replaced with the emergence of social media. Apart from that, the development of this technology also has a bad influence on moral ethics, norms and rules in society. However, this development also provides positive insight into the emergence of new leaders, especially leaders in the spiritual world or pastoral leaders who must maintain their integrity. The methodology in this writing uses an exposition approach by paying attention to the verses of God's word contained in 2 Tim 2:14-25, to get practical application from the figure of a pastoral leader with integrity who keeps his life in accordance with the truth of God's word and by asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that he can protect accountability which has a good influence in the postmodern world.

Sejarah, Struktur dan Teologi Doa Syukur Agung Ketiga Tata Perayaan Ekaristi 2020

This article is entitled "History, Structure and Theology of the Third Eucharistic Prayer for the 2020 Eucharistic Celebration: Pastoral Vision Management and Leadership." This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of the development, structure and theological significance of the third Eucharistic Prayer in the 2020 Eucharistic Celebration. This paper focuses on selecting the Third Eucharistic Prayer as the main study, based on the idea of the Liturgy as the source and pinnacle of Church life as described in the Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC) n. 10. Liturgy is not only a formal ritual of worship, but also the core of the identity and mission of the Catholic Church which drives and gives meaning to all ecclesiastical activities. Thus, this paper tries to explain the inspirations originating from liturgical texts, especially DSA III, which can be applied in the pastoral work of the Catholic Church. This paper aims to create bridge between liturgical theology and its application in a concrete pastoral context. By exploring the meaning of DSA III, we can find inspiration that can help direct the Vision Management and Pastoral Leadership of the Catholic Church. Indeed, the inspiration for the Vision Management and Pastoral Leadership of the Catholic Church can be found in various sources, including the Holy Bible and the teachings of the Church Fathers, but this paper is a simple effort that tries to highlight the potential contained in DSA III, a prayer that is very often used in celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday by the faithful. In this research it was found that DSA III contains some key values that can be applied in management and pastoral leadership within a parish. Thus, DSA is also a series of prayers which are intended to be prayed and absorbed together by the priest and the congregation. More than that, DSA is not limited to a series of prayers that stop at the Eucharistic liturgy. DSA is also lived out in daily activities, especially when people gather together at church to be involved in church services.

Pastoral Leadership and Political Administration in 21st Century Africa: The Nigerian Situation

Pastoral Leadership and Political Administration in 21st Century Africa: The Nigerian Situation

Applying Biblical Wisdom to Trying Times: 10 Leadership Lessons for Nurses.

In the post-COVID era, examining nursing and pastoral leadership experiences with biblical examples offers helpful perspectives on how to lead in times of crisis and adversity. Reflecting on men and women of the Bible who led during crisis can encourage nurses to view our ministries through God's lens and motivate us to become stronger leaders.

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.

The pastoral role in moral regeneration – A South African perspective

In the past, the role of the pastor was not only recognised by the church in which he served, but also by the entire community. Government, institutions, and society at large to an extent relied on pastors to help build up communities. For this reason, politicians and the media sought pastoral opinions in times of strife, boycotts, and other upheavals. Public offences such as rape, murder, robbery, violence and other crimes have always been described as the deeds of evil people whose lives are far removed from the Christian and other religions. What makes corruption and crime worse in our country, is the perception of moral degeneration, among other reasons. It is a concern of this researcher that, instead of pastoral leadership preaching peace and addressing issues related to moral regeneration, they are becoming part of the problem rather than the solution. This article intends to show, by way of research, that, for pastors and ministers to participate in corrupt and immoral deeds, is problematic not only for the churches they serve, but also the communities in which they live. This article offers pastoral guidelines on the church’s responsibility in combatting pastors’ immoral actions.Contribution: Church pastors, as community leaders, have some responsibility for eliminating and reducing rather than dismissing or contributing to the moral degeneration engulfing South Africa. It is the conviction of this author that, if pastors practise what they preach, half of the fight against moral degeneration would be won through their exemplary lives. The pastoral position has a moral impact and an influence in local communities.

Pastoral Leaders’ Perception of Obesity and Their Role Within Faith-Based Organizations

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of pastoral leaders regarding obesity and health within faith-based organizations (FBOs). In this study, the authors focused on gaining additional insight regarding how pastoral leaders conceptualize and make sense of their roles in terms of health promotion within FBOs. Utilizing a qualitative research methodological approach, specifically Qualitative Description, authors administered a qualitative survey to 12 participants which yielded three emerging themes: (1) perceived scope, (2) understanding and use of resources, and (3) defining obesity through pastoral leaders’ perspectives. In the study, investigators discuss clinical implications and provide recommendations.

A Comparative Study of Pentecostal and Non – Pentecostal Theological Education in South Africa: Spirituality and Academic Theology

South Africa’s theological education is diverse, with both Pentecostal and Non-Pentecostal institutions providing different approaches to spiritual formation and academic theology. Although the majority of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, have a strong understanding of spirituality, Pentecostals are relatively new to the term “spiritual formation.” It is about living a practical Christian life, which consists of intimate existential knowledge of God motivated by a genuine love for God. As a result, commitment to the Lord includes involvement and living in the world around one for the glory of God. Theological education on the other hand, is the training that aims to prepare individuals for professional church ministry. According to Scripture, before regeneration, we were all “dead in trespasses” and sins (Ephesians 2:1). If spirituality and academic theology are necessary components of theological education, then understanding how they are integrated in Pentecostal and Non-Pentecostal institutions is crucial for effective theological education. As a result, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of spiritual practices in shaping students’ theological understanding and to contribute to our understanding of the complex relationship between spirituality, academic theology, and leadership development in South African theological education, in order to establish a more thorough and successful way to forming spiritual/ pastoral leaders in the Pentecostal context.

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.

Faithful hiring: An exploration of pastoral hiring within the Canadian Evangelical Church

The pastoral role is a significant leadership function within the global evangelical church and is critical to the ongoing health, nurturing and spiritual development of the church and its members. There is limited literature and reflection on hiring for the church, yet the selection of a pastoral leader is more than an employment exercise as it involves important Christian values, perceptions and priorities of the church and the denomination. This article records a study on pastoral hiring process within a significant evangelical denomination in Canada. It uses a descriptive, multiple case-study approach involving four churches engaged in a pastoral search process. Findings revealed a convergence between church practices and typical organisational processes with pragmatic strategies for hiring decisions. In a secularising society of Canada, it is especially important that the church critically reflects on maintaining scriptural values on its hiring practices and not be shaped by the commercially driven business context to distinguish ethical practice and maintain its Christian witness.Contribution: This study provides new knowledge in the field of congregational studies on a much-neglected area of Christian practice, motivating for critical reflection and scriptural integrity within pastoral hiring processes.

Training of African Independent Churches Students at the Umphumulo Lutheran Theological College

The African Independent Churches Association (AICA) holds a unique place in the contribution of South African theological education. The AICA established the AICA Theological College; however, later on it initiated a theological negotiation with the Umphumulo Lutheran Theological College (ULTC) to train its students. The African Independent Churches (AICs) are seriously concerned with theologically training their church leaders. The vision and mission of the AICs are to sustain and grow the quality of their doctrine. This is to ensure that the significant connection between theological training and their own churches’ life experiences are encouraged. The role of theological training has much potential to train theological students of pastoral leadership. Thus, theological training and the church have always taken a rightful place to serve communities. This article explores why the AICs are training their theological students at the ULTC. The article focuses on four areas. Firstly, it discusses an early partnership between the ULTC and the AICs. Secondly, it offers some reasons why the AICs initiated the process of training their theological students at the South African theological institutions of the mainline churches. Thirdly, it discusses the establishment of the AICA Theological College and its success and challenges. Fourthly, it outlines the theological curriculum challenges offered to AICs theological students and the Lutheran support initiatives to the AICs.

Rebuilding Broken Walls: Nehemiah's Leadership as a Pastoral Model for Navigating Disruption

As technology develops in the industrial era, waves of change occur and cause various impacts. Worship and spirituality are no exceptions. The objective of this research is to analyze Nehemiah's leadership at GPdI Vila Melati Mas as a pastoral model in the era of disruption. The study aims to explore how Nehemiah's leadership style, rooted in Christian principles and adapted to contemporary challenges, serves as a relevant and effective model for pastoral leadership in the face of disruptions caused by technological advancements and societal changes. This research was conducted using a qualitative method. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and documents. The results of this study show that in facing challenges in this disruption era, Nehemiah's leadership can be used as an example of Christian leadership, where his leadership applies secular leadership styles and managerial functions but is still based on the Word of God. To face challenges in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 can be done with several strategies, namely having self-awareness, being agile and nimble in understanding and solving solutions, collaborating, paying attention to development, and being sharp in analyzing what will happen in the future or now.

Black Pastors' Experiences of Occupational and Life Stress During COVID-19 in the USA.

This study sought to identify the occupational stressors Black pastors experience, who serve in Black Church denominations and Black nondenominational churches. A total of 218 pastors completed the survey out of 2786 for a response rate of 10.1%. Black pastors identified their most challenging stressors as member dynamics, financial stress, leading a church to fulfill its mission, and pastor's workload. Black women pastors faced the additional stressor of having their pastoral leadership challenged by male congregants. Black pastors faced more stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic including church closures, transitioning to virtual services, unexpected deaths, and an increased workload with 72.5% of pastors reporting moderate to extreme stress levels. Approximately 77% of pastors acknowledged experiencing from moderate to extreme stress levels during social protests for the deaths of Black people by law enforcement. Black pastors further acknowledged experiencing an additional three to six life stressors outside of their pastoral roles.

Book Review: The God who goes before you: Pastoral leadership as Christ-centered followership by Michael S. Wilder and Timothy Paul Jones

Book Review: <i>The God who goes before you: Pastoral leadership as Christ-centered followership</i> by Michael S. Wilder and Timothy Paul Jones

Application of Shepherd Leadership to the Spiritual Growth of Christian Youth in the Digital Age

Writing this article aims to describe the pastor's strategy in educating, fostering and guiding young people to experience spiritual growth. This article refers to the role of pastors in formulating the right strategy to solve the spiritual problems of young people which are slowly declining due to the pace of technology. Where, young people ignore worship and other spiritual activities such as a lack of interest in worship both in public worship, household worship, youth worship, and worship activities on church holidays. The, method used in this research is literature study which refers to references related to the topic raised. In this study, the authors found that pastors have a strategy to apply their leadership to grow the spirituality of youth through Teaching God's Word with contextual topics, Bible study, coaching and guidance through counseling and the use of digital media. The achievement of pastoral leadership in the spiritual growth of young people is seen in terms of their quality of life. The proof of the spiritual growth of young people is that they will be diligent in participating in fellowship services at church and are able to practice the value of the truth of God's Word to their surroundings.

John Moore: Catholic Pastoral Leadership During Florida’s First Boom, 1877–1901 by Michael J. McNally (review)

John Moore: Catholic Pastoral Leadership During Florida’s First Boom, 1877–1901 by Michael J. McNally (review)

Social activity of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1914–1915 (case study of the Nizhni Novgorod Eparchy)

The social activities of the Russian Orthodox Church acquired a special role during dramatic periods of Russian history associated with wars and military conflicts. Retrospectively reviewing the activities of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church during the First World War, it can be stated that much attention was paid not only to the spiritual state of believers, but also to the development of activities aimed at providing assistance to the military, the wounded and the families of those at the front. During the period 1914–1915 the social activities of the Church were intensified, while starting from 1916, due to changes in moods at the front, the emphasis shifts to religious and pastoral leadership in the home front. Relying on the data from church periodicals of 1914–1915, the article analyzes the activities of Nizhny Novgorod diocese (one of the main spiritual centers in Russia) during this period, which, in its turn, may serve as a direct example of the organization of the Church’s social ministry during wartime.