Effects of Leadership Conflict within the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church in Nyaramba District: Causes, Impact, and Resolution Strategies

Abstract

The Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) church in Nyaramba District, Nyamira County, Kenya, has experienced significant leadership conflict stemming from disputed election results in 2019, which led to legal battles, deep congregational divisions, and a sharp decline in church attendance. This study investigated the underlying causes of leadership conflict, its impact on church members, organizational structures, administrative systems, and daily operations. It also proposes effective strategies for future conflict management. The research was significant because leadership conflict fundamentally undermines the church’s core purpose of promoting peace and unity among believers and within the community, thereby hindering sustainable growth and evangelistic mission. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys administered to 45 church members with qualitative in-depth interviews with 5 church leaders and key stakeholders. The scope of this paper is limited to the PAG church assemblies within Nyaramba District. The findings reveal that the primary causes of conflict were leadership-related disputes following contested elections, which led to factionalism, severely strained pastor-congregation relationships, allegations of financial mismanagement, decreased attendance (reduced frequency), and stalled construction projects. The study provides practical recommendations, including transparent election processes, formal conflict-resolution mechanisms, financial transparency measures, inclusive leadership practices, pastoral transfer policies, and constitutional review.