SUSTAINING THE PULPIT: INSTITUTIONAL WORK SYSTEMS AS DETERMINANTS OF CLERGY SUSTAINABILITY IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF EAST AFRICA
Samuel G. Gitonga - Tangaza University, Kenya
Dr. Reginald Nalugala - Tangaza University, Kenya
Dr. Shem Mwalw’a - Tangaza University, Kenya
Henry K. Mbinda - Tangaza University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
This study critically examined the sustainability of pulpit employees within the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), with specific focus on the Milimani South Presbytery in Nairobi, Kenya. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, it integrated quantitative data from 98 pulpit employees with qualitative insights from 12 in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that Institutional Work Systems, encompassing leadership transparency, resource adequacy, and governance accountability, were the strongest predictor of Clergy sustainability (β = .712, p = .003), explaining 45.2% of observed variance. In contrast, the Jitegemea philosophy of ecclesial self-reliance, though central to the Church’s theological identity, showed no significant predictive effect. Qualitative findings further illustrated a disjunction between the symbolic resonance of Jitegemea and its practical implementation, citing barriers such as opaque leadership, bureaucratic inertia, and weak retirement support. These deficiencies hinder its effectiveness as a sustainability framework. Grounded in Systems Theory, Human Capital Theory, and Freirean critical pedagogy, the study reconceptualizes Jitegemea not merely as a theological ethos, but as a governance model that must be operationally embedded within church systems. By privileging institutional functionality over rhetorical fidelity, the study contributes to African ecclesiology and organizational leadership discourses, emphasizing that sustainable ministry depends on structurally embodied values, not aspirational ideals alone.