Leadership Development and its Practical Response: The Case of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus-Central Synod

Abstract

This dissertation investigated leadership development within the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus Central Synod (EECMY-CS) with the aim of formulating a comprehensive and contextually grounded leadership model capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges the church faced. As one of the largest Lutheran denominations in Africa, the EECMY-CS had been navigating a period marked by significant internal and external transformations. Internally, changes in spiritual commitment, shifting generational expectations, and evolving patterns of congregational engagement highlighted the need for renewed leadership. Externally, broader societal pressures including increasing youth unemployment, growing political activism, and changing socio-economic conditions placed additional demands on the church's leadership practices. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative data obtained through questionnaires with qualitative insights gathered from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings revealed notable gaps in existing leadership practices, including minimal youth involvement, weak succession planning, limited technological integration, and insufficient engagement with socio-economic issues affecting church members. Based on these findings, the study proposed a leadership development framework that combined core biblical principles such as stewardship, servanthood, and spiritual maturity with contemporary leadership competencies, including strategic planning, communication, digital literacy, and community engagement. Overall, this dissertation contributed valuable insights to church leaders, theologians, and scholars of religious leadership.