Browsing by Author "Kobusingye, Charity R"

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    Conflict resolution in the epistle to Philemon 1:8-21: implications for contemporary christian leadership
    (Uganda Christian University, 2026-07-27) Kobusingye, Charity R
    Conflict remains one of the most common challenges facing contemporary Christian leadership. Leadership struggles, interpersonal disagreements, discord, and succession battles often threaten unity within churches and Christian organisations. This study examined conflict resolution as advanced in the Pauline epistle of Philemon 1:8–21, it explores its implications for contemporary Christian leadership. The study was guided by four objectives: to examine the historical and literary background of the passage; to analyse the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus; to investigate the nature of conflict in contemporary Christian leadership; and to appropriate conflict-resolution principles from the text for present-day ministry. The study employed a qualitative research design and utilised the Tripolar Exegetical Model, which incorporates distantiation, contextualisation, and appropriation. This was historical, literary, rhetorical, and theological analysed. Further, it examined Paul's role in mediating the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus and the principles underlying his appeal for reconciliation. Findings revealed that Paul approached conflict resolution through appeals for reconciliation, mediation, servant leadership, forgiveness, and the restoration of relationships. It was established that many conflicts fall within the confines of contemporary Christian leadership arising from leadership competition, communication breakdowns, misuse of authority, and relational tensions. The principles identified in Philemon 1:8–21, including, love based leadership, mediation, personal transformation, voluntary reconciliation, forgiveness, Christian fellowship, accountability, and relationship restoration were found to offer valuable guidance for addressing such conflicts in a manner consistent with Christian values. The study concludes that effective Christian leadership requires a commitment to reconciliation, humility, dialogue, and relationship restoration. Philemon 1:8–21 provides a relevant Biblical framework that can contribute to healthier leadership practices and stronger Christian communities in contemporary contexts.