Project – THE IMPACT OF THE CHURCH LEADERS ON THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF THE CHURCH

CHAPTER ONE

                                    INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The Nigerian church today is faced with the challenge of providing evidence of effective leadership with respect to church growth and development of the church. Reflecting on the real situation of the 21^st century church and its leadership, it is an undoubted fact that the church has not had appropriate leadership both for the church itself and the world that the church relates to. The primary reason for this phenomenon is the lack of appropriate leadership that fits into the church and the world. Therefore, leadership and its practices are key issues in church growth and impact on the world. Leadership has become one of the primary foci for church growth in these days.¹

Church leaders play the leading roles in church development worldwide, in direct response to God’s command to serve the disadvantaged. As globalization increases the competition in ministry, new opportunities and challenges exist for these leaders, who seek to obey through holistic ministry. There are some common features in various definitions of leadership. It will be presumptuous for anyone to attempt a definition that will satisfy the populace especially regarding church leadership. Leadership is nothing if not linked to collective purpose; and the effectiveness of leaders must be judged not by press clippings but by actual social change, measured by intent and by satisfaction of human needs and expectations which on the long term will be visible on the church growth and development.

Oluwasegun (2005) defines leadership as the ability to gain consensus and commitment to common objectives beyond organizational requirements which are attained with experience or contribution and satisfaction on the part of the working group. Leadership could also be defined as the relationship in which one person or the leader influences others to work together willingly on related tasks to attain that which the leader desires. It is a means of direction. Leadership is the ability of management to induce the subordinates to work towards a group’s goals with confidence and keenness. It implies that the leader accepts responsibility for the achievement of the group objectives and it is, therefore, essential for the trust and cooperation from both sides to be evidence all the time (Oluwasegun, 2005). Leadership is an art of getting things done. It can be learnt, improved, developed and perfected. It is the key process of influence and the process always includes a number of key components such as leader and followers, they interact in situations and means of influence which emerge from the leader and from the followers, based on their value system and goals which the leader and the followers seek to achieve (Dairo, 2004).

With respect to church leadership, it implies that the church leader gives direction, motivates, reprimands and develops a set objective along with his group andresolves individual or group needs within the church. This is perceived as the only way towards the Church growth .In the New Testament it wasmore often used as Christological title for the exalted Jesus. The results of semasiological and lexicographicalinvestigation of secular Greek indicate an extremely polyvalent spectrum of meaning for the word “church leader”, the basisbeing he who is the first, who stands at the head of, who leads.

According to the New Testament, the terms “bishop,””pastor,” and “elder” are synonymous. Bishop means”overseer,” and the elders had the responsibility of overseeing the work of the church (Acts 20:17,28; 1Pet5:1-3). “Elder” is the translation of the Greek word presbytes, which means “an old man.” Paul used the wordpresbytery in (1Tim 4:14), referring not to a denomination, but to the “eldership” of the assembly thatordained Timothy. Elders and bishops (two names for the same office, (cf Titus 1:5,7) were mature peoplewith spiritual wisdom and experience to ensure the survival of the church of God. Also, “pastor” means “shepherd,” one who leads and cares for theflock of God (Vine, 1996:67).

 

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The growth of the church has been a focal point in the field of Christian ministry, especially in the context of the Assemblies of God denomination. Church growth is not merely about increasing membership but involves spiritual, numerical, and qualitative development. One of the significant factors influencing this growth is the role played by church leaders. In the Ikwerre Central District of Assemblies of God Church, the influence of church leaders on both the spiritual and organizational growth of the church has yet to be fully explored. It is essential to understand how church leaders in this specific district influence church attendance, discipleship, and the overall expansion of the church’s influence in the community.

Despite the recognition of leadership as a crucial factor in organizational development, there has been limited research focusing on the direct role of church leaders in fostering church growth, particularly in the Assemblies of God churches in Ikwerre Central District. Many studies have focused on factors such as the church’s theology, outreach programs, and socio-cultural dynamics but have often overlooked the critical leadership element. This gap presents a need to explore how church leaders in this region actively shape church growth through their teaching, mentoring, leadership styles, and interpersonal relationships with congregants. The relationship between the personal characteristics of church leaders and the growth dynamics of their congregations remains underexplored.

The role of church leaders is particularly significant in a region like Ikwerre Central District, where social, cultural, and economic factors greatly impact the church’s activities and influence. Church leaders are often seen as the spiritual fathers and guides for the congregants. The extent to which their spiritual guidance, leadership practices, and community engagement impact church growth remains an area requiring deeper exploration. What leadership strategies are employed to foster growth, and how do they navigate challenges such as socio-economic barriers, cultural expectations, and generational shifts in belief and values?

In addition, the style of leadership adopted by church leaders plays a pivotal role in shaping the church environment. Transformational leadership, servant leadership, and other models of church leadership can have distinct effects on the growth trajectory of the church. A deeper understanding of how church leaders in the Ikwerre Central District of Assemblies of God Church perceive their roles and responsibilities can provide insight into how different leadership approaches either contribute to or hinder church growth. Exploring how church leaders balance administrative duties, spiritual guidance, and outreach efforts will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the leadership dynamics in this context.

Moreover, the church’s response to societal needs and its ability to adapt to changing cultural trends are influenced by the leaders’ strategic vision and decision-making. This study will address how leaders within the Assemblies of God in Ikwerre Central District respond to these external pressures while maintaining the church’s core spiritual mission. Are they equipped with the right leadership skills to address modern challenges, and do they employ effective strategies to encourage both spiritual and numerical growth? By examining these aspects, the study will provide clarity on how leadership in a specific cultural context can impact church success.

In summary, the relationship between church leadership and church growth is vital for understanding the dynamics of religious institutions in contemporary society. The Ikwerre Central District of Assemblies of God Church serves as a relevant case study to explore how church leaders contribute to church growth in a distinctive cultural and geographical setting. This study will investigate the key leadership roles, strategies, and challenges faced by church leaders in this district and provide valuable insights that may contribute to strengthening leadership practices in similar church settings for sustainable growth and development.

1.3    OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. To examine the role of church leaders in church growth.
2. To identify the functions and duties of church leaders in a church.
3. To identify the other factors militating against Church growth.
   • RESEARCH QUESTIONS
4. What is the role of church leaders in church growth?
5. What are the functions and duties of church leaders in a church?
6. What are the other factors militating against Church growth?

1.5    HYPOTHESIS

H_O: Church leaders do not have a role in Church growth

H_A: Church leaders do have a role in Church growth

1.6    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

1. Findings from this study will educate the church authorities and the general public in Nigeria on what the church leaders need to do or incorporate into the system to ensure growth and survival.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7    SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The study examines the role of church leaders in church growth. The study was carried out as a case study of Ikwerre Central District of Assemblies of God Church.

Limitations of study

1. Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

ROLE

A role refers to the function or responsibility that an individual or group fulfills within a particular context or organization. It encompasses the expected behaviors, tasks, and contributions that are associated with that position.

CHURCH LEADERS

Church leaders are individuals who hold positions of authority and responsibility within a religious congregation or community. They guide spiritual practices, provide pastoral care, make decisions regarding church operations, and often play a key role in teaching and community outreach.

CHURCH

A church is a structured community of worshipers who gather for religious services and activities, typically centered around shared beliefs and practices. It can also refer to the physical building where such gatherings take place, as well as the broader body of believers in a particular faith tradition.

GROWTH

Growth refers to the process of development or expansion in a specific area. In a church context, this can involve increasing membership, enhancing spiritual maturity among congregants, improving community engagement, or expanding programs and outreach efforts.

SURVIVAL

Survival, in this context, relates to the ability of an organization, such as a church, to continue to exist and function effectively despite challenges. This can involve maintaining membership, financial stability, and relevance in a changing cultural landscape.

 

Project – THE IMPACT OF THE CHURCH LEADERS ON THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF THE CHURCH