THE EFFECT OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP AS A MODEL FOR PENTECOSTAL FELLOWSHIP OF NIGERIA (1979-2019)

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of servant leadership as a model for Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (1979-2019). The survey designed was used for the study, hundred (100) respondent randomly selected through simple random sampling technique was used to get relevant data needed for the study. Result from the study shows that there is servant leadership in the old testament and new testament; based on the study there are various leadership styles in the Pentecostal fellowship from 1979 – 2019; the study reveals that there is a significant effect of servant leadership on Pentecostal fellowship in Nigeria from 1979 – 2019; also that there is a biblical basis for servanthood as a model of leadership for Pentecostal fellowship in Nigeria; there is a significant relationship between servant leadership and Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria from 1979 – 2019; based on the study there are implications of servant hood as biblical model of leadership for Pentecostal fellowship in Nigeria; from the study the privileges of the practice of servant leadership should not be abused or taken for granted by the led; based on the study, the follower should in turn recognize the rules, office and position of the leadership as that of a servant “serving among the servants; finally the study reveals that the church will be healthy and the society will be sanitized and free from the bondage of mediocrity and self-centered leadership. The study recommended that the leader should therefore be accorded the right and proper honour, respect and dignity that go with his office or responsibilities and service. It is when this is put into consideration that leadership would be selfless and sacrificial in all its ramifications – in the home, church, Nigerian society as a nation and Africa as a whole.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Hemphil and Coons define leadership as the behaviour of an individual directing the activities of a group toward a shared goal. Leadership is exercised when a person mobilizes institutional, political, psychological and other resources so as to arouse, engage and satisfy the motives of followers (Burns). It is the process of influencing the activities of an organized group toward goal achievement (Rauch and Behling) and is the ability of an individual to influence, motivate and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organization (House et al., 1999, p.184). However leadership also evolved and began to encompass the issue of relationships, followers and emotions instead of focusing on the characteristics of the leader only. Leadership is a relationship in which one person seeks to influence the thoughts, behaviours, beliefs or values of another person (Wright). Rowold emphasises that only the emotional, value based