The place of women in the leadership of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (AFMZ)

Abstract

This study focusses on exposing the sources of the marginalization of women in the leadership of the AFMZ church. This study argues that women in the AFMZ have been marginalized in the church’s leadership which is evidenced by the ceremonial titles women have and yet they do not sit in decision making boards of the AFMZ. The marginalization is also evidenced by the fact that female pastors have never occupied the position of Overseer and President. Therefore, this study endorses mutuality and partnership between men and women in the leadership of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe. The research design was qualitative in which case data was collected through interviews and focus discussions, from sixty participants who were purposefully selected. The major finding of this study is that women are being marginalized in the leadership of the AFMZ due to a number of reasons such as, Few Female voters, The nomination process, Interpretation of the bible, Culture and Patriarchy, Tradition, AFMZ’s teaching on Marriage, The Holy Spirit has not given the directive and doubting the call of a woman among other things. Hence using the African feminist theology and the Feminist ecclesiology as theoretical frameworks, the ultimate goal is to advocate for an inclusive leadership model of leadership which uphold men and women working together in the leadership of the AFMZ. The study proposed an inclusive model of leadership in which it was suggested that teaching of liberation theology in the home, empowerment of women through education, solidarity, inclusion of gender studies at the AFMZ Theological seminary, learning from other circles and leadership renewal will facilitate the achievement of this model. However, it was acknowledged that the achievement of such a model may take time but hope for change is certain.