Evangelical Church Leadership and Its Role in Church Conflicts: A Case Study of the United Methodist Church in Burundi

This study explores the role of evangelical church leadership in shaping, managing, and resolving internal church conflicts, focusing on the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Burundi. Recognizing that conflicts are an inevitable aspect of organizational life—including faith-based institutions—the research sought to understand how church leaders contribute to both the emergence and resolution of disputes. The purpose of this study is to analyse the role played by church leadership in situations of church conflicts. The objectives of this research include therefore the importance of training church leaders, the involvement of church leaders in church conflict resolution, and the identification of possible roots of church conflicts. A qualitative ethnographic research design was employed to gain deep, context-specific insights into leadership and conflict interactions. Data were collected from 30 purposively selected participants—all occupying leadership roles within a local UMC charge conference—through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was applied to the data, supported by four theoretical frameworks: Servant Leadership Theory, the McKinsey 7S Model, Problem Solving Theory, and an Ecclesiological Framework. Findings of this study revealed that participants consider training for church leadership very valuable not only for church leaders themselves, but also for the congregation and the community as well. And participants recommended training mainly in leadership programs, conflict management courses, UM related courses, and Information Technology courses. Participants endorsed the involvement of church leadership in managing church conflicts. The results indicated that the role of church leadership in conflict management is vital for the survival of the congregation. Major sources of conflict included power struggles, financial mismanagement, and individual ambition. Though similar results to these findings were found in other studies, it was nevertheless noticed that participants did not consider the positive value of conflicts if well managed. Even though the findings call for further research, it also brings its contribution in the field of church leadership and conflict management. A conflict resolution framework for the United Methodist Church in Burundi emphasizing on forgiveness, dialogue, and theological integrity has been suggested. The study advocates for a transformative model of leadership development and conflict engagement tailored to the unique challenges and values of evangelical church contexts.