Abstract:
This study investigated leadership styles applied by some Pentecostal churches in Nairobi County. At the same time, it sought to find out from the participants whether these styles have relation with integrity challenges. The study also sought to establish possible integrity — related challenges being experienced in the churches. Further, the study sought to identify suggestions of the participants towards minimizing the said challenges. Data was collected from a sample of 50 respondents comprising 10 pastors, 10 lay leaders and 30 church members of the selected assemblies. The findings were coded in SPSS which aided in the analysis of data. The study found that the predominant leadership styles adopted were transformational leadership style and democratic leadership style. Integrity challenges however existed in the church, with sexual immorality being the main moral issue the churches were grappling with. Church leadership was also plagued with misuse of authority and power as well as misinterpretation of scripture for financial gain. Specifically, preaching was characterized by overemphasis on 'sowing a seed' at the expense of other biblical truths. Integrity challenges in the churches were associated mainly with autocratic leadership style but also charismatic leadership styles. It was recommended that in order to minimize integrity challenges, leadership training programs for pastors/bishops and church council members; discipleship training for new believers should be developed. The churches should also create a mentoring pool especially for pastors/bishops where they can engage with more theologically informed leaders and peers on matters of sound doctrine in churches. Further, they should start and consolidate strong Bible study groups so that the churches can be more grounded in the word of God. Most importantly, church leaders must lead by example to enhance their credibility as workmen approved by God and who handles correctly the word of truth. This research should be replicated on Pentecostal churches in the rural areas in order to establish whether the integrity challenges established herein are applicable.