An analysis of Conflict Resolution Strategies in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Zambia: A case study of Twashuka Congregation in Lusaka

This study analysed conflict resolution strategies at Twashuka SDA congregation in Lusaka to determine their effectiveness. Even if some conflicts are beneficial, others have the potential to divide the church, thereby threatening the unity and cohesion of the church which is considered as the body of Christ. Twashuka SDA congregation has seen some of its members leave the church as a result of unresolved conflicts. For those who are still in the church, conflicts have escalated to the level of heated exchanges of bitter words either among church members or between church leaders and ordinary members. In this study, the researcher, therefore, used qualitative research design where In-depth interviews and the Focus Group discussions were employed. To ensure validity and reliability of the research, the researcher also reviewed church literature such as the Church Manual, Seventh-day Adventists Believe and the Elder's Handbook. It should, however, be mentioned that these are not the only books on leadership in the church but this is what was available at the time. Purposive sampling method was used. Among the major findings was the lack of training among church leaders at Twashuka SDA congregation in peace, leadership and conflict resolution, lack of confidentiality among church leaders, marginalization of the youth in decision-making and inconsistent adherence to the biblical principles of electing people to higher church positions. Twashuka congregation is, therefore, urged to ensure that its leaders undergo training in peace, leadership and conflict resolution; elect youths to decision-making positions to have their voices heard; come up with c|ear guidelines on disciplining leaders who lack confidentiality; leaders to be elected based on biblical principles and not favoritism; and there should be promotion of love and unity in the church.