Exploring Mentoring Strategies in Developing Christian Leadership Within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Turkana Region, Kenya

This study examines the mentoring strategies used to develop Christian leadership within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Turkana Region, Kenya. Mentoring, rooted in biblical principles such as discipleship, plays a vital role in shaping church leaders, particularly in regions like Turkana, which face socio-cultural and geographical challenges. The study identifies key mentoring models, including spiritual guidance, role modeling, and group mentoring, and assesses their effectiveness in leadership development. Challenges such as geographical isolation, limited educational resources, and cultural factors were also explored to understand their impact on mentoring practices. A descriptive survey design was utilized, targeting 143 church leaders within various PAG districts. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 59 leaders participated in the study. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and interviews, and the data were analyzed both quantitatively, using descriptive statistics, and qualitatively, through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that spiritual guidance and role modeling are highly valued as mentoring strategies. However, peer mentoring and social support were moderately recognized, suggesting underutilization in some leadership contexts. Notably, gaps in formal mentoring structures were identified, along with a limited understanding of more advanced mentoring techniques such as coaching and sponsorship. The study recommended the implementation of more structured and comprehensive mentoring frameworks, along with enhanced mentor training programs to address these gaps. By addressing these challenges, the PAG Church can improve its leadership development strategies, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective mentoring environment.