A Working model towards resolving leadership wrangles in the church: a case of the evangelical church of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study interrogated and analyzed key factors that contributed to a split in the Evangelical Church of Zimbabwe, examined their effects to the church, and also developed a working model which would help resolve the leadership wrangles in the church today. The study adopted the interpretivist philosophy which allowed for the adoption of a qualitative research approach. This was a case study which used an exploratory research design. Non-probability sampling procedure including purposive and snowballing sampling techniques, were used for sampling purposes while the open-ended questionnaire, interview guide and document analysis were used for data collection purposes. The data was then analyzed using thematic analysis, a qualitative method with a bit of statistics. This data was coded into themes which were then integrated with content analysis so the data could be properly analyzed. Findings suggest that the conflict in the ECZ was caused by differences in theological and doctrinal teachings, power struggles and greed among the leaders, lack of effective communication and accountability, as well as succession issues. The study also found that the ECZ-TEAM conflict was partly fueled by the unwillingness of the missionaries to surrender control of the church or hand over power to indigenous African leaders, an eyesore which degenerated into a total fiasco. However, the study further shows that the 2015 split of the ECZ was principally caused by succession issues and leadership disagreements, which were provoked by leaders taking different doctrinal viewpoints, such as the prosperity gospel and the usage of anointing oil much against the evangelical church statement of faith. This ideological division, along with power battles and a breach of the constitution of the church, shattered the church`s cohesiveness and resulted in the development of a breakaway group led by former Bishop. The research noted that disagreements within the ECZ have fragmented the congregation, lowered engagement in worship and ministry activities, and even caused the departure of certain members. In addition, the split also undermined the church`s sense of community and belonging which a healthy body of Christ should have. Findings also suggest that spiritual stagnation, broken connections, and disillusionment among members have limited the church's capacity to effectively fulfill its mandate. Therefore, the study recommends that the church should consider implementing servant leadership to guide its governance and decision-making processes and empower leaders to serve the church and community rather than their own self-interests. The study further recommends the church to embrace a more holistic approach to spiritual leadership and train leaders to acquire skills to navigate interpersonal tensions, mediate disputes, and foster reconciliation thereby transforming internal conflicts into prospects for growth, restoration, and spiritual renewal.