Project – The relationship between Servant Leadership and Church Development.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the mission, vision, and operational effectiveness of churches. In the context of Christian ministry, leadership is not merely an administrative or positional function; it embodies a spiritual calling to guide, nurture, and serve others in accordance with biblical principles. This goes beyond hierarchical authority to embrace a people-centered approach that reflects Christ’s model of humility and service (Greenleaf, 1977; Spears, 2010). One of the most significant frameworks that captures this ethos is the servant leadership model, which prioritizes the growth, well-being, and empowerment of followers over the self-interest of the leader.

The concept of servant leadership was first articulated by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s. According to Greenleaf, servant leaders focus primarily on serving their followers and facilitating their development before attending to their own ambitions. In church contexts, this philosophy resonates deeply with the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, who declared, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45, NIV). By prioritizing service, empathy, and stewardship, servant leadership promotes a relational style of governance that fosters trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility within the church body.

In Lagos State, and particularly in the Ikorodu area, churches face an evolving set of challenges that test the capacity and adaptability of their leaders. These include the need to address the spiritual formation of members, respond to socio-economic pressures, engage with local community needs, and navigate the complexities of rapid urbanization. Congregations increasingly expect their leaders to provide not only spiritual guidance but also practical solutions to the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and social disintegration (Afolabi & Ayodele, 2018). In such a dynamic environment, leadership styles that inspire unity, foster inclusiveness, and encourage active member participation are essential for sustainable church development.

Servant leadership has emerged as a promising approach to meeting these demands. Research has shown that servant leadership encourages higher levels of volunteerism, nurtures stronger relationships among church members, and cultivates a spirit of shared ownership in church activities (Laub, 1999; Sendjaya & Sarros, 2002). By empowering individuals, fostering open communication, and modeling integrity, servant leaders can create an atmosphere where congregants feel valued and motivated to contribute to both the church’s spiritual mission and its community outreach efforts.

Church development, as conceived in this study, extends beyond numerical growth in membership. It encompasses the deepening of spiritual maturity among congregants, expansion of church facilities and infrastructure, and the church’s tangible impact on the surrounding community (Barna, 2016). In practical terms, this means a church that not only grows in size but also demonstrates measurable improvements in discipleship, evangelism, social support programs, and moral influence in society. Servant leadership provides a framework through which these dimensions of development can be effectively pursued, ensuring that growth is holistic and sustainable.

Given the unique socio-cultural and economic context of Ikorodu, it is important to examine how servant leadership is practiced and whether it significantly contributes to the development of local churches. While anecdotal evidence suggests a positive link, empirical research in this area remains limited within Nigeria. Understanding the nature of this relationship can provide valuable insights for church leaders, theological educators, and policymakers in faith-based organizations. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the correlation between servant leadership practices and the overall development of selected churches in Ikorodu, Lagos

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite this high concentration of places of worship, many of these churches face persistent challenges that hinder their growth and effectiveness. Issues such as declining membership, weak discipleship structures, low levels of community engagement, and frequent leadership conflicts are common. These problems often result in diminished church influence, reduced volunteer participation, and an inability to address both the spiritual and socio-economic needs of members effectively.

One critical factor underlying these challenges is the leadership style adopted by church leaders. In many cases, leadership approaches are authoritarian or transactional in nature, focusing on hierarchy, control, and short-term results rather than on nurturing and empowering congregants. Such approaches may alienate members, stifle creativity, and discourage active participation in church life (Oluwafemi & Olayinka, 2019). When members feel disconnected or undervalued, they are less likely to contribute their time, talents, and resources to church development efforts.

Servant leadership offers an alternative approach that prioritizes humility, empathy, stewardship, and a genuine commitment to the growth and well-being of followers. In theory, this model aligns well with the biblical principles of leadership demonstrated by Jesus Christ, encouraging leaders to put the needs of their congregations first. By fostering trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility, servant leadership has the potential to reverse negative trends in church participation and promote sustainable growth. However, its adoption in Nigerian churches, especially in Ikorodu, is not well-documented.

The absence of comprehensive empirical research on the relationship between servant leadership and church development within the Nigerian context creates a significant knowledge gap. While studies in other contexts have demonstrated the positive effects of servant leadership on organizational health and growth, there is limited evidence on how this leadership style impacts church development indicators such as membership growth, spiritual maturity, infrastructural expansion, and community outreach in Lagos State. Without such data, church leaders and policymakers in faith-based organizations lack a tested framework for implementing leadership strategies that effectively promote development.

Given the urgent need for churches in Ikorodu to overcome stagnation and enhance their impact, it becomes essential to investigate whether servant leadership can serve as a viable model for sustainable development. This study seeks to address the existing research gap by examining the extent to which servant leadership is practiced in selected churches in Ikorodu and assessing its influence on key aspects of church development. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for improving leadership practices and strengthening the role of churches in community transformation.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between servant leadership and church development in selected churches in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the extent to which servant leadership principles are practiced in selected churches in Ikorodu.
2. Examine the relationship between servant leadership practices and numerical growth in the selected churches.
3. Determine the influence of servant leadership on members’ spiritual maturity.
4. Investigate the role of servant leadership in enhancing community impact of churches.

1.4 Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. To what extent are servant leadership principles practiced in selected churches in Ikorodu?
2. What is the relationship between servant leadership practices and numerical growth of the selected churches?
3. How does servant leadership influence members’ spiritual maturity?
4. In what ways does servant leadership enhance the community impact of churches?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between servant leadership and church development.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between servant leadership and church development.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds considerable significance for church leaders in Ikorodu and beyond. By exploring the relationship between servant leadership and church development, it offers practical insights into how leaders can adopt a service-oriented approach to enhance discipleship, improve member retention, and strengthen community outreach. The findings will equip church leaders with evidence-based strategies for fostering unity, empowering congregants, and creating a culture of trust and cooperation. In a context where leadership conflicts and disengaged members can hinder growth, these insights can serve as a blueprint for sustainable ministry effectiveness.

For theological institutions, the study will contribute meaningfully to the enrichment of leadership training curricula. Many seminaries and Bible colleges focus on doctrinal and pastoral care training but offer limited emphasis on contemporary leadership models backed by empirical research in the Nigerian church context. By providing data-driven evidence of the effectiveness of servant leadership, this study can inform curriculum development, ensuring that future ministers are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to lead congregations in a way that aligns with biblical principles and modern organizational effectiveness.

Church members stand to benefit from the outcomes of this research as well. When leaders adopt servant leadership principles, members are more likely to experience inclusion, empowerment, and spiritual growth. This study will highlight the tangible benefits of participatory leadership, encouraging members to become active partners in ministry rather than passive attendees. Greater engagement from members not only strengthens the internal life of the church but also enables it to have a more significant impact on the surrounding community.

From a scholarly perspective, this research adds to the growing body of literature on leadership styles and organizational growth, with a specific focus on the African and Nigerian church context. While servant leadership has been widely studied in Western corporate and educational settings, there is a relative scarcity of empirical work examining its application within African religious institutions. This study will help bridge that gap, offering findings that future researchers can build upon to expand understanding in this field.

Policymakers and administrators in faith-based organizations may also find the study useful. With credible data on the link between servant leadership and church development, denominational authorities and church boards can design policies, leadership development programs, and evaluation frameworks that promote service-oriented leadership practices. Such policies can help standardize leadership expectations across congregations, ensuring that church leaders remain accountable and aligned with both spiritual and developmental goals.

Lastly, the study holds significance for the wider society, as churches often play a central role in community development in Nigeria. A church that grows in membership, spiritual maturity, and community impact under effective servant leadership becomes a catalyst for social transformation. By demonstrating how leadership style can influence not only church health but also societal well-being, the research underscores the broader implications of adopting servant leadership as a tool for holistic development.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on selected Pentecostal and mainline churches in Ikorodu, Lagos. It will examine church leaders’ leadership styles, particularly the application of servant leadership principles, and measure their effects on church development indicators such as numerical growth, spiritual maturity, and community engagement.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Servant Leadership: Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the leader’s primary purpose is to serve others, placing the needs, growth, and well-being of followers above personal ambitions or institutional power (Greenleaf, 1977). In the church context, servant leadership involves modeling Christ-like humility, demonstrating empathy, empowering members to fulfill their God-given potential, and ensuring that decisions are guided by both biblical principles and the collective good of the congregation. This approach fosters trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for ministry.

Church Development: Church development refers to the holistic and sustainable growth of a church in terms of both its internal and external dimensions. It encompasses the expansion of membership, the deepening of spiritual maturity among congregants, the enhancement of physical infrastructure, and the broadening of community outreach initiatives. In this study, church development is not limited to numerical growth but also includes the church’s ability to disciple members effectively, engage meaningfully with its local community, and maintain a positive social and moral influence.

Numerical Growth: Numerical growth denotes the measurable increase in church membership over time. This can be tracked through attendance records, baptismal statistics, new membership registrations, or participation in church programs. It reflects the church’s evangelistic effectiveness, its appeal to the community, and the retention of existing members. In this study, numerical growth serves as one of the indicators of church development influenced by leadership style.

Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual maturity refers to the progressive transformation of church members into committed, faithful, and Christ-like disciples. It involves growth in biblical knowledge, the practice of spiritual disciplines (such as prayer, worship, and service), and the development of virtues such as love, humility, and perseverance. Spiritually mature members demonstrate consistent Christian character, active participation in ministry, and the ability to disciple others. In this study, spiritual maturity is a key outcome that may be shaped by the presence of servant leadership within the church.

Project – The relationship between Servant Leadership and Church Development.