Character formation as a Catalyst for Leadership Effectiveness in Theological Education

Abstract

This study explores character formation as a Catalyst for Leadership Effectiveness in Theological Education. Theological Education is concerned with the transmission of theological knowledge aimed at forming individuals so that they can serve God effectively. Today, leadership effectiveness in theological education is sometimes measured by institutional growth, academic credentials, the ability to preach and teach excellently, ministerial success, and accreditation. At the same time, the leader lacks integrity, self-control, humility, accountability, honesty, and empathy. Theological Education Institutions has been forming persons intellectually, spiritually, physically, and morally, but the moral aspect has not been very deliberate, which is what this paper seeks to address. As important as theological knowledge is, without intentional formation of character, there is no ministry success. The study employs a qualitative approach and conducted a semi-structured interview from 35 participants. It was conducted with 15 Student pastors, 9 pastors, 9 staff, and 11 leaders of three Theological institutions in Cameroon. The Baptist, the Presbyterian, and the Apostolic denominations. They were selected purposively for their experience and knowledge of the subject under investigation, and the study was conducted both online and face-to-face. The interview question focused on moral misconduct by leaders in theological education institutions and strategies to improve leaders’ character. The study found that some leaders have integrity issues around money, sex, and alcohol. Also, some leaders are quick to anger and very judgmental, prideful, and negative in their criticism of students. Also, some leaders are greedy using their positions to create relationships with partners in the name of the school for personal benefits. Some are unforgiving thereby hindering anyone who opposed them from promotion. Finally, some are resistance to accountability where by some leaders do what they want and report to nobody. The study concludes that character formation is essential for the leadership effectiveness of leaders in Theological Education. The study recommends that discipleship and mentoring pipelines, seminars on character building and transparency, assistance of a therapist, and to help accountability partners and discipline can serve as strategies to improve leaders’ character.