HARNESSING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP APPROACH FOR DISPELLING AMBIGUITY IN THE ROLE OF THE MUSIC PASTOR IN THE CHURCH

ABSTRACT This paper presents the tenets of transformational leadership as an effective instrument for defining the role of a music pastor in a multi-staff context. A music pastor, also called a worship pastor, is a church staff who is called and trained professionally to direct the music and worship domain of church life. The church’s leadership model forms the context in which the music pastor functions; hence the type of leadership model and adherence to its tenets plays a big role in the effectiveness of the music pastor. In determining the roles of the music pastor in any given church, the multiple staff ministry setting has to be considered, as a music pastor almost exclusively works in multi-staff contexts. Transformational leadership-a leadership approach that emphasizes role modelling, charisma, vision, constructive relations, dynamism, and humility, is a leadership model highly discussed in leadership cycles. Applying this approach of leadership to defining the music pastor’s role results in the music as a vision caster in the church’s music ministry, a model lead worshiper, an inspiring worship leader, and a team player. Such roles imply that the music pastor has to employ his/her skills and relationships to accomplish the goals of church music ministry as well as support other ministries and ministers in the same multi-staff context. The church has to place trust on the music pastor, and foster unity among the church staff members.