FOSTERING SPIRITUAL FORMATION THROUGH TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AMONGST MUSIC MINISTERS

Abstract This paper examines the transformational leadership principles that can foster spiritual formation amongst music ministers. Due to its ability to create valuable and positive changes with the goal of developing followers, particularly members of the music or worship ministry, transformational leadership is such a strategic tool. In this light, worship leaders in churches have a definite responsibility in fostering spiritual formation amongst the music ministers in the music team. This paper employs a descriptive and qualitative methods to reappraise the responsibility of worship leaders in churches in raising a spiritually formed music minister. Consequently, it made some conceptual clarifications on transformational leadership, spiritual formation and the music minister. It then emphasized on the need for spiritual formation amongst music ministers in some specific issues such as the prominent role of the music minister, lack of spiritual depth, rebelliousness, lack of mentorship and moral decadence. With this sense of urgency, the paper argued that there is a need for worship leaders to employ some the transformational leadership principles in fostering spiritual formation. Some of these principles are for the worship leaders to set an example, make empowerment a priority, cast a compelling vision, and relational discipleship. Lastly, the paper recommended that worship leaders clearly articulate the ministry's spiritual goals and visions, develop a clear structure for rehearsals and worship services by ensure that rehearsals are efficient and productive, maximizing time for spiritual development, model exemplary spiritual living and integrity, incorporate biblical study into rehearsals and identify and nurture individual gifts.