Impact of Pastoral Leadership Styles on Church Planting in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Osun Province¬ 9, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Leadership is important for any organization as it is necessary for direction and how the organization arrives at her desired destination is dependent on the pattern or style(s) adopted. This study therefore examined the impact of pastoral leadership styles on church planting strategies in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Osun Province-9, Ede. By examining the impact of leadership styles and on church planting strategies, the study aimed to provide insights into improving church planting and community engagement in RCCG Osun Province-9. Understanding these dynamics was deemed crucial for enhancing leadership practices to better serve the needs of growing congregations in developing regions. Descriptive survey research design was employed, with a population of 500 pastors, church workers, and members involved in church planting within RCCG Osun Province-9. A sample of 100 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure diverse representation across various leadership roles and church sizes. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, divided into sections addressing demographics, leadership styles, church planting strategies, and the relationship between leadership approaches and church growth. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.75, indicating strong internal consistency. The findings revealed that servant leadership, visionary leadership, community outreach and empowerment cumulated into successful church planting outcomes. However, a lack of structured outreach programs and insufficient focus on digital platforms hindered the success of church planting strategies. These findings underscored the need for a more strategic and holistic approach to leadership and community engagement in church planting efforts. In conclusion, the study highlighted the importance of adopting servant and visionary leadership styles to foster sustainable church planting efforts. It is recommended that RCCG pastors enhance their leadership training to embrace servant leadership style, prioritize community outreach, and embrace digital tools to improve church planting success.