Traditional Leadership

This style has a great sense of history, values and continuity with the past. In this context, such a Leader sees his responsibility primarily in terms of handing on intact through ministry of Word and the historic riches of the Faith. The members of this community, the laity, depend on the hierarchy-Bishops, Arch Deacons and priests for guidance. This style was particularly suited to an age where there was little change taking place in the society but its weakness today is its failure to adapt to a fast changing world. Traditional leaders will faithfully expound the deposit of Faith that has been entrusted to them and which must be handed on to each generation. In this way they are following the advice of Paul to Timothy: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Tim 2:2). "Guard what has been entrusted to your care" ( I Tim 6:20).

The traditional leaders are weak on relating the historic faith to the world of today. Their teaching programmes will major on theology and doctrine without tackling the issues that arise in their hearers' minds.