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IMPACT OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION ON THE GROWTH OF PENTECOSTAL CHURCH: A CASE STUDY OF NANGALWE SUB COUNTY
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of church conflict on the growth of Pentecostal churches in Manafwa district with focus on selected churches in Nangallwe which are struggling with growth. The objectives of the study were to investigate the nature of conflicts in the Pentecostal Church, determine the effect of conflict on the growth of Pentecostal churches in Manafwa district, and to assess the conflict resolution mechanisms employed to solve the conflict in Pentecostal Church. The study was carried out in branches of the Churches which experienced growth challenges. The study used qualitative research approach as it intended to collect data based on participants‟ subjective experience, and its ability to uncover unexpected and exploring new avenues. The target population was Church leaders who have been in the church for at least two years and more. The study used purposive sampling method to select the Church leaders in influential positions (i.e., leaders that direct and/or lead a church ministry) of the selected Churches. According to the church leadership structure used by each,the Proportionate stratified sampling used where equal number of units selected from each stratum. Data collected using face-to-face individual interview schedule. The data analyzed thematically using content analysis method. The researcher came up with the vital themes, recurring ideas, and patterns of belief, which assisted with the integration of the results. The study found that there were conflicts in all the Churches under study. The study established that there were top leadership wrangles at the national level seeking to control the Church. There were also local Church leadership wrangles pitting pastors and other leaders and conflict among other leaders within the Church. The study established that conflict negatively affected the growth of the Church as the Churches lost members to other Churches around. Among the conflict resolution mechanism used were prayer and fasting, dialogues, counseling and courts. The study recommends that the Pentecostal Church should adopt conflict resolution methods and avoid conflicts by practicing inclusivity.
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