Developing Church Leaders in Bethel Methodist Church, Takoradi

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examines the effectiveness of leadership training programs within the Bethel Methodist Church, Takoradi. A total of 115 participants, representing 50.7% of the 227 leaders in the church, were purposively selected to ensure diverse and relevant perspectives. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, with 86 respondents (74.8%) indicating they had undergone some form of leadership training. The data revealed that leadership seminars (76.5%) and orientation sessions (62.6%) were the most common forms of training, while mentorship programs were underutilized (40.9%). Qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews, emphasizing the need for role-specific training and consistent delivery schedules. The results highlight that 80% of respondents experienced improved leadership effectiveness, 67.8% enhanced their knowledge of responsibilities, and 55.7% reported strengthened spiritual discipline. However, irregular training schedules 42.6% attended annual sessions, while 27% received training every six months and generic training content limited the overall impact of these programs. Gender inclusivity emerged as a significant concern, reflecting disparities in access to leadership roles and training opportunities. This research contributes to the discourse on leadership development by underscoring the need for structured, frequent, and contextually relevant training in religious organizations. The findings recommend expanding mentorship opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and incorporating feedback mechanisms to enhance program effectiveness. The church can better equip its leaders to meet organizational and spiritual goals by addressing these gaps. This study offers actionable insights applicable to similar organizations, bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications.

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examines the effectiveness of leadership training programs within the Bethel Methodist Church, Takoradi. A total of 115 participants, representing 50.7% of the 227 leaders in the church, were purposively selected to ensure diverse and relevant perspectives. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, with 86 respondents (74.8%) indicating they had undergone some form of leadership training. The data revealed that leadership seminars (76.5%) and orientation sessions (62.6%) were the most common forms of training, while mentorship programs were underutilized (40.9%). Qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews, emphasizing the need for role-specific training and consistent delivery schedules. The results highlight that 80% of respondents experienced improved leadership effectiveness, 67.8% enhanced their knowledge of responsibilities, and 55.7% reported strengthened spiritual discipline. However, irregular training schedules 42.6% attended annual sessions, while 27% received training every six months and generic training content limited the overall impact of these programs. Gender inclusivity emerged as a significant concern, reflecting disparities in access to leadership roles and training opportunities. This research contributes to the discourse on leadership development by underscoring the need for structured, frequent, and contextually relevant training in religious organizations. The findings recommend expanding mentorship opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and incorporating feedback mechanisms to enhance program effectiveness. The church can better equip its leaders to meet organizational and spiritual goals by addressing these gaps. This study offers actionable insights applicable to similar organizations, bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications.