Servant leadership and its effect on church organization (Robert Greenleaf, Jamaica)

This study identified and defined the characteristics of the servant leadership style of church organizational management, exploring the extent to which this style of pastoral ministry contributes to church growth. A quantitative research approach employed 1,080 congregants randomly selected from 72 large, medium, and small churches in rural and urban Jamaica. Data were collected from the archives of the participating churches as well as through survey questionnaires anonymously completed by participants in small group settings. The researcher trained 72 research assistants, one from each congregation, to administer the questionnaires. The data were analyzed using regression analysis correlation factor analysis.; Findings revealed that the characteristics of servant leadership identified by this group are similar to those identified by Robert Greenleaf, who believes that servant leaders should demonstrate empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to growth of people, and building community.; The findings suggest that when pastors display the characteristics of a servant leader, members may experience a sense of direction and empowerment, and a feeling of "oneness," or partnership. In addition, the results suggest that servant leaders who interact positively with their parishioners may experience an increase in spiritual satisfaction among their congregants and proactive member involvement in church activities, which could result in church growth.