Leadership Trends and Implications towards Development of the Adventist Church in South Sudan

Abstract

This study investigated leadership trends and implications toward development of the Adventist Church in
South Sudan, using the descriptive design. Sources of data were interviews and documents. Twenty-five
church leaders, pastors and members participated in the study. Data was analyzed through the thematic
approach. The study revealed that the establishment of the Adventist church in South Sudan was influenced
by dedicated missionaries like Daudi Ogillo from Tanzania and Gerald Whitehouse from the United States of
America. Besides planting churches, these leaders established humanitarian and medical services which
propelled the development of the church. The leaders experienced communication challenges and religious
restrictions as major challenges. Indigenous leaders followed the footsteps of the non-indigenous leaders by
applying the principles of servant and spiritual leadership. As a result, church membership has increased and
41 pastors have received ministerial ordination. Other developments include professional development of
church workers and establishment of 34 primary schools. The study recommends that the current church
leadership continues working sacrificially to foster the church growth and development. The leaders should
take advantage of the improved conditions to accelerate the church growth. The leadership should prioritize
church employees’ professional development and church members’ self-reliance through regular training.