Missionaries' Leadership Styles as Determinants of Productivity in The Redeemed Christian Church of God Region-39, Ondo State

Productivity of missionaries is perceived to significantly influenced by the leadership styles (LSs) they adopt. Despite numerous studies on missionary work and training, there seems not to be many studies on the impact of leadership style on missionary productivity, particularly within the mission fields of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Hence, this study investigated missionaries' leadership styles as determinants of productivity within the mission fields of the RCCG Region-39, Ondo State. The theoretical basis resides within transformational theory, and the missio dei theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design, and simple random sampling technique was adopted to select 100 respondents. Data were collected using a duly-validated questionnaire (r=0...). Data was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed that leadership style adopted by field missionaries of RCCG Region-39 includes laissez-faire leadership style, transformational leadership style, democratic leadership style, and servant leadership style, and that transformational and servant LSs has fostered growth among parishes established under RCCG Region-39, with increased church attendance (70%) facilitated a harmonious relationship between the church and the host community (75%) and led to rapid promotion among missionaries working in RCCG Region 39 (71%). Similarly, majority of the respondents agreed that leadership style contributed to the growth of parishes (66%) and brought about increase in church attendance (71%). Moreover, findings revealed that majority of the respondents believed that the leadership style has improved the relationship between the church and the host community (66%) and also acknowledged the rapid promotion (75%) among missionaries. The study therefore, concludes that transformational leadership and servant leadership styles are mostly adopted and recommends that missionaries should embrace Transformational and Servant Leadership styles to enhance their missions field productivity within RCCG Region-39, and must recognize that leadership entails service.