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Influence of Sleep on Leadership Dynamics of Theological Education Institutions

Janet Omotola Adeyanju, PhD.

Abstract

Theological Education Institutions in Africa are tasked with the rigorous formation of future ecclesiastical leaders under severe resource constraints, structural pressures, and heavy spiritual demands. While extensive literature addresses the theological, pedagogical, and financial aspects of African TEIs, the physiological foundations of governance, specifically sleep, remain significantly under-researched. This article examines how sleep deprivation and sleep quality influence the leadership dynamics, decision-making, and emotional regulation of seminary administrators and faculty. Drawing upon organizational psychology, neurobehavioral science, and a contextualized theology of rest, this paper argues that the widespread cultural and structural neglect of sleep undermines transformational and charismatic leadership patterns, replaces them with transactional or abusive behaviors, and impairs administrative precision. Ultimately, this study proposes a holistic, redemptive framework for integrating institutional sleep hygiene into the governance and spiritual formation models of African evangelical seminaries.

Keywords

Sleep DeprivationTheological EducationCharismatic LeadershipAfrican Evangelical SeminariesInstitutional GovernanceRest.

References

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