<![CDATA[Leadership shapes how student organizations manage members, distribute responsibilities, and maintain the continuity of their programs. However, leadership practices in religious student organizations have received limited attention from the perspectives of leaders, administrators, and members. This study aims to describe leadership characteristics in managing the Protestant Christian Student Activity Unit (UKMKP) at Universitas Negeri Medan. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. Six informants were purposively selected, consisting of a chairperson, vice chairperson, two division administrators, and two active members, identified as I1 to I6. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews supported by organizational documentation concerning member distribution and practices related to decision-making, communication, task and authority distribution, supervision, motivation, problem-solving, evaluation, and relationships between leaders and members. The data were analyzed through data collection, coding, categorization, theme development, comparison across sources, and interpretation. The findings revealed four interconnected themes: participatory decision-making while allowing the chairperson to make direct decisions in emergency situations and budget-related matters; two-way communication that enables members to ask questions and influence decisions directly; delegation of authority to specific divisions accompanied by coordination and reporting; and personal support, dialogue-based conflict resolution, and joint evaluation after activities. Overall, leadership practices tend to combine directive and participatory approaches. Direct decisions and firm instructions are used in certain situations when the chairperson is responsible for maintaining continuity. These findings suggest that leadership is better understood as a participatory pattern that adapts to organizational needs, activity characteristics, and the level of responsibility of involved parties.]]>
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