Challenges and Strategies for Effective Spiritual and Moral Leadership in Seventh-day Adventist -run schools in Bulawayo province, Zimbabwe (original) (raw)

A few research studies have explored the challenges that impact spiritual and moral leadership and the strategies that can be implemented for effective pedagogy and learning. The objective of this study was to glean some insights into the challenges that impact spiritual and moral leadership in Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) and the strategies that can be implemented to resolve this. We used a qualitative interpretive research design to investigate the challenges of spiritual and moral leadership in SDA-run schools and the strategies that can be implemented for effective pedagogy and learning. Participants for this study were purposively sampled, and the data was gathered through semi-structured interviews transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Twenty (20) administrators from four SDA-run schools were purposefully chosen for the study.The study findings indicated that contestations exist between church and government workers employed at the SDA-run schools over remuneration issues that compromise the unity of purpose that should characterize SDA-run schools. Additionally, there is no clear memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government and the church concerning the administration of the schools resulting in a tussle for roles and responsibilities. Lastly, the study revealed the ineffectiveness of the school administration as some of the key school board members were detached from the schools and showed apathy in matters involving the conflict between the state and church policies. Strategies for the development of effective spiritual and moral school leadership were suggested which include the privatization of the church schools, the establishment of a church-run teacher training college, and the continued spiritual and moral leadership development of staff members.