Examining the Influence of Strategic Leadership on Organizational Growth in Megachurches in the USA: A Critical Literature Review
Abstract:
This article presents a critical literature review examining the influence of strategic leader-ship on the organizational growth of megachurches in the United States. Strategic leadership is a pivotal force in the success and expansion of organizations; yet, a significant research gap exists regarding its specific application within the unique context of large religious nonprofits. This study synthesizes and analyzes existing scholarly works to explore the nuanced relation-ship between key strategic leadership practices—strategic vision, objective setting, strategy crafting, implementation, and performance evaluation—and the multifaceted growth of mega-church organizations. Adopting a qualitative approach guided by a hermeneutic research phi-losophy, this review employs a thematic analysis of academic literature to identify core themes, theoretical underpinnings, and emerging patterns. The findings reveal that megachurch growth is a complex phenomenon that extends beyond numerical increases to encompass spiritual ma-turity, service expansion, and community impact. The leader's vision profoundly shapes the adoption of business principles within a spiritual framework and the effective management of unique resources. The study concludes that strategic leadership is a critical determinant of megachurch vitality and sustainability, offering practical insights for leaders and identifying key areas for future scholarly inquiry.References:
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