Abstract

The fundamental concern of this thesis is to articulate a vision for ministry in Irish Methodism for the twenty-first century based on the theory and practice of Servant Leadership. It will show how Servant Leadership offers the most effective framework for the development of ordained ministry in the Irish Methodist Church. Chapter One presents the research methodologies utilised in the thesis. These include historical analysis of sources, a review of literary resources and empirical methodologies. The latter includes thematic analysis of qualitative data and the presentation of findings gathered from semi-structured interviews. Chapter Two identifies the unique context of the origins and development of Irish Methodism in contrast to English Methodism. This detailed historical analysis shows the radical differences in context between Ireland and England and simultaneously illustrates the symbiotic relationship between these two branches of Methodism. Chapter Three addresses the themes of ministry and leadership. It draws deeply on primary sources in the Irish Methodist historical archive, Edgehill House Belfast. The chapter outlines the evolving nature of ordained ministry and considers the challenges facing the contemporary Irish Methodist Church. Chapter Four surveys the definitions of servant leadership to unearth their unique and creative insights for an original vision of ministry. The chapter argues that the servant leadership commitment to the development of people is fundamental to the practice of ministry. Chapter Five presents the empirical data drawn from eighteen semi-structured interviews with ordained ministers. These interviews explore the participants’ ministry experience, perceptions of leadership, and understanding of servant leadership. Chapter Six discusses the findings of the research. It asserts that servant leadership provides an innovative framework for understanding the role of the contemporary Methodist minister. It claims confidently that this framework enables ministers to lead congregations and facilitate growth in the twenty-first century Irish Methodist Church.