Insights on Leadership Succession from the Bible: A Guide for Ghanaian Churches

Abstract

This study explored the critical theme of leadership succession within Ghanaian Churches, drawing insights from the rich narratives of the Bible. The purpose of the study was to provide a comprehensive guide for Ghanaian Churches to navigate the complexities of leadership transition effectively, ensuring continuity and sustainability. Methodology-wise, the research employed a qualitative approach, delving deep into biblical narratives and extracting principles and lessons relevant to leadership succession. Findings revealed that the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on leadership succession, emphasizing the importance of preparation, mentorship, and divine guidance. It underscored the significance of character, vision alignment, and the involvement of the wider community in the process. Based on these findings, the study offered several recommendations tailored to the Ghanaian Church context. These include the establishment of structured mentorship programmes, the cultivation of leadership pipelines, and the implementation of transparent and inclusive succession processes. This research highlights the relevance of biblical principles in addressing contemporary challenges facing leadership succession in Ghanaian Churches; it integrates timeless wisdom with modern insights. It underscores the importance of proactive planning, spiritual discernment, and communal participation in ensuring smooth leadership transitions for the long-term health and growth of Ghanaian Churches. The study contributes to the scholarship on leadership development and organizational sustainability within religious institutions. Keywords: Traits, Leadership, Leadership crisis, Succession, Contemporary Churches, Lessons