Entrepreneurial ecclesiology A theological-ethical analysis of the commercialization of pastoral leadership in contemporary independent churches
Abstract
This study provides a theological-ethical analysis of the commercialization of pastoral leadership in contemporary independent churches. Entrepreneurial ecclesiology, the adoption of business logic, managerial efficiency, and institutional growth, has shifted the pastor’s identity from servant to spiritual entrepreneur. Using a qualitative-theological method and a Christian theological ethics approach, this article identifies three dimensions of the problem: ecclesiological distortion, pastoral identity crisis, and ethical vulnerability. The analysis shows that the commercialization of spiritual authority, pressure for efficiency, and the commodification of charisma seriously threaten the integrity of the pastoral calling. This article formulates normative criteria for integrity-based pastoral leadership: faithfulness to the prophetic mission, financial transparency, non-exploitative pastoral relationships, and the development of an ecclesiological model that balances institutional and communal aspects. This research's original contribution is a theological-ethical framework to guide independent churches in responding to entrepreneurial pressures without losing their sacramental identity.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Marcellius Lumintang, Antakirana Antakirana
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.