A leadership dispute has erupted at the Christian Life Centre (CLC) in Eswatini, following a letter allegedly served on Pastor Gideon Phiri requesting him to stop preaching. The development has created uncertainty within the church, with four board members subsequently resigning after reportedly learning that the letter had been issued without their knowledge. According to the Swazi Observer, the church's board had seven members, including Pastor Phiri, after the death of Chairperson Rejoice Nkambule.
Nkambule's death left a void in the church's leadership, with her described as the glue that held the board together. Her leadership skills provided direction and helped maintain cohesion among board members. Information gathered by the Swazi Observer indicates that two board members allegedly engaged lawyers to write the letter to Phiri, without the knowledge of the other board members.
The four resigning board members reportedly did not want to be associated with or implicated in a decision they had no knowledge of. The two members linked to the letter remained on the board. The matter escalated to the International Ministries Assemblies of God (IMAG), the body with which CLC is affiliated, which subsequently intervened and dissolved the board.
IMAG has since engaged some of the parties involved to establish the merits of the dispute. The process is still ongoing, with IMAG President Pastor Mathokoza Simelane confirming that the organisation is dealing with a leadership dispute at CLC. Simelane said IMAG had provided advice to the parties involved but had not yet completed its assessment of the matter.
The dispute comes at a time when Phiri's contract with the church has expired. However, the decision on whether to renew or extend his contract has not yet been made, as this is expected to be considered through the church's annual general meeting (AGM). The AGM has reportedly been delayed because the church's financial statements are still being audited by an external financial company.
Despite the letter requesting him to stop preaching, Phiri has continued conducting church services. The situation has reportedly created divisions among members, with a section of the congregation allegedly opposed to Phiri as pastor while others continue to support his leadership and attendance of his services.
The election of an interim committee is expected to take place, which will assume the board's responsibilities and oversee the running of the church while the leadership situation is addressed. The interim committee will provide CLC with a temporary leadership structure to oversee its affairs as members await the completion of the financial audit and the eventual AGM.
Key points
- The leadership dispute at CLC has resulted in the resignation of four board members and the dissolution of the board by IMAG.
- The dispute has created divisions among church members, with some opposing Phiri as pastor and others supporting his leadership.
- An interim committee is expected to be elected to oversee the church's affairs while the leadership situation is addressed.
