Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was: (1) to describe the leadership styles of pastors in the African-American community; (2) to identify educational services which are evolving and expanding in order to meet the needs and challenges within the African-American community; and (3) to identify the education and training that has led to effective church leadership in the African-American community. The church leadership is studied in terms of the leader's church-community vision, management of people and other resources, and organizational skills. Methodology. The case study approach was used in order to intensely study a limited number of a definite group. Pastors evaluated their own leadership style using a self-assessment instrument. In this regard it was also a descriptive study. A self-prepared instrument of six open-ended questions was used to interview church lay leaders. Findings. The instrument, Styles of Leadership Survey, assesses five leadership behaviors. These are Supportive Leadership—1/9 style; Directive Leadership—9/1 style; Bureaucratic Leadership—1/1 style; Strategic Leadership—5/5 style; and Collaborative Leadership—9/9 style. Three pastors scored directive leadership style, three pastors scored collaborative leadership style, and two pastors scored bureaucratic leadership style. Pastors at one time or another use all five leadership styles. The pastor selects lay leaders. Generally lay leaders are not paid employees. These leaders buy into the pastor's vision of educational programs needed in the community. Under their leadership, direct services are provided to the community. Conclusions. Pastors, along with selected lay leaders, have assumed more comprehensive burdens in educational programs for the African-American community than is true of most White and ethnic churches. A variety of educational programs address growing needs in the community. A number of programs educate the community in social, political, and economic empowerment. The pastor is an educational leader who promotes the success of all the educational programs. He or she sets the tone and direction to ensure that programs are conducive to everyday living and community enhancement. Recommendations. (1) The church should continue changing the environment of the African-American community in moving the community forward to accomplishments it has never before experienced. (2) In order to maintain quality leadership and support of lay leaders responsible for providing direct services, salaries and benefits should be paid as an employee. (3) The pastor should be a visionary to see future possibilities for educational programs to best serve the community.