AN EXEGESIS OF 1TIMOTHY 3:1-7 AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR GODLY LEADERSHIP IN THE AFRICAN CHURCH

Abstract

The Church in Africa is characterized by ethical, theological, ecclesiastical and leadership controversies. These have become an embarrassment to the church and a thick veil to people beholding the beautiful face of Jesus Christ, the founder and head of the Church. Many church members as a result have backslidden and many outside the Church blackmail and blasphemy the Church. This paper argues that bad leadership accounts for many maladies of the church. There are many unqualified leaders in leadership positions in the church. This in itself contradicts biblical standards for leaders. This paper presents a set of leadership qualities prescribed in 1Timothy 3:1-9 not only for admiration but emulation of Africa Church leaders for promotion of godly leadership in the Church. Exegesis-descriptive method is adopted for this study in an attempt to discover the original intention of the author and thereafter apply its teaching in the context of African Church Leadership. It recommends the need for reputable church leaders charged with the responsibilities of selecting, training, regulating and disciplining of Church leaders in Africa. All aspiring for church leadership positions must endeavour to meet the qualifications of 1Timothy 3:1-7.