Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Church Growth in Alexandria and Springfield, Virginia

Abstract

Churches have seen a decline in the number of people who attend worship services. This decline could be due to leadership styles exhibited by pastors. This qualitative case study evaluated the perceptions of church leaders to include pastors, deacons, ministers, and members of congregations regarding leadership styles. Church leaders’ understanding of transformational, transactional, laissez-faire, servant leadership styles, and their potential to promote the growth of church membership were examined to determine if these influenced the growth of the church. Interviews with 40 church leaders and members of four congregations, a focus group, a review of church documents, and analysis yielded 12 emerging themes.