LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN PARISH COMMUNITIES: EVIDENCE FROM CATHOLIC PRIESTS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MOMBASA, KENYA

Abstract

Catholic priests increasingly perform responsibilities that extend beyond sacramental and pastoral ministry to include financial management, strategic planning, human resource oversight, programme coordination, conflict resolution, community mobilization and management of parish resources. This study examined the relationship between leadership development and social transformation in parishes led by Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya. The study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The target population comprised 185 respondents, consisting of 185 priests, while 154 valid questionnaire responses were obtained, representing an overall response rate of 83.24%. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Respondents reported that leadership skills positively influenced the communities they served (M = 4.31, SD = 0.74), improved engagement with social issues (M = 4.00, SD = 0.85), enhanced conflict management (M = 4.05, SD = 0.86), and strengthened the ability to contribute to social transformation (M = 3.79, SD = 0.78). Pearson correlation analysis established a strong positive relationship between leadership development strategies and social transformation (r = .805), (p < .001). The findings suggest that leadership development is relevant to the effective execution of the managerial and social responsibilities of Catholic priests. The study highlights the importance of integrating leadership, administrative, and pastoral competencies within continuing priestly formation. The study recommends that seminaries and the Archdiocesan formation office strengthen continuing formation programmes by incorporating structured leadership, administrative, and pastoral development tailored to the contemporary responsibilities of priests. The study contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between priestly leadership development and social transformation within the Catholic Church context in Kenya, thereby extending the application of leadership development perspectives to ecclesial and community settings.