A practical-theological perspective on female leadership in a Pentecostal context of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The role of women in the Zimbabwean Christian faith communities, particularly in a Pentecostal context, has been subject to a patriarchal and masculine environment, as well as to African cultural systems. In order for women to rise to greater visibility than was the case up till now, a dynamic process of conscientisation was needed, among others through research and a deliberate input for change. This study focuses on the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, as an exemplar of the Pentecostal tradition in Africa. The AFM is the oldest Pentecostal church in Zimbabwe. The church celebrated hundred years of existence internationally and sixty years locally in 2008. During this time women have not risen in its structures to positions of overseers or president. The study traces the role of women in the history of Zimbabwe, that is the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial periods. The aim is to identify how their role was seen and how it functioned in relation to the role of male persons in the Church. Women‟s leadership in the Church as it has evolved over time and the present challenges, will be investigated. The study examines the leadership styles and types in the AFM in Zimbabwe and ascertains where women fit in. To this end, the church‟s constitution will be reviewed. The prevalent theological discourse with regard to the status of women in church leadership and how this functions in the AFM in Zimbabwe, will be analysed. The study shows that the constitution of the AFM does not support the election of women into higher offices in the church structures. They are „allowed‟ to be ordained as pastors and serve in this office but do not have the opportunity to take up a higher office because the system of the church does not allow them to do so. Therefore, some women who feel deprived of their equal right to leadership leave the church to found their own ministries where they become the president and gain the highest authority. Their husbands serve in support of them. This represents a reversal of the roles that are prevalent in the AFM.