The Impact of Transparency and Accountability as Authentic Leadership Factors on Church Growth in Embu County, Kenya

This study investigated the impact of transparency and accountability, as a key aspect of authentic leadership, on church growth in Embu County, Kenya. It employed a descriptive survey design and a positivist approach, focusing on church congregants in Embu West Sub-County. The denominations included Deliverance Churches, Restoration End Time Churches, Triumph Churches, Full Gospel Church of Kenya, Winners Chapel, and Great Gospel Visioners. Correlational research design was utilized. A total of 35 Pentecostal churches in Embu County were selected. A purposive sample of 387 respondents participated in the study. Data was gathered using questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated that transparency and accountability were highly rated (3.92) as critical leadership dimensions. A strong positive correlation (r = .747) was established between church growth and transparency and accountability, demonstrating their significance. Regression analysis further confirmed that authentic leadership significantly predicted church growth (R² = .740), emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership practices in fostering growth. The study concluded that transparency and accountability are crucial for church growth, as they enhance trust, integrity, and effective decision-making within church leadership. It is recommended that church leaders enforce policies that promote openness and accountability to ensure ethical governance and sustainable growth. Congregants were encouraged to actively participate in church activities and hold leaders accountable for their actions to promote a culture of integrity. Leadership development programs should cultivate leaders who uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. By fostering integrity and trust, these programs ensure responsible leadership, effective governance, and sustainable growth in organizations. Prioritizing these values strengthens relationships, enhances credibility, and promotes a culture of fairness, ultimately benefiting communities and institutions.