Spiritual Leadership Qualities Inventory (SLQI)
Measures biblically-derived traits of spiritual maturity and leadership readiness based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Spiritual Leadership Qualities Inventory (SLQI) was developed by Loren Townsend & Philip G. Wichern (1984). It is designed to measure Spiritual leadership qualities and maturity. The scale is intended for use with Christian clergy and laity.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 70 items organized into 15 factors/subscales: Not self-willed, Self-controlled, Above reproach, Respectable, Temperate, Upright, Good reputation, Lover of good, Gentle, Not quick-tempered, Holy, Desire to be overseer, Ability to teach, Prudent, Hospitable.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Not self-willed | 1,7,21,25,40,66 | 6 |
| Self-controlled | 2,13,15,23,67 | 5 |
| Above reproach | 3,4,9,10,12,16 | 6 |
| Respectable | 5,14,17,24 | 4 |
| Temperate | 6 | 1 |
| Upright | 11,18,19,20,28,34 | 6 |
| Good reputation | 22,41,51,55 | 4 |
| Lover of good | 8,26,29,31,32,33,58,60 | 8 |
| Gentle | 27 | 1 |
| Not quick-tempered | 30,63 | 2 |
| Holy | 35,36,38,39,44,46,47,49,52,53,54,56,57,59,65 | 15 |
| Desire to be overseer | 37,43,45,48,69 | 5 |
| Ability to teach | 42,50,64 | 3 |
| Prudent | 61,62,70 | 3 |
| Hospitable | 68 | 1 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a dichotomous True/False format.
The scale includes 35 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 0 to 70. Interpretation guidelines:
- New Believer: 0 – 25
- Normal Christian: 26 – 50
- Spiritually Mature: 51 – 70
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Overall test-retest reliability of .94.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.