The leader-follower dynamics of an autochthonous church in Mexico City: An ethnographic study of authoritarian and transformational leadership styles

Leadership in autochthonous churches in Latin America is frequently described as authoritarian and patterned after the cultural models of caudillismo and caciqismo. Yet, many such churches effectively transform followers into leaders and spawn networks of churches. Meanwhile, little ethnographic data exists on the leadership dynamic in autochthonous churches.; The research investigated dimensions of leadership in an autochthonous church in Mexico City called the Centro Nacional de Alabanza, Oracion y Alabanza (CENAOS), and the Timothy Network, of which CENAOS is the central congregation. CENAOS and the Timothy Network have opted for what they call an "apostolic" form of leadership, with a high emphasis on the exercise of spiritual gifts, intercessory prayer, and five-fold ministerial teams based on Ephesians 4:11.; The research involved two steps. First, participant observation focused on leadership and leader-follower dynamics. This qualitative data provided the basis for fifty semi-formal interviews sensitized also by precedent literature.; Ethnographic findings demonstrate that egalitarian dimensions of leadership are practiced in the context of patriarchal rhetoric. The founding of the church and network followed a process of prayer and consultation. Patriarchal organization emerged from within the congregation, around a vision of five-fold apostolic leadership and spiritual fatherhood. Patriarchy is carefully delimited and operates within a Spirit based ecclesiology which views personal, marital and family transformation as key to sustaining growth. Thus, paradoxically, an emphasis on the rehabilitation and transformation of persons translates into an egalitarianism that is compatible with patriarchal authority. The head apostle practices servant leadership and sets an example of self-sacrifice that is viewed by his followers as Spirit filled, biblical and Christ like. As a charismatic social movement CENAOS and the Timothy Network provide a transformational system in which the street, the church, and the network community, constitute three overlapping social spheres that sustain ongoing movement and liminality. The ethnographic research offers a winsome example of Christian leadership in Latin America that reflects charismatic, visionary, and transformational typologies; a leadership that is authoritative yet avoids authoritarianism.