APPRIASING AFRICAN CHURCH LEADERS IN THE LIGHT OF BISHOP HERBERT TUGWELL LEADERSHIP STYLE

Abstract

One of the missing links in contemporary Africa Christianity and the continent at large is leadership. This is evident in the arrays of mismanagement of public resources as a result of corruption which has caused consistent underdevelopment of the continent and increase in the high rate of poverty. In the light of this ugly development, it becomes pertinent to look at the life of Bishop Herbert Tugwell who did a selfless, dedicated and committed work towards the development and emancipation of African people, though he was not an African. Bishop Tugwell prior to his election was the secretary of Church Missionary Society (CMS) Yoruba Mission in 19th century who was nominated in 1894 to be the Anglican Bishop of Western Equatorial Africa at a time Africa was white man’s grave. Qualitative data collection method was employed and data obtained were analytically reviewed. The finding shows that he was instrumental in laying the foundation for reconciliation between the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and Niger Delta Pastorate, breaking new grounds for mission, establishment of Native Pastorate, and creation of fund for the natives. His extra-ordinary good leadership style worthy of learning was clearly expressed in his desire to have a Diocesan Fund (BISHOP ON THE NIGER FUND) which he did not wish to use but desired that this become the basis of an endowment fund for an independent African Bishopric.