| dc.description.abstract | This research set to explore participative leadership in relation to SDA
Church‟s growth in Magarini Sub-county, Kilifi County, Kenya. Part of
SDA‟s policy recognizes that authority rests in the entire membership.
However, the situation on the ground is different since ordinary members are
not allowed to participate in leadership. The research sought first, to examine
the extent of members‟ inclusivity in leadership to enhance growth; second, to
explore the causes and analyze the effects of lack of participatory leadership
thus correlating members‟ involvement in leadership and church growth. SDA
leadership style is exposed to forces and is affected by factors that undermine
church growth. Team Leadership Model was considered an appropriate
theoretical orientation for this study in order to highlight constant team
analysis and improvement to cultivate church growth. The study adopted the
descriptive survey design. To generate data, questionnaires were administered,
besides FGD Guide and observation schedule. Nine SDA Churches took part
in the study out of which 287 respondents satisfactorily participated. Data
generated from field research were presented and analyzed as per the research
objectives. It was observed that few members involved themselves in
evangelism and opening of Sabbath schools respectively. However, not all
Churches had up to date registers. Churches lacked serious Bible study
divisions. Members and leaders lacked knowledge on team management.
Obstacles to effective communication and socio-economic factors related to
gender and family issues were prevalent. Leaders should work in groups by
clarifying group roles and initiating more team independence, by taking
actions that are goal-focused and which satisfy needs. They should resist
forces that lead to exclusive leadership. Further, they should use a
combination of various practices of leadership such as prayer life, Bible study,
seminars/workshops, conducting time-frame schedules, visitation of members
and attending revivals. Participative leadership motivates people and
encourages them to be involved in activities; it engages in decision- making
necessary for the growth of the church. It calls for team effectiveness where
members manage activities corporately, respect church‟s beliefs and counsels,
share information, deliberate on issues and agree before implementation of
activities to enhance church growth. | en_US |
