Mechanisms for Intra-Ecclesial Conflict Transformation for Christian Unity in South East Kenya Field of Seventh-Day Adventists

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in South East Kenya Field (SEKEF) consistently witnesses internal conflicts that affect the unity and integrity of its membership. This study investigated church-based mechanisms for internal conflict transformation for Christian unity in the SEKEF of Seventh-day Adventists. It argues that internal church conflicts, no matter how painful they are, have positive effects on the life of its members. However, this depends on the mechanisms used to address them. The study was informed by a transformative mediation theory proposed by Robert Baruch Bush and Joseph Folger in 1964 that focuses not just on solving existing problems but transforming the relationships and interactions that cause the conflict; it empowers congregants and leaders to regard conflicts as an opportunity for growth. A phenomenological approach, which looks at the lived experiences of individuals was used. The target population was 280, with a sample size of 162 participants determined by the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) tabulation formula. Censuses, purposive, and simple random sampling techniques were used to select participants who received questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews and focused group discussions for the collection of data. Thematic, content, and narrative analysis techniques guided data analysis. The study found out mediation and negotiation, structured dialogues and listening sessions, pastoral care and counselling, training and capacity building, engagement in theological reflection and doctrinal clarification, and leadership development and structural reforms as important church-based mechanisms for internal conflict transformation for the unity of the SDA church SEKEF. It is recommended that the church not use court litigation processes that are not desired by the Christian faith.