Faith, Leadership, and Gender Justice: The Role of Zaoga FIF in Promoting Women‘s Agency in Church Governance and Community Development

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of faith, leadership, and gender justice within the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward in Faith (ZAOGA FIF), focusing on how women‘s leadership is legitimized and practiced through theological and institutional frameworks. The research adopts a qualitative case study design grounded in feminist theology and transformational leadership theory. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and thematic interpretation of sermons, church teachings, and women‘s ministry programmes. The study specifically explores leadership development initiatives for women within ZAOGA FIF, including ministerial training, mentorship within women‘s fellowships, leadership roles in church governance structures, and capacity-building programmes such as the School of Talents.

Findings indicate that ZAOGA FIF‘s theological emphasis on spiritual gifting, divine calling, and servant leadership has created pathways for women to participate actively in church governance, ministry leadership, and community engagement. Women serve in pastoral support roles, departmental leadership, educational ministries, and community outreach initiatives, demonstrating both spiritual and organizational leadership. While some patriarchal norms remain present, the church‘s doctrinal and institutional structures increasingly recognize women as capable leaders and agents of transformation. The study concludes that ZAOGA FIF provides a significant African Pentecostal model in which faith-based leadership formation promotes women‘s agency, gender inclusion, and community-oriented development.