LEADERS AS ROLE MODEL IN THE 21ST CENTURY CHURCH

Abstract

The topic of this study was on leaders as role model in the 21^st century church. The subject of leadership has seen a rising growth in the last twenty years. A proliferation of material is available on and off-line on leadership along with thousands of seminars, webinars, and monthly conferences. All of these training efforts attempt to define and redefine leadership, and offer tips on how to be a successful leader. Prototypes for leadership are taken from religion, sport, and the corporate world. The question needs to be asked, “What is unique to Christian Leadership”? What are the marks that set aside Christian leadership from secular leadership? The answer is found in the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the One who started Christianity. This article presents the identity of a Christian leader as a starting point in this uniqueness. A Christian leader’s identity is based on his relationship with Jesus Christ and it gives him worth, value, resources and a right mentality for transitions.

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Leadership is indeed a dynamic reciprocal process of personal influence by which a manager or a leader shapes the attitudes and activities of others towards the achievement or attainment of organizational objectives (Abogunrin, 1986). Even before the modern concepts of leadership came into being, the apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul in the Pastorals lists the qualifications for church leaders to ensure sustainable growth and survival (Dairo, 2007). These have remained the model for ages. For any church leader to steer the ship of the church successfully, these qualities must be imbibed. But contemporary experience in Nigeria has shown a marked departure from this Pauline list of qualifications for church leaders which has really affected growth and survival of churches. The level of understanding expected from both the leaders and the followers is missing in most cases. This often results in crises within “the body of Christ”.

Our systems, processes, and communication methods seem to be moving at light speed. Old models and outdated modes of operation are no longer working the way they once did. And, because of all that, our would needs more successful leaders.

The opportunity and responsibility falls on each of us to become “21ist century leaders” that challenge the status quo and show a new way to move throughout the world. To be successful, life-giving, and conscientious leader in the 21ist century is going to require us to master 7 key attributes, A 21ist century leader will be servant leader, strong teller, collaborator, innovator, Daredevil, Adaptable, global citizen.

Leadership expectation of pastors and elders are often unrealistic and not centered on what leadership is really about. Too often people confuse a strong, willed personality as an effective leader, leadership is not being strong- willed, rather having a strong sense of purpose that’s cantered upon God.

The church of our Lord needs leaders not petty instigators there are too many churches that substitute a petty person for a godly person and see no distinction, because the people who put them in power do not know the difference.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The 21ist century church is confronted and played with myriad of problems and challengers, none of the characteristics will work unless a foundation maturity and Godliness is the foundation of the leaders, without a growing love relationship with Christ you will have conflict and strife and be running nursery for adults instead of the church for Christ if we choose not to grow and live for our Lord, then we are choosing to live for ourselves. So prepare yourself to be a baby- sitter in a nursery, who constantly puts out fires of hurt feeling and misdirected expectations causing all kinds of problems, all leading away from the call of Christ.

You will not be able to function as a leader, but will be functioning as a bitter, frustrated, unfulfilled, immature individual. And l does mean individual, because you will be doing it alone. Without the support of the spirit and of our Lord because you will be acting contrary in his call and moving forward in the direction of our will.

1.3 Purpose of the study

At the end of this research work, church leaders should be able to integrate and apply the 11 principle of leadership characteristics for proper functioning of the 21st century church or the local church.

The 21st century church will realize the central and critical role of effective Christian leadership and assign a proper place and function to the same in the church.

The church (the Body of Christ) will experience growth, strength and development in the area of leadership.

The study will therefore check-meet various issues involved in the study how christen leadership has effected administrative structure of church growth and development.

1.4 Scope and limitation of the study

The scope of the study covers leaders as role model in the 21^st century church. The study will be limited to selected Pentecostal churches in Ibadan

Limitations/constraints are inevitable in carrying out a research work of this nature. However, in the course of this research, the following constraints were encountered thus:

1. Non-availability of enough resources (finance): A work of this nature is very tasking financially, money had to be spent at various stages of the research such resources which may aid proper carrying out of the study were not adequately available.
2. Time factor: The time used in carrying out the research work is relatively not enough to bring the best information out of it. However, I hope that the little that is contained in this study will go a long way in solving many greater problems.

1.5 Methodology

In order to achieve the research purpose, explanatory research method was employed. Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict future occurrences

1.5 Definition of terms

Leader: the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

Role model:  a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.

21ist century: The 21st century is the current century of the Anno Domini era or the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. It began on January 1, 2001, and will end on December 31, 2100.  It is distinct from the century known as the 2000s, which began on January 1, 2000 and will end on December 31, 2099.

Church: a building used for public Christian worship.

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