APOSTOLIC CONFLICT RESOLUTION MODEL (ACT 15: 1- 29) AND ITS RELEVANCE TO AFRICAN CHURCH LEADERS

Abstract

This piece of study on Apostolic Leadership Strategy in the Light of Acts 15:1-29: Conflict Resolution for the African Church and Society contended that Africa, the Church inclusive, is infected and inflicted by numerous and various conflicts in the 21st century. The problem is that in many cases, in the African context and church space, the church and society have not always applied biblical apostolic conflict resolution strategies as a means of bringing solutions to tensions and disputes. As a way of garnering data for the study, hermeneutical principles were adopted as methodology. In this way, the context of the text and important words in the text were given attention in order to glean the import of the teaching of Acts 15:1-29. The study is hinged on cooperative conflict behaviours by Roger Fisher and William Ury and conflict transformation proposed by Bush, Folgers, and Lederach. The findings of the present literary endeavour include: Apostles identified the cause of conflict in Acts 15:1-29. The apostles set up a committee for mediation and discussion on the conflict. Apostles issued a communiqué on resolution, which rests on accommodationism. The research concludes by recommending that African Church leaders should emulate the three Cs strategy found in Acts 15:1-29 for dispute resolution in Africa, especially within the church space.