ABSTRACT
In recent times, the numerical growth of the Nigerian church has been remarkable, with its branches spanning various regions in Africa and across the globe. Concurrently, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in corruption over the past decades, ranking among the most corrupt nations globally, juxtaposed with its status as one of the most religious. This study aimed to delve into the role of the Nigerian church as an agent of transformation in a society marred by corruption.
A comprehensive exploration involved interviews with 125 individuals drawn from the major factions of the Christian Association of Nigeria: the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Evangelical Church Winning All, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and the Celestial Church of Christ. A purposeful selection method was employed for the churches, complemented by a nonprobability snowballing sampling approach. Following an intensive two-year fieldwork period, data was meticulously collected, transcribed, and subjected to rigorous analysis, resulting in the identification and discussion of key emerging themes.
The ensuing discoveries are as follows: Firstly, there exists a lack of consensus among Nigerian Christians regarding their perception and understanding of corruption. Secondly, the church not only finds itself entangled in corruption but has also, to some extent, inadvertently fostered it within Nigeria. Moreover, the church’s theological responses, attitudes, and practices have hindered its efficacy in orchestrating a shift from corruption to integrity. Despite the Nigerian church’s leadership exhibiting some shortcomings in facilitating substantial change, certain leadership practices hold the potential to enhance the capabilities of church leaders and propel the desired transformation from corruption to fidelity. To propose these practices, the study employs the lens of authentic leadership theory.
INVESTIGATING CHURCH-DRIVEN INITIATIVES IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY; TRANSITIONING FROM CORRUPTION TO FIDELITY, BIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
