Project – Impact of ineffective leadership on church growth.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The growth of any church is intrinsically linked to the quality of its leadership. Leadership, particularly in religious institutions, plays a pivotal role in setting the spiritual direction, mobilizing human and material resources, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose among congregants. In the context of the church, leadership extends beyond administrative duties to include spiritual mentorship, pastoral care, discipleship, and community engagement. However, where leadership is ineffective, churches often experience stagnation, decline in membership, internal conflict, and weakened spiritual vitality (Afolabi, 2018).
The United Evangelical Church (UEC), formerly known as Qua Iboe Church, is one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous denominations with a widespread presence across the nation. The Ankpa Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church, located in Kogi State, is a significant administrative arm tasked with overseeing several local assemblies. Despite the potential for impactful ministry, observations and reports suggest that some assemblies under this Area Conference are not experiencing consistent growth, both numerically and spiritually. A contributing factor to this trend appears to be leadership ineffectiveness manifesting in poor communication, lack of vision, authoritarian tendencies, moral failure, and inadequate training (Adeyemo, 2020).
Church leadership is meant to model Christ-like humility, integrity, and servant leadership. When leaders fail to exemplify these qualities, the consequences can be far-reaching. Research by Barna Group (2021) reveals that ineffective pastoral leadership is a major reason why many believers leave churches or become disengaged. This situation calls for a critical examination of the nature and consequences of ineffective leadership within the UEC Ankpa Area Conference, with the goal of proposing biblically grounded and contextually relevant solutions to enhance church growth.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the existence of a structured leadership system within the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Ankpa Area Conference, there is mounting evidence of stagnation and decline in many of its local assemblies. Church records and internal assessments reveal a troubling pattern of dwindling attendance during worship services, reduced involvement in church programs, and a noticeable decline in membership retention, especially among the youth. These patterns are contrary to the intended outcomes of an organized leadership framework, which should ideally foster growth, spiritual vitality, and effective ministry outreach. The persistent lack of growth signals a deeper, underlying issue related to how leadership is practiced and experienced in these congregations.
One of the most alarming indicators of ineffective leadership is the dwindling participation of young people in church life. Many assemblies report that their youth wings are inactive or poorly attended, suggesting a disconnect between leadership priorities and the aspirations of younger members. At the same time, frequent internal conflicts among leaders—ranging from doctrinal disagreements to administrative disputes—have sown division and weakened the collective vision of the church. These conflicts often spill over into the congregations, causing disillusionment among members and affecting the credibility of church leadership in the eyes of the public.
The roots of these leadership challenges are multifaceted. Inadequate theological training is a significant factor, as many leaders lack the academic or pastoral formation required for holistic ministry. Without sufficient understanding of biblical leadership principles, leaders may resort to outdated or authoritarian methods of governance. Additionally, the absence of structured succession planning creates leadership vacuums when experienced pastors retire or are transferred. This lack of foresight leads to instability and confusion among congregants, particularly when leadership transitions are not handled transparently or competently.
Another major shortcoming lies in the lack of mentorship for emerging leaders within the UEC Ankpa Area Conference. Upcoming leaders often have no access to intentional discipleship, coaching, or leadership development programs. As a result, many younger pastors or church workers struggle to grow into their roles and may replicate the ineffective practices they observe. Furthermore, the absence of performance evaluation mechanisms means that underperforming leaders are rarely held accountable or offered the support needed to improve. This fosters a culture of complacency and unproductivity within church administration.
In some cases, leaders adopt autocratic leadership styles that stifle creativity, suppress congregational input, and alienate members from the decision-making process. Such environments discourage active participation, innovation, and collaboration—essential components of church growth in contemporary society (Ngwu, 2019). The current study, therefore, aims to examine these leadership deficiencies in detail and assess their impact on church growth in the UEC Ankpa Area Conference. By identifying specific leadership practices that hinder progress, the research will propose strategies for leadership reform that align with biblical models and the unique socio-cultural context of the church.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of ineffective leadership on church growth in the United Evangelical Church, Ankpa Area Conference. The specific objectives are to:
- Identify the characteristics of leadership practiced within the UEC Ankpa Area Conference.
- Examine how ineffective leadership practices hinder numerical and spiritual growth in the church.
- Investigate members’ perceptions of leadership effectiveness within their local assemblies.
- Propose practical and theological recommendations for improving leadership effectiveness in the church.
1.4 Research Questions
This study will seek to answer the following questions:
- What are the predominant leadership styles practiced in UEC Ankpa Area Conference?
- How does ineffective leadership affect the growth and development of the church?
- What are the observable signs of church decline linked to leadership inefficiency?
- What measures can be adopted to enhance leadership effectiveness and promote church growth?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
H₀: There is no significant relationship between ineffective leadership practices and church growth in the United Evangelical Church, Ankpa Area Conference.
H₁ : There is a significant relationship between ineffective leadership practices and church growth in the United Evangelical Church, Ankpa Area Conference.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This research is significant for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it provides a critical assessment of leadership practices within a major Nigerian Christian denomination—the United Evangelical Church (UEC). By focusing on the Ankpa Area Conference, the study offers context-specific insights that contribute meaningfully to the broader discourse on church administration and leadership effectiveness. The unique experiences of this local conference can serve as a case study to understand how leadership structures function—or fail—within African church settings. Such a focused evaluation helps bridge the gap between theoretical leadership models and practical realities on the ground.
Secondly, the findings of this research will serve as a vital resource for both current and aspiring church leaders. By identifying common pitfalls in leadership practices—such as autocracy, poor communication, and lack of mentorship—the study offers valuable lessons that can help leaders avoid repeating these mistakes. In addition, the research proposes biblically sound and contextually relevant strategies for improving leadership effectiveness. These insights will empower church leaders to develop healthier leadership cultures, enhance member engagement, and ultimately foster spiritual and numerical growth in their congregations.
Thirdly, this research adds to the growing body of scholarly work on leadership in faith-based organizations, especially within the African context. Much of the existing literature on church leadership is Western-centric, often lacking in cultural applicability to African churches that function within communal and sometimes hierarchical social frameworks. By focusing on a Nigerian church context, the study contributes localized knowledge that is grounded in African ecclesiology, culture, and socio-economic realities. This helps enrich academic conversations around contextual theology and indigenous church leadership models.
Furthermore, the findings of this study hold practical value for theological institutions and church training centers. These institutions are responsible for grooming the next generation of church leaders, and a study of this nature can inform curriculum development, pastoral formation, and leadership development programs. Policymakers within the church—such as regional superintendents, conference executives, and board members—can also benefit from the study’s recommendations in making informed decisions about leadership appointments, accountability systems, and ministry evaluation tools. The practical relevance of this research ensures its usefulness beyond theoretical discussions.
Lastly, the research will benefit lay leaders and congregants who are stakeholders in the growth and health of their churches. By highlighting the consequences of ineffective leadership and proposing pathways for reform, the study seeks to empower all church members to participate meaningfully in church governance and ministry. A stronger leadership structure can enhance the church’s ability to impact its surrounding community positively, serve as a model for societal transformation, and remain faithful to its spiritual mission. In this way, the study contributes not only to church growth but also to the broader goal of societal and moral development through effective religious leadership.
1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This study is limited to the United Evangelical Church, Ankpa Area Conference in Kogi State. It focuses on selected local assemblies within the conference to gather relevant data. The study examines leadership effectiveness from both the clergy and laity perspectives, considering spiritual, administrative, and relational dimensions. It does not seek to evaluate doctrinal positions or theological beliefs but focuses strictly on leadership practices and their impact on church growth.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Church Growth: The increase in membership, spiritual maturity, and community influence of a local church.
Ineffective Leadership: Leadership characterized by lack of vision, poor communication, moral failure, lack of accountability, or absence of results.
Leadership Styles: Distinctive approaches to guiding and managing people, such as autocratic, democratic, transformational, and servant leadership.
UEC: United Evangelical Church, a denomination with nationwide coverage in Nigeria.
