The Role of Charismatic Leaders in the Expansion of New Religious Movements
The Role of Charismatic Leaders in the Expansion of New Religious Movements

Summary/Abstract: Since their initial emergence, New Religious Movements (NRMs) have steadily increased their membership. It can be argued that those movements adopting missionary activities and methods have reached millions of adherents through charismatic leaders, thereby expanding their follower base on a continual basis. In the process of attracting new members, the role of charismatic leaders proves to be of great importance and constitutes a key factor in missionary work. In this regard, charismatic leaders not only construct a higher identity for themselves—thereby reinforcing their authority and prestige—but also employ various strategies to recruit new followers. These strategies are designed by the leaders and implemented through both professional agents and those regarded as novices. Consequently, the methods developed by leaders in accordance with social, gender-based, and personal factors, as well as the extent of their influence over large masses, become subjects of scholarly inquiry. Moreover, this study will address the role of charismatic leaders in missionary activities, the processes through which their authority is established, its stages and types, as well as the reflections of missionary practices on followers.

• Details
• Contents