Leadership Perspectives on Church Development Dynamics in Nigeria
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Abstract
Leadership is a critical determinant of church development, particularly in Nigeria, where the church has experienced remarkable growth amidst diverse theological perspectives. However, leadership challenges, inadequate training, and accountability gaps hinder the realization of church objectives. This study critically analyzes leadership dynamics in Nigerian churches, emphasizing the role of transformational, servant, and biblical leadership models in addressing these challenges. Using a qualitative research approach, interviews and content analysis were employed to gather insights from church leaders across various denominations. The findings highlight key factors influencing leadership effectiveness, including the necessity of comprehensive leadership training and the cultivation of accountability structures. The study described the importance of aligning leadership practices with biblical principles while adopting innovative strategies to meet contemporary challenges. The findings hold significant implications for church development, suggesting that equipping leaders with essential skills and knowledge is vital for sustainable growth. Contributing to the broader discourse on leadership in religious organizations, the study offers practical recommendations to enhance leadership effectiveness and promoted holistic development within the Nigerian church context.
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Soneye, A. J., Adeniyi oluwafemi Abodunrin, & Adetayo Olorunlana. (2025). Leadership Perspectives on Church Development Dynamics in Nigeria. SIASAT, 10(3), 172-183. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v10i3.205
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References
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Kombaté, I. K. (2025). Dealing with Mission Drift in Parachurch Agencies: An Analysis of Holistic Mission of Christian Non-Governmental Organizations and Non-Profit Organizations. Langham Publishing.
Leonard, N. (2025). The Church as an Agent of Change: Alleviating Poverty Among its Members.
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Ogunjobi, S. O., & Olulowo, S. (2024). The Phenomenon of Pentecostal Church Growth in Nigeria: An Exploration of Sociocultural Factors and their Implications. Journal of Religions & Peace Studies.
Ogunkolati, K. (2023). Mobilization of lay persons for Christian mission: a case study of selected Pentecostal churches in southwest Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, 88wwz).
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Ojo, S. O. (2025). From Shepherds to Strategists: The Intersection of Pastoral Ministry and Human Resource Management. International Journal of Religions and Peacebuilding (INJOREP), 114.
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Zhou, R. (2023). Transformative Pathways: Christian Faith, Values, and Ethics in Shaping Inclusive and Equitable Community Development.
Abodunrin, A. O. (2022). Ethical implications of Exodus 20 and the integrity of church leaders. NASRED Journal.
Abodunrin, A. O. (2010). The contributions of Maccabeus leaders to the Jews and contemporary challenges to Christianity in Nigeria. Nigeria Journal of Christian Studies, 6 & 7, 50. Ilorin: Narthadex Publishers.
Adeleye, C., Aluko, O., Owoeye, S., & Olowoyeye, E. (2024). Evaluating Theological Education in The Apostolic Church Nigeria: Contributions, Challenges and Future Directions. African Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 2(1), 102-125.
Adeoye, P. M. A. (2024). Church Adaptation Strategies to Secularisation in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Abuja and Lagos. Religious: Jurnal Studi Agama-Agama dan Lintas Budaya, 8(2), 157-174.
Adeyemi, O. O. (2024). Conversation Between the Elders and Youth as a Tool Towards Pragmatic Discipleship for the Nigerian Baptist Convention Churches (Doctoral dissertation, Eastern University).
Akanle, O., & Olorunlana, A. (2014). Christianity and disability in post-colonial south-western Nigeria. Journal of Environment and Culture, 11(2), 30-44.
Allan, N. R. (2024). Missional movement through the local church: applying movemental principles in a British context.
Allen, S., & Fry, L. W. (2023). A framework for leader, spiritual, and moral development. Journal of Business Ethics, 184(3), 649-663.
Amakiri, M. E. (2025). Discipline and Church Growth In Nigeria. BW Academic Journal.
Amole, K. M., & Afolaranmi, A. O. (2025). Congregationalism and Church Growth in the Baptist Denomination: Opportunities and Challenges. International Journal of Religions and Peacebuilding (INJOREP), 1(1), 71.
Arotile, E. O. (2024). Relational Factors in Leadership Practices in Nigerian Churches: A Case Study of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and The Nigerian Baptist Convention.
Blake Jr, C. (2024). Effective Strategies for Building Traditional Church Membership (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
Cai, J. (2023). Effects of Leadership Styles and Organizational Strategy to Enhance Performance Efficiency. Journal of Enterprise and Business Intelligence, 3(1), 012-022.
Chimaobi, R. A., & Ameh, I. (2024). Religion, Culture and the Promotion of Human Dignity in Contemporary Nigeria. Crowther Journal of Arts and Humanities, 1(3).
Chukwudi, O. A., & Iyoha, A. E. (2024). Leadership and Motivation as Essential Tools for Organizational Growth: A Study of Catholic Diocese of Nsukka. International Journal of Law, Politics and Humanities Research.
Clark, P. A. (2021). The church’s leader training challenge: More than one way to address the need. InSights Journal for Global Theological Education, 6(2), 72-89.
Crager, S. (2025). Vision to Reality: How Principals’ Leadership Styles Shape a Culture of Faith and Academic Excellence in Christian Schools (Doctoral dissertation, Northwest Nazarene University).
Dairo, A. (2014). Church leadership in Nigeria in the light of leadership qualifications in Timothy 3:1-7. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(6), 1–7.
Engel, M. J. (2024). Navigating the In-Between: Transformational Practices in the Church's Liminal Spaces.
Ezigbo, O. (2023, June 20). Oye: Transformational leadership key to Nigeria’s greatness. THISDAYLIVE. Retrieved from https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/06/20/oye-transformational-leadership-key-to-nigerias-greatness/
Fakunle, J. P. (2024). Turnaround Leadership: Revitalizing the Missional Calling of Small Rural Churches in Central Illinois. Fuller Theological Seminary School of Mission and Theology.
Gangopadhyay, M. (2023). Religion and governance: Examining the intersection in contemporary politics. Religion and Policy Journal, 1(1), 27-33.
Green, T. J. (2024). The United Churches of America: Post-Denominationalism, Theocracy, and Justice Systems.
Harmon, W. B. (2012). A study of the implementation of educational strategies in SBC church plants in West Virginia. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Huffman, J. (2022). Fostering Biblical Diversity in the Local Church (Doctoral dissertation, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary).
Ibe, P. O., & Tiger, T. H. (2024). Innovative and Transformational Leadership for National Development. International Journal of Institutional Leadership, Policy and Management, 6, 180-192.
Ikoyi Baptist Church. (n.d.). Discipleship Programme. Retrieved from https://www.ikoyibaptistchurch.org/portfolio/discipleship-programme/
Igbari, O. (2021). Jesus’ Model of Leadership and the Integrity of Church Leaders in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Christian Studies, 4(1), 283-299.
Johnston, S. (2025). Nigerian Missions Among Arabs (Doctoral dissertation, Columbia International University).
Kalemba, M. (2017). The Community Development Issues as Missional Challenges for Christian Mission in Central African Republic. Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of South Africa, South Africa.
Kesumawati, K., & Gultom, J. M. P. (2025). Effective pastoral leadership in church growth and renewal. Journal of the American Institute, 2(2), 156-168.
Kombaté, I. K. (2025). Dealing with Mission Drift in Parachurch Agencies: An Analysis of Holistic Mission of Christian Non-Governmental Organizations and Non-Profit Organizations. Langham Publishing.
Leonard, N. (2025). The Church as an Agent of Change: Alleviating Poverty Among its Members.
Mawikere, M. C. S., Hura, S., Mawikere, J. C. R., & Mawikere, D. B. M. (2024). The essence of the church and its presence for societal transformation. Hospitalitas: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 1(1), 1-14.
McGavran, D. A., & Hunter, G. G. (1980). Church growth: Strategies that work. Abingdon Press.
Miller, T. (2025). Word, Spirit and Community: Operant Hermeneutics in Charismatic Preaching (Doctoral dissertation, Durham University).
Mokotso, R. I. (2024). Enhancing religious education teaching and learning for sustainable development in Lesotho. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 80(1).
Moss, A. (2025). Spurred by Faith: Harnessing the Power of Non-Denominational Christian Churches for Socio-Economic Advancement (Doctoral dissertation, Columbia University).
Mutibwa, K. S., & Lubogo, I. Y. (2025). Servant leadership where faith lit the way.
Nwakanma, O. M., Uche, O. O., & Nwadialor, K. L. (2025). Need Based Evangelism and the Transformative Roles of the Methodist Church Nigeria in Abia State. Ohazurume-Unizik Journal of Culture and Civilization, 4(1).
Ogunjobi, S. O., & Olulowo, S. (2024). The Phenomenon of Pentecostal Church Growth in Nigeria: An Exploration of Sociocultural Factors and their Implications. Journal of Religions & Peace Studies.
Ogunkolati, K. (2023). Mobilization of lay persons for Christian mission: a case study of selected Pentecostal churches in southwest Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, 88wwz).
Ojieabu, S. O., & Abodunrin, A. O. (2025). Christian ministry in the artificial intelligence (AI) era: Leveraging digital tools for pastoral care and outreach in the 21st century. International Journal of Religion and Peacebuilding, 1(March).
Ojo, M. A. (2018). Pentecostalism and charismatic movements in Nigeria: Factors of growth and inherent challenges. The WATS Journal: An Online Journal from West Africa Theological Seminary, 3(1), 5.
Ojo, S. O. (2025). From Shepherds to Strategists: The Intersection of Pastoral Ministry and Human Resource Management. International Journal of Religions and Peacebuilding (INJOREP), 114.
Olarinmoye, O. O. (2024). Faith-Based Organizations and Social Welfare: Associational Life and Religion in Nigeria. In Faith-Based Organizations and Social Welfare: Associational Life and Religion in Contemporary Africa and Latin America (pp. 241-269). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Olorunlana, A. Igharo, M.A. & Mark, D.O. 2018. Basics of Research Designs. (in) Nwaodu, N.O. Ijeoma, E.O.C. Nzewi, O. & Wande, B.P. eds. Research methodology in Behavioural Science and Law A Symbiosis. University of Fort Hare Press. Pp.16-37.
Omosomuofa, O. (2025). The Church’s Leadership Role in Nigeria: A Critical Examination of its Historical Impact and Current Challenges. The Nigerian Journal of Theology, 39.
Omotayo, F. O. (2017). Adoption and use of information and communication technologies by Pentecostal churches in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of librarianship and information science, 49(2), 222-233.
Onuorah, C. P. (2024). Unmasking Nigeria’s leadership conundrum: The role of the church. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 80(1).
Opuni-Darko, G. (2024). Examining the Synergy Between the Marketplace and the Church in Ghana: Strategies for Enhancing Socio-Economic Development.
Sele, J. P., & Mukundi, M. B. (2024). The Role of Christian Education in Shaping Political Stability and Economic Growth in Developing Countries.
Ughulu, J. (2024). Transformational Leadership and Its Importance in Developing Nations: A Comparative Analysis with a Focus on How This Can Positively Impact Nigeria. International Journal of Economics Business and Management Research, 8(04), 01-08.
Ukeyima, A. E. (2024). Religious indoctrination and poor resource management: A critical examination of the Nigerian and African context.
Umeanwe, C. M. (2025). Christianity in Nigeria: The Double-Edged Sword of Denominational Proliferation. Journal of Theoretical and Empirical Studies in Education, 10(1), 46-69.
Wambugu, P. M., Kagema, D. N., & Micheni, S. (2022). Strategies for Enhancing Community Development: A Case of Anglican Church of Kenya.
Youvan, D. C. (2024). The erosion of spiritual thinking in the modern technological era: Causes, consequences, and prospects. Retrieved from ResearchGate.
Zhou, R. (2023). Transformative Pathways: Christian Faith, Values, and Ethics in Shaping Inclusive and Equitable Community Development.