Project – The causes, effect and solutions to internal conflicts in Christ Apostolic Church

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Internal conflicts within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) have persisted for decades, often resulting in leadership disputes, doctrinal disagreements, and organizational fragmentation. According to Jegede (2025), one of the most significant causes of conflict in CAC is the struggle for leadership succession and authority, often fueled by a lack of transparent structures for leadership transitions. Additionally, historical accounts suggest that the early schisms within CAC were rooted in disputes over prophetic practices and theological interpretation (Ojo, 2006). These foundational issues have continued to shape internal tensions, especially as the church expands into global and multicultural contexts.

Another major cause of internal conflict in the CAC is the clash between traditional spiritual practices and modern administrative systems. Many scholars, including Ayegboyin and Ishola (1997), argue that the integration of indigenous spirituality with Christian practices has led to ongoing tensions between the older prophetic tradition and the more bureaucratic leadership approach. This dichotomy creates factions within the church, where some members uphold charismatic authority, while others push for administrative professionalism and global relevance. The lack of a unified doctrinal stance on these matters further deepens misunderstandings and mistrust among church leaders and members.

The effects of these internal conflicts are far-reaching, impacting both the spiritual and administrative life of the CAC. As observed by Avorgah (2010), unresolved conflicts often result in the formation of breakaway groups and parallel administrations, which weaken the overall structure and public witness of the church. Additionally, persistent internal disputes can diminish members’ trust in the church leadership, leading to decreased participation, spiritual disillusionment, and in some cases, mass departures. These outcomes compromise the mission of the church and distract from evangelistic and social development goals.

Solutions to these internal conflicts must be both theological and organizational. A return to biblical principles of conflict resolution, such as those outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 and Ephesians 4:3, is essential for promoting forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity. Moreover, as highlighted by Kale and McCullough (2003), equipping church leaders with skills in conflict management and mediation is vital to preventing and resolving disputes. Implementing structured communication channels and grievance procedures can also help address concerns before they escalate into major conflicts.

From an institutional standpoint, the CAC can benefit from organizational reforms that promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in leadership appointments and decision-making processes. Establishing a centralized conflict resolution committee, composed of respected elders and theologians, can serve as a neutral body for handling internal disputes. According to Jegede (2025), training leaders in emotional intelligence and intercultural communication is also critical, particularly as the church grows across different regions with diverse expectations and traditions.

In conclusion, while internal conflicts in the Christ Apostolic Church stem from a mix of historical, doctrinal, and administrative factors, these challenges can be addressed through a combination of scriptural guidance, leadership training, and organizational reform. A commitment to unity, transparency, and humility is necessary for the church to overcome its divisions and remain focused on its spiritual mission. Continued research and dialogue among scholars and church leaders will be instrumental in forging sustainable paths toward reconciliation and growth.

• Statement of the Problem

Internal conflict has remained a persistent issue within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), undermining its spiritual, administrative, and missional integrity. Despite the church’s long-standing history and deep spiritual roots, it continues to face internal strife primarily centered around leadership disputes, doctrinal disagreements, and administrative fragmentation. These recurring issues have not only caused divisions among leaders and members but have also hindered the effective functioning of the church as a united body of Christ. This ongoing instability presents a serious challenge to the identity and mission of CAC both locally and internationally.

One of the core problems lies in the unclear processes for leadership succession and authority distribution within the church hierarchy. The absence of a transparent and universally accepted framework for choosing and transitioning leadership has led to repeated power struggles. These struggles often escalate into open confrontations, litigation, or parallel administrations, thereby creating confusion and fostering distrust among the congregation. This issue is particularly damaging in a faith-based organization, where leadership is expected to be spirit-led, servant-minded, and exemplary in unity.

Additionally, doctrinal differences and divergent interpretations of prophetic practices within CAC contribute to internal tensions. Since its inception, the church has been deeply rooted in prophetic and Pentecostal expressions of faith, but over time, conflicts have emerged over how these practices should be implemented, governed, or even validated. The lack of a unified theological framework to guide such expressions has led to accusations of spiritual manipulation, rivalry among prophets, and disillusionment among members, further compounding the problem.

The internal conflicts have also led to a decline in membership engagement and public credibility. Many members feel disenchanted and spiritually exhausted due to the recurring crises, which affects their participation in church activities and their overall trust in church leadership. Moreover, the image of the CAC in the public eye is often tarnished by these disputes, which frequently become public through the media or legal battles. This damages the church’s evangelistic mission and reduces its influence in the wider society.

Another critical issue is the absence of a consistent conflict resolution mechanism within the church structure. Although various efforts have been made to mediate and resolve disputes, many of these efforts are often informal, reactive, or influenced by bias. Without a clear, impartial, and biblically grounded system to address grievances, misunderstandings fester and escalate into full-blown divisions. This structural weakness reflects a broader problem of institutional capacity and governance within CAC.

In summary, the Christ Apostolic Church faces a multidimensional problem of internal conflict that threatens its unity, spiritual vibrancy, and public reputation. The challenges of leadership tussles, doctrinal confusion, administrative inefficiency, and lack of formal conflict resolution mechanisms have created a fragile environment for growth and stability. Addressing this problem requires a holistic and strategic approach that combines theological integrity, organizational reform, and a renewed commitment to unity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the causes, effect and solutions to internal conflicts in Christ Apostolic Church. The specific objectives are:

1. Identify the root causes of internal conflicts within the Christ Apostolic Church.
2. Analyze the effects of these conflicts on the church members and the overall organization.
3. Explore potential solutions to mitigate and resolve internal conflicts within the church.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of past conflict resolution strategies implemented within the Christ Apostolic Church.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the root causes of internal conflicts within the Christ Apostolic Church?
2. How do these conflicts impact the church members and the overall organization?
3. What potential solutions can be explored to mitigate and resolve internal conflicts within the church?
4. How effective have past conflict resolution strategies been within the Christ Apostolic Church?

1.5.  Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Conflicts has no significant effect on the church members and the overall organization.

Ho: Conflicts has significant effect on the church members and the overall organization.

• Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of internal conflicts within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), a leading indigenous Pentecostal denomination in Nigeria and beyond. By identifying these root causes, the study offers valuable insights that can help church leaders, scholars, and stakeholders better grasp the complex dynamics contributing to ongoing disputes. In doing so, it contributes to academic literature in ecclesiology, conflict resolution, and church administration, particularly within African and Pentecostal contexts where such issues are prevalent.

Another important contribution of this study is its focus on the effects of internal conflict on the church’s spiritual mission, administrative efficiency, and public image. Understanding these effects allows church leaders and members to recognize the far-reaching consequences of unresolved disputes. It also serves as a wake-up call to the leadership on the need to prioritize unity and integrity in their handling of church affairs. By highlighting the dangers of prolonged internal crises—including loss of membership, weakened witness, and legal battles—the study emphasizes the urgent need for preventive measures and systemic reform.

Furthermore, this research is significant because it provides a platform for practical and context-specific solutions to conflict within CAC. Unlike generic strategies, the recommendations proposed are rooted in both biblical principles and the unique historical and cultural realities of the church. This makes the study a useful resource for church leaders seeking spiritually guided and organizationally sound strategies for conflict management. It bridges the gap between theology and practice by integrating scriptural counsel with modern leadership and administrative frameworks.

The study is also valuable for theological institutions and seminaries, especially those training future church leaders. It serves as a case study that highlights real-world challenges faced by large Pentecostal churches and the importance of equipping leaders with conflict resolution skills. Students and scholars can learn how church governance, doctrine, and spiritual leadership interact—and sometimes clash—within the dynamics of an evolving religious organization like the CAC. The findings may also inform the design of leadership and pastoral training curricula.

In addition, this research holds significance for policymakers and ecumenical bodies working toward religious peacebuilding and social cohesion. Understanding the internal dynamics of religious institutions such as the CAC is essential for fostering religious harmony, especially in multi-faith and culturally diverse societies like Nigeria. The study’s findings can aid in designing community engagement models that support reconciliation, mediation, and sustainable peace within and beyond the church.

Finally, the study is significant because it aligns with the broader mission of promoting unity in the body of Christ. It affirms the biblical call for reconciliation, love, and peace among believers, emphasizing the importance of internal harmony as a foundation for external impact. By addressing the challenges of internal conflict in the CAC, this research contributes to the ongoing effort to build stronger, healthier churches that reflect the values of Christ in both their internal operations and their external witness.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the causes, effect and solutions to internal conflicts in Christ Apostolic Church. The study is confined to Christ Apostolic Church, Ajegunle, Lagos.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Causes: Causes are the underlying factors or reasons that lead to a particular outcome or problem. In the context of this study, causes refer to the various issues—such as leadership disputes, doctrinal disagreements, and administrative shortcomings—that give rise to internal conflicts within the Christ Apostolic Church.

Effect: Effects are the results or consequences that arise from a specific cause or event. In this study, effects refer to the outcomes of internal conflicts in the Christ Apostolic Church, including division among members, loss of trust in leadership, spiritual stagnation, and damage to the church’s public image.

Solutions: Solutions are the strategies, actions, or approaches used to address and resolve a problem. In this context, solutions refer to biblical, administrative, and organizational methods that can be applied to resolve and prevent internal conflicts within the Christ Apostolic Church.

Internal Conflicts: Internal conflicts refer to disagreements, disputes, or tensions that occur within an organization or group. In a church setting, internal conflicts can involve clashes over leadership, doctrine, governance, or personal interests. These conflicts often affect the unity and effectiveness of the church body.

Christ Apostolic Church: The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) is a Pentecostal Christian denomination founded in Nigeria in the early 20th century. It is known for its emphasis on holiness, prayer, prophetic ministry, and indigenous expressions of worship. The church has grown significantly both within and outside Nigeria but has also experienced several internal conflicts, particularly over leadership and doctrinal issues.

Project – The causes, effect and solutions to internal conflicts in Christ Apostolic Church