This research’s objective is to critically engage in the study of responses of the Convention’s pastors to the actualisation of Goal Sixteen, which aims at peaceful and non-violent societies. The study examined how the Convention’s pastors use social media in mediative dialogue to resolve conflicts in building peace in churches. The study focused on using social media in mediative dialogue among pastors in Baptist churches within Ibadan city. It focused on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Its time frame is 2010 to 2020. It was done through three qualitative research methods: sample surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The study discovers that many Baptist pastors in Ibadan have been using at least a social media platform. It reveals that while few pastors consciously use social media to promote sustainable peace and resolve conflicts through mediative dialogue, most pastors are sceptical about using social media to resolve conflicts through mediative dialogue. While most pastors that use social media use WhatsApp and Facebook, many are just migrating to Telegram, and few pastors use Twitter. The research recommended that governments, faith-based organisations, and pastors of the Convention should deploy social media in the process of mediative dialogue as an instrument for deepening sustainable peace.
Conflicts in the world impair sustainable peace. Conflicts have to be resolved and transformed for peaceful coexistence to achieve one of the seventeen blueprints of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – peaceful and non-violent societies. A process of attaining peace is peacebuilding. One of peacebuilding means is mediative dialogue. Many faith-based organisations, especially the Nigerian Baptist Convention, resolve conflicts among its churches through various means. As the world has metamorphosed digitally and social media changes communication means globally, using social media in mediative dialogue will likely improve conflict resolution by faith-based organisations.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1. Background to the Study
1.2. Statement of the Problem
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.4. Research Questions
1.5. Significance of the Study
1.6. Scope of the Study
1.7. Limitations to the Study
1.8. Operational Definitions of Terms
Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.1. Conceptual Review
2.1.1. Nature of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
2.1.1.1. Conflict
2.1.1.2. Conflict Resolution
2.1.1.3. Conflict Transformation
2.1.1.4. Conflict Management
2.1.1.5. Peacebuilding (Peace Building)
2.1.2. Nature and Principle of Mediation
2.1.2.1. Meaning of Mediation
2.1.2.2. Forms of Mediation
2.1.2.3. Mediative Dialogue
2.1.2.4. Rules of Mediation (Rules for Mediator)
2.1.2.5. Process or Stages of Mediation
2.1.2.6. Mediation and the Media
2.1.2.7. Roles and Responsibilities of a Mediator
2.1.2.8. The Benefits of Mediation
2.1.2.9 Mediation and Conciliation
2.1.3. The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
2.1.3.1. History of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
2.1.3.2. The Goals
2.1.3.3. Peace, Mediation and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
2.1.4. Conflict Resolution and Social Media
2.1.4.1. Effective Communication
2.1.4.2. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
2.1.4.3. The Internet
2.1.4.4. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
2.1.4.5. The Social Media
2.1.4.6. Categories of Social Media
2.1.4.6.1. Online Social Network Services
2.1.4.6.2. Instant Messaging (IM) Applications
2.1.4.6.3. Overview of Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Telegram
2.1.4.7. Philosophical and Theological Basis for Social Media
2.1.4.8. The Use of Social Media in Conflict Resolution
2.1.4.9. Cyber Peace
2.1.5. Nigerian Baptist Convention: History, Vision and Operations
2.1.5.1. History of the Nigerian Baptist Convention
2.1.5.2. Vision and Mission of the Nigerian Baptist Convention
2.1.5.3. Operations and Organizational Structure of the Nigerian Baptist Convention
2.1.5.4. Nigerian Baptist Church Pastor
2.1.6. Mediation and the Nigerian Baptist Convention
2.1.6.1. Theological Basis for Conflict Resolution
2.1.6.1.1. Biblical Foundations of Conflict Resolution
2.1.6.2. Nexus between Theology, Mediative Dialogue and Conflict Resolution
2.1.6.4. Nigerian Baptist Convention and Conflict Resolution
2.1.6.5. Interplay between Mediation and Pastoral Counselling
2.2. Theoretical Framework
2.2.1. Transformative Theory
2.2.2. Public Sphere Theory
2.2.3. Reflections on Reviewed Theories
2.3. Review of Previous Empirical Studies
2.4. Summary of Reviewed Literature
Chapter Three: Methodology
3.1. Research Design
3.2. Population of the Study
3.3. Sample and Sampling Techniques
3.4. Instrument for Data Collection
3.4.1. Primary Data
3.4.2. Secondary Data
3.5. Validity of the Instrument
3.6. Reliability of Research Instrument
3.7. Administration of Method of Data Collection
3.8. Method of Data Analysis
Chapter Four: Results and Discussion of Findings
4.1.1.1 Demographic Data Presentation
4.1.1.2 Presentation of Research Questions
4.2. Analysis of Data and Discussion of the Findings
4.2.1. Research Question 1: What is the relationship between the philosophy of peaceful coexistence and the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations?
4.2.1.1. Peaceful Coexistence
4.2.1.2. In Relation with the Goal Sixteen of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
4.2.1.3. Mediative Dialogue by Church Pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention
4.2.2. Research Question 2: In what ways does theology support mediative dialogue to resolve conflicts by church pastors in the churches of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence among their church members?
4.2.2.1. Some Biblical References in Support of Peaceful Coexistence and Mediative Dialogue
4.2.2.2. Some Theological Thoughts on Peaceful Coexistence and Mediative Dialogue
4.2.3. Research Question 3: Of what nature and types are the conflicts managed by church pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention?
4.2.3.1. Nature and Types of Conflicts Managed by Church Pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention
(i) Interpersonal Conflicts
(ii) Marital Conflicts
(iii) Conflicts in Romantic Relationships (especially among Unmarried Young People)
(iv) Parent-Child Conflicts
(v) Church Leadership Conflicts
(vi) Conflicts among Church Members
(vii) Conflicts between Church Members and Non-church Members
(viii) Church Society/Organization Conflicts
(ix) Conflicts between Pastors
(x) Conflicts between Pastors' Wives
(xi) Intrapersonal Conflicts
(xii) Doctrinal Conflicts
(xiii) Conflicts in the Community
(xiv) Business Conflicts
(xv) Domestic Conflicts
4.2.3.2. Conflict Management Mechanisms Adopted by Church Pastors
4.2.3.3. Effectiveness of Mediative Dialogue
4.2.4. Research Question 4: To what extent do church pastors in the Nigerian Baptist Convention use social media to mediatively resolve conflicts?
4.2.4.1. Pastors and the Use of Social Media
4.2.4.2. Facebook
4.2.4.3. Twitter
4.2.4.4. WhatsApp Messenger
4.2.4.5. Telegram Messenger
4.2.5. Research Question 5: What viable framework can the Nigerian Baptist Convention church pastors adopt to encourage the deployment of social media in mediative dialogue?
4.3. Challenges of Using Social Media by Church Pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence
Chapter Five: Conclusion
5.1. Summary of Findings
5.2. Conclusion
5.3. Recommendations
5.3.1. Recommendations for Pastors
5.3.2. Recommendations for Churches
5.3.3. Recommendations for the Nigerian Baptist Convention
5.3.4. Recommendations for the Populace
5.3.5. Recommendations for the Government
5.4. Contributions to Knowledge
5.5. Areas of Further Research
Objectives and Research Themes
This study aims to examine the role of church pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in utilizing social media for peacebuilding and conflict resolution, specifically in the context of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (peaceful and inclusive societies).
- The use of social media for mediative dialogue in church settings.
- The theological foundations supporting mediative dialogue within the Baptist tradition.
- The identification of common conflict types managed by pastors.
- Analysis of the limitations and challenges associated with digital tools in pastoral conflict resolution.
- Development of a viable framework for integrating social media into the peacekeeping efforts of the convention.
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1.1. Background to the Study
There is no way to discuss a peaceful and non-violent society without discussing conflicts and how to resolve them. There are many conflicts in the world: conflicts within oneself, interpersonal conflicts, marital conflicts, conflicts in churches, and between churches, conflicts within a nation, and above all, international conflicts. Conflicts are indeed part of everyday life. People have to resolve these conflicts, and one has to build peace in the person that has the conflicts within or people involved in interpersonal conflicts so that there will be a peaceful and non-violent society.
On the other hand, peacebuilding is fundamentally about the procedure of achieving peace1. Nevertheless, peace building varies considerably in relation to methods, scope of undertakings, and time frame depending on how one understands the concept of peace2. So, to resolve or transform conflict, it is essential to comprehend and address the emotional states, matters, and relationships as well as the conduct of people involved in the conflict3. Since ancient times, there have been many mediators and conciliators that have strived to win over and soothe the hostility and anger of disputing parties4.
There may be no shortcut or simple prescription for healing the wounds and divisions of people in the aftermath of sustained violence or conflict5. Nonetheless, conflicts must be resolved, and people must take deliberate active roles in resolving these conflicts and promoting peacebuilding and sustainability.
Based on Pauline injunction that “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation,” every Christian is mandated to make the process of reconciliation work in or after any conflict6.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: This chapter provides the background of the study, the research problem, objectives, and the scope, establishing the context of social media use for peace by pastors.
Chapter Two: Literature Review: An exploration of the conceptual frameworks regarding conflict, mediation, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the role of social media in conflict resolution within a theological context.
Chapter Three: Methodology: Details the qualitative research design, specifically the use of interviews and document analysis to gather insights from pastors in the Ibadan metropolis.
Chapter Four: Results and Discussion of Findings: Presents the primary data collected from interviews, discussing the various conflict types managed by pastors and the practical application of social media in their mediative interventions.
Chapter Five: Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and provides strategic recommendations for pastors, churches, the convention, and government authorities to enhance sustainable peacebuilding.
Keywords
Sustainable Peace, Conflict Transformation, Mediative Dialogue, Social Media, Nigerian Baptist Pastors, Conflict Resolution, Church Ministry, Sustainable Development Goals, Pastoral Counselling, Digital Peacebuilding, Church Conflict, Interpersonal Conflict, Christian Theology, Peacebuilding, Reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of this research?
The core objective is to critically evaluate how church pastors within the Nigerian Baptist Convention utilize social media platforms in mediative dialogue to resolve conflicts and promote peaceful societies, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.
Which conflict resolution methods are highlighted in the study?
The study primarily focuses on "mediative dialogue," as well as pastoral counseling, preaching, and the application of theological principles to reconcile disputing members.
What role does the church play in sustainable development?
As a faith-based organization, the church is viewed as a vital stakeholder in promoting peaceful coexistence through its ministry, reconciliation efforts, and social programs that contribute directly to Goal 16 of the UN SDGs.
How does the research assess the use of social media among pastors?
It utilizes qualitative methods, including sample surveys and semi-structured interviews with pastors in the Ibadan metropolis, to gauge their digital competence and practical use of platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram in managing conflicts.
What are the identified challenges of using social media for conflict resolution?
Key challenges include erratic electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, privacy concerns (such as the risk of leaks or cyber-harassment), and limited digital literacy among some clergy members.
What framework does the author propose?
The author suggests a viable framework that integrates the Transformative Theory of conflict and the Public Sphere Theory, recommending that pastors should consciously deploy social media as an instrumental tool for deepening peace.
How does the Bible inform the conflict resolution strategies of these pastors?
The Bible is identified as the primary resource for these pastors, with specific references to teachings on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the example of Jesus Christ as the supreme mediator, guiding their interpersonal and counseling approaches.
Is this study representative of the entire country of Nigeria?
The research is geographically focused on Baptist pastors within the Ibadan metropolis, serving as a case study that provides local insights into the wider practices of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Adebayo Afolaranmi (Autor:in), 2022, Use of Social Media for Sustainable Peace by Church Pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, 2010-2020, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1352250
