IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LEADERSHIP RESEARCH (JPSLR )

E-ISSN 2504-883X
P-ISSN 2695 2432
VOL. 11 NO. 6 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jpslr.vol.11.no6.2025.pg1.13

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Addressing Power Struggles in African Ecclesiology Through Transformational Leadership Approaches

Edward Inem Onyeije

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Abstract

Power struggles have become a serious cankerworm that has eaten away at the foundations of African ecclesiological leadership. They have become a menace that possess a critical threat to African church leadership. Evidently, these struggles manifest in the form of self-ambition, personal interest, greed, excessive materialism, and unhealthy behaviour. Sadly, some individuals desperately pursue leadership positions not to fulfil responsibilities, but to satisfy their personal desires, which outrightly contradicts the biblical instructions of selfless leadership. The dynamics of power struggles are profoundly detrimental, posing significant threats to the well-being of individuals, undermining the integrity of the church and its clergy, and impeding the church’s mission and its ability to fulfil its divine obligations. Ultimately, power struggles in African ecclesiology can be effectively addressed through transformational leadership approaches, which encompass servant leadership, inspiration and motivation, empathy and compassion, equipping and developing workers, inclusive decision making, effective communication and cooperation, conflict resolution and the concept of trumercomfort.

keywords:

power struggles, African ecclesiology, Transformational leadership, and church

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