The implications of secularization on church leadership in selected churches in Eldoret municipality, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the implications of Secularization on Church Leadership in selected churches in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. It qualitatively and theologically analysed Church leadership models to ascertain their biblical integrity and their societal effectiveness in relation to 21st Century secularization, in response to the Church leadership crisis. The specific objectives of the study were: To trace the historical development of secularization; to examine the biblical and theological teachings on servant leadership model and church governmental structures; to investigate the effect of secularisation on the effectiveness of church leadership models within Eldoret churches and to propose a leadership replacement model in reversing any negative effect of secularisation on church leadership structure. The research was based on assumptions that the strength of the Kenyan mainstream clergy men is inversely related to the level of influence of secularization; that the ineffectiveness of Church leadership models in Kenya is a reflection of vague leadership empowerment strategy in response to secularization and that secular leadership infiltration in church related programs is depicted in the Kenyan Church today. The theoretical framework in which the study was based on is Leadership Development Process Theory by Robert J. Clinton and the Secularization Theory a theory that is be traced back to Saint-Simon. The study was carried out on three mainstream churches within Eldoret town. These being A.I.C. Fellowship, St. Matthews A.C.K. and R.C. Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral Church. A total of sixty (60) clergy, members, and deacons, were interviewed. Qualitative method of data collection was used. Purposive and simple random sampling procedures were used in getting respondents from both the clergy and the laity. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and oral interviews. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis and interpretation. The significance of the study lies in the fact that it contributes to the continuing scholarly and objective search for Church leadership based on biblical principles by not only pointing out challenges that secularization poses for church leadership but also by proposing ways in which these challenges can be met. The study findings revealed that secularization in church leadership is exhibited. Church leaders no longer live up to their biblical expectations as church leaders. The study concludes that the people assigned leadership roles in the church should heed to the biblical call of shepherding God‘s people in a manner that agrees with the biblical teachings. The study recommended that that the church needs to regularly train and re-trains its leaders on biblical precepts of church leadership so that anybody taking up leadership position in the church is well aware of the expectations