Exploring Leadership Disposition Among the Youth in the Techiman South District of the Adventist Church, Ghana: A Quantitative Assessment

Exploring Leadership Disposition Among the Youth in the Techiman South District of the Adventist Church, Ghana: A Quantitative Assessment

Edward Nyarkoh*

Theological Seminary, Adventist University of Africa

^*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90500093

Received: 29 April 2025; Accepted: 04 May 2025; Published: 31 May 2025

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the leadership disposition among Seventh-day Adventist youth in the Techiman South District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana. Grounded in transformational and servant leadership theories, the research explores the strengths and challenges experienced by the youth in an urbanizing area, yet culturally very traditional.   The study aims to identify factors influencing youth willingness to take up leadership roles, and to analyse challenges faced by youth in leadership positions. The study uses a quantitative research approach to collect data from 400 hundred youth in the Techiman South District. It captures real-world perspectives that highlight leadership gaps, spiritual challenges, and socio-cultural influences. Findings reveal a commitment to youth ministry but point to the need for targeted leadership development. Recommendations are made to enhance spiritual leadership, capacity building, and cultural competence, thus supporting the church’s broader mission objectives.

Keywords:  Adventist Youth, Youth leadership, Cultural biases, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Church leadership.

INTRODUCTION

Leadership plays an important role in shaping the future of communities, particularly among youth who are still in the formative stages of their lives. Within the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the youth ministry is a pivotal arm of the Church’s mission, especially in emerging regions like the Techiman municipality in the middle belt of Ghana. As the youth constitute a significant portion of the church’s membership, their leadership development is essential for sustaining both spiritual vitality and church growth.

In the Techiman South District of the Adventist Church, youth leadership is increasingly becoming a focal point, as the church looks to empower its younger members to take on roles of responsibility both within the church and in their communities. This article explores the leadership disposition among the youth in the Techiman South district of the Adventist Church, examining factors influencing their leadership potential, challenges they face, and the strategies the church employs to nurture and develop future leaders.

Theoretical Framework

Two primary leadership theories guide this study: transformational leadership and servant leadership. More and more people and organizations are finding success with these two leadership models.

Transformational leadership, as articulated by Bass and Riggio (2006), involves leaders who inspire followers, stimulate them intellectually, and show individualized concern for their growth. This model emphasizes four dimensions: Idealized Influence (serving as role models), Inspirational Motivation (articulating a compelling vision), Intellectual Stimulation (challenging assumptions and encouraging creativity), and Individualized Consideration (attending to each follower’s needs). In the context of youth ministry, transformational leaders encourage deeper spiritual commitment, foster innovation in church programs, and nurture emerging youth leaders.

Servant leadership, introduced by Greenleaf (2002), is centered on the principle that leaders are first and foremost servants. It emphasizes empathy, listening, stewardship, humility, and a deep commitment to the personal and spiritual development of others. This leadership style is especially fitting in faith-based organizations, where leaders are called to emulate Christ’s example of servanthood. In youth ministry, servant leaders prioritize the holistic development of young people and cultivate a nurturing and empowering environment.

METHODOLOGY

The study is based on quantitative research approach. Quantitative research is a systematic empirical research method that deals mainly with the systematic collection and interpretation of numerical data (Park &Park, 2016). In this study, the primary objective is to assess and evaluate the development of Adventists youth in church leadership. The quantitative method enables the researcher to assign numerical values to the various aspects of the study, thereby facilitating a systematic data analysis. Four hundred youth members and leaders from four selected Adventist churches in the Techiman municipality constitute the demographic sample for this study.

Specifically, these churches are: Techiman Central, Amo Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church (AMSDA), Forikrom Central, and Bamiri churches. The researcher conveniently selected 100 respondents (90 youth and 10 leaders) from each of these churches. Below is the demographic breakdown of the sample.

Table 1 Demographic Data

The study adopts the explanatory research design. Explanatory research aims to clarify and provide a deeper understanding of a phenomenon (Saunders et al., 2000). In this study, the primary variables of interest are leadership dispositions, and youth leadership in the Techiman South District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Using an explanatory design allows the researcher to investigate positive factors and challenges linked to youth leadership dispositions.

The study used questionnaires, which are basically close-ended and consisted of 5-Likert assessment scales. The scales ranged from either Strongly Agree (5) to Strongly Disagree (1) or Greater Extent (5) to Less Extent (1), depending on the question. The collected data was entered into the software and all assumptions check. The analysis was based on both descriptive and inferential analysis

In addition, a qualitative research design was employed to collect in-depth data from youth leaders. Ten participants, including district youth directors and local church youth leaders, were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person and via phone calls. The interviews explored leadership roles, challenges, motivations, and perspectives on effective ministry. Thematic coding was applied to analyse the data, allowing key themes to emerge inductively.

Youth Leadership In The Adventist Church

Youth leadership is a cornerstone of mission advancement within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church sees young people not only as future leaders but as active contributors to the church’s present mission. The Adventist Youth Ministries emphasizes the importance of involving youth in spiritual, social, and leadership activities that foster holistic growth (General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists [GC], 2019). Leadership within the youth ministry often includes organizing evangelistic campaigns, community service projects, and Sabbath programs, allowing youth to cultivate both spiritual and administrative competencies.

The church’s philosophy encourages mentorship and role modeling, reflecting a Christ-centered approach to leadership formation. According to White (1952), young people should be trained to become “thinking and working Christians,” empowered for service and prepared to take responsibility in the church. Leadership development programs like Master Guide training and youth congresses serve as incubators for cultivating responsible leaders who exemplify Christian values in action (GC, 2019).

Effective youth leadership in the Adventist context is deeply rooted in spiritual maturity, service orientation, and community engagement. As such, youth leadership is not merely administrative but transformative, designed to shape the individual and uplift the community.

Youth leadership in the Techiman South District is critical as it ensures the continuity of the church’s mission and vision, particularly in a rapidly changing society. The district, located in the Bono East Region of Ghana, is home to a diverse youth population that faces both unique opportunities and challenges in embracing leadership roles. These young people are often the ones tasked with organizing programs, leading Bible studies, and engaging in community outreach, making their leadership skills indispensable for the success of the church.

The Techiman Municipality

The Techiman Municipality is located in the Bono East Region of Ghana and serves as one of the key administrative districts in the region. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, agriculture-based economy, and vibrant communities. Below is an overview of the demographic information for Techiman Municipality:

Population Size and Growth

Techiman Municipality has experienced steady population growth over the years due to its status as an administrative and commercial center. As of the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC) in Ghana, Techiman’s population was estimated to be around 130,000 – 150,000 people. The population of the municipality has been steadily growing as it attracts people from surrounding rural areas and other regions due to its commercial and administrative opportunities.

The population of Techiman Municipality has a youthful demographic, with a significant proportion of the population under the age of 35. This aligns with the national trend, where a large portion of the population is young. The youth demographic is especially prominent, which impacts the potential for growth in sectors such as education, health, and economic development.

• Children and Youth: Approximately 40-45% of the population falls within the age group of 0-25 years.
• Working Age Population: A significant portion of the population, estimated around 50-55%, is within the working age group (18-64 years).
• Elderly Population: The proportion of the elderly population (65 years and above) is around 5-7%. Techiman Municipality, like much of Ghana, has a fairly balanced gender distribution. The male-to-female ratio is almost equal, with slightly more males than females in the municipality. This is typical for many urban areas in Ghana due to migration trends, where males often move to urban centers for employment opportunities.

Gender Distribution

Techiman Municipality, like much of Ghana, has a fairly balanced gender distribution. The male-to-female ratio is almost equal, with slightly more males than females in the municipality. This is typical for many urban areas in Ghana due to migration trends, where males often move to urban centers for employment opportunities.

• Male Population: Approximately 52-53% of the population is male.
• Female Population: Approximately 47-48% of the population is female.

Ethnic Composition

Techiman Municipality is predominantly inhabited by the Akan ethnic group, specifically the Twi-speaking sub-group, which includes the Bono, Akuapem, and other related groups. However, due to migration, particularly from other parts of Ghana, you will find other ethnic groups as well, including Ewe, Ga, Dagombas, and Hausa, among others. The municipality has a diverse mix of ethnicities, with people coming from different regions of Ghana to live, work, and trade in Techiman.

Religious Distribution

Religion plays a significant role in the lives of the people in Techiman Municipality, as it does throughout Ghana. The municipality is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the dominant religion, followed by Islam and traditional African religions.

• Christianity: Approximately 70-75% of the population identifies as Christian, with significant representation of Pentecostal, Protestant, Catholic, and Evangelical denominations.
• Islam: Islam is practiced by about 20-25% of the population. Techiman is home to a large Muslim community, and many of the migrants in the area come from northern Ghana where Islam is more widely practiced.
• Traditional African Religions: A smaller percentage, approximately 5%, practice traditional African religions, though this group is usually intertwined with Christian or Islamic practices, especially among the elderly and rural dwellers.

Economic Activity

The economy of Techiman Municipality is primarily based on agriculture, trade, and small-scale industries. The area is known as an agricultural hub, with the production of crops like maize, cassava, plantain, and yam being widespread. Livestock farming is also significant, along with fishing and some industrial production related to the processing of agricultural goods. Techiman’s market is one of the largest in the Bono East Region and is a key economic driver for the local population, with thousands of traders visiting from surrounding regions.

• Agriculture: The bulk of the population (around 60-70%) is engaged in farming and related activities.
• Commerce and Trade: Approximately 20-25% of the population is involved in trade and commerce, especially in Techiman’s busy central market.
• Public Service and Education: A small but growing portion of the population works in education, health, and other public services, constituting about 10-15% of the workforce.

Education

Techiman Municipality has seen improvements in education in recent years. It is home to several public and private schools, with many students attending the Techiman Senior High School and other educational institutions in the area. There is also a growing interest in tertiary education, with some students attending universities or vocational institutions.

• Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Techiman is relatively high, with many residents being able to read and write, particularly in urban areas. Literacy rates are especially high among the youth.
• Schools: There are a variety of primary and secondary schools, along with several private educational institutions that cater to different age groups.

Migration Patterns

Techiman has become an attractive destination for both internal and external migration. People from neighboring regions like the Northern Region, Upper West Region, and Central Ghana move to Techiman for opportunities in trade, employment, and education. This influx of migrants contributes to the growing and diverse population of the municipality.

Techiman Municipality, with its dynamic and youthful population, is a growing center for commerce, education, and agriculture. The demographics of the municipality show a youthful, diverse, and primarily agrarian community, with strong influences from both Christian and Muslim religions. This vibrant mix creates a rich cultural atmosphere in which youth leadership and development play a pivotal role in the ongoing growth and prosperity of the municipality.

Factors Influencing Leadership Disposition

From interviews conducted with 400 youth in the Techiman South District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, several key factors emerged as shaping their leadership disposition. These findings are further contextualized using demographic data. Key factors include:

• Spiritual Foundation: A strong spiritual foundation was consistently cited as a vital influence. Over 70% of participants referenced regular involvement in prayer, Bible study, and church activities as formative for their leadership roles. This spiritual engagement reinforces a service-oriented mindset and moral clarity. The high proportion of youth aged 21–30 (57.8%) – a stage of intense spiritual and personal development – highlights the importance of nurturing spiritual disciplines early in leadership formation.

2) Education and Training: The data reveals that 67.5% of respondents had attained university-level education, providing them with the academic foundation to excel in leadership. Most interviewees emphasized the impact of leadership camps, seminars, and training workshops organized by the Techiman South District. However, the 22.5% with only SHS or lower educational background noted challenges in accessing or navigating certain training opportunities, suggesting the need for more inclusive leadership capacity-building programs.

3) Family and Community Support: The influence of community was especially strong among those with 6–10 years of experience (35.5%), who reported that consistent support sustained their long-term involvement. Conversely, those with fewer than five years in leadership (19.8%) expressed a greater need for structured mentorship to boost confidence and engagement.

4) Role Models and Mentorship: Mentorship was repeatedly mentioned as a transformative influence. Pastors, Elders, and youth leaders in the Techiman South District acted as models of faith and leadership for the younger generation; they offer advice, wisdom, and practical support, helping the youth to navigate the challenges of leadership both inside and outside the church. Male youth, who made up 71.5% of the sample, were more likely to have served in leadership positions, potentially due to prevailing cultural norms and role modeling patterns. Meanwhile, female participants (28.5%) often noted the lack of visible female role models as a barrier to leadership progression.

Overall, these factors illustrate a dynamic interplay between individual preparation, spiritual nurture, educational exposure, and social support in cultivating leadership disposition among Adventist youth in Techiman South. The demographic data enriches this understanding, emphasizing the necessity of age-sensitive, gender-aware, and education-level-appropriate interventions to enhance youth leadership development.

Challenges Faced By Youth Leaders

Despite the many opportunities available, youth leaders in the Techiman South District face a range of structural and personal challenges that impact their leadership effectiveness and disposition. These challenges, though not unique to the district, are amplified by local socio-economic and cultural factors. They also are closely tied to their demographic characteristics. These challenges include:

1)  Lack of Resources: A primary obstacle to effective youth leadership in Techiman South is the scarcity of financial and material resources. With 71.5% of the respondents being male and 67.5% having attained university education, expectations for programmatic excellence are high. However, limited financial support for youth activities often hampers their ability to organize impactful programs, outreach events, and leadership development initiatives.

2) Balancing Leadership with Academic and Professional Pursuits: The age distribution reveals that 57.8% of youth leaders are between 21 and 30 years, a stage commonly associated with tertiary education and early career development. Balancing academic pressures or professional responsibilities with church leadership roles often leads to stress and burnout, reducing overall effectiveness and long-term commitment to leadership.

3) Peer Pressure and Societal Expectations: The large proportion of younger leaders (nearly 82% below age 40) exposes them to societal influences and peer pressure that may conflict with Christian values. Navigating between secular expectations and the church’s moral standards can create internal conflict, impacting both the spiritual and social confidence of youth leaders.

4) Limited Leadership Opportunities: Although the majority (73.3%) have less than 15 years in youth leadership, with 19.8% having just 1-5 years of experience, many youths still report limited access to substantial leadership roles. This could be due to hierarchical structures or generational gaps within the church that inadvertently restrict younger members from assuming key responsibilities. The need to promote inclusive leadership pipelines remains critical.

In summary, these challenges – exacerbated by youth demographics – highlight the need for strategic interventions that address not only structural limitations but also the personal and societal pressures youth leaders face in the Techiman South District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Strategies To Address Youth Leadership Challenges In The Techiman South District

• Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by youth leaders in the Techiman South District requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates spiritual development, institutional support, and contextual sensitivity.
• Resource Mobilization and Budget Allocation: To overcome the limitation of financial and material resources, the Techiman South District should establish a youth ministry budget line within its annual financial planning. Fundraising initiatives, partnerships with NGOs, and support from alumni and senior members can provide sustainable financial inflows (White, 1952). Transparent budget management will also enhance accountability and stakeholder confidence.
• Flexible and Supportive Leadership Models: Given the academic and early career demands on youth leaders, churches within the Techiman South district should promote shared leadership models that allow for delegation and team-based responsibilities. Scheduling flexibility and mentorship from older leaders can reduce burnout and enhance continuity (Northouse, 2022).
• Values-Based Discipleship and Peer Support:To counteract societal pressure, the district should intensify discipleship programs that emphasize identity, resilience, and value-based decision-making. Peer accountability groups and forums for open dialogue can also provide social reinforcement and moral clarity (Barna Group, 2019).
• Inclusive Leadership Development Structure: To address limited access to leadership roles, the district should establish intentional mentorship pipelines and rotating leadership models that expose a broader pool of youth to responsibilities. Leadership succession planning, guided by clear criteria and spiritual maturity assessments, can bridge generational gaps and foster inclusivity (Bass & Riggio, 2006).
• Incorporating these strategies will empower youth leaders to thrive within their personal and spiritual capacities while supporting the mission of the church in Techiman South.

Recommendations To Enhance Youth Leadership Disposition

• Enhancing the leadership disposition of youth in the Techiman South District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church involves intentional efforts that nurture spiritual growth, personal development, and leadership capacity. The following recommendations can significantly improve the willingness, confidence, and ability of young people to assume and succeed in leadership roles:
• Youth Leadership Training Programs:  The district organizes annual leadership conferences, workshops, and retreats that are specifically designed to train and equip young people for leadership. These trainings, which focus on developing both spiritual and practical skills, must be culturally and socially relevant. They must reflect the socio-economic realities of Techiman South, incorporating local challenges and examples. This contextual approach increases the applicability of leadership lessons, and ensures that the youth are well-prepared to take on leadership roles.
• Engagement in Community Service: The Church encourages youth leaders to engage in community service as a way to build character, empathy, and leadership skills. By actively participating in projects that address local needs, the youth are able to practice servant leadership, which aligns with the Christian teachings of humility and service.
• Creation of Youth Fellowship Groups: Sector and federation camps within the Techiman Municipality provide opportunities for the youth to engage in Bible study, prayer, and discussions on leadership. These groups act as incubators for future leaders, offering a supportive environment where youth can develop their leadership skills and build strong relationships with peers.
• Mentorship and Role Modeling: The church has established mentorship programs that pair experienced leaders with younger youth members. This mentorship helps youth navigate the complexities of leadership while also providing spiritual and emotional support.
• Participation in Decision-Making: Youth should be intentionally included in church planning and decision-making processes. This involvement increases their sense of ownership and accountability, and it communicates trust from the church leadership. Structures like youth advisory boards or representation on church committees can help institutionalize youth participation.
• Recognition and Motivation: Recognizing the contributions of youth leaders through awards, public acknowledgments, and opportunities for advancement fosters a positive leadership culture. Recognition not only boosts morale but also reinforces commitment and a sense of belonging (Bass & Riggio, 2006).
• implementing these strategies, the Adventist Church in Techiman South can create a supportive and empowering environment where young leaders thrive and actively contribute to the church’s mission and community impact.

CONCLUSION

This study set out to explore the leadership disposition of youth in the Techiman South District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church using a quantitative approach. Findings reveal a strong interest and willingness among the youth to serve in leadership roles, grounded in spiritual commitment, educational attainment, and communal values. However, significant barriers such as inadequate resources, academic and professional pressures, limited leadership opportunities, and societal influences affect the full realization of their leadership potential.

The data underscores the importance of aligning leadership development strategies with the specific demographic and contextual realities of the district. The integration of spiritual mentorship, targeted leadership training, and inclusive church structures emerged as vital components for enhancing leadership disposition. The incorporation of leadership theories such as transformational and servant leadership provides a relevant framework for guiding interventions that promote visionary, empathetic, and value-driven youth leaders.

To sustain and grow effective youth leadership, church administrators must adopt a more participatory, resource-supported, and spiritually grounded approach. By addressing structural challenges and investing in long-term leadership formation, the Adventist Church in Techiman South can secure a vibrant and mission-driven future through its youth.

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