Relearning Pentecostal church leadership conflict management from the Acts of the Apostles

Abstract

Leadership conflict has remained an ongoing challenge in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism, often resulting in divisions, burnout and the fragmentation of congregations. The Acts of the Apostles present valuable lessons of Spirit-led and community-based conflict resolution strategies that are applicable to today’s Pentecostal church in Zimbabwe. This study draws from four episodes of leadership tensions in Acts (Ac 6:1–7; 13:1–3; 15:1–35; 15:36–41), employs qualitative exegesis and literature review. Findings include Spirit-led discernment, communal consultation, strategic delegation, mission-focused decision-making and graceful separation. In view of that, this article concludes that strategising spiritual discernment with inclusive and contextually feasible conflict management can resolve ecclesial leadership tensions in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism.
Contribution: This article fosters church leadership conflict management by integrating apostolic lessons with contemporary leadership in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism.