MEDIATING ROLE OF CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP CAPACITY AND GROWTH OF REGISTERED PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of Study: The study sought to determine the mediating effect of congregational engagement on the relationship between leadership capacity and the growth of registered Pentecostal churches in Kenya.
Problem Statement: Although existing studies have explored direct relationships between leadership variables and church growth, the mechanisms through which leadership capacity influences growth outcomes remain insufficiently understood.
Methodology: The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and a cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised 693 respondents drawn from 33 registered Pentecostal churches affiliated with the National Council of Churches of Kenya with a sample size of 282 respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 29 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and a four-step hierarchical regression analysis following the Baron and Kenny (1986) mediation procedure.
Result: Congregational engagement partially mediated the relationship between leadership capacity and the growth of registered Pentecostal churches in Kenya. The introduction of congregational engagement into the regression model reduced the direct effect of leadership capacity on growth from β = 0.615 to β = 0.333, with the indirect effect estimated at 0.282, representing approximately 45.9 percent of the total effect.
Recommendation: Denominational leadership should establish policies that provide structured opportunities for congregants to participate in church activities and decision-making.
Keywords: Congregational engagement, leadership capacity, church growth, mediation, registered Pentecostal churches, Kenya
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