THE INFLUENCE OF HUMILITY ON THE GROWTH OF SELECTED PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to empirically assess the influence of humility on the growth of selected Pentecostal churches in Kenya.
Short introduction of problem statement: One of the significant challenges facing Pentecostal churches in Kenya is the recurring leadership disputes, which often lead to church divisions, membership decline, and diminished institutional trust. A lack of humility among leaders tends to intensify these conflicts, hindering reconciliation efforts and contributing to the fragmentation of congregations. Examining the influence of humility on leadership effectiveness and church growth offers critical insights that can help address ongoing challenges and promote sustainable growth of the Pentecostal movement in Kenya.
Methodology: A cross-sectional research design anchored on positivist research paradigm was used. The target population comprised 378 bishops, 1793 reverends, and 5462 pastors, totaling to 7,626 clergymen. From this, a stratified sample of 380 clergymen was selected out of whom 321 questionnaires were successfully administered. Both descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were undertaken in SPSS.
Results of the study: Humility explained 13.4% of the variance in church growth, with one-unit increase in humility corresponding to an estimated 0.392 unit rise in church growth.
Conclusion: The study concludes that humility is a key church growth driver.
Recommendation: The study recommends that bishops being at the helm of church leadership, should develop and enforce guidelines that emphasize humility through formal training programs and leadership development initiatives. Moreover, it is recommended that pastors embody these principles in their everyday practice.
Keywords: Servant Leadership, Humility, Church Growth, Pentecostal Movement, Kenya
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